How do I get from Montrose Airport to Telluride? Shared shuttle ($50-75/person), private car ($200-350), or rental car (~$60-100/day + gas). Distance: 65 miles, about 90 minutes. Montrose (MTJ) is the primary airport for Telluride visitors—far more practical than the 6-7 hour drive from Denver.
Route Overview
Distance: 65 miles
Drive time: 80-100 minutes
Route: Highway 550 South to Ridgway, then Highway 62 to 145 to Telluride
Elevation: 5,760 feet (Montrose) to 8,750 feet (Telluride)
Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) is the gateway to Telluride for most visitors. While Telluride has its own tiny airport, Montrose offers more flights and better reliability. The 90-minute drive passes through stunning San Juan Mountain scenery.
Transportation Options
Shared Shuttle
Cost: $50-75 per person one-way
Time: 90-120 minutes (with stops)
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious visitors
Several companies operate airport shuttles:
- Telluride Express: Scheduled shuttles timed to flight arrivals
- Mountain Limo: Shared and private options
- Skip's Taxi: Local shuttle service
Book in advance during ski season. Shuttles meet arriving flights and drop off at Telluride hotels.
Private Car/SUV
Cost: $200-350 one-way (vehicle, not per person)
Time: 80-90 minutes direct
Best for: Groups of 3+, families, those wanting direct service
Door-to-door service without stops. Luxury vehicles available. Book ahead during peak season. Per-person cost becomes very reasonable for groups.
Rental Car
Cost: $60-100/day + gas (~$20)
Time: 80-90 minutes
Best for: Those wanting flexibility, multi-destination trips
Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise operate at MTJ. The drive to Telluride is scenic and straightforward. Once in Telluride, the free gondola and town shuttle reduce the need for a car, but having one enables day trips to Ouray, Silverton, and other San Juan destinations.
About Montrose Airport
Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) offers:
- Seasonal service: More flights during ski season (December-April)
- Airlines: United, American, Delta with seasonal routes
- Direct flights: Denver, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, others seasonally
- Small airport: Quick through the terminal, easy rental car pickup
Alternative: Telluride Airport (TEX)
Telluride Regional Airport sits just 5 miles from town but:
- High elevation: 9,070 feet—one of the highest commercial airports in North America
- Weather sensitive: Flights frequently cancelled due to conditions
- Limited service: Fewer flights than Montrose
- Higher prices: Typically more expensive than MTJ flights
When TEX works, it's incredibly convenient. But many travelers prefer Montrose for reliability.
The Drive: Route Highlights
The Montrose-Telluride drive is spectacular:
- Ridgway: Charming small town, good coffee stop
- Dallas Divide: Stunning mountain views, photo opportunity
- Placerville: Historic mining area
- Highway 145: Scenic canyon approach to Telluride
Tips
- Book shuttles ahead: Services fill up during ski season
- Allow time: Don't cut it close for return flights
- Winter driving: Roads are maintained but can be snowy; AWD helps
- Free in Telluride: The gondola and town shuttles are free once you arrive
- Day trips: A rental car enables visits to Ouray, Silverton, Black Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly into Montrose or Telluride?
Montrose for reliability and usually lower fares. Telluride airport is more convenient when it works but flights cancel frequently due to weather and high elevation.
Do I need a car in Telluride?
No. The free gondola connects Mountain Village and town, and the Galloping Goose shuttle covers the valley. A car is only needed for day trips outside Telluride.
Is the drive from Montrose difficult?
No. It's a scenic, well-maintained route. Winter conditions can require caution, but it's not a challenging drive compared to some Colorado mountain roads.