Denver Airport to Winter Park

Quick Facts: DIA to Winter Park

Denver's closest major ski resort

Distance: 80 miles via I-70 and Highway 40

Drive Time: 1.5-2 hours (longer with traffic)

Unique Option: Winter Park Express train from Denver Union Station

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Notes
Winter Park Express (train)	$29-59 RT	Weekends only, scenic route
Shared Shuttle	$60-80/person	Direct from DIA
Private SUV	$300-400	Groups, door-to-door
Rental Car	$70-120/day	Flexibility, Berthoud Pass drive

The Winter Park Express Train

A unique way to reach the slopes

The Winter Park Express is a ski train that runs from Denver Union Station directly to the Winter Park Resort base. It's the only passenger train service to a ski resort in North America—and it's an experience in itself.

How It Works

Route: Denver Union Station to Winter Park base area
Duration: About 2 hours each way
Scenery: Travels through 29 tunnels including the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel
Schedule: Weekends and some holidays during ski season
Price: $29-59 round trip (varies by date)

Getting to Union Station from DIA

The train departs from Denver Union Station, not DIA. You'll need to get downtown first:

RTD A Line: 37 minutes, $10.50 from DIA to Union Station
Uber/Lyft: 35-45 minutes, $35-50

Best For

Day trippers from Denver
Travelers who arrive in Denver the night before
Anyone wanting to avoid I-70 traffic entirely
Those who want a scenic, relaxing journey

Considerations

Weekends only—not available midweek
Fixed schedule—must catch the return train
Sells out—book in advance
Drops you at resort base, not lodging elsewhere in town

Other Transportation Options

Direct from DIA to Winter Park

Shared Shuttles ($60-80/person)

Direct service from DIA to Winter Park. Good option for those arriving on days when the train doesn't run.

Home James Transportation, Peak 1 Express
About 2 hours from DIA
Door-to-door service to lodging
Book in advance during ski season

Private Car/SUV ($300-400)

Direct service for groups. Makes sense for 4+ passengers.

Flexible scheduling
Drop-off at any Winter Park location
Per-person cost drops significantly with groups

Rental Car

The drive goes over Berthoud Pass (11,315 feet)—beautiful but requires winter driving skills.

AWD strongly recommended November-April
Avoids I-70 tunnel traffic (different route)
Good if you want to explore Fraser Valley
Free town shuttle in Winter Park/Fraser

The Route

Unlike I-70 resorts, the Winter Park route exits I-70 at Empire and goes over Berthoud Pass on Highway 40. This avoids the Eisenhower Tunnel traffic but requires driving a mountain pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

DIA to Winter Park transportation

Can I take the train from DIA to Winter Park?

Not directly. The Winter Park Express departs from Denver Union Station. Take the RTD A Line from DIA to Union Station (37 min, $10.50), then catch the ski train.

When does the Winter Park Express run?

Weekends and select holidays during ski season (typically January through March). Check the schedule and book in advance—it sells out.

How long is the drive from DIA to Winter Park?

About 1.5-2 hours via Berthoud Pass. This route avoids I-70 tunnel traffic but requires driving over an 11,315-foot pass.

Is Winter Park the closest ski resort to Denver?

It's the closest major resort—about 80 miles. Loveland Ski Area is technically closer (60 miles) but smaller. Winter Park offers the best combination of proximity and terrain.

Should I take the train or shuttle?

Train for the experience, especially day trips. Shuttle for convenience if arriving late, midweek, or staying at lodging away from the resort base.