Getting to and around Colorado is straightforward once you know the basics.
Flying in
Most visitors land at Denver International (DEN), a major hub about 30 minutes from downtown Denver via the A-Line train. Some mountain trips use smaller airports like Eagle County (near Vail) or Aspen, which cut the drive but cost more.
Drive times from Denver
| Summit County (Breckenridge/Frisco) | ~90 minutes west on I-70 |
|---|---|
| Vail / Beaver Creek | ~2 hours |
| Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) | ~1.5 hours |
| Aspen | ~3.5–4 hours |
| Colorado Springs | ~1 hour south |
Car, shuttle, or train?
A rental car gives you the most freedom for trailheads, scenic drives, and hopping between towns. Shuttles run from DEN to major resorts if you would rather not drive. In winter, the Winter Park Express ski train runs from Denver’s Union Station straight to the slopes. Within Summit County, the free Summit Stage bus links the towns.
Summit Express · Denver Airport ShuttleSkip the rental car & the I-70 driveThe Denver-airport shuttle we take every ski trip — and Breckenmendations readers save 5%, applied automatically at checkout. Private rides available too.Book & save 5% →Winter driving and the traction law
This is the one thing to take seriously. I-70 and the mountain passes get snowy and icy, and Colorado enforces a traction law requiring snow tires, all-wheel drive, or chains in winter conditions. Rent an AWD vehicle for a winter trip, carry an emergency kit and road-trip essentials, check current road conditions before you go, and never rush the passes. For the routes worth planning around, see our scenic drives guide. When in doubt, let a shuttle driver handle it.
Don’t forget the altitude
You gain a lot of elevation fast on the drive up from Denver. Hydrate, take it easy the first day, and read our altitude guide.
Getting around Colorado FAQ
Which airport should I fly into for Colorado?
Denver International (DEN) is the main hub with the most flights and rental options, about 90 minutes from Summit County. For some trips, smaller airports like Eagle County near Vail or Aspen shorten the drive but cost more and have fewer flights.
How long is the drive from Denver to the mountains?
From Denver International, Summit County is about 90 minutes west on I-70, Vail about 2 hours, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park about 1.5 hours, and Aspen roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Winter weather and I-70 traffic can add time.
What is Colorado’s traction law?
In winter conditions, Colorado can require vehicles on I-70 and mountain passes to have adequate snow tires, all-wheel or four-wheel drive, or chains. Renting an AWD vehicle and carrying an emergency kit keeps you legal and safe.
Do I need a car in Colorado, or can I use shuttles?
You can reach many resorts by shuttle from Denver, and a ski train serves Winter Park, but a rental car is best if you want to explore trailheads, scenic drives, and multiple towns on your own schedule.