By Air
With the option of four airports, travelling to Aspen is very accessible. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Eagle County Airport (EGE), Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Denver International Airport (DEN) can all be used to get to Aspen.
The Aspen/Pitkin County AIrport (ASE) Airport is slightly more expensive than the rest but it is the most convenient. A shuttle or arranging a car is not necessary when flying into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. It’s certainly the more luxurious and stress free way to fly into Aspen.
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is located just over a 2 hour drive from Aspen, Colorado.
Eagle County Regional Airport is roughly an hour 1h 45 minute drive. Also note Eagle County Regional Airport is more likely to shut down due to winter weather whereas Denver International Airport doesn’t get much snow and is well prepared for extreme weather conditions.
Denver International Airport sees hundreds of nonstop, connecting and international flights on a daily basis, you’re going to get the most for your money flying into Denver.
Car Hire
For winter driving, we recommend choosing a 4WD or all-wheel drive otherwise the car may require winter chains. It’s also worth checking the road conditions to check the I-70 status on road closures. This can happen in areas such as Eisenhower Tunnel, Vail Pass and the Continental Divide. The best part of this drive is that it is solid freeway driving for those who aren’t comfortable on windy narrow mountain roads.
If you’re hiring a rental car at Eagle County Regional Airport you’ll find a variety of options such as economy, compact, midsize, full size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, Dollar, National and budget will have these options available. Each rental company offers different pick-uo and drop-off options. It’s best to check to see which option suits your travels best.
A few of the car hire companies you’ll find at Denver International Airport are Advantage, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty.
If you are wanting to hire a car as an international driver, Colorado recognises drivers licenses from other countries for up to 90-days.
Note you must be 25 years of age in order to hire a car in the US. However some may make an exception in return for a higher rate. It would be best to contact the hire company if you are under the age of 25 to be sure hiring a car at a higher rate is possible.
Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE) to Aspen
ASE is three miles from Aspen along CO-82 East. From the airport, turn right onto CO-82 East. Proceed about three miles until you reach downtown Aspen. The trip should take a total of 10 minutes.
Eagle County Airport (EGE) to Aspen
Follow the signs towards I-70 West. Hop on the Interstate and continue for 23.7 miles. Take exit 116 for CO-82 East toward Glenwood Springs/Aspen. Proceed for 40 miles on 82 East until you arrive in downtown Aspen. This trip should take a total of one hour and 28 minutes.
Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen
Travel South and take the ramp onto Pena Blvd. Merge onto 1-70 West and continue for 168 miles. Take exit 116 for CO-82 East toward Glenwood Springs/Aspen. Proceed on CO 82-East for 40 miles and continue straight. From here you’ll arrive in downtown Aspen. This trip should take a total of three hours and 49 minutes.
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) to Aspen
Follow signs to 1-70 East and drive for 84.8 miles. Take exit 116 for CO-82 East toward Glenwood Springs/Aspen. Drive on CO-82 East for 39.7 miles until you reach downtown Aspen. This trip should take a total of two hours and 10 minutes.
Shuttle Bus
Booking a shuttle gives travellers peace of mind when their flight lands. It makes for an easy transition from plane to resort.
Epic Mountain Express has been named the “Best Transportation Company” in Colorado. Offering door to door service, this is a great option if you don’t want the responsibility of driving, filling up fuel, parking and clearing of snow. The drivers at Epic Mountain Express are trained for Colorado’s weather and the vehicles have complimentary WiFi. Epic Mountain Express also accommodates private group charters.
Getting Around Aspen
Once you have arrived in Aspen a car is not needed. RFTA is the local bus service that offers rapid bus transportation to and from the city of Aspen and the town of Snowmass Village. The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) provides transportation throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Operating every 15 minutes RFTA runs through Aspen and the Intercept Lot to the Snowmass Village Mall.
