Wondering how to get from Denver to Aspen, Colorado this year? Success! As Denver residents, we have made this trip many times.
The world’s greatest skiing is renowned for existing in Aspen. However, it also hosts music and arts festivals in the summer. There are good shops and good restaurants. This is true regardless of the time of year.
We have the information you need if you’re considering traveling from Denver to Aspen and are unsure if this is the best route. We will protect you. Let’s look at some options. We’ve got great tips for getting from Denver to Aspen by plane, train, and bus!
Ideas – How to get from Denver to Aspen
Denver to Aspen by Car
A common question is how long is the drive from Denver to Aspen, depending on the weather and the route. Depending on your preference, there are three popular routes from Denver to Aspen.
The first option is to take I-70 to Highway 91 from Copper Mountain. This is a great place to relax.
Traveling south from Leadville, take Highway 24 to Highway 82, which circles Mt. Elbert, one of Colorado’s most well-known fourteeners, and passes through Twin Lakes. You can enter Aspen directly by taking the 82.
One of our favorite routes to travel in the fall is this one. It passes through magnificent, large aspen trees. On this route, though, you will cross a mountain pass. There will be sharp drops that can be frightening to inexperienced hikers.
This route has the advantage of avoiding Vail Pass, where traffic often gets stuck. This first route is arguably the most picturesque and less-traveled route from Denver to Aspen.
This 159-mile drive takes roughly 3 and a half hours on average. Note: November through April is when Independence Pass closes for the winter.
Driving this route comes at a different cost. The cost of fuel and how well you drive will determine this.
Average Total Time: 3 ½ – 4 hours │ Average Total Cost: $28 – $43
It’s for beginner mountain drivers only. Moreover, it applies to anyone booking a trip during the “winter” months of November through April. Taking I-70 West to Glenwood Springs is the alternative route from Denver to Aspen. After that, head to Aspen on Highway 82 South.
Highway 82 on the north side of Aspen is easier and flatter than some other routes, although it is still longer. It ascends into Snowmass and Aspen by following the valley. Nearly 200 miles and 4–4 ½ hours of driving time.
At Glenwood Springs, at Doc Holliday’s grave, some enjoy visiting.
Average Total Time: 4 and a half hours │ Average Total Cost: $34–$51
If you’re a more experienced driver, Highway 285 heading west from Denver offers another picturesque route. You will pass through Bailey, Fairplay, and Conifer on this route.
In the very charming town of Buena Vista, you will turn right onto Highway 24. After that, you’ll ascend to Highway 82 and bear left to pass through Twin Lakes and Mount Elbert.
Here you can see part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Along with many national parks, you will find the Gunnison National Forest. Not far but not short either.
Although it is only 185 miles, it will take at least 4 hours – and maybe closer to 5 – depending on the traffic conditions. It is the same as the original route over Independence Pass. It usually runs from May to October.
Average Total Time: 4–4 and a half hours │ Average Total Cost: $31–$37
There are numerous car rental companies in Denver from which to choose if you’re looking to rent a vehicle. You can pick up a vehicle from a Denver rental agency or the airport. For an additional cost, they could deliver it to you as well.
It might not be the most affordable choice, as an economy car can cost anywhere from $70 to $120 per day, based on a three-day rental.
Turo is one substitute for rental car companies. Thrifty, Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, and Budget are some of these companies. Use the Turo app to browse through hundreds of rental cars from locals.
Think of it as Airbnb for cars. There are minimal fees. Included is insurance. Cars are frequently available for contactless delivery or pickup.
And last, if you need a car for a few days to travel from Denver to Aspen, Zipcar is a fantastic alternative. The system uses a membership-based business model. With insurance included, memberships start at just $7 per month or $70 annually. Additionally, members pay a daily or hourly rental fee.
With daily rentals starting at just $68 per day, you can schedule several mountain excursions for the year! Depending on your route, the distance from Denver to Aspen can vary. However, Zipcar typically offers up to 180 miles without additional fees.
By Plane from Denver to Aspen
One of the quickest ways to go from Denver to Aspen is by air, so keep that in mind when making your decision. Not the greenest option available. However, it’s the quickest route if you want to avoid making the drive from Denver to Aspen.
It takes 50 minutes to get to Aspen by plane. After all, the flight back takes an extra hour and ten minutes.
United and American Airlines both offer direct flights. The aircraft is expected to land at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Seasonal routes are something Delta has reportedly offered as well.
You will have to factor in the cost of having your skis or snowboard checked in addition to your regular luggage. If you’re going up to enjoy the slopes, then this is. The cost range is $30 to $150.
Average total time: one hour for the flight │ Average total cost: $200–$400 one-way
Denver to Aspen by Shuttle
There’s an express shuttle if you’re wondering how to take a shuttle from Denver to Aspen. The provider of it is CO West Transportation.
Denver International Airport is the departure point for the Roaring Fork Express (DIA). It requires roughly four hours. You’ll find it by door 513 on Level 5, Island 1. Look for the columns that read “Mountain Carrier.”
This shuttle is shared, just like the majority. However, it spares you from the numerous, sluggish bus stops. The one-way cost of the shuttle varies based on the season and costs between $95 and $130 per person.
Pets are welcome, but they must be kept in their confines. Each person is only allowed to bring two bags and one personal item. There is a $35 fee for bikes and other large items. Oversized items are prohibited, aside from skis and boards.
Generally speaking, shuttles are in good shape. They frequently provide greater comfort than buses. They also have the added advantage of being less crowded. This is one of the fastest ways to go from Denver to Aspen, short of taking a private transfer or driving yourself.
Average Total Time: 4 hours │ Average Total Cost: $95–$13
Denver To Aspen Via Amtrak Train
Does a train that goes from Denver to Aspen? Yes and no. While it’s not a direct route, you can travel to Aspen by train.
Taking the California Zephyr train on Amtrak is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel from Denver to Aspen. Chicago is where the route begins. It travels to San Francisco via Denver and Glenwood stops.
You will disembark at the West Glenwood Park & Ride when you get to Glenwood Springs. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) L bus stops there. It will lead you to Aspen’s Main Street.
The L bus ticket costs about $7. Amtrak rates are highly variable. They depend on how far in advance you book. (The cheap seats go fast, especially during the high-demand ski season.)
The fare for the L bus is approximately $7. Amtrak’s prices fluctuate a lot. How far in advance you book will determine them. Coach tickets typically cost between $60 and $120 or more per way. The slowest path is this one. Denver to Glenwood via Amtrak takes five to six hours. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours by bus from Glenwood.
On the other hand, Amtrak provides chargers along with on-board snacks and beverages. The large, comfortable seats have tray tables so you can use a laptop if necessary.
It costs nothing to bring bags. You are also free to move around the train. You are not required to spend hours at a time in one seat.
If you’d like to take a nap, there are quiet cars. Normal cars are for hanging out with pals. The delight of dining in a train car is made possible by adorable booths in the dining cars. Views of the Rocky Mountains are available.
Average Total Time: 6 ½ – 8 hours │ Average Total Cost: $67 – $127
Denver to Aspen Bus
Union Station is the most affordable route to take when traveling from Denver to Aspen. Proceed to the West Glenwood Park & Ride by taking Bustang’s West line. Adult rates start at $28 while children’s rates are just $14.
You can then take the L bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) for approximately $7. It will lead you to Aspen’s Main Street.
This route spares you the anxiety of driving and takes 6–6 and a half hours. The bus from Glenwood takes one and a half to two hours, while the Bustang bus ride lasts roughly five hours.
Although it’s not the fastest way to go from Denver to Aspen, the inexpensive price more than makes up for it!
Bustang vehicles are hygienic. They typically draw a sizable group of enthusiastic day visitors. The travelers want to breathe in some clean mountain air. You might even meet some new people on board, who knows!
This route should be reversed to go from Aspen to Denver. Return to Glenwood on the L bus, then head east on the Bustang.
Also Read: 420 Lodging in Morrison Colorado for Cannabis Friendly Stays
Average Total Time: 6 ½-7 hours │ Average Total Cost: $35
Private Transfer from Denver to Aspen
Do you want to arrive quickly without using your vehicle? Private transfers for a drive from Denver to Aspen provide door-to-door service if time is of the essence. These are the quickest routes between Denver and Aspen.
The most affordable way to travel from Denver to Aspen is not by hiring a professional driver. However, a skilled driver will know how to travel through congested areas to get from Denver to Aspen. They will also be aware of the ideal locations for photo ops at picturesque vantage points.
With a private transfer, you can kick back, unwind, and take in the scenery in elegance. Select from limos, mini-coaches, luxury sedans, or 4×4 SUVs with snowboard racks. For you and your loved ones or friends, full-size buses are an additional option.
For groups of five, ten, or thirteen passengers, Summit Express charges between $1,400 and $2,000. Aspen Transportation Co., Cameron James Mountain Transportation, and Royal Express Limo Transportation are some of the other businesses. They provide individualized transportation.
Average Total Time: 3 ½ – 4 hours │ Average Total Cost: $1400+
Final Thoughts: How to Get from Denver to Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is waiting for you, tucked away amidst the breathtakingly beautiful Rockies. You are now aware of the routes that lead from Denver to Aspen. The option that best suits your needs is yours to select.
You might go on a picturesque road trip. Alternatively, a short flight, a comfortable shuttle, a leisurely train ride, or a reasonably priced bus excursion. Every mode has advantages and charms of its own.
So go ahead and confidently plan your trip. You are equipped to choose the best route from Denver to Aspen. Remember to take pictures at the Maroon Bells!
Posted In: Destination
