Getting To Aspen

Aspen lies in a remote valley that is not easily accessible from the larger cities of the region. This has helped preserve its charm, but it does mean that getting there takes a bit more effort than other ski towns closer to Denver. The cheapest way to get to Aspen is on the Greyhound Bus, which offers regular service from Denver. For those with a bit more money, you can fly directly into Aspen every day from Denver and Phoenix. Drivers will find it relatively easy to find their way to Aspen, as it lies a few miles off the main I-70 interstate corridor through the Rockies.

By car

Aspen is located on Colorado highway 82 which is the only way in or out. It’s situated halfway between I-70 at Glenwood Springs and U.S. route 24. In the summer it is a beautiful, scenic drive which takes about 3 hours 30 minutes from Denver.

By rail

If you’re travelling from San Francisco or Chicago, Amtrak railway stops in Glenwood Springs which is 42 miles northwest of Aspen. From there you can catch a Greyhound Bus direct to Aspen or hire a private minivan. Roaring Fork Transit Agency runs a regular shuttle between Glenwood Springs and Aspen (tel: +1 970 925 8484). Call Amtrak on +1 800 872 6363 for timetables and other information.

By bus

Greyhound Lines offer a regular bus service between Denver and Aspen for a reasonable price (tel: +1 800 231 2222). Colorado Mountain Express runs one of the more reputable minivan services between Denver International Airport and Aspen (tel: +1 800 525 6353). In addition, there are several other private transport companies that run daily shuttles between Denver and Aspen.

By air

The quickest and most convenient way to arrive in Aspen is to fly from either Denver or Phoenix. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is five miles northwest of the town on Colorado 82. United Express and America West Express offer regular year-round flights. During the ski season, from December 18 to April 5, Northwest offers flights from Minneapolis/St Paul and Memphis. Travellers from the UK can fly American, British Airways or Delta into Denver and from there, take a connecting flight to Aspen. Roaring Fork Transit Agency provides a free bus service from the airport. Free shuttles, run by the Snowmass Transportation Department are available to Snowmass during ski season and on a limited schedule in the summer. Taxis are also available upon request at the information booth and cars can be rented from the airport.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is located 10 minutes from the heart of Aspen. Its single terminal handles flights from three regularly scheduled airlines. United flies several direct flights to Denver, Colorado each day and America West runs a daily single direct flight to Phoenix, Arizona. International travellers can fly into Denver International Airport via British Airways, Delta or American and catch a connecting flight to Aspen. The airport’s terminal has basic facilities such as ATMs, a restaurant and shops, but there is no bureau de change. Airport information is available by calling +1 970 920 5384.

Aspen Airport transportation

The easiest way to get into town is on the Roaring Fork Transit Authority’s free shuttle bus, which departs every 30 minutes from 06:00 until 17:00 daily. The bus stops directly outside the terminal along Highway 82 and serves several stops within the town. There are a number of private transportation companies in Aspen which can take a small number of passengers directly to their destinations and taxi services are available from High Mountain Taxi. Most hotels and resorts around Aspen provide their own free shuttle to and from the airport so check with your lodging first. Drivers can easily navigate the 10 minute drive into the town along Highway 82, which is the only road in and out of Aspen.