When planning a trip to Vail, Colorado, choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel experience. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), also known as Vail/Eagle Airport, stands out as the closest and most convenient option for reaching this world-renowned destination.
Location and Accessibility
Eagle County Regional Airport (IATA: EGE, ICAO: KEGE, FAA LID: EGE) is a public airport located in Gypsum, Colorado, United States. Situated just 4 miles (6.4 km) from Eagle and 37 miles (60 km) from Vail, EGE offers unparalleled proximity to the resort town. This translates to a short 40-45 minute drive, depending on weather and traffic conditions, making it a preferred choice for travelers.
Driving Directions:
- From the East: Access Vail via Interstate 70 through Denver. Take I-70 west through the mountains.
- From the West: Travel eastbound on I-70 through Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs.
- From the South: Take I-25 north to Denver and then west on I-70. For a scenic route, take Highway 522 to Highway 17, winding through the Arkansas River Valley.
- From the North: Take I-25 south to Denver.
Airport Facilities and Services
EGE's terminal features a concourse with five gates, designed for passenger comfort and convenience. The terminal was built in 1996 and remodeled several times, most recently in 2019. The airport boasts several amenities, including:
- Four TSA screening lanes
- A pre-security concession/gift shop
- Three luggage carousels with a special ski/snowboard slide
- Free Wi-Fi in the terminal
- A restaurant, coffee shop, gift shop, and bar beyond the security checkpoint
The airport also has its own ARFF department with three fire trucks, including two state-of-the-art Oshkosh Striker trucks. The airport has a full complement of snowplows, snow blowers, and powered brooms for snow removal operations, along with a complete runway friction measuring system.
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Airlines and Destinations
Eagle County Regional Airport is serviced by American, Delta, Alaska and United from over 150 cities worldwide through these airline hubs, so getting to your Vail vacation is fast and easy.
Several airlines offer flights to and from Eagle County Regional Airport, providing access to various destinations:
- United Airlines: Flies year-round to Denver on United Express (Skywest Airlines), and nonstop to Chicago-O'Hare in the summer and winter months.
- American Airlines: Offers near year-round service to Dallas/Fort Worth, operating as American Airlines or American Eagle in every season except fall.
- Seasonal Flights: In winter, American, Delta, and United Airlines offer service to 11 more cities across the United States including daily flights to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Newark, Houston-Intercontinental, and San Francisco, select Saturday flights to New York-LaGuardia and Philadelphia, and select holiday flights to Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
Ground Transportation
Eagle County Airport has several ground transportation options available for commuting to and from the airport.
- Rental Cars: Yes, EGE offers multiple car-rental options on-site, making it convenient for travelers to pick up a vehicle directly upon arrival. Car-rental companies available at EGE include major providers like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Budget.
- Shuttles: Colorado Mountain Express provides a shuttle service to Vail from Denver.
- Buses: The town of Vail offers the country’s largest free intra-city bus service: one service includes Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon, and of course Vail.
- Private Aircraft Services: If you’re coming to the Vail Valley via private aircraft, Signature Aviation can assist you with aircraft storage and services.
Parking
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) offers some of the most budget-friendly parking rates in Colorado. For short-term parking, the cost is $8 per day, with the first two hours free when you register your license plate. The long-term lot is even more economical at $6 per day, making it highly competitive compared to other airports in the region.
Serco Pilot Briefing: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
Winter Considerations
Winter weather at Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) can lead to flight delays or occasional cancellations, especially during peak holiday travel times when snow and icy conditions are more common. However, the airport is well-prepared to manage these challenges with specialized snow-removal equipment, experienced staff and thorough de-icing protocols.
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Environmental Initiatives
With The Good Traveler, you can make your flights greener effortlessly. EGE, along with 20+ other eco-conscious airports and airlines, has cut over 119,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. Join us in offsetting your carbon footprint and supporting this initiative for a greener environment. When you offset your flights from EGE, you have the option to select Walking Mountains Science Center as your recipient.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
The nearest international airport is Denver International Airport, which is about 120 miles (190 km) east of Vail, and a two hours’ drive in good conditions. If a non-stop flight to Vail isn’t available, Denver International Airport (DEN) makes it easy with multiple daily connections to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). Furthermore, the spectacular drive from the airport into the Rockies and over the Continental Divide is an experience in itself.