Vail, Colorado, is one of the most beautiful mountain towns. It’s famous for its world-class skiing, cozy village, and fun outdoor activities all year round. If you're driving to Vail whether from the East or West, prepare to be awed by the Rocky Mountains. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your journey from Denver to Vail, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Planning Your Trip
Most people start their trip by flying into Denver International Airport (DIA), which is about 100 miles away from Vail. Your trip begins at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado. Vail, Colorado, is located approximately 118 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN) when you’re traveling west along I-70. It’s about 146 miles from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) when driving east.
Vail and Beaver Creek are located in western-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains and west of the Continental Divide. Coming from the east, Vail is generally accessed via Interstate 70 through Denver. Traveling eastbound take I-70 through Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. From the south, there are a variety of routes to Vail. From southern Colorado, take I-25 north to Denver and then go west on I-70 for approximately 100 miles. From northern Colorado, take I-25 south to Denver.
Travelmath helps you find driving distances based on actual directions for your road trip. You can get the distance between cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes to figure out the best route to travel to your destination. Combine this information with the fuel cost tool to find out how much it will cost you to drive the distance, or compare the results to the straight line distance to determine whether it's better to drive or fly.
Transportation Options from Denver to Vail
There are several ways to get from Denver to Vail, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Some options are more affordable, while others are more comfortable and convenient.
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How to get from Denver Airport to Vail
1. Private Car Service
Book a private car service from Denver to Vail if you want a more comfortable, safe, and private ride. Private car services are great for traveling with family or a group. They offer plenty of space for luggage and ski gear. The drivers are experienced with mountain roads and use vehicles equipped for snowy conditions, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands. The main drawback is cost - private car services are more expensive than shared shuttles or rideshares.
2. Rental Car
Renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can stop along the way to take photos, grab snacks, or visit small towns like Georgetown or Dillon. The drive from Denver to Vail is about two hours along I70 going West, and on clear days, it’s a smooth and scenic trip. Driving in Colorado, especially in winter, can be risky. You must be ready with a roadside survival kit and good mountain driving skills. It is not a good idea to rent an economy car to save some money.
Snow and ice make the roads slippery, and mountain passes can get dangerous during storms. If you’re not used to driving in these conditions, it might be stressful. Once you get to Vail, parking can be expensive and hard to find since much of the town is pedestrian-only.
While not mandatory, a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended, especially in winter.
3. Shared Airport Shuttles
Shared airport shuttles are a popular way to travel from Denver to Vail because they’re simple and affordable. Companies like Epic Mountain Express or Peak 1 Express will pick you up at DIA and drop you off right at your hotel or rental in Vail. These shuttles are especially helpful in winter when road conditions can be tough. Professional drivers handle everything while you relax and enjoy the views of the mountains through the windows.
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Epic Mountain Express offers private airport shuttles and SUVs and frequently scheduled shared shuttle services to the Vail area from both Denver International and Eagle County/ Vail Airports. Epic Pass holders save 20% on all Epic Mountain Express airport transfers with Epic Mountain Rewards. Simply enter your Epic Pass number at check-out when reserving your airport shuttle to Vail. The downside is that shared shuttles follow set schedules, so you might have to wait for your shuttle if your flight doesn’t line up perfectly with their departure times.
4. Rideshare Apps
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft operate between Denver and Vail, allowing travelers to book a ride via their phones upon landing at Denver Airport. These services can be convenient; however, there are some significant drawbacks to consider. There may not always be drivers available who are willing to make the four-hour round trip between Denver and Vail. During busy times, such as ski season or holidays, prices can increase significantly due to high demand.
5. Regional Bus Services
For travelers on a tight budget, regional bus services like Bustang offer an affordable way to reach Vail from Denver. Buses are cheaper than any other option on this list, with tickets starting as low as $17 one-way. The biggest downside of taking the bus is that it operates on fixed schedules with only a few departures each day. This means less flexibility if your flight arrives late or early.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
A road trip from Denver to Vail showcases Colorado’s diverse landscapes and culture. Although the drive is under two hours, exploring attractions along the way makes it a memorable adventure.
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Begin your journey from Denver to Vail, Colorado, with a stop at the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning sandstone formations, the amphitheater hosts world-class concerts with mountain views that are out of this world!
- Lookout Mountain in Golden: Just a short drive from Red Rocks, Lookout Mountain in Golden offers stunning views of the foothills and city below.
- Loveland Pass: Route 6 offers stunning alpine scenery at an elevation of 11,990 feet. This high mountain pass provides panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
- Dillon Reservoir: Dillon Reservoir, a large freshwater lake, is perfect for a picnic break during your road trip.
- Frisco, Colorado: Frisco, Colorado, is a quaint mountain town with a lively Main Street lined with boutiques and eateries you can stop at during your drive from Denver to Vail. The Frisco Historic Park & Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s past, and admittance is free!
Staying Safe on the Road
Discover driving tips, transportation alternatives and how to find the most up-to-date information about road conditions. The Colorado Department of Transportation maintains a handy online resource boasting all kinds of helpful information, like road conditions, cameras, traffic speeds, construction, popular routes, laws and other travel alerts. Stay updated via COTrip.org.
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Please know that peak travel days are Fridays (westbound on I-70) and Sundays (eastbound on I-70). During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. Check alternative routes, such as Highway 6 over Loveland Pass, but these may also close in severe weather. If I-70 is closed due to severe weather, plan to stay in place until the road reopens.
Vail’s visitor centers and local authorities are excellent resources during road closures. Staff can help direct you to lodging, dining and other services.
Getting Around Vail
If you've ever seen a picture of Vail, you've likely caught a glimpse of the iconic pedestrian village. Vail Village retains a peaceful, small-town ambiance even with its world-class restaurants, shopping, cafes and late night hot spots. Originally built in the late 60s, Lionshead was recently renovated in Austrian-inspired style. The intimate Cascade Village is home to the Grand Hyatt and offers dining and mountain access from Cascade Lift (Chair 20).
Once you’ve arrived, you won’t need a car! Use public transit to take the headache out of your drive. Avoid dealing with traffic and icy roads by letting Colorado Department of Transportation services do the driving for you. Whether you are driving up for the day, or staying the duration at one of our many village properties, it's easy to get around. Leave your car at the parking garage or at your hotel and ride the bus. Most FREE bus routes around the village begin as early as 6:30 AM and run through the day and into the early morning.
Core Transit offers an extensive transportation network across Eagle County, inviting you to travel safely, easily, and affordably. Connect Vail to the heart of the valley and beyond, with service to iconic destinations such as Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum, Dotsero, Minturn, Red Cliff, and Leadville. Most routes are free, including a Vail/Beaver Creek Express Shuttle that runs every 20 minutes during the winter. A $3 fare applies only to trips that include stops in Gypsum-including the Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)-or Leadville. Frequent departures from the Vail Transportation Center in Vail Village make it easy to get where you need to go.
As an additional option, the town offers free parking in satellite areas serviced by the town’s free transit system. Frontage Road Parking - will be used as overflow parking only when all other lots are filled. 725 N. Regular and reliable statewide service. Bustang provides interregional and intercity express bus service for the state of Colorado. Servicing the western slope of Colorado. Check bus schedules, fares, maps, and more.
Airports Near Vail
Vail and Beaver Creek are serviced by two airports. Eagle Regional Airport is the closest to Vail Valley, located approximately 30 miles west (around a 40-minute drive). Denver International Airport (DIA), is a two-hour drive and is located about 120 miles east of Vail. Both airports offer direct flights from major cities and other regional airports. Cheaper fares can generally be found by flying into DIA, but when combined with shuttle or car rental costs, you may find that the convenience vs. savings breakdown falls in favor of Eagle County. Fly into and from the Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport, where Vail is only a 40-minute drive or shuttle ride away. cities.
Additional Tips
- If you're visiting Vail via private aircraft, the Vail Valley Jet Center can assist you with aircraft storage and services.
- Whether you're skiing down powdery slopes or enjoying warm summer hikes, Vail has something special waiting for everyone.