When planning a trip to Vail, Colorado, one of the first considerations is how to get there. Fortunately, there are several airport options available, each with its own set of advantages. This article will guide you through the most convenient choices, including Eagle County Regional Airport and Denver International Airport, to help you make the best decision for your travel needs.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
The closest airport to Vail and Beaver Creek is Vail Eagle County Airport (EGE). Just 25 miles away, with travel that doesn’t involve mountain passes, Vail Eagle Airport is serviced by Epic Mountain Express by both private SUV and van service, as well as scheduled shuttles.
Eagle County Regional Airport
Location: Eagle County Regional Airport is located thirty miles west of Vail, off of US Highway 6.
Convenient schedules, with numerous daily departures travel to Beaver Creek Resort and Vail. Upon arrival, look for the guest service counter in the terminal near luggage claim.
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Airlines and Destinations
While it has fewer flights than Denver, Eagle County Airport has services from American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.
Direct flights from 14 cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle make flying into Vail a great option to make the most of your time on vacation. 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).
American Airlines has non-stop service to Chicago/O’Hare, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas/Ft. Delta Airlines has non-stop service to Atlanta, Minneapolis/St.
Services and Amenities
Vail, Colorado Airport is small but still offers a wide variety of amenities. You’ll find ground transportation at the airport so you can reach Vail in short order. You’ll find all major car rental agencies right at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National. There are two main eateries, a tavern and a gift shop.
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.
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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.
Shuttle Services
Shuttles departing from the Eagle Vail Airport are flight specific and will depart once guests with reservation have collected bags and are loaded on board the shuttle. If your flight is delayed or arrives early, EME will be there for this flight. This is not the case for Denver flights. These operate by a fixed schedule.
As long as we have the correct flight information in your reservation, we will move you to the next available Vail shuttle after the flight is scheduled to land.
Лыжный курорт Вейл ( Vail ) в Колорадо. Один из самых престижных в США
Driving Distance
EGE is approximately 30 miles west of Vail. This typically translates to a 40-45 minute drive, depending on weather and traffic conditions. Eagle County Regional Airport is about 35 miles west of Lodge at Lionshead. The drive typically takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
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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Denver International Airport (DIA)
Eagle Airport vs. Denver International Airport is a much larger airport, serving as a hub for United, Frontier and Southwest Airlines. As the 5th busiest airport in the USA, Denver International Airport offers more travel options and flight times.
Denver International Airport
Location: Denver International Airport is thirty-five minutes from downtown Denver. To get to Vail from the airport, get on I-70 West and travel for 120 miles to the Vail exit 176. It takes a little over 2 hours.
Airlines and Destinations
All major airlines, both nationally and internationally, fly into and out of Denver.
Services and Amenities
With such a large airport, you’ll find everything you need only a few steps away. There are plenty of lounges, too, where you can get a mixed drink or beer. Denver International also offers many shops, boutiques and galleries. There’s a post office here as well. Browse the changing art displays with some amazing murals and sculptures. Grab a meal in any one of the numerous restaurants and eateries. Snacks can consist of ice cream, pretzels, sandwiches or yogurt.
Ground Transportation
When arriving in Denver and planning to spend the night there before traveling into the Rockies, you can find a number of hotels to choose from, and many of these offer courtesy shuttles to your lodging. Grab a taxi if you can’t get a shuttle. The prices for taxis vary depending on what part of the city you are headed for.
If going on directly to Vail, you can either get a connection at the airport that will take you to Eagle County Regional Airport, near Vail, or you can rent a car at the airport and drive into the Rocky Mountains. This latter is probably the most cost effective way to travel, as you can then get around to see the sights on your own. You will find all major car rentals right at the airport.
Of course, going in true style can be a lot of fun. Try the shuttles or limos. Prices for some shuttles are around $87 per person, and vans and limos (for larger numbers of people) can range from $250 to $300 and up.
Recent Developments at Eagle County Airport
The recent expansions at Eagle County Airport (EGE) and Vail Valley Jet Center (VVJC) have been a very welcome development for the Vail Valley, making it easier than ever for visitors to reach our resorts.
This season, EGE has expanded its offerings with new carriers like Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines, providing nonstop flights from major hubs such as Denver, Dallas, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle. These new routes not only streamline travel but also open up our valley to a wider audience, making it more accessible than ever before.
Additionally, since Signature Aviation acquired VVJC in 2021, investments in expanded hangar space have catered to the growing demand for private jet travelers, attracting more high-net-worth individuals to our resorts.
Frontier Airlines' newly launched year-round service to EGE from Denver (twice weekly), Dallas (twice weekly), and San Francisco (weekly) is an especially exciting development for the Vail Valley. As a major regional carrier with deep Colorado roots, Frontier brings convenient and affordable access from these key hubs, delivering a game-changer for our local businesses.
David Reid, Aviation Director for Eagle County, recently noted that EGE's core mission is to provide "year-round, affordable, accessible air service for our community and for all the travelers that come into this valley." Frontier's expanded routes are a major step towards realizing that goal by keeping us connected year-round and making our mountain destination more inviting than ever.
Looking ahead, we anticipate continued growth as EGE pursues even more routes to destinations like Central Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Minneapolis, and Boston. The potential addition of Southwest Airlines and the planned international terminal, which could break ground as early as spring 2026 if funding comes together, would further boost the valley's accessibility.
Choosing the Right Airport
The benefits of flying into the airport closest to Vail /Beaver Creek include the east to navigate and get around. Also, most flights to Eagle County are on large jets like Boeing 757, 737 and Airbus. However, the biggest benefit of flying through Eagle Airport is how close it is to Vail and Beaver Creek.
Although we recommend Eagle Regional Airport to save travel time, Denver International Airport is a great option for people looking for a more scenic route. It’s no secret that Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the United States, and the Denver/Vail region is completely breathtaking.
Ultimately, the best airport for your trip to Vail depends on your priorities. If convenience and proximity are key, Eagle County Regional Airport is the clear choice. If you're looking for more flight options and potentially lower fares, Denver International Airport might be a better fit. Consider your budget, travel time, and preferred airlines when making your decision.
| Airport | Distance to Vail | Airlines | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) | 25 miles | American, Delta, United, Alaska, Frontier | Closest to Vail, easy to navigate, flight-specific shuttles | Fewer flight options, potentially higher fares |
| Denver International Airport (DIA) | 120 miles | All major airlines | More flight options, potentially lower fares, scenic drive | Longer drive to Vail, fixed shuttle schedules |