Aspen: Guides

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Meghan Brosnan

Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts

 

Getting Here

Visitors to Aspen have four basic options when making their way to our mountain town. Fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) in Denver, and rent a car (we suggest four-wheel drive) to make the nearly four-hour and breathtakingly scenic drive up Interstate 70 West. As long as the weather is good, you'll have a great drive through our beautiful state. Another option is flying into the Eagle County Airport near Vail, which is a small and easy-to-navigate airport a mere hour-and-a-half away from Aspen. Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction is another choice. It's approximately two hours away but often has less weather delays. Finally, visitors can book their flight directly into the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which is, of course, the most convenient option. However, this airport is known as difficult to fly into so be prepared for delays and cancellations during inclement weather.

 

Rental Cars

So you've now made it to Aspen and it's time to find the best way to get around town. While you can always rent a car from on the six rental companies at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, it can be scary to drive during a snowstorm or on on icy roads. Luckily, there are plenty of options for getting around that don't require you to get behind the wheel.

 

Road Conditions

If you choose to drive around the Roaring Fork Valley we recommend that you keep a close eye on the road conditions. While we love all the snow that our mountain gets, the slick roads and delays definitely make driving around here a little tricky.

 

Come on and Take a Free Ride

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides a fleet of 75 buses to shuttle commuters between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, 365 days a year. The RFTA free skier shuttle takes skiers and boarders between various pick-up stops in downtown Aspen and the four mountains. As if a worry-free ride wasn't great already, riding the bus also helps the environment. Aspen buses are hybrid and run on bio-diesel fuel, burning clean reusable energy. Or for door-to-door service, remember that many Aspen hotels offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off transportation for their guests throughout downtown Aspen.

 

Limousines & Taxis

Aspen/Snowmass Limo (970) 925-5549

Black Diamond Limousine (970) 948-2685

Colorado Mountain Express (970) 926-9800

High Mountain Taxi (970) 925-8294

Snow Limo (970) 544-9475

 

Helpful Hints

We thought we'd share with you some tips from the locals.

  • Whenever possible, take the bus. RFTA is easy, inexpensive/free, and good for the environment. Plus, it's always better take the bus after having a couple cocktails instead of driving.
  • Thanks to Mother Nature, the flights in and out of Aspen can be a little unreliable. Try to make your travel plans flexible if possible and be sure to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage doesn't arrive at the same time you do.

Now that you know how to get here and how to get around after you do, be sure to check out all of Plum's guides to help you plan the perfect vaca.

Add your comments...

Required
Required (will not be published or shared)
Comments are reviewed and posted provided they're on topic and respectful.
Please take a look at our terms of service for more info.

Video Picks

Powder Day 2007
Plum takes to the slopes to join fellow riders for a powder day on Aspen Mountain during the 2007 season.
Apres at 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel
Can you ski without a little apres? After a day on the slopes Plum joins the apres ski scene at 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel to find out.
Kid-friendly Trails
Check out Plum's picks for the most kid-friendly trails at Buttermilk Mountain, sure to keep your little skiers and riders cruising and smiling all day long.
Man in the Field
In this installment of Man in the Field, Spencer McKnight takes viewers into the village of Snowmass.

Tips and Recommendations

The Essentials in Aspen
Here is a list of Aspen's essential numbers, so do yourself a favor by printing this page out before landing in our mountain town.
Man vs the Mountain
Aspen has plenty of terrain for novice skiers and riders so be sure to check out Plum's trail guide for beginners.
Kids Stuff
If you're looking to carve out some quiet time for yourself or searching for the ultimate kid activities in Aspen, this is where you go.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter


 Get news and stories. Subscribe to our RSS feed   Subscribe to our RSS feed
Ads by Google