Denver Airport (DEN) to Vail

Most visitors to Vail land in Denver, and the drive that follows is the real start of the trip. It's about 120 miles and, on a clear day, about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes: across the plains, into the foothills, through a tunnel at 11,000 feet and over a 10,662-foot pass. It's a spectacular drive. It's also one you'd rather not do yourself after a cross-country flight, in the dark, in snow.

Mile by mile

Leaving the airport

From the terminal, Peña Boulevard takes you to either E-470 or I-70 through Denver, depending on traffic. Either way, you meet I-70 westbound and start climbing into the foothills.

Into the mountains

Past Idaho Springs, on peak days, a westbound Mountain Express toll lane runs to Empire. Then comes the Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel, whose west portal sits at 11,158 feet, and the long descent into Summit County.

Vail Pass

The last climb: up to 10,662 feet on grades up to 7%, then down into East Vail and the end of the road.

Winter: plan for longer

Those times assume dry roads. In winter, plan for longer, sometimes much longer. Storms slow I-70 to a crawl, the Traction Law is in effect from September 1 to May 31, and the Vail tourism site warns that closures can last hours or overnight. Fridays are the busiest westbound days. Our Vail Pass winter driving guide has the details; for the whole corridor, Denver Moments' I-70 winter guide goes deeper.

Our chauffeurs are experienced on this road in winter. We watch the forecast and CDOT's updates, and if a closure is coming, we tell you before you're sitting in it.

What your ride includes

• Flight tracking, so delays are handled automatically
• Meet and greet on arrival, with help to the car
• Door-to-door service to any address in Vail
• Stops on request: groceries, a pharmacy, a coffee in Silverthorne or Frisco
• Child seats on request
• A mountain-experienced chauffeur in a luxury full-size SUV (Expedition MAX, Yukon XL, Suburban or similar) or an 11-passenger Ford Transit

Every ride is private. Book your ride.

The alternatives, honestly

Epic Mountain Express

Vail Resorts' shuttle company runs shared rides (door to door, or to the Vail Transfer Center) and private vans and SUVs from DEN. Shared rides carry other guests and make their stops; Epic Pass holders get a discount.

Bustang

Colorado's state bus runs from Denver Union Station to the Vail Transportation Center for $17 one way, 15 times a day. It's the cheapest way to Vail, but it does not stop at the airport, so you'd need to get downtown first, with your luggage.

Rental car

Freedom, at the price of driving I-70 and Vail Pass yourself in winter, Traction Law tire rules, and Vail's parking structures once you arrive. Read the getting around guide before deciding; many visitors find they don't need a car once they're in town.

Could you fly into Eagle instead?

Maybe. Eagle airport is about 45 minutes from Vail with no pass to cross, and it has 19 nonstop routes this winter. See the Eagle airport flights guide and Eagle airport to Vail. If Denver is the better flight, we'll make the drive the easy part. Staying in Beaver Creek? See Denver airport to Beaver Creek. Book your ride from DEN.