The last day of a mountain trip has one job: get you on your flight without a sprint through the terminal. The drive from Vail to Denver International is about 120 miles, and on a clear day it takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. The question is never how long it usually takes. It's how long it might take today.
When to leave
Work back from your flight. Add the drive time, the time you want at the airport, and a winter margin. On a dry midweek day the standard estimate holds. On a Sunday, when I-70 eastbound is at its busiest, or with snow in the forecast, leave considerably earlier; a Vail Pass closure can hold traffic for hours. Tell us your flight time when you book and we'll suggest a pickup time with the forecast in mind.
The road home
- I-70 east from Vail, straight up and over Vail Pass (10,662 feet)
- Through Summit County and the Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel
- Down through the foothills, where CDOT is building an eastbound express lane between Evergreen and Idaho Springs (the Floyd Hill project)
- Into Denver and out to the airport on E-470 or I-70 and Peña Boulevard
The Traction Law applies on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 to May 31. Our Vail Pass winter driving guide explains what it means.
From Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek adds about 12 miles and 15 to 20 minutes before you even reach Vail. We pick up at your door in the village, Bachelor Gulch or Arrowhead and join I-70 at Avon.
To downtown Denver instead
Heading to a hotel or a meeting downtown? Vail to Denver Union Station is about 97 miles, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, coming into the city on US-6. We drive to any Denver address.
What's included
- Pickup at your door at the time we agree together
- Help with luggage, skis and boot bags
- A chauffeur experienced on I-70 in winter
- Stops on request, from a last lunch to a pharmacy
- Child seats on request
- A luxury full-size SUV (Expedition MAX, Yukon XL, Suburban or similar) or an 11-passenger Ford Transit
Book your ride to the airport.
Other options
Epic Mountain Express runs shared and private rides from Vail to DEN; shared rides collect other guests along the way, so allow for that. Bustang runs from the Vail Transportation Center to Denver Union Station for $17, with 15 trips a day, but not to the airport. Returning a rental car at DEN means doing the drive yourself and adding the rental return to your timeline.
Flying from Eagle?
If your flight leaves from Eagle County Regional Airport, the ride is about 45 minutes with no pass. Check this winter's nonstops in our Eagle flights guide and see all routes on the airport transportation page. Ready to plan the last day? Book your ride.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Vail to Denver airport?
About 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes in good conditions for roughly 120 miles. On Sundays and in winter storms, allow much more.
What time should I leave Vail for a flight from Denver?
Add the drive time, your airport time and a winter margin. Tell us your flight when you book and we'll suggest a pickup time with the forecast in mind.
Is Sunday a bad day to drive from Vail to Denver?
Sunday is I-70's busiest eastbound day, so leave earlier than you would midweek.
Can you pick us up in Beaver Creek?
Yes. We pick up door to door in Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Avon and Edwards.
Is there a bus from Vail to Denver airport?
Not directly. Bustang runs from Vail to Denver Union Station for $17. Epic Mountain Express runs shuttles to the airport, and we offer private door-to-door rides.