As one of the US' busiest roads, you can expect heavy traffic at times on I-70. Other nearby airports include Eagle (EGE) (31.6 miles), Montrose (MTJ) (75 miles), Colorado Springs (COS) (117.9 miles) and Denver (DEN) (124 miles). having a car in Aspen is a waste of money IMO, maybe you could get a one way rental? The quickest way to travel from Denver to Aspen is of course via a private plane. There is an overlook en route, where you can safely park and admire the views. This pizza establishment is absolutely iconic for native Coloradans, a popular spot for people to stop at after spending a busy day being active in the mountains before heading back to Denver. It takes just under two hours to reach Leadville, which is a nice spot to stop for a coffee or lunch. If you are traveling downhill away from Aspen you are on the outside lane and there is a couple of place where it's a long way down and no shoulder. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In fact, the incline to Aspen from Denver is just 2,650.87 ft over the 200-mile journey. I'd consider staying in the Denver area, preferably on the west side, then heading out very early on Saturday. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. For reference I live in London and so am sadly used to sitting in grinding traffic. Click here to see their availability, Westin Denver Downton A great luxury option in the centre of Denver this hotel is perfectly located to explore the best of Colorados capital. They have countless chic, clean, and comfortable rooms available and great amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay. The most expensive is to fly. If you'd like to take in the region's natural beauty, climb aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad ! If you opt to go the I-70 route to Aspen, the next best stop after Vail is Glenwood Springs, just about an hour west of Vail. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Answer 1 of 3: My sister and I will be driving from Denver International Airport on September 18th to Aspen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The bus from Union Station Gate B17 to Broadway & Regent Dr takes 42 min including transfers and departs every 30 minutes.6 days ago, From Denver to Breckenridge by Car From Denver, it is a beautiful one-hour-and-45-minute drive (depending on traffic and weather it can be much longer) via I-70 and Hwy 9 to Breckenridge. Check cotrip.org for status. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. Friday evening and Saturday morning are both terrible to be heading west on I70 from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ski, hike, bike, rock-climb, or horseback ride to your hearts content- Aspen has it all and is the perfect place to end a Colorado road trip. It does not store any personal data. Regardless of how you reach your destination, I hope you have an amazing time experiencing everything that Aspen has to offer. Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Fitted your vehicle with tire chains or alternate traction devices in snow is a legal requirement for vehicles below 16,001 lb. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. https://gjairport.com/index.cfm, So you are arriving from London, that's a long travel day. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111852146', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver for many years and it is very convenient most of the time :-). The road features some bends, so also watch out for signs that forewarn of sharp curves. Youre not alone. However, some drivers might find this route scary even in good weather, due to the high elevation, winding road, and the fact that portions of CO-82 run close to the steep cliff edge. The heavy traffic is between Golden and Eisenhower tunnel. Change at West Glenwood Park & Ride for the RFTA service to Aspen. The drive from Denver to Aspen is certainly doable, tooit's about 198 miles, which translates to around four to five hours in the car depending on how many stops you make. It is a completely safe drive as long as you follow the speed limit and drive attentively! Driving from Denver to Vail is not just one of the most exhilarating and spectacular roads you can take in the state of Colorado it's also one of the most dangerous! There is so much to do so I would allow at least 3 days for your visit. Both involve stunning scenery and climbing over multiple mountain passes. How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? Drive is not scary at all. The drive is gorgeous and, although you reach some very high elevations, it is not scary if you stick to the main route: I-70 west to Glenwood Springs and then highway 82 south to Aspen. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Montaneros in Vail, A Destination Residence These great self-catering apartments are a fantastic choice for your stay in Vail. The overhead storage bins are also roomy enough to fit strollers and other gear. They have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, a pool and hot tub on site, and numerous other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one! Written by Carri Wilbanks Updated May 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Agree. There is so much to do so I would allow, The total driving distance from Vail, CO to Aspen, CO is, A vacation to Aspen for one week usually costs around, Leadville to Aspen via Independence Pass , The city at the geographic halfway point from Denver, CO to Aspen, CO is. This is the highway youll stay on for a majority of the trip, and one that will take you by many iconic Colorado towns and sights. This town offers some interesting insight into Colorados history and the importance of the mining industry in the development of the state, making it an ideal stop on the Denver to Aspen drive. Travel tip: If youre driving roundtrip during Spring - Autumn, you can alternate your choice on the drive back from Aspen to Denver. The total driving time is 3 hours, 28 minutes. This stunning small town is nestled between two large glacial lakes and provides absolutely sublime views of the imposing Mount Elbert. The Best Ways to Get from Denver to Aspen (cost, routes, and more), 5 Day Aspen Itinerary (Spring + Summer in Aspen, Colorado), 11 Amazing things to do in Aspen, Colorado in Summer/Spring, 12 Romantic Getaways in the US (Vacation Ideas for Couples), 10 Adorable Mountain Towns That'll Make You Actually Enjoy Winter, 15 Scenic Fall Hiking Destinations in the USA. The weather can be variable in May but you can always find things to do. There are steep inclines, steep drop-offs, tight winding roads, including tight switchbacks and narrow stretches that can fit only one car at a time. 2902 South Glen Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. A direct drive from Denver to Moab will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles. Denver. Wait until noon and there likely won't be much, depending on weather and accidents. Keep in mind, Dry Park Road may not be drivable in winter. If you don't wish to drive from Denver to Aspen, there are a couple of other options. Risk Factor: The road from Aspen is not for those who fear heights. Elevation: 9,426 feet Location: Connects Kremmling and Steamboat Springs, CO via US Highway 40 Why it's dangerous: If you want to make the trip from Denver to Steamboat Springs for some sweet. Click here to see their availability, Lodge at Lionshead This alpine lodge is an excellent choice for a place to stay at the base of Vail mountain. I would be grateful for any input on the pros and cons of a Friday evening versus Saturday morning / lunchtime departure, and any insight into what to expect traffic-wise. The fastest bus normally takes 5h 45m. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and traffic standstills are common due to the sheer number of people heading to various ski resorts for the weekend. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. drive for about 24 minutes. Year-round operations to/from Denver International Airport. You will spend most of your drive on i70. Thanks for all the info, exited to pack our bags. Aspen, Colorado I can tell you first hand, Aspen is not worth the expense. Roaring Fork Valley or Independence Pass. Bus service is available twice a day to help you reach the destination fearlessly. Dillon Reservoir. SusieLou and I are of like mind on this. Like, after 8pm. To speed up your travel even more and maximize your Aspen vacation, you can travel back from Aspen to Denver the same exact way. Driving from Denver to Aspen in a rental car means you'll have a mode of transport to get around once you are there. The distance on the drive from Denver to Aspen is 198 miles (319 kilometres) and takes approximately 4 hours by car if you stick to the relatively easy route that is a straight shot along the I-70 West for the majority of the journey. Fortunately, Denver is home to numerous bistros, restaurants, and brewpubs to satisfy any appetite or dining budget. Copyrights 2023 All Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. It takes just 45 minutes to get from Denver International Airport (DEN)to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). And will be for several months. The distance on the drive from Denver to Aspen is 198 miles (319 kilometres) and takes approximately 4 hours by car if you stick to the relatively easy route that is a straight shot along the I-70 West for the majority of the journey.Aug 4, 2021. 2 Lookout Mountain. People who have stumbled upon Independence Pass would answer this question with a resounding YES! It is absolutely worth the drive. Your best bet is taking an Amtrak train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, which costs about $50 in coach for 5.5 hours. If you decide not to go on the drive from Denver to Vail, then go on the Independence Pass route. This scenic highway is the highest paved auto-road in North America, at 14,260 feet above sea level and provides absolutely stunning views of the Colorado landscape. I could see flying into GJ and staying there for the night and then having a short drive up to Aspen as a possiblity. Theres nothing quite like an outdoor summer concert in the mountains! and leave at 3:20 pm. Glenwood Springs is a great place to stop, as it is home to the worlds largest mineral hot springs pool. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For a first-time visit to Colorado, I would recommend embarking on the drive from Denver to Aspen. From Denver, it is about a 3-hour-and-45-minute drive to Aspen. 95% of the highway is not the least bit scary and one of the most scenic you could ever drive. Don't forget to carry out the usual vehicle inspections before setting off, such as checking the wiper blades and fluid. Aspen housing costs are 78.2% more expensive than Vail housing costs. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. the drive, youll have to make the decision whether or not youll continue Depending on the season, there are two different routes you can take. The 200-mile route from Denver to Aspen via Glenwood Springs is the easiest and safest option, including a long stretch of interstate driving through the Rockies. Reserve the best airport shuttles to Aspen hotels, resorts, and more. Both routes start out headed west from Denver on I-70. Between these two very different cities there are a plethora of great stops to check out, and youll be able to experience all the best of what this beautiful state has to offer. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The distance from Denver to Aspen is around 200 miles, which means that this is a relatively easy and short road trip. Click here to view private rentals in Aspen. Vail is a great stop on this drive as, even if you choose to take the Independence Pass route, it is only a minor detour and has many amenities and things to do. by. If making the trip between September/October and May, note that all vehicles travelling on this stretch of I-70 must adhere to traction requirements, by law, which means using snow chains, winter tires or four-wheel drive. What does it mean when you wear a bandana in your back pocket? However, check before you travel, as the service to Aspen is sometimes suspended. To: round-trip one-way. From Glenwood Springs, it is 40 miles to Aspen. Such situations where even a minute delay could end in disaster require quick solutions; however, it's definitely super expensive. While this is most likely from November to February, the weather in this region can be unpredictable. The !0% DISCOUNT FOR Colorado Mountain Express (www.cmex.com). You can learn about the gold mining history of Idaho Springs. Greyhound carries around 18 million passengers a year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) a year on their fleet of around 1700 vehicles. However, it can . By driving yourself from Colorados capital to one of its adorable mountain towns, youll be able to make as many stops as youd like and even save a bit of money (in comparison to some of the other ways to get from Denver to Aspen). (970) 945-7311. A round-trip via United Airlines takes about one hour and costs around $500 at the time of writing. How long does it take to get from Denver to Boulder? You will pay many times more to ski the same slopes that you can get to from other mountain areas.Nov 20, 2014, In summer, there are two different ways to get between Denver and Aspen: The most scenic route is via Highway 82 over Independence Pass, which is the highest paved state highway over the Continental Divide in Colorado. The flight from Denver takes just one hour, and ticket prices vary. Additionally, the seasoned mountaineer can even trek up to the peak of Mount Elbert to reach the highest point in the state! stay at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver. In the last 72 hours, the cheapest one-way ticket from Denver to Aspen found on KAYAK was with United Airlines for $199. The Leadville route is the most popular Denver to Aspen drive thanks to its thrilling journey through Independence Pass. Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? 2 How much is the shuttle from Denver to Aspen? As you can see, Colorado is a mecca for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, and a Denver to Aspen road trip is the perfect way to get acquainted with this beautiful state. This scenic drive is beautiful year-round, but it's especially popular in the fall, when the mountains burst into life with the shimmering golden leaves of the changing aspen trees. day 2 driving 2.5 hours. Evans Scenic Byway. If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, the Denver to Aspen drive time would be around four hours. Do You Need A Car In Aspen? Leaving after 10:00 AM or so will put you after a lot of the traffic. next stops will vary based on which route you decide to take.