Getting to Aspen isn’t difficult. Aspen has its own airport, Pitkin County Airport (also known as Sardy Field or ASE), just three miles outside of Aspen — a short 10-minute drive from downtown Aspen and the Aspen Square.
Aspen is also within easy access (via Highway 82 and I-70) of both Eagle County Airport (EGE) and Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) (two hours away, respectively, either East or West via I-70). Additionally, Denver International Airport (DIA) is a four-hour drive from Aspen each way — but can take longer if you hit Denver rush hour.
If you fly into Denver International, you can opt to take a memorable, scenic route to Aspen by driving over Independence Pass and stopping at the Continental Divide. You’ll find yourself winding leisurely through the high country for a couple of hours, surrounded by the unforgettable vistas of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
GETTING TO ASPEN, COLORADO BY PLANE
ASPEN, CO - SARDY FIELD (ASE)
Aspen Sardy Field Airport (ASE) is just three miles from the City of Aspen, Colorado, and sees handles over 200 flights per week in the winter (fewer flights are served during the summer).
During the winter season, there are flights into Aspen served by United, American and Delta Airlines. You can fly direct on United from Denver, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. American Airlines offers winter season non-stop flights from Dallas/Ft Worth and Los Angeles, and Delta offers flights from Atlanta, Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
During the summer, American Airlines offers direct non-stop service to Aspen from Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas/Ft. Worth. United also offers non-stop flights from San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. On most weekends, you’ll see two additional flight options per day from Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Driving Directions from ASE to Aspen:
From the Aspen Airport, turn right on Highway 82 and travel for approximately 3 miles. Go around the roundabout and continue to the center of Aspen.
EAGLE COUNTY AIRPORT (EGE)
Located just 70 miles from Aspen, flights into Eagle County Airport are offered from 11 cities on five major airlines during the winter months.
American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, United Express, and US Airways provide non-stop winter jet service between EGE and thirteen major U.S. cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, and Philadelphia. Summer service more limited, but just as convenient.
Driving Directions from EGE to Aspen:
Aspen is about two hours from the Eagle Airport. Take I-70 West towards Glenwood Springs, and get off the freeway at exit 116. From there, you’ll follow Highway 82 all the way to Aspen. Turn right past the Glenwood Hot Springs pool and cross the bridge spanning the Colorado River. Then drive through downtown Glenwood Springs and continue south for about 45 minutes. Once you’ve passed the roundabout, you will cross the Castle Creek Bridge and enter downtown Aspen. At that point, Highway 82 becomes Main Street.
DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DIA)
In addition to airports in Eagle, Grand Junction and Aspen, visitors can also choose to fly into Denver International Airport (DIA). Located 200 miles to the east of Aspen, this airport offers some of the best airfare rates in Colorado and daily direct international flights. From Denver, you can take ground transportation to Aspen or rent a car and enjoy a four-hour scenic drive through the Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Driving Directions from DIA to Aspen:
Aspen is about 200 miles from Denver International Airport (four hours plus, due to heavy traffic on the passes and in the city). From DIA, take I-70 West through the city and over several mountain passes to Glenwood Springs. At Glenwood Springs, take Highway 82 via exit 116, and follow it all the way to Aspen.
Another scenic (and even more spectacular) route to Aspen from Denver takes approximately 3 1/2 hours via Independence Pass. The Pass is only open in the warm weather months, typically Memorial Day to Halloween.
- I-70 West to Copper Mountain (Exit 195)
- Take exit 195 onto S. Hwy 91 and follow the road to Leadville. Hwy 91 merges with Hwy 24. As you drive through Leadville, you are now on Hwy 24.
- Follow Hwy 24 past Leadville to the turn off to Twin Lakes (Hwy 82).
- Turn right onto Hwy 82 - this is a T-intersection, there is no left turn.
- Hwy 82 will take you up and over Independence Pass and down into Aspen.
- Once in Aspen, continue straight through the four-way stop. Hwy 82 becomes Cooper Avenue at the four-way stop.
- Aspen Square's lobby entrance is at 617 E. Cooper Avenue, a half block past City Market on the left.
GRAND JUNCTION REGIONAL AIRPORT (GJT)
Grand Junction Regional Airport is 127 miles (about a 2-hour drive) from Aspen. It’s a smooth, easy drive, since Grand Junction is near the desert and no mountain passes need to be crossed enroute.
American Airlines offers nonstop flights to and from Dallas and Phoenix. Delta services nonstop flights from Salt Lake City. United offers direct flights to and from Denver and Chicago. You can get nonstop flights to Grand Junction from Las Vegas, Mesa, AZ and L.A. via Allegiant Air.
Driving Directions from GJT to Aspen:
From GJT Airport, drive south and take the ramp for I-70 East towards Denver. Follow I-70 East and as you are approaching Glenwood Springs, look for exit 116 for Highway 82 towards Aspen. Follow Highway 82 for about 45 minutes. Once you’re through the Aspen roundabout, downtown is nearby.
GETTING TO ASPEN, COLORADO BY LAND
RENTAL CAR COMPANIES (ASPEN AIRPORT)
The agencies listed here have the perfect SUV and 4x4 vehicles to help you tackle any road conditions and be safe while driving during your Aspen visit.
 | Alamo Rental 970-925-1299 or 888-826-6893 |
 | Avis Rentals 970-925-2355 • 800-831-2847 |
 | Budget Rentals 970-925-4693 • 877-818-2886 |
 | Go Rentals 970-920-0226 • 970-580-5373 (mobile) |
 | Hertz Rentals 970-925-7368 • 800-654-3131 |
| National Rentals 970-925-1299 • 800-227-7368 | |
 | Enterprise Rentals (Off-Site) 970-544-3678 • 800-264-6350 |
GETTING AROUND ASPEN, COLORADO ONCE YOU’RE IN TOWN
TRANSIT APP
For the ultimate convenience, download the transit app to your smartphone. Get real-time bus locations and schedules, as well as bikeshare (WE-cycle) and rideshare (Lyft) availability from wherever you are.
THE DOWNTOWNER APP
The Aspen Downtowner is a fun, free way to get around Aspen. Download the Downtowner app to see current service areas and request a ride. The Downtowner is generally in operation from 11am–11pm; double-check the app for availability.
CAR TO GO
Applying for Aspen’s Car to Go gives you access to a fleet of all-hybrid vehicles and includes gas, maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance.
RFTA BUSES
All points in Aspen can be easily and efficiently reached using the RFTA bus system. All bus routes within the City of Aspen, as well as many routes to Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass are free.
Whether or not you have a car in town, RFTA provides the easiest access to all four Mountains. RFTA buses also provide free WiFi for business and pleasure during longer valley-wide commutes.
Each RFTA bus is fitted with ski racks and wheel well snow brushes to keep your skis clean in transit. All buses can accommodate regular skis, hyperbolic skis, and snowboards.
Skiers can take buses to and from Rubey Park, the downtown transportation hub, where you’ll find buses to the other three ski areas as well as downvalley. Rubey Park is located less than two blocks away from the Aspen Square, which is an easy walk.
WE-CYCLE
During the summer, there are dozens of WE-cycle stations are scattered across downtown Aspen, and thanks to the City of Aspen, you can take unlimited rides of 30-minutes or less — for free!
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS?
Please contact the concierge desk for all your ground transportation needs. We have private and public car services available for you in and around town, and for your airport transfer needs. 970-925-1000 ext. 3515
