How to Get From Denver Airport to Estes Park (Options, Routes, Costs and More)
Heading to Estes Park, CO and wondering the best way to get there from Denver Airport? The only way to get there is by driving, however there are plenty of ways to do so. This guide will cover each of your options in detail, from pros and cons of each to how to book.
Estes Park is one of the most popular leisure destinations in Colorado, particularly in the busy summer months, and it’s always on my recommended list for visitors.
It’s not only a picturesque mountain town – it’s also the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, making it an ideal spot for those interested in hiking, beautiful scenery and other outdoor-related activities.
Estes Park doesn’t have an airport, so unless you’re driving there directly from your home, you will need to fly into Denver Airport (DEN), which is the closest – and best – option for flights.
Luckily, it’s not too difficult to get from Denver Airport to Estes Park, and there are lots of different ways to do it that accommodate all types of budgets.
In this article, I will cover the many transportation options from DEN to Estes Park, including pros/cons for each. I’ll also discuss the most popular routes, notable stops (i.e. where you can find the famous Estes Park Sign), estimated costs, and how to book each option.
If you’re looking for the best ways to get from Denver Airport to Estes Park, I have you covered!
Know Before You Go
Before setting off, here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your journey.
Distance from Denver Airport to Estes Park
The only way to get from Denver Airport to Estes Park is by car.
The journey is between 75 and 95 miles and will take an hour and a half to just over two hours, depending on which route you take.
Driving Conditions from Denver Airport to Estes Park
Whether you’re a Colorado local or an out-of-towner, driving conditions are always something to consider when exploring this great state.
Weather, of course, is top of mind, and is always something you should check before setting out on your journey. It’s not abnormal for the weather to be totally different at Denver Airport than it is in Estes Park!
Road closures and construction delays are another thing to be on the lookout for. Most apps will alert you of these on your journey. CDOT is a great resource to check on for this.
There are also quite a few scary roads and mountain passes throughout Colorado that you will definitely want to avoid if you’re a nervous driver going to the mountains. This is something I personally am very aware of and will never recommend one of these without proper warning.
Luckily, the roads from Denver Airport to Estes Park are very easy to drive, so none of them fall into this “scary” category!
Traffic
Like any popular mountain destination, traffic can be an issue, especially during busy season (Summer and Fall). Sometimes this can’t be helped, but you can mitigate this by avoiding weekends and mid-day travel times.
Transportation Options
The only way to get to Estes Park from Denver Airport is by car, but there are lots of options for doing so.
Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive
Suitable for: Everyone
How to Book: I prefer to book online using rentalcars.com because it gives you the best prices for all of the providers at DEN. If you need more information, check out my Guide to Renting a Car at Denver Airport.
Renting a car is probably the most convenient option and is easily my favorite way to get to Estes Park from Denver Airport. You have all the usual options (Hertz, Enterprise, etc.), and it’s super easy to rent a car at DEN. Prices vary, but expect to pay at least $100 a day depending on the car size.
Hot tip – while renting a car from DEN is definitely the most convenient option, it’s also the most expensive rental car option. Consider picking up a rental car from downtown. It’ll cost you some time, but you’ll save quite a bit of money. Read my case study here to see if this strategy will save you money.
Unless you’re driving in the winter, it’s not necessary to book an AWD/4WD car.
The obvious benefit of renting a car is that you have complete flexibility over how you explore Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. You can stop as much as you want (helpful when you have kids) and you can plan your trip at your pace.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to renting a car. The costs can pile up if you’re going for a longer trip, although this is probably outweighed by the sheer convenience. You also have to factor in additional costs, such as parking fees, gas, insurance, etc. Many hotels in Estes Park offer free parking for guests, though, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Pros
- The most convenient option.
- Plenty of flexibility over itinerary.
- Easy to pick up from the airport.
Cons
- Costs can quickly build up.
There are lots of route options for driving. Please see “Driving Routes” below for your options.
Option 2: Ride-Sharing Services
Suitable for: Everyone
How to book: Uber app or Lyft app
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate at Denver Airport and can transport you to Estes Park. If you’ve already downloaded the company’s app, it’s super simple to book a ride once you’re at the airport. Prices will vary depending on the size of the vehicle you need, but you should expect to pay at least $100.
There isn’t much that needs to be said about using ride-sharing services, as we’ve likely all done it. The benefits over using a shuttle service are that you can book it at the airport when needed (and not be subject to a wait schedule), and you won’t have to share with strangers. While this isn’t a massive issue, it’s fair to want to travel in privacy.
The drawbacks of using Uber or Lyft should be fairly obvious. Your main problem will be driver availability. It’s not a long journey, but out-of-town trips typically have fewer drivers pick them up. You might also have to deal with longer travel times and limited luggage space depending on the driver’s vehicle.
And, unsurprisingly, it also means you won’t have your own vehicle when you’re in Estes Park.
Pros
- Easy to arrange.
- Can be fairly cheap.
- More privacy than a shuttle.
Cons
- Potentially limited driver availability.
- You won’t have your own car in Estes Park.
See related: How to catch an Uber or Lyft at Denver Airport
Option 3: Take a Shuttle
Suitable for: Some
How to book: Estes Park Shuttle website
If you just need to get to Estes Park but aren’t comfortable with the idea of using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, consider booking a shuttle.
Shuttle services won’t be suitable for everyone, but they can be a good way to save money, especially for smaller parties. It’s also an ideal option if you’re meeting up with a larger group in Estes Park and are just looking for an easy way to get there.
Shared shuttles are also ideal for people who might not want to drive unfamiliar routes themselves.
Essentially, a shuttle service from Denver Airport boils down to you jumping in a car or small van (potentially shared with others) that drives you to your hotel.
There are a few options for shuttles, and you can book these directly from the airport’s website, the company’s website, or your hotel might be able to help you arrange it. We’ve also noted a shuttle vendor above.
Expect to pay around $75 one-way and $125 for a round trip (per person).
The biggest downside of using a shuttle service is that you won’t have a vehicle once you get to Estes Park. You therefore won’t be able to explore the Rockies in the same way as you would with your own car. That being said, if you have a ride once you get there (i.e. you are meeting a group), this isn’t an issue.
It’s recommended that you book shuttles in advance (at least one week), so this probably isn’t the best option for those looking to book something at the last minute.
Lastly, you might be subject to waiting times and limited schedules depending on the time of the year. Expect services to be reduced in the off-season.
Pros
- Easy to book.
- You don’t need to be able to drive.
- Helpful for keeping the cost down.
Cons
- Limited flexibility.
Option 4: Bus
Suitable for: Those on a tight budget
How to book: https://ridebustang.com/estes-park/
There isn’t a bus that goes directly from Denver Airport to Estes Park, but you can catch the Bustang from Denver’s Union Station to Estes Park.
The Bustang is a seasonal service that travels from Denver’s Union Station to Estes Park on weekends and holidays only. It runs from May 27 – Oct 1, 2023 only, so this isn’t an option if you’re visiting Estes Park in the winter or spring.
It’s important to note that the Bustang departs from Union Station and NOT Denver Airport, so you’ll want to take the A-line train to Union Station and then catch the Bustang from there.
It’s also important to note that the Bustang only leaves early in the morning, so it’s not an option for same-day arrivals at Denver Airport. If you’re already planning on spending a night in Denver, though, this is a good option.
It will cost you $15 for a round-trip fare, and there are some discounted options for seniors and students. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll also have to pay for the Denver Airport to Union Station train, which is an additional $10.50.
While this is the most affordable option on paper, it’s arguably also the least convenient if you want to get to Estes Park ASAP. It’ll take the longest and it only leaves early in the morning (7am and 8am), so it’s only an option if you plan on staying the night in Denver.
Pros
- The most affordable option.
- Aside from stops, buses can be easy.
- Let someone else do the driving.
Cons
- Inconvenient.
- Need to stay the night in Denver.
Driving Routes from Denver Airport to Estes Park, CO
The Fastest Route (and my preferred route)
If travel time is a concern for you, taking the fastest route from DEN to Estes Park will take you approximately 1.5 hours.
Exit the airport on Pena Boulevard and follow the toll road E-470 northwest to I-25. Travel north until you reach CO 66 west, which takes you towards Lyons. From Lyons, continue on Highway 36 west directly into Estes Park. This efficient route bypasses most of Denver’s in-city traffic, though toll charges will apply on E-470.
Often, the fastest route can be the ugliest route, but that’s far from the truth in this case. I prefer this route because it’s time efficient, easy driving and picturesque.
Once you get to Lyons, you’ll wind through (easy driving) canyons and streams. It’s the perfect introduction to the Colorado Rockies.
The Estes Park Sign
Another bonus is that this route takes you straight to the famous Estes Park Sign, which I always make first-timers stop at.
The Scenic Route – Peak to Peak Highway
If you have time to spare and want to take in Colorado landscapes, check out the Peak to Peak Highway. It will not disappoint!
This gorgeous drive takes you through narrow canyons, over mountains, and past picturesque buildings and charming towns like Nederland. The route goes through Boulder and takes just over two hours from DEN without stops.
While this route is pretty, it’s not my preferred way to get to Estes from DEN because it’s not the most efficient. I prefer the combo of fast + beautiful.
A Popular Route – Big Thompson Canyon
Many visitors prefer taking Highway 34 through Loveland and the Big Thompson Canyon for its spectacular scenery. From I-25 northbound, you’ll pass the Highway 36 exit first, but if you continue to Loveland, you can take Highway 34 west for a memorable journey. This route follows the winding path of the Big Thompson River through a dramatic canyon with impressive rock formations, delivering you directly into Estes Park.
The Boulder Route
Another appealing option is to stop in Boulder on the way to Estes Park.
Exit the airport onto Pena Boulevard to I-70 West, then connect to I-270 and US 36 West. Take US 36 northwest through Boulder to Lyons. In Lyons, continue on US 36 west to Estes Park. This route takes approximately 1 hour 48 minutes and covers about 81 miles.
I recommend this route if you arrive at DEN early and have time to explore somewhere en route to Estes Park.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of options for traveling from Denver Airport to Estes Park. The most convenient is probably renting a car, as you’ll have flexibility during your trip. However, there are lots of different options, and ultimately, the option you choose is largely going to depend on what you plan on doing when you get there.
