How to Get from Denver Airport to Cheyenne
Looking to get to Cheyenne, Wyoming from Denver Airport? When it comes to traveling between these two points, there are several transportation options. You can drive, take a bus, or use rideshare services. This guide will discuss your options in detail, plus the pros and cons for each.
Even though Cheyenne is in another state, the closest major airport to fly into is Denver International Airport by far.
Whether you’re visiting Cheyenne, Wyoming for business, tourism, or the world-famous Cheyenne Frontier Days, there are plenty of reasons to visit Wyoming’s capital city.
The historic downtown, Western heritage sites, and outdoor recreation are just the start of activities you can do here. Most notably, Cheyenne hosts the world’s largest outdoor rodeo during Cheyenne Frontier Days, which draws nearly 200,000 visitors annually and features top-tier rodeo action, concerts, and Western celebration.
So, how do you get to Cheyenne from Denver Airport? It’s pretty straightforward, and there are several ways to do it.
Know Before You Go
Distance from Denver to Cheyenne
Cheyenne, Wyoming is 102 miles from downtown Denver, but about 108 miles from Denver Airport, and it’ll take you about 1 hour and 40 minutes (without traffic) to drive there.
The drive is a relatively easy and straightforward route that takes you north on Interstate 25 through Colorado’s Front Range and into Wyoming. Unlike many mountain destinations from Denver, this route stays on the plains and doesn’t involve any mountain passes or challenging elevation changes.
The drive is generally pleasant with wide open spaces and big sky views. Weather is usually not a major concern, though Wyoming can experience sudden weather changes, so it’s always good to check conditions before you travel.
Should you Drive or Take the Bus?
Cheyenne is easily accessible by car via Interstate 25, making it one of the most straightforward drives from Denver Airport. There’s also reliable bus service via Greyhound that connects Denver Union Station to Cheyenne.
My thought on choosing to drive or take the bus is this — if you need a car to get around Cheyenne or plan to explore the area, driving gives you the most flexibility. If you’re just visiting for a specific event like Cheyenne Frontier Days and staying downtown, the bus can be a convenient and economical option.
About Cheyenne Frontier Days
If you’re traveling to Cheyenne for the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days, plan ahead!
This 10-day celebration runs from July 18-27, 2025, and is known as the “Daddy of ’em All” rodeo. The event features world-class PRCA rodeo action, major country music concerts, parades, pancake breakfasts, an Indian Village, and carnival rides.
Lodging fills up quickly throughout the region during Frontier Days, extending into northern Colorado and western Nebraska, so book your accommodations well in advance.
Transportation Options
Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive
Suitable for: Everyone, especially those wanting flexibility
How to Book: rentalcars.com
Renting a car at DEN and driving to Cheyenne is the most popular and flexible option. You take a short shuttle to the rental car lot, pick up your rental, and you’re off on a straightforward interstate drive.
The drive will take you about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Denver Airport without stops or traffic. Add about 45 minutes to account for the time between landing and picking up your car.
Routes
The route to Cheyenne is simple and direct:
- Take the airport exit roads to E-470 North (toll road)
- Exit onto I-25 North toward Fort Collins/Cheyenne
- Continue on I-25 North for about 90 miles directly into Cheyenne
This is one of the easiest drives from Denver to any destination – it’s all interstate highway with no mountain passes, winding roads, or complicated navigation.
Costs
A standard rental car is perfectly adequate for this drive. Expect to pay around $40-80+ per day depending on the season and vehicle type. During Cheyenne Frontier Days, rental car demand increases significantly, so book early and expect higher prices.
Renting a car is ideal if you plan to explore the Cheyenne area, visit nearby attractions like Terry Bison Ranch, or if you need transportation to get around the city during your stay.
Pros
- Complete flexibility and convenience
- Straightforward, easy interstate driving
- Essential for exploring the area beyond downtown
- No mountain passes or challenging driving conditions
Cons
- Parking can be challenging during major events like Frontier Days
- More expensive than bus travel for solo travelers
- You’ll need to navigate Cheyenne’s streets and find parking
Option 2: Take the Bus
Suitable for: Budget travelers and those attending specific events
How to Book: greyhound.com
Greyhound operates daily bus service between Denver and Cheyenne, providing an affordable alternative to driving.
Schedule:
- Denver to Cheyenne: Departures at 9:45 AM and 1:25 PM daily
- Cheyenne to Denver: Departures at 1:25 PM and 4:30 PM daily
- Travel Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Cost: Starting at $18-26 one-way
The bus departs from Denver Union Station (Bus Concourse) and arrives at the Sinclair station in Cheyenne. To get to Union Station from DEN, take the A-Line train for about 35 minutes and $10.50.
Buses include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats, and onboard restrooms. You can bring one carry-on and one checked bag for free.
Pros
- Most affordable option
- No driving required
- Comfortable amenities onboard
- Environmentally friendly choice
Cons
- Limited departure times (only 2 per day each direction)
- Takes slightly longer than driving
- Requires getting to Union Station first
- You won’t have transportation once in Cheyenne
Option 3: Rideshare Apps
Suitable for: Those wanting door-to-door convenience
How to book: Uber app or Lyft app
You can take an Uber or Lyft from Denver International Airport to Cheyenne, though it’s quite a long trip for rideshare services.
Estimated cost is around $149-200 for the 108-mile journey, which takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Prices can vary significantly based on demand, time of day, and driver availability.
The main challenge is finding drivers willing to make the interstate trip to Wyoming. Availability can be particularly limited during major events like Cheyenne Frontier Days when demand is high.
Pros
- Door-to-door service
- No need to rent a car or navigate
- Good for groups who can split the cost
Cons
- Expensive, especially for solo travelers
- Limited driver availability for long-distance trips
- No transportation once you arrive in Cheyenne
- Prices can surge during high-demand periods
Option 4: Shuttle Services
Suitable for: Groups and those wanting professional service
How to book: Various shuttle companies serve the Denver-Cheyenne route
Several shuttle companies offer service between Denver International Airport and Cheyenne, including Groome Transportation and other regional providers.
These services typically offer:
- Shared or private shuttle options
- Professional drivers familiar with the route
- Door-to-door service to hotels
- Advanced booking required
Costs vary but generally range from $50-100+ per person for shared shuttles, or significantly more for private charter service.
Pros
- Professional drivers
- Door-to-door service
- Good for groups
- No driving required
Cons
- More expensive than bus or driving
- Advance reservations usually required
- Limited schedule flexibility
- May require waiting for other passengers
Final Thoughts
Traveling between Denver Airport and Cheyenne offers straightforward options, with driving being the most popular choice due to the easy interstate route.
If you need a car in Cheyenne or want maximum flexibility, renting a car provides the best value and convenience. The I-25 route is one of the easiest drives from Denver – no mountain passes, just straight interstate highway.
For budget-conscious travelers or those attending events like Cheyenne Frontier Days where parking can be challenging, the Greyhound bus service offers an affordable and comfortable alternative.
If you’re visiting during Cheyenne Frontier Days, book your transportation and accommodation well in advance, as this massive event draws visitors from across the country and fills up the entire region.
Whatever option you choose, you’ll arrive in Wyoming’s capital city, rich with Western heritage and home to one of the world’s most famous rodeos. Enjoy Cheyenne!
