How to Get from Denver Airport to Glenwood Springs (Options, Routes, Costs + More)
Looking to get to Glenwood Springs, CO from Denver International Airport? When it comes to traveling between these two points, there are several transportation options. You can drive, fly to a closer airport, take a bus, or use rideshare services. This guide will discuss your options in detail, plus the pros and cons for each.
Whether you’re visiting Glenwood Springs for the world-famous hot springs, outdoor adventures, or as a gateway to explore western Colorado, there are plenty of reasons to visit this charming mountain town. The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, adventure activities like zip-lining and cave tours, and proximity to Aspen make it a popular destination year-round. Plus, compared to its more expensive neighbors like Aspen and Vail, Glenwood Springs offers a more affordable mountain experience without sacrificing natural beauty.
So, how do you get to Glenwood Springs from Denver Airport? It’s definitely doable, though it requires more planning than getting to some other Colorado mountain destinations. Denver Airport is 180 miles from Glenwood Springs, and it’ll take you about 3 hours (without traffic) to drive there.
Know Before You Go
Distance & Drive Time: Glenwood Springs is 180 miles from Denver International Airport via I-70 West. Under ideal conditions, the drive takes about 3 hours, but you should plan for 3.5-4 hours during peak travel times or in winter conditions.
Traffic Considerations: The I-70 mountain corridor can get extremely congested, especially on weekends during ski season (December through March) and summer months (June through August). Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings are particularly brutal for westbound and eastbound traffic, respectively.
Construction Alerts: There’s ongoing construction work throughout the I-70 corridor, including sections near Glenwood Canyon. Always check COtrip.org before you travel for current road conditions and construction delays.
Seasonal Factors: Winter driving requires AWD or 4WD vehicles with snow tires or chains. Even if you’re comfortable with mountain driving, weather can change quickly and create dangerous conditions. Summer brings heavy tourist traffic but generally easier driving conditions.
No Direct Flights: Unlike Vail or Aspen, there are no commercial flights directly to Glenwood Springs. However, Grand Junction Regional Airport is much closer and offers an alternative route that cuts your drive time significantly.
Your Transportation Options
1. Renting a Car and Driving (Recommended for Most Travelers)
Renting a car at DEN and driving to Glenwood Springs is the most popular and practical option for most visitors. You take a short shuttle to the rental car lot, pick up your rental, and you’re off on one of Colorado’s most scenic drives.
The Route: Take I-70 West from Denver Airport. You’ll drive through the mountains, past Golden, over Vail Pass (elevation 10,662 feet), through the towns of Vail and Eagle, and finally through the stunning Glenwood Canyon before arriving in Glenwood Springs. The entire route follows major highways, so navigation is straightforward.
Drive Time: Plan on 3-3.5 hours without stops in good conditions. Add extra time for traffic, construction, or weather delays. The drive from the airport to Golden takes about 45 minutes, then another 2.5 hours from Golden to Glenwood Springs.
Costs: Rental cars at DEN typically cost $75-150+ per day depending on vehicle size and season. Factor in about $30-50 for gas for the round trip.
Winter Driving: From November through April, you’ll need an AWD or 4WD vehicle. Many rental companies require snow tires or chains during winter months. Check current road conditions on COtrip.org before departure.
Scenic Highlights: This drive takes you through some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery. You’ll see the Continental Divide, drive past world-class ski resorts, and experience the dramatic Glenwood Canyon with its towering red rock walls and the Colorado River below.
Pros:
- Most flexible option for your schedule
- Great if you plan to explore nearby destinations like Aspen, Snowmass, or other mountain towns
- Scenic mountain drive through the heart of Colorado
- Independence to come and go as you please
- Easy to pick up from the airport
Cons:
- Longest drive time compared to other Colorado mountain destinations
- Mountain driving can be challenging for inexperienced drivers
- Parking costs at hotels ($25-50/night) on top of rental fees
- Gas and rental costs add up quickly
- Traffic delays can significantly extend travel time
See my guide to renting a car at Denver Airport here.
2. Flying to Grand Junction + Driving (Smart Alternative Airport Option)
If you can fly directly to Grand Junction from your origin city, this option makes a lot of sense. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is only 87 miles from Glenwood Springs—about 1 hour and 20 minutes of easy driving compared to the 3+ hour mountain drive from Denver.
When This Works: This option is only practical if you can fly directly to Grand Junction without connecting through Denver. If you’re connecting through Denver anyway, just drive from DEN.
Direct Flights to Grand Junction Available From:
- Denver (United Airlines)
- Dallas (American Airlines)
- Phoenix (American Airlines)
- Salt Lake City (Delta)
- Las Vegas (Breeze Airways)
- Orange County/Santa Ana (Breeze Airways)
The Drive: From Grand Junction, take I-70 East for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is a much easier drive than from Denver—it’s flatter, follows the Colorado River, and doesn’t involve any mountain passes or challenging terrain.
Costs: Flight costs vary significantly, but expect to pay a premium compared to flights into Denver. Add $75-150/day for a rental car plus about $15-25 for gas.
Grand Junction Airport Experience: GJT is a small, user-friendly airport with short security lines and convenient parking. All major rental car companies operate from the airport.
How to Rent a Car at GJT: I like to use rentalcars.com. Search for pick up at Grand Junction Airport, and you’ll see all available options.
Pros:
- Much shorter, easier drive (1.5 hours vs 3+ hours)
- Flatter terrain with no mountain passes
- Beautiful drive along the Colorado River
- Small airport means faster check-in and security
- No challenging mountain driving
Cons:
- Limited flight options to Grand Junction
- Flights to GJT are often more expensive than Denver
- Only makes sense if you have direct flights from your city
- Still need to rent a car
- Fewer daily flight options compared to Denver
3. Bus via Bustang (Budget Option – Last Resort)
Taking the bus to Glenwood Springs is the most affordable option on paper, but it’s also the most time-consuming and impractical for most travelers.
The Process: First, take the A-Line train from Denver Airport to Union Station (40 minutes, $10.50). From Union Station, catch the Bustang West Line to Glenwood Springs. The bus departs once daily at 8:15am and arrives in Glenwood Springs around 1:00pm.
Total Cost: About $40 total ($10.50 for the airport train + approximately $30 for the Bustang ticket).
Travel Time: 6-7 hours total, including the train ride and bus journey.
Major Limitation: With only one daily departure at 8:15am from Union Station, this option is not practical for most flight arrival times. You’ll likely need to stay overnight in Denver to catch the morning bus.
Pros:
- Most affordable transportation option
- Environmentally friendly choice
- Bustang buses have free WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable seating
- Let someone else do the driving
Cons:
- Longest total travel time (6-7 hours)
- Extremely limited schedule (one departure daily)
- Not practical for most flight arrival times
- Requires staying overnight in Denver for most travelers
- No flexibility once you’re on the bus schedule
4. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
You can take an Uber or Lyft from Denver Airport to Glenwood Springs, though it’s a significant expense and not always reliable for such a long trip.
Cost: Expect to pay $200-350+ for the journey, depending on vehicle size, time of day, and current demand. Prices can surge significantly during peak times.
Travel Time: About 3+ hours, same as driving yourself.
Availability Challenges: Finding drivers willing to make the 180-mile trip to Glenwood Springs can be difficult. Many drivers prefer shorter trips, and availability may be limited, especially during bad weather or peak travel times.
Advance Booking: For a trip this long, I’d recommend trying to arrange the ride in advance, though this isn’t always possible with standard rideshare apps.
Return Trip Considerations: Getting a ride back to Denver Airport from Glenwood Springs can be even more challenging, as there are fewer drivers available in the area.
Pros:
- Door-to-door convenience
- No rental car hassles or driving stress
- Can relax during the journey
Cons:
- Very expensive, especially for multiple travelers
- Limited driver availability for long-distance trips
- No guarantee of finding a ride when you need it
- Surge pricing can make costs unpredictable
- Difficult to arrange return trips
- No flexibility to explore the area once you arrive
Getting Around Glenwood Springs
Once you arrive in Glenwood Springs, you’ll find that the downtown area is very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. The town operates a free shuttle system called Ride Glenwood Springs that connects downtown with outlying areas and major hotels.
Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles to popular attractions like Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. If you’re planning to stay in the downtown area and focus on the main attractions, you might not need a car at all.
However, if you want to take day trips to Aspen (40 minutes), Snowmass (45 minutes), or explore hiking areas outside of town, having a car becomes much more valuable.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter (December-March): This is when mountain driving becomes most challenging. Snow and ice are common, and you’ll need AWD or 4WD with proper tires. I-70 through the mountains can close during severe weather. Check road conditions before traveling and carry emergency supplies.
Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season means heavy traffic on I-70, especially on weekends. Plan for longer drive times and book accommodations well in advance. Weather is generally cooperative for driving, but afternoon thunderstorms can create hazardous conditions.
Spring/Fall (April-May, September-November): These are often the best times for driving to Glenwood Springs. Traffic is lighter, weather is generally mild, and you’ll avoid both ski season crowds and peak summer tourism. Fall offers spectacular aspen colors along the drive.
Which Option Is Best For You?
First-time visitors planning to stay in Glenwood Springs: Rental car from Denver is still your most practical option, giving you the flexibility to explore. If you’re from Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or Orange County and can find a good direct flight to Grand Junction, that’s an excellent alternative.
Travelers wanting to explore the region: Definitely rent a car from Denver. You’ll want the flexibility to visit Aspen, Snowmass, and other nearby attractions.
Travelers from cities with direct flights to Grand Junction: If you’re coming from one of the six cities with direct service to GJT, seriously consider this option. The shorter, easier drive makes it worthwhile.
Budget-conscious travelers with plenty of time: The bus option works if you can plan around the limited schedule and don’t mind a very long travel day.
Travelers who don’t want to drive at all: Rideshare is possible but expensive. Consider whether the high cost is worth avoiding the drive.
Business travelers or those with tight schedules: Rent a car from Denver or fly to Grand Junction if available. The bus option simply doesn’t offer enough flexibility for most business needs.
Final Tips
Whatever option you choose, I recommend checking road conditions on COtrip.org before traveling, especially during winter months. Book your transportation and accommodations well in advance during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer months).
If you’re driving, plan for stops along the way—the route from Denver offers plenty of opportunities for food, gas, and stretching your legs. And don’t forget to enjoy one of Colorado’s most scenic drives!
Remember that Glenwood Springs is just the beginning of what western Colorado has to offer. Once you’re there, you’ll have easy access to some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
