5 Ways to Get from Denver Airport to Moab

Looking to get to Moab, Utah from Denver Airport? When it comes to traveling between these two points, there are several transportation options. You can fly, drive, take a scenic train, or take a bus or rideshare. This guide will discuss your options in detail, plus the pros and cons for each.

Whether you’re visiting Moab, Utah in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, there are plenty of reasons to visit this world-class destination.

Adventure sports and national parks are just the start of activities you can do here. Moab is the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, plus there’s mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, and hiking opportunities that attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

So, how do you get to Moab from Denver Airport? It’s pretty straightforward, and there are several ways to do it.

Know Before You Go

Distance from Denver to Moab

Moab, Utah is 354 miles from Denver Airport, and it’ll take you about 5.5 hours (without traffic) to drive there.

This is a scenic but long mountain and desert drive. You’ll travel west on I-70 through the Colorado Rockies, past world-famous ski towns like Vail and through the Colorado River valley, before entering Utah’s stunning red rock country.

The drive is generally straightforward as it follows I-70 for most of the route, though you’ll encounter mountain passes and changing elevations, so be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in winter.

Should you Drive or Fly?

Moab does have its own small regional airport – Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) – which is about 21 miles northwest of Moab. This makes flying a viable option if you want to avoid the long drive.

My thought on choosing to fly or drive between Denver and Moab is this — if you want to get there quickly, flying is convenient. If you plan to explore multiple areas or want the flexibility to stop along the scenic route, driving is the way to go.

Transportation Options

Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive

Suitable for: Everyone, especially those wanting to explore multiple areas

How to Book: rentalcars.com

Renting a car at DEN and driving to Moab is the most flexible option. You take a short shuttle to the rental car lot, pick up your rental, and you’re off on one of America’s most scenic drives.

The drive will take you about 5.5 hours 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 main route to Moab is 354 miles and straightforward:

• I-70 West through Colorado and into Utah
• Exit at Crescent Junction (Exit 182) onto US-191 South
• Follow US-191 South directly into Moab

For a more scenic alternative, you can take Exit 202 (UT-128) and follow the Colorado River Road into Moab – this adds about 30 minutes but offers stunning canyon views.

Costs

A standard rental car should be sufficient for this drive, as it’s mostly on major highways. Expect to pay around $50-80+ per day depending on the season and car type.

Renting a car is ideal if you plan on exploring the area around Moab (Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, etc.) Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to visit multiple locations at your own pace.

However, if you’re staying in Moab proper and plan to take guided tours to the national parks, a rental car might not be necessary since many tour operators provide transportation.

Pros

• Complete flexibility over your itinerary and schedule
• Easy to pick up from the airport
• Essential for exploring multiple parks and attractions around Moab
• Scenic drive through the Colorado Rockies and Utah’s red rock country

Cons

• Long driving time (5.5+ hours)
• Costs can add up with gas, especially for solo travelers
• May not be necessary if staying in town and taking guided tours

Option 2: Fly

Suitable for: Everyone, especially those short on time

How to Book: Contour Airlines website or travel booking sites

Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) is the closest airport to Moab, and flying between DEN and CNY became possible again in 2025.

Contour Airlines operates daily flights between Denver International Airport and Canyonlands Regional Airport. This is currently the only commercial airline serving this route.

Flight Schedule:

• Depart Denver: 5:40 PM daily
• Arrive Moab: 7:15 PM daily
• Depart Moab: 2:50 PM daily
• Arrive Denver: 4:20 PM daily

The flight takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes, and fares start around $79 one-way. Note that flight times may vary slightly by day of the week, so be sure to check the current schedule when booking. This represents a huge time savings compared to driving.

From CNY to Moab itself is about a 30-minute drive. You can rent a car at the airport, take a shuttle, or arrange rideshare transportation.

Pros

• Fastest option – saves about 4 hours compared to driving
• Relatively affordable starting at $79 one-way
• Daily service with convenient evening departure from Denver
• Avoids long mountain driving

Cons

• Limited to one flight per day in each direction
• Still need ground transportation from CNY to Moab
• Less flexibility than driving
• Small regional airport with limited amenities

Option 3: Rideshare Apps

Suitable for: Those wanting door-to-door service without driving

How to book: Uber app or Lyft app

Yes, you can take an Uber or Lyft from Denver International Airport to Moab, though it’s quite a journey!

If you’ve downloaded a rideshare app, you can book a ride once you’re at the airport. However, given the 350+ mile distance, prices will be substantial – expect to spend between $400-$700 depending on the vehicle type and demand.

The main challenge will be finding a driver willing to make this long trip. Many drivers may decline rides this far, especially since they’d have to drive back empty or stay overnight in Moab.

For groups of 3-4 people, the cost per person can become reasonable compared to flights plus car rental, but you’ll still be looking at 5.5 hours in the vehicle.

Pros

• Door-to-door service
• Can be cost-effective for larger groups
• No driving required

Cons

• Very expensive for solo travelers or couples
• Limited driver availability for such long trips
• Still a 5.5+ hour journey
• You won’t have transportation once in Moab

Option 4: Take a Bus

Suitable for: Budget travelers with time to spare

How to book: greyhound.com

There isn’t a direct bus from Denver Airport to Moab, but you can get there via Greyhound with a connection.

You’ll need to take the A-line train from DEN to Denver Union Station, then catch a Greyhound bus. The route typically goes Denver → Green River, UT → Moab, UT.

The journey involves a transfer in Green River, Utah, and takes approximately 9-10 hours total including waiting time for connections. Greyhound tickets start around $39.50 for the Denver to Moab portion, plus you’ll need the $10.50 airport train ticket.

While this is definitely the most affordable option, it’s also the most time-consuming and involves carrying your luggage through multiple transfers.

Pros

• Most affordable option (under $50 total)
• No driving required
• Can relax and enjoy the scenery

Cons

• Very long travel time (9-10+ hours including connections)
• Requires multiple transfers
• Limited departure times
• Need to get from airport to Union Station first

Option 5: Train + Bus Combo (Scenic Route)

Suitable for: Those wanting a luxury experience with stunning scenery

How to book: rockymountaineer.com

For a truly special experience, Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxury train journey from Denver’s Union Station to Moab called “Rockies to the Red Rocks.” This is a 2-day journey with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

The train travels only during daylight hours so you don’t miss any of the spectacular mountain and canyon scenery. The route includes oversized windows, gourmet meals, and premium service.

This option is significantly more expensive than other alternatives but offers an unforgettable travel experience through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the American West.

Pros

• Luxury travel experience with exceptional service
• Spectacular scenic views through oversized windows
• Includes meals and overnight accommodation in Glenwood Springs
• Unique way to see the Rocky Mountains and red rock country

Cons

• Most expensive option by far
• Takes 2 days instead of 1
• Limited seasonal availability
• Still requires ground transportation in Moab

Final Thoughts

Traveling between Denver Airport and Moab offers several distinct options depending on your priorities, budget, and travel style.

For speed and convenience, the new daily flights on Contour Airlines are hard to beat – you’ll be in Moab in under 2 hours. For flexibility and the full experience of the scenic route, driving gives you complete control and the chance to stop at incredible viewpoints along the way.

Budget travelers will find the bus option economical but time-consuming, while those seeking a truly memorable journey might consider the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train experience.

Whatever you choose, you’ll arrive in one of America’s most spectacular outdoor destinations. Enjoy exploring Moab and the incredible national parks that make this region so special!