How to Get to Black Hawk from Denver Airport
Looking to get to Black Hawk, Colorado from Denver Airport? When it comes to traveling between these two points, there are several transportation options. You can drive, take a shuttle, use rideshare services, or take a bus. This guide will discuss your options in detail, plus the pros and cons for each.
Whether you’re visiting Black Hawk for the casinos, the historic charm, or the stunning mountain scenery, there are plenty of reasons to visit this former mining town turned gaming destination.
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies at 8,042 feet above sea level, Black Hawk offers casino gaming, historic Victorian architecture, and serves as a gateway to some of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. The town is also just minutes away from Central City, creating a twin gaming destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
So, how do you get to Blackhawk from Denver Airport? The route involves mountain driving, but there are several ways to make the journey.
Know Before You Go
Distance from Denver Airport to Black Hawk
Black Hawk, Colorado is approximately 50 miles from Denver International Airport, and it’ll take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes (without traffic) to drive there.
However, this isn’t just any drive – you’ll be traveling through the Colorado Rockies, which means mountain roads, elevation changes, and potentially challenging weather conditions, especially in winter. The route takes you through scenic mountain passes and winding roads that climb from Denver’s 5,280-foot elevation to Black Hawk’s 8,042 feet.
The drive is generally safe and well-maintained, but it’s important to be prepared for mountain driving conditions, particularly from October through April when snow and ice are possible.
Mountain Driving Considerations
Before choosing your transportation method, consider that Black Hawk is located in the mountains, which means:
- Elevation changes: You’ll climb nearly 3,000 feet from Denver
- Winding mountain roads: The final stretch involves curves and switchbacks
- Weather dependency: Winter conditions can make driving challenging
- Vehicle recommendations: All-wheel drive or 4WD recommended in winter
Transportation Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive
Suitable for: Confident mountain drivers, especially those wanting flexibility
How to Book: rentalcars.com
Renting a car at DEN and driving to Black Hawk is the most flexible option, though it requires comfort with mountain driving. You take a short shuttle to the rental car lot, pick up your rental, and you’re off on one of Colorado’s more scenic drives.
The drive will take you about 1 hour and 15 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
Primary Route (Recommended):
- Take Peña Blvd to I-70 West
- I-70 West to Exit 244 (US-6 West toward Golden)
- US-6 West through Golden and up Clear Creek Canyon
- Continue on US-6 to CO-119 North
- CO-119 North directly into Blackhawk
This route takes you through the historic mining corridor and offers beautiful canyon views, though it includes winding mountain roads for the final 20 miles.
Alternative Route (Longer but Less Steep):
- Take I-70 West to I-470 South
- I-470 to US-285 South briefly, then CO-470 West
- Connect to CO-72 West (the Peak to Peak Highway)
- CO-72 to CO-119 South into Blackhawk
This route is longer but has more gradual elevation changes.
Costs and Vehicle Recommendations
For mountain driving, especially in winter, consider upgrading to an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle. Standard cars work fine in good weather, but mountain conditions can change quickly.
Expect to pay around $50-90+ per day depending on the season and vehicle type. Winter rates are often higher due to demand for AWD vehicles.
Having a rental car is essential if you plan to explore beyond Black Hawk and Central City, or if you want the flexibility to leave on your own schedule.
Pros
- Complete flexibility over your schedule
- Essential for exploring the area
- Scenic mountain drive through historic mining country
- No dependence on shuttle schedules
Cons
- Requires mountain driving experience
- Weather-dependent, especially in winter
- Parking in Blackhawk can be challenging during peak times
- Higher rental costs for recommended AWD vehicles
Transportation Option 2: Shuttle Services
Suitable for: Most travelers, especially those uncomfortable with mountain driving
How to book: Various shuttle companies and casino shuttles
Several companies offer shuttle service between Denver International Airport and Black Hawk, and many of the major casinos provide their own shuttle services.
Professional Shuttle Services: Companies like Colorado Mountain Express and other regional providers offer:
- Shared shuttles: $45-65 per person
- Private shuttles: $200-350 for the vehicle
- Professional drivers experienced with mountain roads
- Door-to-door service to your hotel/casino
Casino Shuttles: Many of the major casinos in Black Hawk offer complimentary or low-cost shuttle service from Denver Airport, though these often require advance booking and may have limited schedules.
Schedule Considerations: Most shuttle services run multiple times daily, but advance reservations are typically required. Weekend and holiday schedules may be limited.
Pros
- Professional drivers familiar with mountain roads
- No worry about parking or mountain driving
- Often direct service to your casino/hotel
- Some casino shuttles are complimentary
Cons
- Less flexibility than having your own vehicle
- Advance reservations usually required
- Return trip timing may be restrictive
- Shared shuttles make multiple stops
Transportation Option 3: Rideshare Apps
Suitable for: Those wanting door-to-door service without advance booking
How to book: Uber app or Lyft app
You can take an Uber or Lyft from Denver International Airport to Black Hawk, though finding drivers willing to make the mountain journey can be challenging.
Estimated costs typically range from $80-150 for the 50-mile mountain journey, depending on demand, time of day, and vehicle type. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal conditions.
The main challenges are:
- Limited driver availability for mountain destinations
- Drivers may be unfamiliar with mountain roads
- Higher prices during peak gaming periods (weekends, holidays)
- No guaranteed return transportation
Pros
- Door-to-door convenience
- No advance booking required
- Good option for small groups
- Professional ride tracking
Cons
- Limited driver availability
- Drivers may be uncomfortable with mountain roads
- No return transportation guaranteed
- Prices can surge significantly during peak times
Transportation Option 4: Public Transportation + Shuttle
Suitable for: Budget travelers with time to spare
How to book: RTD and connecting shuttle services
While there’s no direct public transit to Black Hawk, you can combine public transportation with shuttle services for a more economical option.
Route:
- Take the A-Line train from DEN to Denver Union Station ($10.50)
- Transfer to RTD bus to Golden or a connecting point
- Connect with a shuttle service to Black Hawk
This option requires multiple transfers and takes significantly longer than other methods – typically 3-4 hours total including waiting times.
Pros
- Most economical option
- No driving required
- Good for budget-conscious travelers
Cons
- Very time-consuming with multiple transfers
- Limited shuttle connections
- Requires carrying luggage through transfers
- Weather-dependent
Transportation Option 5: Private Car Service
Suitable for: Those wanting premium service and comfort
How to book: Luxury car service companies
Several companies offer premium car service from Denver Airport to Black Hawk, featuring:
- Professional chauffeurs experienced with mountain driving
- Luxury vehicles (often SUVs for mountain safety)
- Direct, non-stop service
- Flexible scheduling
Costs typically range from $250-400 for the one-way journey, making this the most expensive option but also the most comfortable and reliable.
Pros
- Highest level of service and comfort
- Experienced mountain drivers
- Luxury vehicles
- Flexible scheduling
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Advance booking usually required
- May have cancellation fees
- Overkill for short visits
Seasonal Considerations
Winter Travel (October – April)
- Traction Law: Colorado requires all vehicles to have snow tires or chains
- Weather delays: Mountain roads can close during severe weather
- Vehicle recommendations: AWD/4WD strongly recommended
- Shuttle advantages: Professional drivers handle winter conditions
Summer Travel (May – September)
- Peak tourist season: Higher prices and more traffic
- Afternoon thunderstorms: Common in the mountains
- Road construction: Possible delays on mountain highways
- Best driving conditions: Easiest time for self-driving
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Denver Airport to Black Hawk offers several options, but the mountain location adds complexity compared to other Colorado destinations.
For those comfortable with mountain driving and wanting maximum flexibility, renting a car provides the best experience – just be sure to get an AWD vehicle if traveling in winter. The drive through Clear Creek Canyon is genuinely beautiful and part of the Colorado experience.
However, if you’re not comfortable with mountain roads or visiting during winter, the shuttle services offer the best balance of convenience and safety. Professional drivers know the route and handle mountain conditions expertly.
Budget travelers can make the journey work with public transit connections, though it requires patience and time. For special occasions or those wanting stress-free luxury, private car services eliminate all concerns about mountain driving.
Whatever option you choose, you’ll arrive in one of Colorado’s most unique destinations – a historic mining town turned gaming paradise nestled high in the Rocky Mountains. The journey is part of the adventure, and Blackhawk’s mountain setting makes it unlike any other gaming destination in the country.
Enjoy the casinos, the mountain air, and the rich history of this charming Colorado mountain town!
