The Complete Guide to Getting from Denver Airport to Keystone: All Your Transportation Options Explained
Planning a trip to Keystone, Colorado? Whether you’re heading there for world-class skiing, summer mountain biking, or simply to enjoy the Rocky Mountain scenery, you’ll likely be flying into Denver International Airport (DEN). Getting from the airport to Keystone requires some planning, but don’t worry – I’ll break down all your transportation options to help you make the best choice for your trip.
Distance and Travel Time
Keystone is approximately 95 miles west of Denver International Airport. While this might look like a quick trip on paper, the journey typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, weather conditions, and your chosen route. The drive takes you along I-70, one of Colorado’s main mountain corridors, which can experience significant delays during peak travel times and adverse weather.
Transportation Options
Let’s explore each way you can make this journey, complete with costs, booking information, and pros/cons of each method.
Transportation Option #1: Rental Car
How to Book: Major rental car companies at DEN (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, etc.)
Cost: $100-200+ per day, depending on vehicle type and season
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility but comes with important considerations. During winter months (November-April), you’ll want to rent an SUV or vehicle with all-wheel drive. Some rental companies offer ski racks for an additional fee, which is worth considering if you’re bringing your own equipment.
Pros:
- Freedom to explore other mountain areas
- No fixed schedule
- Can stop for supplies or scenic views
- Often more cost-effective for longer stays
Cons:
- Winter driving can be challenging
- Parking fees at Keystone (approximately $25/day)
- Gas expenses
- Need to be comfortable with mountain driving
Insider Tip: Book your rental car well in advance, especially during ski season. Mountain-ready vehicles often sell out during peak times.
Transportation Option #2: Shuttle Services
How to Book: Summit Express, Epic Mountain Express, or Mountain Shuttle
Cost: $65-85 per person one-way
Shuttle services offer regular routes from DEN to Keystone and are a popular option for travelers who prefer not to drive in mountain conditions.
Pros:
- Professional drivers experienced with mountain roads
- No parking fees to worry about
- Can rest/work during the journey
- Environmentally friendly option
Cons:
- Fixed departure times
- May make stops at other resorts
- Less flexibility for stops
- Can be expensive for larger groups
Booking Tip: Most shuttle services offer discounts for round-trip bookings and group rates. Some also provide private shuttle options for groups.
Transportation Option #3: Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)
How to Book: Uber or Lyft app
Cost: $150-250+ one-way
While rideshare services are available from DEN to Keystone, it’s important to note that not all drivers will accept this long-distance trip, and prices can vary significantly based on demand.
Pros:
- No advance booking needed
- Direct service
- Available 24/7
Cons:
- Expensive for the distance
- Drivers may decline the trip
- Limited availability during storms
- Surge pricing during peak times
Transportation Option #4: Bus Service (Bustang)
How to Book: ridebustang.com or Bustang mobile app
Cost: $17 one-way
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) operates Bustang, which provides service from Denver Airport to Frisco Transit Center, where you can connect to free Summit Stage buses to Keystone.
It’s important to note that there is no bus that goes directly from Denver Airport to Keystone – you’ll have to catch the bus from downtown Denver’s Union Station. From DEN, take the A-Line Denver Airport train to Denver Union Station, where you’ll catch the Bustang West Line. Buses typically run 3-4 times per day, and the journey to Frisco takes approximately 2 hours. From Frisco, the Summit Stage bus to Keystone is free and takes about 15-20 minutes.
Pros:
- Most economical option
- No need to worry about driving
- Environmentally friendly
- Free WiFi on Bustang
- Reliable schedule
Cons:
- Longest travel time (3+ hours total at a minimum)
- Limited departure times
- Need to transfer between services
- Less convenient with lots of luggage
- May require walking between stops
Schedule Tip: Check the Bustang website for current schedules, as they can vary by season. During peak winter weekends, CDOT often adds additional “Snowstang” service with direct routes to ski areas.
Season-Specific Considerations
Winter (November-April):
- Allow extra travel time for snow and traffic
- Check road conditions at cotrip.org
- Consider using shuttle services if uncomfortable with winter driving
- Book transportation further in advance due to high demand
Summer (May-October):
- More predictable travel times
- Greater flexibility with vehicle choices
- Weekend traffic still significant
- More daylight for safer driving
Money-Saving Tips
- Book shuttle services in advance for early-bird discounts
- Compare rental car rates across multiple companies
- Look for package deals that include transportation with lodging
- Consider splitting private car service costs with other travelers
Route Information
The main route from DEN to Keystone follows:
- Peña Boulevard to I-70 West
- I-70 West through the Eisenhower Tunnel
- US-6 East to Keystone
Traffic Tips:
- Avoid peak travel times (Friday afternoons, Sunday afternoons)
- Check road conditions and construction at cotrip.org
- Consider alternative routes during heavy traffic
- Download offline maps in case of lost cell service
Final Thoughts
The best transportation option from Denver Airport to Keystone depends on your specific needs:
- For families or longer stays: Rental car
- For solo travelers or couples: Shuttle service
- For flexibility: Rental car or Rideshare
- For budget-conscious: Bustang Bus
- For last-minute plans: Rideshare
Whatever option you choose, remember to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons. The journey to Keystone is part of your mountain adventure – enjoy the spectacular views along the way!
Pro Tip: If this is your first time visiting the mountains, don’t rush the journey. The elevation change is significant, and taking time to acclimate can help prevent altitude sickness. Consider a short stop in one of the towns along I-70 to help your body adjust to the altitude.
