Denver to Breckenridge and Vail: ski shuttles and transfers
Breckenridge and Vail are each about 2 hours from Denver International Airport. You can share a shuttle, book a private transfer, take the bus or drive yourself.
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How people get from Denver to the ski towns
Breckenridge and Vail are each about 2 hours from Denver International Airport when I-70 is clear. Weekend ski traffic and storms can add hours, so most visitors pick one of three ways up.
- Shared shuttle: you book a seat in a van that runs on a schedule from DEN to Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper) and to Vail and Beaver Creek. Epic Mountain Express and Groome Transportation are two established operators; check their sites for current routes and fares.
- Private transfer: an SUV or van for your group only, priced per vehicle. It usually works out well for families with ski bags.
- Bus: CDOT's Bustang runs along I-70 from Denver. It's the cheapest option and the least convenient with luggage.
Driving yourself instead
A rental car is the better deal if you'll ski more than one resort or your group is big enough that shuttle fares add up. From September 1 to May 31 Colorado's traction law can apply on I-70, so book an AWD/4WD vehicle or check that the tires qualify. Our car rental guide covers the details.
Just want one ski day from Denver?
If you're staying in Denver, a guided ski day takes care of the drive. These were on our winter list:
- Ski day without a rental car
From Denver: Copper Mountain Ski Day with Lift & Rentals
- Denver
- 12 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $350 pp
Check availability → - Sightseeing day to Breckenridge
From Denver: Breckenridge and Rocky Mountains Guided Tour
- Denver
- 8 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $137.70 pp
Check availability →
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Denver airport to Breckenridge or Vail?
About 2 hours each without traffic or snow. Weekend ski traffic and storms can add a lot of time.
Which companies run shuttles from DEN to the ski resorts?
Epic Mountain Express and Groome Transportation are two established operators. Private transfers can also be booked through platforms like Viator.
Do I need a 4WD car to drive to the ski resorts?
From September 1 to May 31 Colorado's traction law can require 4WD/AWD or qualifying tires on I-70, so an AWD/4WD rental is the safer choice in winter.