Denver to Breckenridge and Vail: ski shuttles and transfers
A Denver to Breckenridge or Vail ski shuttle takes about 2 hours from Denver International Airport when I-70 is clear. Instead of a shared shuttle you can book a private transfer, take the bus or drive yourself.
Updated November 1, 2026 · We may earn a commission
Status update, November 1, 2026.
- Colorado's ski season has started. Arapahoe Basin opened on October 28, with the Black Mountain Express serving the High Noon run (Arapahoe Basin). Keystone opened on October 30 with more than 2 miles of terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon off the Montezuma Express, reached by the River Run Gondola (Summit Daily). Loveland and Winter Park are making snow but haven't announced opening days yet (Loveland, Winter Park). Planned dates: Breckenridge and Copper on November 6, Vail on November 13, Steamboat on November 21, Beaver Creek on November 25, and Aspen Mountain and Snowmass on November 26 (Teton Gravity Research).
- The traction law can be put in effect on I-70 and any state highway. When it's on, your tires need at least 3/16-inch tread and an all-weather, M+S or winter rating, or you must carry chains or an approved traction device. A ticket costs $100 plus a $33 surcharge (CDOT).
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. Without a car, there are three ways up.
- On a 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.
- A private transfer is an SUV or van for your group only, priced per vehicle. It usually works out well for families with ski bags.
- CDOT's Bustang bus runs along I-70 from Denver. It costs the least and is the hardest to manage 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. Two options from our winter tours comparison:
- 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.
More Colorado guides
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