Denver to Estes Park: shuttles, tours and rental cars
The trip from Denver to Estes Park, the gateway town for Rocky Mountain National Park, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Without driving, you can take the airport shuttle or a guided day tour; otherwise, rent a car.
Updated November 1, 2026 · We may earn a commission
Status update, November 1, 2026.
- Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is still closed between Many Parks Curve on the east side and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west. The park closed it at 5 p.m. on October 23 for snow and freezing temperatures and, as of October 28, hasn't said whether it will reopen this fall or stay closed for the season (NPS, Denver Gazette). Call the recorded status line at 970-586-1222 before you drive up. Timed entry is over for 2026, so you only need an entrance pass, and Bear Lake Road stays open all year (NPS).
Your options
- Estes Park Shuttle runs scheduled vans between Denver International Airport and the Estes Park area several times a day. Its posted fares are $85 per person one way and $155 round trip, children 2 and under ride free, and it recommends booking at least a week ahead. The DEN pickup point is on the east side of the baggage claim level (Level 5), outside door 513 on Island 1. Check its schedule page for current times and prices.
- If you only want a day in Rocky Mountain National Park, a guided tour from Denver handles the driving and the park entry. Group tours run about 8 to 9.5 hours. See the picks below or the full comparison.
- A rental car makes sense if you'll stay several days or want to go beyond town; the drive from Denver is about 1.5 to 2 hours. From September to May, choose AWD/4WD. Compare rental cars at DEN.
Getting into the park without a car
Once you're in Estes Park, the park's Hiker Shuttle goes from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road, where you change to the Bear Lake or Moraine Park shuttles. You need a Hiker Shuttle ticket from Recreation.gov ($2 per reservation, which covers up to 4 tickets) and a park entrance pass, and every rider needs a ticket regardless of age. In 2026 it ran daily from May 22 to September 7, then on weekends only from September 12 to October 18 (NPS).
Tours that leave from Denver or Estes Park
- Boulder + Stanley Hotel stops, picnic at Sprague Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour - From Denver
- Denver
- 8 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $179 pp
Check availability - Trail Ridge Road + picnic lunch
Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch
- Denver
- 9.5 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $169 pp
Check availability - Already staying in Estes Park; photography
Estes Park: Bear Lake Corridor Tour
- Estes Park
- 2.5 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $129.90 pp
Check availability
Prices were checked October 11, 2026 and change by date. The booking site shows the live price.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the shuttle from Denver airport to Estes Park?
Estes Park Shuttle lists $85 per person one way and $155 round trip between DEN and Estes Park. Children 2 and under ride free. Check its website for current prices.
Where is the Estes Park Shuttle pickup at DEN?
On the east side of the baggage claim level, outside door 513 on Island 1.
Can I get into Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park without a car?
Yes, in season. The Hiker Shuttle runs from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road. You need a Recreation.gov ticket and a park pass. In 2026 it ran daily May 22 to September 7 and on weekends September 12 to October 18.
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