The alpine town of Vail is a popular tourist destination because of its gorgeous setting and its proximity to Denver (less than 100 miles). Vail is home to some of the best ski terrain in the country, world-class eating and shopping, and a plethora of other outdoor activities, making it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United States, both during the winter and the summer.
When visiting Vail Colorado for the first time, there are a few things to consider. First, how will you get there? You’ll definitely want to book your Rocky Mountain Airport transfer service well in advance! Vail is a small town located in the mountains, so it is not as easily accessible as some other popular tourist destinations. There are a couple of airports within driving distance of Vail, but most visitors will need to fly into Denver and then either rent a car or hire some sort of private transportation.
Vail is about a 30-minute drive from Gypsum, where a small airport is located. However, there are only a few flights into Vail Colorado Airport (EGE), and most international visitors will land at Denver International Airport (DEN) and then take one of a number of transportation alternatives to get to Vail.
It will take 1 hour and 59 minutes to get from Denver International Airport to Vail (depending on weather and traffic conditions). In total, the route covers 121.5 miles, passing through the suburbs of Denver, the foothills of the Rockies, Summit County, and the Vail Pass before arriving at Vail. Driving through the mountains on twisting roads is a dream come true, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
When deciding how to get from Denver to Vail, there are a slew of options to consider. The mode of airport transportation you choose will be influenced by a variety of circumstances, including your financial situation, the amount of time available, the number of passengers, and their level of comfort.
There are several ways to get from Denver to Vail, Colorado, so let’s take a closer look at some of the alternatives available to you.
1. Denver to Vail Car Service
Luxury Vail Airport Transportation SUV
Consider hiring a private Vail Airport Transportation Service if you’d like to thoroughly enjoy your trip from Denver to Vail. Waiting in line for other passengers or renting a car and driving yourself is a thing of the past when you have your own chauffeured automobile to get around. In addition, you won’t have to stress about finding parking in Vail, which can be difficult and expensive, and you won’t have to drive for more than two hours in often treacherous road conditions.
In addition, a luxury SUV airport car service will provide you with a number of useful amenities, such as high-speed Wi-Fi (for catching up on work or communicating), in-car entertainment (such as cartoons for the kids), and spacious, comfortable seating. Nothing beats kicking back, stretching out, and letting someone else drive after a long flight!
As an added bonus, you’ll be chauffeured by a local from the area. Aside from knowing the greatest places to dine, they are also well-versed on local events, specials, and the best ski runs on the mountains.
2. Denver to Vail by Shared Shuttle Service
Vail Airport Shuttle Service
One option for budget-conscious Vail visitors flying into Denver Airport is to use one of the many shared shuttle services operating in the area. There are a number of such Vail transportation options available, and they operate on a set timetable.
This is a choice that will save you money, but it does come with some restrictions that you should be aware of. It will take longer because you will have to wait for everyone else to board and then disembark before you can begin your journey. In addition, there are going to be a few scheduled pit stops throughout the race.
In contrast to a private Vail airport shuttle, if you take a shared shuttle, you might have to wait up to an hour until the next scheduled service arrives. The fact that a large number of people have to sit in close proximity to one another in tight spaces further reduces the amount of personal space and comfort available.
3. Denver to Vail by Car
Driving yourself is a viable alternative to hiring a private Denver to Vail car service to keep in mind while planning your vacation. It comes with a few stipulations. First and foremost, Vail’s parking is prohibitively pricey. Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak’s slope side parking garages fill up rapidly. Additionally, hotel daily rates are often quite pricey. if you’re staying at one of the hotels. You may also want to consider employing a shuttle service like Blue Sky Limo instead of driving from Denver to Vail under dangerous road conditions.
What you need to ask yourself before renting a car in Vail is, “Do I really need a car?”
The majority of individuals will say “No, certainly not!” to this question. Vail’s public transit system is first-rate and cost-free. You may get to the slopes, restaurants, and retail districts quickly and easily by taking the town’s in-town buses. You can drive around Vail but it’s discouraged and parking can be a real problem.
It’s a bad idea to rent a car in Vail unless you’re going somewhere else, especially during the winter season. If you’re planning a trip to another ski resort, like Beaver Creek or Arrowhead, you may want to consider hiring a car service for that day. Booking a chauffeured car to Vail will save you money and time in the long run, allowing you to get the most out of your Vail vacation.
4. Denver to Vail by Bus
The Bustang bus, operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation, is by far the most cost-effective mode of transportation from Denver to Vail. Budget-conscious Denver locals or students from overseas may find this option ideal, but most tourists visiting Vail during the winter months will likely find it problematic.
At 7:00 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. each day, the buses leave Union Station (Denver’s downtown area) for their respective destinations. There are two options for getting to Union Station from DIA (Denver International Airport): a taxi or a light rail.
There are numerous frequent stops along the way, so the bus travel takes about 2.5 hours. Even if taking a bus can save you a lot of money, it will also lengthen your trip considerably.
5. Denver to Vail by Air
Flights from Denver to Vail can also be taken. The flight time from Denver International Airport (DIA) to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is 35 minutes, and from there it is a short drive to Vail Village. You may get to Vail from Eagle Airport by taking a private car service from the airport. Eagle Airport is also known as Vail Colorado Airport by some.
Both international and domestic passengers who prefer to land closer to Vail at Denver International Airport can look at this flying option.
Throughout the year, direct flights are available from a number of major cities around the United States, and Eagle Regional Airport is constantly expanding its service
area.
While summer flights are currently less plentiful than winter ones, this is beginning to shift as more flights become accessible throughout the summer.
Final Thoughts on How to Travel from Denver to Vail
In the end, the only thing that matters is that you make it to Vail. With so much to do in Vail, the practicalities of getting here seem insignificant in comparison. While planning your vacation is essential, you actually only need to make the decision to visit. The rest will fall into place on its own. Vail truly is “Like No Place on Earth,” so enjoy your time when you get here!