# Aspen to Boulder

> Aspen to Boulder: the winter drive via Glenwood Springs and I-70, the summer route over Independence Pass, and a private car door to door.

Canonical page: https://aspenprive.com/aspen-to-boulder/  
Updated: 2026-11-10 · Publisher: Aspen Privé (local Aspen stay planning and concierge)

To **Boulder** or **downtown Denver**, the winter drive follows **I-70** from Glenwood Springs over the Divide; in summer, Independence Pass is an option. Denver is about **220 miles** from Aspen (Aspen Chamber); Boulder is north-west of the city. We arrange a **private car** to the door.

Routes and road rules below come from the Aspen Chamber, CDOT, RFTA and town sources, checked November 10, 2026. Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and traffic.

## Aspen to Boulder: route and timing

- **Route**: Winter: Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs, I-70 east to the Denver area, then US-36 or Highway 93 to Boulder. Summer: Independence Pass and Leadville to I-70.
- **Winter**: Independence Pass (Highway 82 east) is closed; the drive goes west to Glenwood Springs and then east on I-70.
- **Summer**: With the pass open (late May to autumn), Highway 82 over Independence Pass is the shorter way east; vehicles 35 ft or longer are not permitted.
- **Time**: We confirm the timing for the day you travel, from the route that is open.

## A private car, Aspen to Boulder (what Aspen Privé arranges)

The car is arranged through authorized local providers: a winter-equipped SUV for up to five with ski luggage, or a Sprinter for up to twelve; child and booster seats on request; the price confirmed before anything is booked. [Send the date and the group](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=arrival-transfer&from=aspen-to-boulder&origin=boulder); we confirm the vehicle, the route for that day and the price.

## Making the trip easy

- **Daylight**: Mountain roads are easier in daylight; in winter we plan departures so most of the drive happens before dark.
- **Luggage and skis**: An SUV carries five with ski bags; for more people or gear, a Sprinter or a second car.
- **Combined with a flight**: Flying out of Denver after Boulder? See [Aspen to Denver](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-to-denver/) and the [Denver private car](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-private-car/), from $1,650 per vehicle.

## Independence Pass is closed in winter (what Aspen Privé arranges)

CDOT closed Highway 82 over Independence Pass for the 2026–27 winter on November 3; it reopens in spring, typically around Memorial Day weekend. Until then every route east goes via Glenwood Springs and I-70. Your phone's map may not know; your driver does.

## Questions

**How long is the drive from Aspen to Boulder?**  
A long day's drive in winter via I-70; we confirm the timing on the day. Denver is about 220 miles from Aspen.

**Is there a bus from Aspen to Boulder?**  
Not directly. Public options need connections through Glenwood Springs or Denver.

**Can the car stop in Denver too?**  
Yes; tell us the stops when you book.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

The car, timed to the day; the house ready when you arrive.

- [Private airport transfer](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-transportation/) (From $195 per vehicle): From Aspen's airport to the door in a private SUV, timed to your actual landing.
- [A driver for the evening](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=evening-driver) (From $210 per hour): A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
- [Residence ready on arrival](https://aspenprive.com/first-evening-in-aspen/): Heat, lights, beds and the first evening sorted before you walk in.

## Sources (checked November 10, 2026)

- [Aspen Chamber: getting to Aspen by car](https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/get-to-aspen/by-car/)
- [CDOT: Independence Pass closed for winter (Nov 2026)](https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/november2026news/co82-independencepass-close-for-winter)

## Related

- [Aspen to Denver](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-to-denver/): Flights and the drive.
- [Denver to Aspen in winter](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-in-winter/): Route and road rules.
- [Aspen car service](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-car-service/): All the routes we arrange.
- [Independence Pass](https://aspenprive.com/independence-pass-aspen/): Opening dates and rules.

To plan or request any of this: https://aspenprive.com/plan-your-trip/ · https://aspenprive.com/contact.html