# Aspen to Denver

> How to get from Aspen to Denver and Denver airport: United flights from ASE, the 4-hour winter drive via Glenwood Springs, buses, and a private car.

Canonical page: https://aspenprive.com/aspen-to-denver/  
Updated: 2026-10-02 · Publisher: Aspen Privé (local Aspen stay planning and concierge)

From Aspen to Denver you can **fly** (United, under an hour from Aspen airport), **drive** (about **four hours** to Denver International in winter, via Glenwood Springs, as Independence Pass is closed) or take a **private car**. There is no shared airport shuttle: Epic Mountain Express has suspended all Aspen service.

Routes and operators below come from CDOT, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, RFTA, Bustang and Epic Mountain Express, checked October 2, 2026.

## Four ways to Denver

- **Fly from Aspen (ASE)**: United flies Aspen to Denver several times a day, in under an hour. The quickest way to a connection at DEN.
- **Private car**: Door to the DEN terminal in about four hours in good conditions, five or more on snow days. Luggage, skis and children travel with you.
- **Drive yourself**: Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs, then east on I-70 over the Divide. Colorado's traction law applies on I-70 from September 1 to May 31.
- **Bus**: RFTA connects Aspen with Glenwood Springs; Bustang's West Line runs from Glenwood Springs to Denver Union Station. From there, the A Line train reaches the airport.

## How to time a departure day

For a flight out of Denver, leave Aspen at least five hours before departure in winter: four on the road, plus time for a snow day, a Friday on I-70 and the airport itself. On a Sunday afternoon at the end of a holiday week, leave earlier still.

If Glenwood Canyon closes, CDOT's alternate route adds about two and a half hours. Check CDOT's travel map before you leave.


## What changed: no shared shuttle

Epic Mountain Express, the shared airport shuttle many visitors remember, has suspended all Aspen and Snowmass transportation. For a door-to-door ride to Denver airport, the options are a private car, a taxi company quote, or the bus and train combination above.


## Departure day, handled

We arrange the car to Denver timed to your flight and the forecast, or the transfer to Aspen or Eagle airport, have the house closed and the skis returned, and move the plan if a storm moves the flight. Tell us the flight; we work backwards from it.


## Questions

**How long is the drive from Aspen to Denver airport?**  
About four hours in good winter conditions, via Glenwood Springs and I-70, and five or more on snow days. Independence Pass is closed in winter.

**Are there flights from Aspen to Denver?**  
Yes. United flies Aspen to Denver several times a day, in under an hour.

**Is there a shuttle from Aspen to Denver airport?**  
Not a shared one: Epic Mountain Express has suspended all Aspen and Snowmass service. Options are a private car or RFTA to Glenwood Springs, then Bustang to Denver Union Station and the A Line to the airport.

**How early should I leave Aspen for a Denver flight?**  
In winter, at least five hours before departure, earlier on a holiday Sunday or if snow is forecast.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

The car, the house closed and the skis returned.

- [Denver to Aspen by private car](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-private-car/) (From $1,650 per vehicle): Winter-equipped vehicle and driver for the four-hour drive, re-timed as roads change.
- [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.
- [Ski rental delivered](https://aspenprive.com/ski-rental-delivery-aspen/): Fitted at the residence, not in a shop queue.
- [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.

## Sources (checked October 2, 2026)

- [CDOT: Glenwood Canyon](https://www.codot.gov/travel/i70mountain/glenwoodcanyon)
- [CDOT: traction law](https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw)
- [Epic Mountain Express: Aspen Snowmass](https://www.epicmountainexpress.com/aspen-snowmass)
- [Bustang West Line](https://ridebustang.com/west-line/)
- [RFTA routes](https://www.rfta.com/routes/)
- [Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: ground transportation](https://www.aspenairport.com/ground-transportation)

## Related

- [Denver to Aspen in winter](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-in-winter/): Route and road rules.
- [Private car, Denver–Aspen](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-private-car/): Door to door.
- [Aspen airport guide](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-guide/): Flights and arrivals.
- [Flight cancellations](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-flight-cancellations/): What to do when ASE closes.

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