# Aspen to Telluride

> Aspen to Telluride by car: the route via Carbondale, McClure Pass and Montrose, winter conditions, and a private car between the two resorts.

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

From Aspen, Telluride is reached **down valley to Carbondale, over McClure Pass and south via Delta and Montrose** (the Aspen Chamber's south-west route). It is a long mountain day; we arrange a **private car** and confirm the timing for the roads that are open.

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 Telluride: route and timing

- **Route**: Highway 82 down to Carbondale, Highway 133 south over McClure Pass to Hotchkiss, Highway 92 to Delta, then US-50 and US-550 south (the Aspen Chamber's south-west route).
- **Last leg**: From Montrose, south to Ridgway and west to Telluride.
- **Time**: A long day's drive; we confirm the timing with the car.

## A private car, Aspen to Telluride (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-telluride&origin=telluride); 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.
- **Comparing the two**: Deciding between them? See [Aspen vs Telluride](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-vs-telluride/).

## Check the passes before you go (what Aspen Privé arranges)

Winter weather can slow or close McClure Pass (Highway 133); Independence Pass is closed in winter. We watch CDOT on the day and choose the open route.

## Questions

**How do you get from Aspen to Telluride?**  
By car via Carbondale, McClure Pass, Delta and Montrose; there is no direct scheduled shuttle.

**Can you fly from Aspen to Telluride?**  
Not on a scheduled airline; private charter is possible, weather permitting.

**Is there a shortcut over the mountains?**  
Not for a car in winter; stay on the highways.

## 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 3, 2026)](https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/november2026news/co82-independencepass-close-for-winter)

## Related

- [Aspen vs Telluride](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-vs-telluride/): Which resort for whom.
- [Aspen car service](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-car-service/): All the routes we arrange.
- [Montrose to Aspen](https://aspenprive.com/montrose-to-aspen/): From the airport.
- [A private driver in Aspen](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-private-driver/): From $210 an hour.

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