# Basalt, Carbondale and Woody Creek

> Getting between Aspen and Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale or Woody Creek: RFTA buses, taxis, and a private driver for dinners, the airport and late nights.

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

Basalt is about **18 miles** from Aspen down Highway 82, with Carbondale further on and Woody Creek just off the highway. **RFTA** serves the corridor; for late nights, groups and airport runs we arrange a **private car and driver**.

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.

## Down valley: route and timing

- **Basalt**: About 18 miles from Aspen (Basalt Chamber).
- **Carbondale**: Further down Highway 82, at the junction with Highway 133.
- **Woody Creek**: Just off Highway 82 between the airport and Snowmass Canyon; RFTA runs a Woody Creek route.
- **Late night**: Taxis and rideshare are scarce late on peak nights; a driver held for the evening is the reliable way home.

## A private car, Down valley (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=evening-driver&from=basalt-carbondale-to-aspen&origin=basalt); 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.
- **Dinner up valley**: Staying in Basalt or Carbondale and dining in Aspen: a driver from $210 an hour, three-hour minimum, waits and drives you home.
- **Airport runs**: Aspen airport is between Aspen and the valley towns; private transfers from $195 per vehicle.

## Questions

**How far is Basalt from Aspen?**  
About 18 miles down Highway 82; usually around half an hour, more in traffic.

**Is there a bus from Carbondale to Aspen?**  
Yes. RFTA serves the valley corridor, including Carbondale and Basalt; check RFTA for times and fares.

**Is there a taxi from Basalt to Aspen?**  
High Mountain Taxi serves Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs; book ahead on busy nights.

**Can a driver wait while we have dinner in Aspen?**  
Yes. Book a driver by the hour; waiting is included.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

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

- [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.
- [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)

- [Basalt Chamber](https://basaltchamber.org/community/)
- [RFTA: routes](https://www.rfta.com/routes/)
- [RFTA: Woody Creek](https://www.rfta.com/routes/woody-creek/)
- [High Mountain Taxi](https://www.hmtaxi.com/glenwood-carbondale-basalt-taxi)

## Related

- [A private driver in Aspen](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-private-driver/): From $210 an hour.
- [Aspen car service](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-car-service/): All the routes we arrange.
- [Taxis and shuttles](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-taxi-and-shuttles/): Fares and who to call.
- [Aspen airport transportation](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-transportation/): From $195 per vehicle.

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