Getting around · Between resorts
Vail to Aspen
Two resorts, two routes depending on the season. How to get between them, what it costs, and when a private car makes sense.
Two resorts, two routes depending on the season. How to get between them, what it costs, and when a private car makes sense.
In winter, the drive from Vail to Aspen goes west on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon and up Highway 82. From late May to autumn, Independence Pass opens a second route over the Continental Divide. Published Aspen taxi fares for Vail to Aspen are $500–550; a private SUV costs more, with a car that waits and a driver who knows both routes.
Fares are from local operators' published rate cards, checked September 2026; road rules are from CDOT.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated November 2026
Vail to Aspen door to door, for split stays or a day trip. From $950 per vehicle.
Many visitors ski Vail and Aspen on one trip. Transfer mid-morning, avoiding Friday afternoons westbound through the canyon, and have the Aspen house ready when you arrive.
Eagle is between the two: about 70 miles from Aspen and much closer to Vail, which makes it the natural airport for a two-resort trip.
A split stay means twice the ski bags. A private SUV or Sprinter carries them all; taxis charge extra for baggage.
Phone maps sometimes route Vail to Aspen over Cottonwood Pass, a county road between Gypsum and El Jebel. CDOT asks drivers not to use it (or Hagerman Pass and other county and forest roads) as a detour when I-70 closes; in winter it can be snowbound. Stay on I-70 and Highway 82, or let us send a driver who knows the valley.
About two hours in good conditions by either route; longer in snow or with Glenwood Canyon traffic.
Yes, via I-70 and Glenwood Springs. Independence Pass is closed in winter.
Published Aspen taxi fares are $500–550 from Vail and $450–500 from Beaver Creek.
There is no direct resort-to-resort bus; RFTA serves the Aspen–Glenwood Springs corridor, so public transit needs connections.
We move the whole stay, not just the people: the car with room for every ski bag, the Aspen house ready when you arrive, and the route chosen on the day.
A private SUV between Vail or Beaver Creek and Aspen, by the route that's open and fastest that day.
We watch the flight from the moment it leaves. If it's on time, a driver is waiting, and wherever you are staying knows you are on your way. If it diverts to Eagle or cancels, the car, the bags and the house all move with it, and you hear from us before you have to ask.
Independence Pass openings, Glenwood Canyon works and the arrival notes that change a drive.
Written from Aspen by Paul Montiel. A few letters a season, only when something matters. Leave any time; we never share your address.High Mountain Taxi: rates · CDOT: Independence Pass open May 21, 2026 · CDOT: Independence Pass closed Nov 17, 2025 · CDOT: traction law · Aspen Daily News: Glenwood Canyon 2027 · CDOT: I-70 Glenwood Canyon travel information — checked September 28, 2026.
Send the date, the group and the bags. We'll choose the route and confirm the car.
Arrange the transfer