Getting Around Vail Valley. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Vail Transit is a free, comprehensive town-wide bus system. It serves Vail Village, Lionshead, Cascade Village, and East and West Vail. This system is highly efficient and operates year-round, making it easy to get around the main resort areas without a car.

ECO Transit is Eagle County's regional bus system. It connects Vail with surrounding towns including Avon (providing access to Beaver Creek), Edwards, Eagle, and Gypsum. Fares apply for ECO Transit, making it an affordable option for exploring beyond Vail.

Transit Info

Route Maps & Hubs: Vail Transit's major hubs are Vail Transportation Center and Lionshead Transit Center.
Ticketing: Vail Transit is free. ECO Transit fares range from $4-$7 (cash/multi-ride passes).
Hours: Vail Transit runs from early morning (6 AM) to late night (2 AM peak season), frequent service.
Accessibility: Both Vail Transit and ECO Transit buses are generally wheelchair accessible.

Vail Transit App

Download the app or use Google Maps for real-time bus tracking and schedule information. It helps you plan movements and minimize waiting times.

Planning Regional Travel

Plan your route in advance when using ECO Transit for regional travel to ensure connections and avoid delays.

Peak Hour Crowds

Buses can be crowded during peak ski hours (morning and afternoon). Allow extra time if traveling during these periods.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Traditional street-hail taxis are uncommon. Most taxi services are provided by private shuttle companies.
Taxis are best booked by phone or found at major hotels and transportation centers.
Fares are generally higher than public transport. Short rides are $15-$30; longer rides to Avon/Edwards $30-$60+.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Uber and Lyft operate in Vail Valley. Availability varies, especially during off-peak hours.
Prices are subject to surge pricing during high demand. Check rates before confirming.
Safety: Use reputable services. Confirm driver/vehicle details match the app for ride-sharing.

Airport Taxi Arrangements

EGE Transfers

Highly recommended to pre-book for EGE.

DEN Transfers

Pre-booking private shuttles for DEN is also advisable.

Avoid Delays

Especially during peak times, pre-booking avoids potential waiting.

Rental Options

Car, bicycle, and specialized rentals are available to enhance your travel experience.

Car Rental

Companies: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget at EGE and DEN airports.
Requirements: Minimum age 21 (fees for under 25), valid driver's license, major credit card.
Winter: Rent a 4WD/AWD vehicle from December to April for safer travel on snowy roads.
Parking: Paid parking garages are in Vail Village and Lionshead, with high costs. Limited free parking exists further out.

Bicycle Rentals & Safety

Vail Bike Share: Seasonal program for short-term bike rentals around villages and paved paths.
Rental Shops: Numerous bike shops offer mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes (e.g., Vail Sports, Charter Sports).
Safety: Helmets are strongly recommended. Be aware of pedestrians on multi-use paths.
Infrastructure: Extensive network of paved recreation paths for safe road cycling. Dedicated mountain biking trails on mountains.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
I-70 Mountain Corridor can experience significant traffic congestion.

Local roads within the valley are well-maintained.
Be aware of wildlife on roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
Road conditions change rapidly in winter due to snow and ice. Always check forecasts and Cotrip.org.

Non-Applicable Rentals

Motorcycles/Scooters

Very limited availability and not practical for winter conditions.

Tuk-Tuks/Jeepneys

These specialized vehicle options are not applicable in Vail Valley.

Boat Taxis

Not applicable for transportation. Recreational boating is for lakes.

Walking & Cycling

Vail Valley's design promotes pedestrian and bicycle travel, offering scenic and active ways to explore.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Vail Village and Lionshead: Highly pedestrianized, with heated cobblestone streets in winter.
Gore Creek Trail: Paved, multi-use path connecting Vail Village, Lionshead, and West Vail.
Avon/Beaver Creek: Offer pedestrian-friendly village areas with interconnected walkways.
Walking Tour Options: Vail Welcome Center sometimes offers free guided historical walking tours (seasonal).

Bicycle Infrastructure

Paved Paths: Extensive network (e.g., Eagle Valley Trail, Gore Valley Trail) connects towns for road cycling.
Mountain Biking: Dedicated trails on Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek (accessed by gondola in summer).
Safety: Helmets are strongly recommended. Be aware of pedestrians on multi-use paths. Follow traffic laws if cycling on roads.
No-Go Areas: Caution advised on busy main roads (e.g., Highway 6) where dedicated lanes may be absent.

Self-Guided Walking Trails

Village Exploration

Explore Vail Village and Lionshead at your own pace, enjoying the architecture and shops.

Easy & Scenic

Hiking Trailheads

Numerous well-marked hiking trailheads are accessible directly from the valley floor or a short bus ride away.

Varied Difficulty

Nature Walks

Walking Mountains Science Center offers guided nature walks focused on local ecology.

Educational

Specialized Transportation

Gondolas & Funiculars

Gondola One (Vail Village) and Eagle Bahn Gondola (Lionshead) are main access points to Vail Mountain.
These access points are for skiing/snowboarding in winter, and hiking/activities in summer.
Riverfront Express Gondola (Avon) connects Avon to Beaver Creek Village for ski access.

Accessibility Services

Vail Accessible Program: Offers adaptive ski and ride programs for individuals with disabilities.
Public Transit: Vail Transit and ECO Transit buses are generally wheelchair accessible.
Resort Facilities: Many hotels, resorts, and common areas are ADA compliant.

Important Accessibility Notes

Formal hop-on-hop-off tour bus services are not typical for general transportation.
Recreational boating is for local lakes, not valley transportation.
Backcountry trails require preparation, appropriate gear, and awareness of weather and wildlife.
Public transport can be crowded during peak ski hours.

Ride-sharing availability can vary, especially during off-peak hours.
Always check forecasts and Cotrip.org for current road conditions, especially in winter.
Parking costs in Vail Village and Lionshead can be high.
Ensure bicycles are well-maintained.

Final Transit Tip

Vail Valley's transportation system supports exploration without a personal car.

Utilize the free town buses and regional transit to get around efficiently and sustainably.

Getting Around Vail Valley