How to Get to Vail Valley. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Closest and major international options.

Airport Details

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): 35 miles (56 km) west of Vail. Quickest access to the valley.
Denver International Airport (DEN): 120 miles (193 km) east of Vail. Major international hub with wider flight selection.
Drive from DEN to Vail: Typically 2-2.5 hours without traffic.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Seasonal variations impact flight frequencies and costs.

Seasonal Trends

EGE: Increased frequency and higher prices during winter ski season (mid-December to early April) and peak summer (July-August).
DEN: Consistent year-round service, but prices still peak during major holidays and peak travel seasons.
Booking flights well in advance, especially for peak periods, usually brings better rates. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Shuttle Services

Shared shuttles (Epic Mountain Express, Peak 1 Express) offer direct transfers. Cost-effective and convenient. Drop-offs at various lodging properties.

Rental Cars

Major agencies at EGE and DEN (DiscoverCars.com). A popular option for flexibility. Drive I-70 West to Vail. Secure appropriate vehicle for winter conditions.

Private Transfers/Taxi

Numerous local private transfer services. Pre-booking is a recommendation, especially during off-peak times. Limited taxi/ride-share availability at EGE without booking.

Airport Facilities & Services

Eagle County Regional Airport EGE

A smaller airport with basic facilities.
Includes car rental counters.
Limited dining options.
Compact size allows for quick arrivals and departures.

Denver International Airport DEN

A large international airport with extensive dining.
Retail shops.
Airline lounges.
Comprehensive ground transportation options.

Airline Operations

EGE Airlines Winter Focus

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. Direct flights are mainly domestic, especially during winter ski season.

DEN Airlines

Hundreds of domestic and international destinations. Major hub for United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines. All major U.S. And many international airlines operate there.

International Travelers

Most direct flights from major global hubs arrive at DEN. International travelers usually connect through a major U.S. Gateway city to reach EGE.

Land Transportation

Bus Services

Long-distance bus options can be a budget-friendly way to reach Vail Valley.

Providers

Bustang: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) service. Direct routes from Denver Union Station to Vail.
Greyhound: Connects major U.S. Cities. Stops in nearby Frisco for connections to Vail via ECO Transit.
Train: No direct Amtrak service to Vail Valley. Closest stations are Winter Park or Glenwood Springs, needing a bus or shuttle transfer.

Self-Driving Considerations

Important Driving Notes

Requirements: Valid U.S. Driver's license or International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country license.
Winter Driving: Rent a 4WD/AWD vehicle from December to April. Colorado's Traction Law may apply on I-70.
Parking: Paid parking structures in Vail Village and Lionshead are common and expensive.

Road Conditions & Safety

Be aware of traffic, wildlife, and weather changes on mountain roads.

Driving Safety

I-70 Mountain Corridor: Can experience significant traffic, especially on weekends during peak season.
Wildlife: Be aware of deer, elk, and other wildlife on roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
Weather: Road conditions change rapidly in winter due to snow and ice. Always check forecasts and Cotrip.org.

Non-Applicable Transport

Certain transportation modes are not relevant for Vail Valley.

Transport Not Used Here

Border Crossing Information: Not applicable for domestic travel within the United States.
Sea/River Arrivals: Vail Valley is a landlocked destination in the Rocky Mountains.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Very limited and not practical for winter travel.

Travel Advisory

Public bus (Bustang) from Denver requires connections to local ECO Transit for Vail.
Amtrak requires multiple legs and is less direct for reaching Vail.
Parking costs in Vail Village and Lionshead are high.

Traffic congestion on I-70 can significantly increase travel times.
Ensure your rental vehicle meets winter driving requirements if traveling then.
Road conditions can change rapidly.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for a smooth departure from Vail Valley by understanding exit procedures and timing recommendations.

Steps

Airport Arrival: Arrive at EGE/DEN at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights (from DEN).
Baggage: Check TSA guidelines for baggage to allow for a quick security screening.
Winter Travel (EGE): EGE can experience weather-related delays or cancellations. Allow extra time.

Timing Recommendations

Allow ample time for travel, especially during peak periods.

Travel Time Advisory

Vail to DEN: Allow 3-4 hours minimum. More time on weekends and holidays due to potential I-70 traffic.
Sunday Afternoons/Evenings: Expect significant delays eastbound on I-70 during winter.
Real-time Conditions: Always check Cotrip.org for real-time traffic and road conditions.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected upon departure from Vail Valley or the U.S. Beyond those typically included in airline ticket prices.

Airport Facilities EGE

EGE has limited services, but it provides basic necessities and comfortable waiting areas. Ensure you have everything you need before arriving at EGE.

Airport Facilities DEN

DEN offers extensive services for departing international travelers, including duty-free shopping and a wide range of dining and retail options.

Departure Reminder

Consider potential weather delays, especially when departing from EGE in winter. Have a backup plan or schedule flexibility.

How to Get to Vail Valley