tl;dr: Denver airport is the safest choice when travelling to Vail. Private transportation is the more expensive compared to Uber and shuttles, but you get plenty more bang for the buck, it will get much faster to your destination and it may be actually the cheapest options when travelling with your family or in a group. There are great places to see on the road from Denver to Vail. It’s best to book your transportation as soon as you book the flight since prices can go crazy last minute. Having a well equipped car and an experienced driver will prevent you from losing plenty of time on the road and potentially missing your flight.
Let’s break down the basics. There are 2 airports you’ll be looking into: Denver (DEN) and Eagle (EGE). Eagle Airport (often called Vail Airport) is much closer, but any weather hick-ups can easily delay, cancel or reroute your flight. When travelling to Vail, Denver airport is the most reliable among them in terms of cancelled flights, bad weather, etc. Moreover, there are plenty of flights and destinations going to/from Denver, making it the easiest to rebook another flight on the same day.Â
Private transportation is a more premium option compared to Uber and Shuttles. Unlike Uber cars, our cars are equipped to drive on mountain roads whenever the roads are open, meaning that all cars are 4×4, equipped with winter tires, have lots of storage space for your luggage and skiing equipment. Unlike shuttles, if your flight gets delayed we wait and we get you straight to your destination without lots of stops in-between. Moreover, for bigger groups or families it my actually be the cheapest option.
Experience is paramount when driving through mountain roads. We have almost 20 years of providing private car transportation from Denver to Vail. You need to have this experience to find alternative roads if one gets closed, which roads to pick to minimise the risk of getting blocked by snowstorms and traffic, when to arrive in order not to miss the flight. Driving on snowy roads is complicated, so having a driver you can trust is a relief.
When booking your transfer, it is best to book your trip in advance, since the demand may skyrocket during holidays and bad weather. It is best to book it in advance, as soon as you have your flight details. With us it is easy to make adjustments in case your arrival time changes, so you don’t need to worry about losing your transfer if something changes. Best to book online, but we’re always available to help you out over the phone if you need trip customisations or if you have questions you need help with.
There are nice stops you can make when travelling from Denver to Vail. First one is Red Rock – has a nice park and a museum and time-wise it’s like a stop at a gas station. Then there is the Buffalo Overlook – a great place to make some amazing photos. Idaho Springs is a historical place and it has a Starbucks – great place to make a quick stop to stretch the legs a bit. There is also an option to spend some extra time in Downtown Denver for some shopping. All these stops can be arranged at a small or even no additional cost.
With InterMountain Express you will forget about stress! Our company offers luxury SUVs and luxury Vans for 1 to 14 people. Our fleet consists of the latest Cadillac Escalade, GMC and Mercedes Sprinter vehicles, our entire fleet is equipped with winter tires and comes with ski boxes or extra cargo space for the duration of the ski season.
Choosing a Denver to Crested Butte shuttle is your first step toward experiencing one of Colorado’s most authentic and breathtaking mountain destinations. Crested Butte stands apart with its legendary steep terrain, historic Victorian downtown, and spectacular natural beauty that changes with every season. Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip to tackle the Extreme Limits or a summer visit to see the famous wildflower blooms, getting there should be as effortless as the mountain air you’ll breathe upon arrival.
TThe Denver to Crested Butte shuttle route is a scenic adventure through Colorado’s diverse landscapes, taking approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Unlike crowded highway routes, this journey offers peaceful stretches and iconic Colorado vistas:
This journey is more than just transportation—it’s your transition from city life to mountain serenity. With InterMountain Express, you can relax and enjoy the unfolding scenery while we handle every detail of the drive. Our Denver to Crested Butte shuttle service ensures you arrive refreshed and ready to embrace the mountain lifestyle.
When you book our Denver to Crested Butte shuttle, you’re choosing more than just a ride—you’re selecting a premium travel experience designed specifically for this unique Colorado destination. Here’s what sets us apart:
“Our flight was delayed due to the recent snow storms but the IME driver tracked our flight and was ready to pick us up upon our arrival. Tremendous service and safe driving got our group up to Vail. Would highly recommend as I will be using them every time we return to Colorado!”
“Excellent and trustworthy car service from Denver to Vail. Wonderful communication excellent and accommodating driver Would strongly advise.”
Booking your Denver airport to Crested Butte shuttle is quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive exclusive updates on the latest offers, travel trends, and tourism opportunities in Colorado. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your next trip even better!
Make your trip planning easier with these helpful tools and resources:
(we have no affiliation nor commission)
The remote nature of Crested Butte demands specific expertise. Avoid these critical mistakes:
Here are detailed answers to your most common Crested Butte travel questions:
Given the significant distance and remote route, private car services typically range from $600 to $900+, depending on vehicle size and service level. InterMountain Express provides clear, upfront pricing for our Denver to Crested Butte car service, representing exceptional value for a safe, stress-free, and direct expedition.
For most travelers, the easiest way is to fly into Denver (DEN) and book a private shuttle from Denver to Crested Butte. This combines the reliability of major air travel with a seamless, chauffeured ground transfer, eliminating the complexities of connecting flights into Gunnison or a grueling self-drive.
Ride-share services like Uber are extremely limited and unreliable in Crested Butte. They are not a viable option for airport transfers or consistent local transportation. The local Mountain Express bus is excellent for in-town needs, and our service is essential for the Denver transfer.
Yes, InterMountain Express provides one of the few dedicated, premium shuttle services from Denver airport to Crested Butte. We specialize in this long-distance, remote route.
A car is not necessary within the town of Crested Butte and the Mt. Crested Butte base area, which are excellently served by the free Mountain Express bus. However, for exploring the surrounding wilderness, ghost towns, or the town of Gunnison, a car is very helpful. Our shuttle gets you there, and you can rent a car locally if needed for specific day trips.
The standard and most scenic route is via US-285 S to US-50 W over Monarch Pass. The views from the summit are unparalleled, and the drive along Blue Mesa Reservoir is spectacular. This is the route our drivers expertly navigate.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the best option for most, offering the widest selection of affordable flights. Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC) is closer but has limited, seasonal, and often more expensive flights that are highly susceptible to weather delays.
Late January – March for deep snow and prime skiing. July for the world-famous Wildflower Festival and perfect hiking. September for stunning fall colors, fewer crowds, and pleasant temperatures.
Crested Butte is located approximately 230 miles southwest of Denver. It is not on the I-70 corridor; it is situated in a remote valley of the Elk Mountains, requiring a journey over the Continental Divide via US-50.
Â
Absolutely. If you seek an authentic, unpretentious mountain town with jaw-dropping scenery, world-class extreme terrain, and a vibrant local culture—without the corporate feel of larger resorts—Crested Butte is not just worth visiting, it’s a destination that captures the heart of Colorado.
We monitor flight arrivals to Denver International Airport in real-time, so if your flight is delayed, your driver will adjust the pickup time accordingly. There’s no need to worry—we’ll be there when you land, even if it’s later than expected.
Yes, we do! For special events and occasions, we offer extra discounts on our luxury SUVs and vans. Please contact our customer service team to learn more about group rates and how we can make your trip even more affordable.
If your child is under the age of 7, legally your child must be in a car seat. IME provides complimentary car seats and booster seats per your request (but does not provide infant seats). Please contact us if you need any assistance.
An adult must accompany passengers under the age of 18 years. A chauffeur reserves the right to ask for ID for proof of age.
InterMountain Express is the vital transportation link for the remote Crested Butte community: