Denver to Aspen: drive time, shuttles and winter driving
Aspen is about 223 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 3 hr 45 min by car without traffic or snow via I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82. From downtown Denver it's about 199 miles (3 hr 25 min). Allow extra time on weekend mornings and storm days.
Drive times are estimates from OpenStreetMap routing, without traffic or snow. Snow forecast updated .
- From DEN airport
- 3 hr 45 min
- 223 miles
- From downtown Denver
- 3 hr 25 min
- 199 miles
- Snow next 7 days
- 0.0"
- Aspen Snowmass
- Main route
- I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82
The route
I-70 west through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel, over Vail Pass and through Glenwood Canyon to exit 116 at Glenwood Springs, then CO-82 up the valley to Aspen.
Ways to get from Denver to Aspen
Drive yourself
The most flexible option, and the only way to chase the best snow day by day. In winter, rent an AWD or 4WD vehicle with good tires.
Compare 4x4 rentals at DENBustang plus RFTA VelociRFTA
Take Bustang's West Line from Denver Union Station to Glenwood Springs, then RFTA's VelociRFTA bus rapid transit up the valley to Aspen (about an hour, every 12 minutes or less at peak).
Schedules and fares โFly closer
- Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE): United, American and Delta fly nonstop. It's open all of the 2026-27 winter, then closes for a runway rebuild from April 4 to November 19, 2027.
Winter driving: what to know
- CO-82 over Independence Pass (the summer shortcut from Twin Lakes) is closed for the winter and usually reopens around Memorial Day. CDOT says to take I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82.
- Colorado's Traction Law is enforced on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero from September 1 to May 31: tires need at least 3/16 inch of tread and must be all-weather or winter tires (M+S or mountain-snowflake), or you must carry chains or an approved traction device. AWD or 4WD is recommended.
- CDOT says I-70 is busiest on holidays, school breaks and January and February weekends. Westbound peaks Friday 2 to 7 pm; eastbound peaks Sunday 3 to 6 pm, building from late morning.
More tips in our guide to winter driving to ski resorts.
Tip: Don't let your GPS send you over Independence Pass in winter; it's gated closed.
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Denver to Aspen FAQ
How long is the drive from Denver to Aspen?
Aspen is about 223 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 3 hr 45 min by car without traffic or snow via I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82. From downtown Denver it's about 199 miles (3 hr 25 min). Allow extra time on weekend mornings and storm days.
Is there a shuttle or bus from Denver to Aspen?
Yes. Bustang plus RFTA VelociRFTA: Take Bustang's West Line from Denver Union Station to Glenwood Springs, then RFTA's VelociRFTA bus rapid transit up the valley to Aspen (about an hour, every 12 minutes or less at peak). Check each operator for current schedules and fares.
Do I need snow tires or chains to drive to Aspen?
CO-82 over Independence Pass (the summer shortcut from Twin Lakes) is closed for the winter and usually reopens around Memorial Day. CDOT says to take I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO-82.
Can I fly closer to Aspen?
Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE): United, American and Delta fly nonstop. It's open all of the 2026-27 winter, then closes for a runway rebuild from April 4 to November 19, 2027.
How much snow is Aspen getting this week?
As of November 8, 2026, Aspen Snowmass has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days.
Sources
- CDOT: CO 82 Independence Pass closes for winter
- RFTA VelociRFTA BRT
- CDOT: Traction Law
- Wikipedia: Interstate 70 in Colorado
- Aspen Daily News: 2027 airport closure dates