Denver to Keystone: drive time, shuttles and winter driving
Keystone is about 98 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 1 hr 45 min by car without traffic or snow via I-70 and US-6. From downtown Denver it's about 74 miles (1 hr 20 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
- 1 hr 45 min
- 98 miles
- From downtown Denver
- 1 hr 20 min
- 74 miles
- Snow next 7 days
- 0.0"
- Keystone
- Main route
- I-70 and US-6
The route
I-70 west through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel to exit 205 (Silverthorne and Dillon), then US-6 east about 6 miles to Keystone.
Ways to get from Denver to Keystone
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 DENSummit Express
Shared and private shuttles from Denver International Airport to Summit County and the Vail Valley.
Schedules and fares โBustang West Line and Pegasus (CDOT)
I-70 coach and van from Denver Union Station to Frisco, where the free Summit Stage bus connects to Keystone.
Schedules and fares โWinter driving: what to know
- 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.
- In bad storms CDOT can call the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, the last step before a closure: every vehicle needs chains or an approved device.
- 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: Avoid westbound I-70 on Friday afternoons and eastbound on Sunday afternoons if you can.
Book your Keystone trip
Or compare: condos and houses on Vrbo ยท hotels on Expedia
Keystone snow forecast Where to stay in Keystone Ski resorts near Denver
Denver to Keystone FAQ
How long is the drive from Denver to Keystone?
Keystone is about 98 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 1 hr 45 min by car without traffic or snow via I-70 and US-6. From downtown Denver it's about 74 miles (1 hr 20 min). Allow extra time on weekend mornings and storm days.
Is there a shuttle or bus from Denver to Keystone?
Yes. Summit Express: Shared and private shuttles from Denver International Airport to Summit County and the Vail Valley. Bustang West Line and Pegasus (CDOT): I-70 coach and van from Denver Union Station to Frisco, where the free Summit Stage bus connects to Keystone. Check each operator for current schedules and fares.
Do I need snow tires or chains to drive to Keystone?
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.
How much snow is Keystone getting this week?
As of November 8, 2026, Keystone has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days.
Sources
- CDOT: Traction Law
- CDOT: How to avoid I-70 ski traffic
- Wikipedia: Interstate 70 in Colorado
- Summit Cove: Directions to Keystone
- Summit Express