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Denver to Vail: drive time, shuttles and winter driving

Vail is about 121 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 2 hr by car without traffic or snow via I-70 over Vail Pass. From downtown Denver it's about 97 miles (1 hr 35 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
2 hr
121 miles
From downtown Denver
1 hr 35 min
97 miles
Snow next 7 days
0.0"
Vail
Main route
I-70 over Vail Pass

The route

I-70 west through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel, past Frisco and over Vail Pass (about 10,660 ft) to exit 176 for Vail Village. West Vail is exit 173 and East Vail exit 180.

Ways to get from Denver to Vail

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 DEN

Bustang West Line (CDOT)

Coach from Denver Union Station toward Glenwood Springs, with stops including Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, Avon and Eagle.

Schedules and fares โ†—

Pegasus (CDOT)

Year-round express van from Union Station to Avon, stopping at Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco and Vail.

Schedules and fares โ†—

Summit Express

Shared and private shuttles from Denver International Airport to Summit County and the Vail Valley.

Schedules and fares โ†—

Fly closer

  • Eagle County Regional (EGE): The closest airport to Vail, in Gypsum. Last winter it had 4 airlines and 16 nonstop destinations; the 2026-27 list isn't published yet.
Compare flights to EGE โ†—

Winter driving: what to know

More tips in our guide to winter driving to ski resorts.

Tip: CDOT points to Pegasus, which runs year-round from Union Station, as a way to skip driving I-70 yourself.

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Vail snow forecast Where to stay in Vail Ski resorts near Denver

Denver to Vail FAQ

How long is the drive from Denver to Vail?

Vail is about 121 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly 2 hr by car without traffic or snow via I-70 over Vail Pass. From downtown Denver it's about 97 miles (1 hr 35 min). Allow extra time on weekend mornings and storm days.

Is there a shuttle or bus from Denver to Vail?

Yes. Bustang West Line (CDOT): Coach from Denver Union Station toward Glenwood Springs, with stops including Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, Avon and Eagle. Pegasus (CDOT): Year-round express van from Union Station to Avon, stopping at Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco and Vail. Summit Express: Shared and private shuttles from Denver International Airport to Summit County and the Vail Valley. Check each operator for current schedules and fares.

Do I need snow tires or chains to drive to Vail?

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.

Can I fly closer to Vail?

Eagle County Regional (EGE): The closest airport to Vail, in Gypsum. Last winter it had 4 airlines and 16 nonstop destinations; the 2026-27 list isn't published yet.

How much snow is Vail getting this week?

As of November 8, 2026, Vail has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days.

Sources

More trips from Denver

All ski trip routes