Colorado Airports Travel Guide

Key Highlights

• Colorado has Denver International Airport (DEN) and 13 more commercial airports.

• Every regional airport has daily flights. These flights take you to many major cities and help you cut down drive time.

• You will find the airport codes. This will help you book flights and plan your trip.

• Many airports sit close to ski resorts. You get easy and direct ways to reach the slopes.

• There is plenty of ground transportation at every airport. It is easy to get to your last stop.

• You can use a major hub like Denver International or a regional airport. It is simple to go anywhere in the state.

Introduction

Welcome to Colorado! Your fun starts right when you arrive in the Centennial State. There are many airports across Colorado, so you can get close to where you want to go. You might want to visit major cities or travel to quiet mountains. You can use the large Denver International Airport or pick the easy-to-use Colorado Springs Airport. Planning your trip is simple. This guide will help you learn about your airport options and pick the best spot for your travel needs.

List of Major and Regional Airports in Colorado

Colorado has a long list of airports for people traveling in the state. You can pick from one big international airport or thirteen smaller commercial airports. Each public airport gives scheduled passenger service. This lets you fly in from most places in the United States. Having this much choice makes it easier for you to get where you want to go.

Many of these regional airport spots are close to top ski resorts and national parks. It is great if you have a vacation in mind. You will not need to drive far after you land. You can get to the slopes or walking trails pretty fast. Down below, you will find the top airports in Colorado. This list of airports can help you figure out where to fly in.

1. Denver International Airport (DEN)

If you fly into Denver, Denver International Airport (DEN) is the best place to start. It’s just 30 minutes away from downtown Denver. This airport is the main international airport for the western United States. Denver International is also one of the busiest airports in the country. Here, the Rocky Mountains connect the world as many major airlines fly in and out.

You can get more than 200 nonstop flights at this airport. There are flights going to both the United States and international destinations. If you are coming from places like New York, Los Angeles, or flying in from overseas, you can often get a nonstop flight. Because it’s in the middle of the greater Front Range Urban Corridor, it’s a good spot to get to many places. People often use it to reach other spots in Colorado.

When you land at DEN, it’s simple to get to mountain resorts or other vacation spots. You can catch smaller regional flights inside the state, rent a car, or take the RTD A-Line train. This train takes you right into Union Station in downtown Denver.

2. Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is a public airport owned by the city. It is a great choice if you want to visit the Pikes Peak area. This airport is close to Manitou Springs and Cripple Creek. When you use this airport, you can skip the busy roads around Denver. Still, you get good service here. Major airlines, like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, have daily flights at COS.

This public airport makes it easy for people to get to the second-biggest city in Colorado. There are nonstop commercial flights to and from big cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles. Because of this, it’s easy to plan your trip no matter where you start in the country.

COS is smaller and simple to use. You will notice less stress here because the security checks move fast. Car rentals are right here, so you can get going on your vacation right away.

3. Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE)

For people who love adventure and want to get straight to the slopes, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the best spot. The airport is also called Sardy Field. It is a public-use spot that is owned by the county. The airport is close—it is only about nine minutes from Aspen’s old town and ten minutes from Snowmass Village. This means you have quick access to great skiing, which many people want during ski season.

The airport has a strong focus on the local character and cares about safety and being kind to the environment. This shows in everything they do. When you land, you get a high quality of life and a smooth trip to the mountains. This care for details makes coming here nice and makes it easy to remember your visit.

At Pitkin County Airport, you can get nonstop service to and from some major cities like Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas/Fort Worth. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines fly in and out, so it is simple to get to this mountain area and enjoy your time.

4. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the easy way in to some of the top skiing in North America. The regional airport sits in Gypsum. You can get from Eagle Airport to Beaver Creek in about 30 minutes, and to Vail Village in about 35 miles. If you fly into Eagle County Regional Airport, you do not have to worry about those snowy mountain roads or big highway closures in winter.

Your trip can get going right when you land. Because the airport is close to the main ski areas, you spend less time in a car and more time out in the snow. Eagle County Regional makes it very simple for people who want the best of Colorado’s ski mountains.

You can book direct flights to Eagle County Regional from many cities in the United States, like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Major airlines fly here, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. You have a lot of good flight options when you fly to Eagle Airport for your getaway.

5. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)

Grand Junction Regional Airport sits in Mesa County. It is the biggest regional airport on the Western Slope of Colorado. You can get to downtown Grand Junction from here in only 15 minutes. You are right in the middle of the Grand Valley. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is also just 45 minutes away.

This is the third-largest airport in the state. Grand Junction Regional gives you great ways to get where you want to go with direct flights. You can fly without stops to six major cities. Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Las Vegas are all on the list. Flights from Grand Junction to Los Angeles run on certain seasons, so you have more options for getting around.

You get service by United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Connection at this airport. Car and RV rentals are close by. Grand Junction Regional is a good place to start your trip if you want to see cool places and outdoor sights on the Western Slope of Colorado.

6. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the place to start your next trip or adventure on the western slope of Colorado. The airport is in Montrose County and is only about eight minutes away from downtown Montrose. It is also close to towns like Ouray and Ridgway. You will find that it is the closest regional airport to the well-known Telluride Ski Resort, which you can get to in about 90 minutes.

People like this airport because of their good passenger service and friendly staff. In 2023, Montrose Regional Airport opened a north terminal expansion. This new area now has a better and bigger baggage claim area. You can wait in roomy, comfortable seats or relax by the bar where there is a fireplace and big windows to enjoy the view. The goal is to help make your time at the airport easy and smooth.

MTJ has direct flights from many major cities, like Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, and Houston. These flights are with American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Montrose Regional Airport is here to help people get into or out of the area for business or fun things to do.

7. Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the main regional airport for the whole Four Corners region. This area covers southwest Colorado and a part of northwest New Mexico. The airport is only about 30 minutes from downtown Durango. You can get to Purgatory Ski Resort and Mesa Verde National Park with ease from here.

When you fly into DRO, you get a travel experience with little stress. Security lines and boarding move fast and smooth most of the time, and you will find long-term parking close to the terminal. This makes it simple to get out to old towns like Silverton and Pagosa Springs right away.

There are daily nonstop flights all year to Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix. You will find seasonal nonstop flights to Houston too. Airlines such as American Eagle and United Express fly out of DRO and help people explore this special part of the United States.

8. Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)

The Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) is the main airport for northwest Colorado. It is the only place in the area where you can get regular passenger flights. The airport is in Routt County and is just a 35-minute drive from Steamboat Ski Resort. It is also only 25 minutes away from Craig. If you want to get to “Ski Town, U.S.A.”, this airport is the best way in.

The airport is very busy during the ski season. There are six major airlines with many daily flights. These flights go directly to and from big cities around the country. This makes it easy to plan your ski trip to Steamboat. You can spend more time in the snow instead of traveling.

There is service from cities like Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth. With all the nonstop flights, you can get to Yampa Valley Regional Airport from almost anywhere. You just grab your gear and go straight to the slopes for your ski season fun.

9. Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is a regional airport right near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It gives you great access to many outdoor activities. The airport is only five minutes away from downtown Gunnison by car. You can also reach Crested Butte Ski Resort in about 40 minutes by enjoying a nice drive. It’s easy to get to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park from the airport too.

This regional airport is a good choice if you want to fly in safely and be on time. The airport has scheduled passenger service from a few of the biggest airline hubs in the United States. This means you or other people can fly in and out from almost any airport in the country. It’s a good way to get to ski resorts near Aspen and Snowmass Village as well.

You can get year-round passenger service to Denver. Plus, there are flights when it’s the busy season to Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. Airplanes like United Express and American Eagle fly here, so you can get to the mountains with no trouble.

10. Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)

Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB) is a public airport that helps people get to southern Colorado. It is just 15 minutes away from Riverwalk Park in downtown Pueblo. From this spot, you can reach Cañon City’s historic downtown and places like Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in about an hour by car.

This airport cuts down your drive time if you want to see this part of the state. In 2023, Southern Airways Express started offering daily flights to Denver International Airport. These flights work as Denver Air Connection. This makes it easy for you to travel from Pueblo to Denver International and connect with other flights in and out of the country.

PUB doesn’t have flights to the major ski spots in the central mountains. But, it still is a main gateway for those who want to enjoy outdoor fun in southern Colorado. With car rentals close to the airport, you can get moving right after you land and take more time to see the area’s views and history.

Airport Codes and Quick Facts

Every airport has a three-letter code that is unique to it. This code is also called an airport code or FAA LID. If you know these codes, it will be much easier for you to book flights and plan your travel. When you are searching for a flight, you can use the airport code to tell people the exact place you want to go. This helps to make sure you end up at the right airport for your trip.

The bureau of transportation statistics manages this information, and it is also very important in the aviation safety network. Getting the right code can help your baggage go to the correct spot and makes sure your scheduled passenger service is booked the right way. Now let’s check out the codes for some top airports in Colorado.

Commercial and Regional Airport Codes in Colorado

Understanding airport codes can streamline your travel planning. Colorado has 14 commercial airports, each with a unique identifier that connects you to major cities and regional destinations. From the major hub of Denver International Airport to the smallest public airport with commercial service, these codes are your key to booking flights.

Using these codes ensures you fly into the correct location, whether you’re heading to a bustling city or a remote mountain town. The table below lists the primary commercial and regional airport codes in Colorado.

Airport Name	Airport Code
Denver International Airport	DEN
Colorado Springs Airport	COS
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport	ASE
Eagle County Regional Airport	EGE
Grand Junction Regional Airport	GJT
Montrose Regional Airport	MTJ
Durango-La Plata County Airport	DRO
Yampa Valley Regional Airport	HDN
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport	GUC
Pueblo Memorial Airport	PUB

Key Facilities and Services at Colorado Airports

Colorado’s airports offer many helpful spots and airport services, so your trip is easy and comfortable. As soon as you come off your plane, you will see all you need to start your day or go where you want. If you need help, customer service desks are close by and ready to answer your questions.

Once you get your bag at the baggage claim area, you will see you have a lot of ways to get around. Most airports have big car rental companies in the airport or right nearby. This makes it easy for you to use the car and see the sights at your own speed.

Most airports in Colorado offer these key services:

• Baggage claim and help if you need it

• On-site and close car rental companies

• Shuttle and bus rides to cities or resorts close by

• Rideshare pickup spots

• Info desks and friendly customer service people

Ground Transportation Options from Colorado Airports

When you get off your plane at a public airport in Colorado, you will see many ways to get where you need to go. It does not matter if you want to visit major cities, ski spots, or parks. Getting around from the public airport is easy. Most places offer both public rides and private cars for every type of traveler and budget.

You can pick from shuttles people share with others, buses, or private car rentals. The choice is up to you. A lot of the public airport services are lined up with flight arrival times, so you will not have to wait much. Now, let’s look at the different rides you can use to get to your spot.

Shuttle, Bus, and Train Connections to Major Cities

Many airports in Colorado have good public transportation to areas nearby. Shuttles are a top pick. People like using them to get to ski resorts and mountain towns. These shuttles give you the comfort of door-to-door service. They can take you right to your hotel or place to stay.

Buses are another good and cheap way to go between the airport and big cities on the urban corridor. If you come into Denver International Airport, you can take the A-Line train. It gives you a quick and easy ride straight to Union Station in downtown Denver. There, you can catch more buses or get on the light rail to go further.

There are many public transit choices. You will find:

• Regional bus services that go to nearby towns

• Shared-ride shuttles going to favorite tourist spots

• The A-Line train from Denver International Airport

• Hotel shuttles for guests

Car Rentals and Rideshare Services Available

If you want to have the most freedom during your trip to Colorado, it is a good idea to rent a car. You can find car rental companies at all the big airports and smaller ones, too. Some will have counters right at the airport while others send a short shuttle to pick you up. When you have your own car, you get to go where you want. It is easy to see places in Colorado that are less crowded and enjoy the local character in every spot.

You can also use rideshare apps if that works better for you. Services like Uber and Lyft are very easy to get, especially at big airports like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen. Airports have set pickup spots. This helps you link up with your driver fast and start your trip right away. Rideshares are a smart pick if you need a short ride or if you do not want to drive yourself.

Common options in Colorado are:

• Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.)

• Local car rental agencies

• Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft

• Private car and limo services

Conclusion

To sum up, Colorado has many different airports. Each one is good for different kinds of travel. You will find busy places like Denver International Airport, but there are also small, friendly airports too. These airports help people get to big cities and pretty mountain areas with ease.

If you know the airport codes, what they offer, and how to get around, your trip will be better. When you get ready for a trip in Colorado, do not forget about these airports. They can help make your trip easy and fun.

There is a lot for you to see, so keep going, and enjoy every trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many commercial airports are there in Colorado?

Colorado has 14 airports with scheduled passenger service. This includes Denver International (DEN), which is the biggest airport in the state. There are also 13 other regional airports in Colorado. These airports connect people in Colorado to major cities in the United States and around the world. This makes flying easy for everyone.

Which airport should I fly into for Denver or popular ski resorts?

To visit Denver, the best choice is to fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). It has the most nonstop flights. If you are going to popular ski resorts, a regional airport may work better. Use Eagle County (EGE) for Vail and Beaver Creek. Pitkin County (ASE) is good for Aspen and Snowmass. These locations will get you closer to the slopes.

Are there smaller public-use airports for private planes in Colorado?

Yes, besides the big airports where you fly on airlines, Colorado also has many small airports. These smaller public-use airports are for private planes and general flying. This guide is about airline travel, but these smaller airfields are still very important. They help connect out-of-the-way places and make life better for many people. They are part of what gives Colorado its high quality of life.