Breckenridge is roughly 2 hours from Denver International Airport and about 1.5 hours from Denver. While it’s a bit of a drive, there are many ways of transportation to and from DIA.
Driving to the mountains can be a beautiful experience, especially if you’re prepared, allow extra time, and stay flexible with weather and road conditions.
Renting a car
Typical cost: $60–$120 per day + gas
Renting a car is a good option if you want flexibility while exploring Summit County., as there’s so much to see, do, and explore! If you’re coming in the winter, be sure to rent a 4-wheel drive SUV or an all-wheel drive vehicle that will handle snowy and icy conditions.
Note that snow can come as early as September and as late as June. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow, there are easier ways to get around!
Colorado traction law that is in effect during snowy or icy conditions on major highways like I-70.
- 4WD or AWD, or
- Snow tires, or
- All-season tires with a tread depth of 3/16” or more, or
- Chains or an approved traction device
While the car rental places only have all weather tires, you can find cars by request with snow or studded tires at
Shared Airport shuttles
Typical cost: $60-120 per person, one way
Shared airport shuttles are one of the most popular and reliable ways to get to and from the airport, especially in the winter. Local shuttle companies that will pick you up from the airport and take you right to Summit County. You can either get dropped off right where you’re staying or at one of the transfer stations.
Popular shuttle companies
Once you’re in Summit County, there’s free bus transportation roughly once an hour around Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Keystone. Breckenridge also has a town bus, Breck free ride that runs every 15 minutes.
While we do have Uber or Lyft, don’t rely on this as your main source of transportation. We don’t have many drivers in the area, and sometimes the wait time is pretty lengthy and costly depending on the time of year.
Private shuttle
Typical cost: $200–$400+ per vehicle, one way
Private shuttles are a good option if you’re traveling with a group, families, weddings, have a lot of luggage or ski gear, or want a more direct, flexible ride from Denver Airport to Breckenridge. Private shuttles run on your schedule and take you straight to your lodging without additional stops.
Private shuttles cost more than shared rides, but when split between multiple people, the price difference is often worth it.
Bustang (Snowstang)
Typical cost: $12–$28 per person (one way)
Bustang is Colorado’s state-run bus system and a great budget friendly way to travel from Denver to Summit County. You can take Bustang from Union Station in Denver to Frisco, then a Summit Stage bus from the Frisco Transfer Station to Breckenridge.
Storage for luggage is limited to one carry on size luggage and up to one set of skis per passenger.
Ride Shares (Uber & Lyft)
Typical cost: $130–$250+ one way
Uber and Lyft are available, but probably one of the more pricier and unreliable options. It’s a great last minute option, but I would try one of the above options first.
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