How to Get to Telluride: The Best Travel Options
Flying to Telluride
Telluride does have a local airport (Telluride Regional Airport – TEX), but flights are extremely limited and only serviced by select airlines. If you can find a flight into TEX, it’s the most convenient option since you’ll land just minutes from town.
However, most travelers opt to fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which offers more flight options from major airlines like United, American, and Southwest. Montrose is about 90 minutes away from Telluride by car, making it the most popular choice for visitors.
Flight Option We Took: We flew Southwest Airlines to Denver, then connected to Montrose before renting a car to drive to Telluride.
Driving from Montrose to Telluride
The drive from Montrose to Telluride takes about 1.5 hours and is a scenic journey through Colorado’s breathtaking mountains.
- The roads are well-maintained, and as long as you have AWD or 4WD, you won’t need chains in winter conditions.
- The drive is relatively easy, with some winding roads but no extreme mountain passes.
- Rental car services at Montrose Airport make it easy to pick up a vehicle and hit the road.
Shuttle Services to Telluride
For those who don’t want to drive, shuttle services offer a stress-free way to get to Telluride from Montrose.
- Companies like Telluride Express and Mountain Limo provide door-to-door service from Montrose Airport to hotels and resorts in Telluride and Mountain Village.
- Shuttles typically run on a set schedule, and advance booking is recommended, especially during ski season.
- If you’re traveling with kids, check if the shuttle service offers car seats or if you need to bring your own.
Driving to Telluride from Other Major Cities
If you’re up for a road trip, here are the approximate drive times from major cities:
- Denver to Telluride – 6.5 hours
- Colorado Springs to Telluride – 6 hours
- Grand Junction to Telluride – 2.5 hours
- Salt Lake City to Telluride – 6.5 hours
Telluride’s mountain roads are generally well-plowed in winter, but if you’re driving from farther away, be sure to check road conditions in advance.
Which Travel Option is Best?
- If you want the most flight options, fly into Montrose (MTJ) and drive or take a shuttle to Telluride.
- If you can find a direct flight into Telluride (TEX), it’s the most convenient but least available option.
- If you prefer not to drive, a shuttle from Montrose is the easiest alternative but can be more costly than renting a car and paying for parking.
- If you’re road-tripping, Telluride is accessible from several major cities, just be mindful of winter weather.
No matter how you get there, Telluride’s stunning scenery and world-class skiing make the journey worth it!
We flew from LA to Denver to Montrose since we flew with Southwest Airlines, there wasn’t a direct flight. The flight from LA to Denver was around 2 hours and the flight to Montrose was about quick 35 minutes. From Montrose, it was an easy drive to Telluride.
