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The views of the mountains flying into and out of Montrose are beautifully covered with snow in the winter.
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How to Get to Telluride: The Best Travel Options

Telluride may be a secluded mountain paradise, but getting there doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a shuttle, here’s everything you need to know about the best ways to reach this stunning Colorado destination.
Flying to Telluride

Telluride does have a local airport (Telluride Regional Airport – TEX), but flights areΒ extremely limitedΒ 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 intoΒ Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which offersΒ more flight optionsΒ from major airlines like United, American, and Southwest. Montrose is aboutΒ 90 minutes away from Telluride by car, making it the most popular choice for visitors.

Flight Option We Took:Β We flewΒ Southwest AirlinesΒ toΒ Denver, then connected toΒ MontroseΒ before renting a car to drive to Telluride.

Driving from Montrose to Telluride

The drive fromΒ Montrose to Telluride takes about 1.5 hoursΒ and is a scenic journey through Colorado’s breathtaking mountains.

  • The roads are well-maintained, andΒ as long as you have AWD or 4WD, you won’t need chainsΒ in winter conditions.
  • The drive is relatively easy, with some winding roads but no extreme mountain passes.
  • Rental car services atΒ Montrose AirportΒ make it easy to pick up a vehicle and hit the road.
Mini Luxe Travelers Tip:Β If you’re visiting in peak winter, book your rental car early, as AWD vehicles tend to sell out quickly.
Shuttle Services to Telluride

For those who don’t want to drive, shuttle services offer aΒ stress-freeΒ way to get to Telluride from Montrose.

  • Companies likeΒ Telluride ExpressΒ andΒ Mountain LimoΒ provideΒ door-to-door serviceΒ from Montrose Airport to hotels and resorts in Telluride and Mountain Village.
  • Shuttles typically run on a set schedule, andΒ 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 aΒ 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 generallyΒ 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 mostΒ flight options, fly intoΒ Montrose (MTJ)Β and drive or take a shuttle to Telluride.
  • If you can find aΒ direct flight into Telluride (TEX), it’s the most convenient but least available option.
  • If youΒ prefer not to drive, aΒ shuttle from MontroseΒ is the easiest alternative but can be more costly than renting a car and paying for parking.
  • If you’reΒ 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!Β 

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-1
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-2
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-family travel
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-4

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.

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Find yourself a man who handles the Lightning Lane so you can just show up and enjoy the day. 🎒

We did not spend that kind of money to ride just a few rides. My husband treats Lightning Lane like a part-time job.

Here’s exactly how he stacks them πŸ‘‡
(save this before your next trip)

⏰ The afternoon stacking strategy:
β†’ Book your first Lightning Lane the second the park opens
β†’ Once you redeem it, immediately book the next one
β†’ After 1pm, wait times drop AND you can stack 2-3 in a row
β†’ The sweet spot is 2-5pm β€” lines are longest, LL is shortest
β†’ Always book rides that have the longest standby wait first
β†’ Check the app constantly β€” cancelled reservations open up

πŸ’‘ Other tactics we swear by:
β†’ Mobile order lunch for 11:30am before the rush hits
β†’ Rope drop the rides with NO Lightning Lane first
β†’ Use the Disney app to track wait times in real time
β†’ Book your LL for the ride you’re currently ON so no time is wasted
β†’ On slower days, Individual Lightning Lane is sometimes not worth it β€” check wait times first

If this helped you, follow along β€” I share luxury kid-friendly travel tips that actually work so your family trips feel less chaotic and way more worth it. 🌍

Drop a 🎒 below if your family is a Disney family!

#DisneyTips #LightningLane #DisneyWithKids #DisneyHacks #DisneyParksTips

5 1
Open
Find yourself a man who handles the Lightning Lane so you can just show up and enjoy the day. 🎒 We did not spend that kind of money to ride just a few rides. My husband treats Lightning Lane like a part-time job. Here’s exactly how he stacks them πŸ‘‡ (save this before your next trip) ⏰ The afternoon stacking strategy: β†’ Book your first Lightning Lane the second the park opens β†’ Once you redeem it, immediately book the next one β†’ After 1pm, wait times drop AND you can stack 2-3 in a row β†’ The sweet spot is 2-5pm β€” lines are longest, LL is shortest β†’ Always book rides that have the longest standby wait first β†’ Check the app constantly β€” cancelled reservations open up πŸ’‘ Other tactics we swear by: β†’ Mobile order lunch for 11:30am before the rush hits β†’ Rope drop the rides with NO Lightning Lane first β†’ Use the Disney app to track wait times in real time β†’ Book your LL for the ride you’re currently ON so no time is wasted β†’ On slower days, Individual Lightning Lane is sometimes not worth it β€” check wait times first If this helped you, follow along β€” I share luxury kid-friendly travel tips that actually work so your family trips feel less chaotic and way more worth it. 🌍 Drop a 🎒 below if your family is a Disney family! #DisneyTips #LightningLane #DisneyWithKids #DisneyHacks #DisneyParksTips

Find yourself a man who handles the Lightning Lane so you can just show up and enjoy the day. 🎒

We did not spend that kind of money to ride just a few rides. My husband treats Lightning Lane like a part-time job.

Here’s exactly how he stacks them πŸ‘‡
(save this before your next trip)

⏰ The afternoon stacking strategy:
β†’ Book your first Lightning Lane the second the park opens
β†’ Once you redeem it, immediately book the next one
β†’ After 1pm, wait times drop AND you can stack 2-3 in a row
β†’ The sweet spot is 2-5pm β€” lines are longest, LL is shortest
β†’ Always book rides that have the longest standby wait first
β†’ Check the app constantly β€” cancelled reservations open up

πŸ’‘ Other tactics we swear by:
β†’ Mobile order lunch for 11:30am before the rush hits
β†’ Rope drop the rides with NO Lightning Lane first
β†’ Use the Disney app to track wait times in real time
β†’ Book your LL for the ride you’re currently ON so no time is wasted
β†’ On slower days, Individual Lightning Lane is sometimes not worth it β€” check wait times first

If this helped you, follow along β€” I share luxury kid-friendly travel tips that actually work so your family trips feel less chaotic and way more worth it. 🌍

Drop a 🎒 below if your family is a Disney family!

#DisneyTips #LightningLane #DisneyWithKids #DisneyHacks #DisneyParksTips ...

5 1

POV: you said yes to the drive πŸ”οΈ

One of the most scenic drives in the US β€” and the wildlife makes it unforgettable.

🦌 What to look for:
β€’ Moose near Oxbow Bend (early morning)
β€’ Bison grazing along the road
β€’ Bears active spring through fall
β€’ Elk at dawn & dusk

Go at sunrise for the best chance of spotting them β€” and always keep your distance 🐾

Save this for your Jackson Hole and Grand Tetons trip! 🌲

#grandtetonnationalpark #nationalpark #wildlifephotography #familytrip

14 1
Open
POV: you said yes to the drive πŸ”οΈ One of the most scenic drives in the US β€” and the wildlife makes it unforgettable. 🦌 What to look for: β€’ Moose near Oxbow Bend (early morning) β€’ Bison grazing along the road β€’ Bears active spring through fall β€’ Elk at dawn & dusk Go at sunrise for the best chance of spotting them β€” and always keep your distance 🐾 Save this for your Jackson Hole and Grand Tetons trip! 🌲 #grandtetonnationalpark #nationalpark #wildlifephotography #familytrip

POV: you said yes to the drive πŸ”οΈ

One of the most scenic drives in the US β€” and the wildlife makes it unforgettable.

🦌 What to look for:
β€’ Moose near Oxbow Bend (early morning)
β€’ Bison grazing along the road
β€’ Bears active spring through fall
β€’ Elk at dawn & dusk

Go at sunrise for the best chance of spotting them β€” and always keep your distance 🐾

Save this for your Jackson Hole and Grand Tetons trip! 🌲

#grandtetonnationalpark #nationalpark #wildlifephotography #familytrip ...

14 1

The only airport in America inside a National Park β€” and it`s in Jackson Hole. πŸ”οΈ

Most families don`t even know this exists. You fly in, the Teton Range fills your window before you land, and baggage claim has a mountain view. Jackson Hole starts before you ever leave the terminal.

If you`re planning a Jackson Hole trip with your kids β€” save this. You`re going to want to come back to it.

And if you want more family travel that actually feels like an experience β€” follow along. We`re just getting started.

#JacksonHole #GrandTeton #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids

1 0
Open
The only airport in America inside a National Park β€” and it's in Jackson Hole. πŸ”οΈ Most families don't even know this exists. You fly in, the Teton Range fills your window before you land, and baggage claim has a mountain view. Jackson Hole starts before you ever leave the terminal. If you're planning a Jackson Hole trip with your kids β€” save this. You're going to want to come back to it. And if you want more family travel that actually feels like an experience β€” follow along. We're just getting started. #JacksonHole #GrandTeton #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids

The only airport in America inside a National Park β€” and it`s in Jackson Hole. πŸ”οΈ

Most families don`t even know this exists. You fly in, the Teton Range fills your window before you land, and baggage claim has a mountain view. Jackson Hole starts before you ever leave the terminal.

If you`re planning a Jackson Hole trip with your kids β€” save this. You`re going to want to come back to it.

And if you want more family travel that actually feels like an experience β€” follow along. We`re just getting started.

#JacksonHole #GrandTeton #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids ...

1 0

Adulting at Disney hits different when mimosa flights are involved 🍊πŸ₯‚

Whether you`re a Disney adult, a brunch lover, or both β€” this one`s for you.

Drop a πŸ₯‚ in the comments if you didn`t know this existed, and save this for your next Disney California Adventure trip!

πŸ“ Lamplight Lounge β€” Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure

3 0
Open
Adulting at Disney hits different when mimosa flights are involved 🍊πŸ₯‚ Whether you're a Disney adult, a brunch lover, or both β€” this one's for you. Drop a πŸ₯‚ in the comments if you didn't know this existed, and save this for your next Disney California Adventure trip! πŸ“ Lamplight Lounge β€” Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure

Adulting at Disney hits different when mimosa flights are involved 🍊πŸ₯‚

Whether you`re a Disney adult, a brunch lover, or both β€” this one`s for you.

Drop a πŸ₯‚ in the comments if you didn`t know this existed, and save this for your next Disney California Adventure trip!

πŸ“ Lamplight Lounge β€” Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure ...

3 0

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