Flying into Denver International Airport (DEN)

Renting a Car & Driving-

Time & distance: Vail is about 120 miles (193 km) west of DEN along I‑70. In good weather the drive takes around 2 hours.

Rental car logistics: DEN has more than ten major rental‑car companies on airport property. Companies such as Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Sixt, Payless, Fox, National, Thrifty, Hertz, Alamo and Avis operate at DEN. Courtesy shuttles take travelers from Jeppesen Terminal to the rental‑car lots; shuttles pick up on Level 5, Island 4 outside doors 505–513 (east) and 504–512 (west).

Shared Shuttles & Ride‑Share Vans-

Epic Mountain Express: The major shared‑ride shuttle. Travel time from DEN to Vail is around 3–3½ hours each way (season & traffic dependent). Winter fares range $79–$139 per person (discounted to $63–$111 for Epic Pass holders) and spring/summer/fall fares are $69–$89 per person. EME’s counter is on the baggage‑claim level at DEN (across from carousel #12/door 512); you can book online or at the airport. The shuttle makes drop‑offs at hotels and lodging in Vail and Beaver Creek.

Other private shuttle services: Peak 1 Express, Blue Sky Limo, Colorado Airport Express and similar companies offer door‑to‑door transfers. Many provide either scheduled shuttles or private vans and SUV service. Prices and schedules vary; booking ahead is essential.

Public Transportation (Budget‑Friendly)-

RTD A Line Train – From the airport’s rail station, the A Line commuter rail goes to Denver’s Union Station in about 37 minutes and costs $10 each way. Trains run every 15 minutes most of the day, and cars have overhead storage for luggage.

Bustang West Line – At Union Station, board CDOT’s Bustang (blue coach bus) to the Vail Transportation Center. Multiple departures run daily; typical travel time to Vail is about 2½ hours. Fares from Union Station to Vail are $20 per adult, $10 per child (2–11) and $15 for seniors/disabled. Buses have Wi‑Fi, power outlets and restrooms.

Pegasus Shuttle – CDOT’s smaller Pegasus vans seat about 11 passengers and use the I‑70 express lane. They depart Union Station every few hours (more frequently on weekends) with stops at the Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail and Avon. Adult fare from Union Station to Vail/Avon is $20 (children $10, seniors/disabled $15). Luggage space is limited to one carry‑on and a ski/snowboard; for larger bags use the Bustang.

Tip: Travelers on a budget can combine the A Line ($10) with Bustang or Pegasus ($20) for a roughly $30 one‑way trip. Total travel time (train + bus) is about 3 hours, and both options terminate at Vail’s Transportation Center, where the free town bus system awaits.

Getting Around Vail

Once in Vail, the Town of Vail Transit Department operates one of the largest free bus systems in the U.S. Buses run year‑round and provide timely service throughout Vail and to Vail Mountain. Real‑time arrival information is available at ride.vail.gov. Buses are free to ride but note the rules (no pets, no smoking/alcohol, stand behind the yellow line, etc.).

Flying into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)

Renting a Car & Driving-

Time & distance: EGE is much closer to Vail—about 35 miles (56 km) away. The drive along I‑70 takes around 30 minutes (allow extra time in peak seasons).

Rental car logistics: EGE’s terminal houses desks for several rental companies. In‑terminal agencies include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Sixt; off‑airport options include Go Rentals and Thrifty. Vehicles are limited during busy periods, so reserve early.

Shuttles & Ride‑Share Vans

Epic Mountain Express: Offers scheduled shared shuttles and private SUVs from EGE. Travel time to Vail is about 50 minutes and distance 38 miles. Fares from EGE start at about $49 per person. Shuttles should be booked in advance; they meet incoming flights.

Other shuttle companies: Peak 1 Express, Blue Sky Limo and local transportation firms also offer transfers between EGE and Vail/Beaver Creek.

Public Transportation (Core Transit)-

Core Transit/Eagle Valley Transportation Authority: The county transit system operates the Valley Route between Gypsum (EGE), Eagle, Edwards, Avon, Beaver Creek and Vail. Fares to/from EGE (Gypsum) are $3 per ride for adults, and kids 18 and under ride free. Tickets must be purchased through the mobile app (no cash on board). While the bus is free along most of the route, fares are required within Gypsum (the airport).

Schedule & luggage: Buses run hourly or better during the day (winter and summer schedules vary). Luggage is allowed but must remain under your control; drivers cannot assist with baggage. Travel time from EGE to Vail is roughly 50–60 minutes.

Connecting to Vail’s free bus: The Core Transit Valley Route stops at the Vail Transportation Center, where you can transfer to Vail’s free town buses for lodging and activities.

Summary for EGE:

Because EGE is close to Vail, renting a car or using a shuttle is often the easiest option. Core Transit provides a budget‑friendly alternative, though you’ll need to manage luggage and download the fare app. Once in Vail, the town’s free bus system can get you anywhere in the village.