Denver International Airport to Colorado Springs
Why so many Colorado Springs trips start at DEN
Colorado Springs has an airport of its own, but the schedule out of COS is thin and the fares are often higher, so a great many people flying into the southern Front Range land at DEN instead and cover the last 85 miles by road. That drive is a little under two hours in ordinary traffic, and it is one of the most requested transfers we run.
The route we take
We leave the terminal on Pena Boulevard, take E-470 south around the east side of the metro, and pick up I-25 south below Lone Tree. That keeps you out of downtown Denver entirely. The one stretch worth knowing about is the climb over Monument Hill between Castle Rock and Monument, which tops out above 7,300 feet and is the first part of I-25 to close in a winter storm. We watch it, and if it shuts we tell you before you land rather than after.
Where we drop in Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor and the Cheyenne Mountain resort corridor
The United States Air Force Academy, including graduation and parents weekend
Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base
Colorado College and downtown Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak cog railway
Monument, Palmer Lake and Castle Rock on the way through
Two hours is long enough that the vehicle matters
An SUV or an executive Sprinter gives you room to actually work or sleep instead of enduring the drive. Water, snacks and chargers are on board before you arrive, the rate is agreed in advance, and there is no meter running if your flight sits on the ramp at DEN.
Common questions
How long does DEN to Colorado Springs take?
About an hour and 45 minutes to two hours and 15, depending on metro traffic and weather. We quote the realistic number, not the optimistic one.
Is it cheaper to fly into COS instead?
Sometimes, but the schedule out of Colorado Springs is limited and connections are usually longer. Plenty of our passengers price both and still choose DEN plus a car.
Do you serve the Air Force Academy?
Yes, including graduation week and parents weekend, which fill our fleet months ahead. Book those early.
What about winter?
Monument Hill is the choke point. If I-25 closes there we tell you before you land and work out the alternative with you rather than leaving you to discover it.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. The Castle Rock outlets, a meal, or a quick look at Garden of the Gods before your hotel are all easy to add if you tell us in advance.
Send us your flight number and we will quote a fixed price and a realistic door to door time from DEN to Colorado Springs.