Telluride Transportation

Telluride has a small airport, but there are very few commercial flights and the airport must abide by strict noise abatement rules at night. If you’re flying to CO for your vacation, try looking for flights into the Durango or the Montrose airports. You won’t need to rent a car if you can reserve a ski shuttle to Telluride from one of the airports. Once you are in Telluride, you should be able to survive your vacation without a vehicle.

Telluride Ski Shuttle Deals

Check our list below for deals on ski shuttles to/from Telluride. These companies will provide shuttle transportation from the Montrose Airport, Durango Airport and other major transportation hubs throughout Colorado.

CO West Transportation

Private regional shuttle service for skiers, riders, and travelers throughout CO. A recommended company for those visiting Telluride, including shuttle service from Montrose and Durango airports.

Telluride Transportation FAQ

Does Telluride have an airport?

Yes, Telluride has a regional airport but there are very few commercial flights in and out of this airport.

Which airport do skiers fly into for Telluride?

The Montrose Airport is the airport that we recommend if you are visiting Telluride during the winter. The drive to Telluride should take between 1.5 and 2 hours.

When does the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village run?

This is scheduled to run between 6:30 am and midnight during summer and winter seasons. The gondola does not run during the true off-seasons here. This includes approx. 1 month+ in the spring and again in the fall.

There is only one road into Telluride during the winter – CO Hwy 145 is the only open road during the winter months. This highway includes Lizard Head Pass to the south of Telluride. During the summer, Black Bear Pass will open on the eastern side of Telluride. This is a dirt road and dangerous mountain pass.

Local Bus Routes & Info

Mountain Village Bus Routes

Mountain Village Route – There is a free bus that runs between the Meadows neighborhood and Mountain Village Center.

Off-Season Routes – If the gondola is shut down, the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation will operate a shuttle bus route between Telluride and Mountain Village.

Dial-A-Ride – On-demand rides within the town limits of Mountain Village, run by the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association. This service only available to residents and guests at certain properties and you will need a unique access code to use this service.

Regional Bus Routes

Mountain Village Route – There is a free bus that runs between the Meadows neighborhood and Mountain Village Center.

Off-Season Routes – If the gondola is shut down, the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation will operate a shuttle bus route between Telluride and Mountain Village. There are also regional routes included for the SMART bus system which will bring skiers and riders to the Park & Ride on Lawson Hill in Telluride.

CDOT Bustang – The Bustang Outrider services many rural parts of Colorado. This includes a route that runs between Durango and Grand Junction. This route will stop that the Lawson Hill Park & Ride lot for skiers and riders that are coming to Telluride.

Galloping Goose Bus - Downtown Telluride

This free bus is run by the Town of Telluride, but there is a bit more history behind this bus route than you might think. The Galloping Goose was originally a train car made from train and car parts. It was used move people, mail and freight over Lizard Head Pass between 1931 and the 1950s. This is now a much more tame in-town bus route for skiers and travelers, but it continues to bear the same name.

The Old Galloping Goose Still Runs!

Galloping Goose #5 is seen below at Osier Station on it’s scenic railroad route.

Directions from Montrose and Durango

Take US Highway 550 from the north or south. Turn onto CO Highway 62 at Montrose. This route will run into HWY 145 at Placerville. Turn left and head east on HWY 145 into the canyon.

Telluride is about a 1 hr 20 minute drive from Montrose and 2+ hours from Durango, depending upon the season.