Getting to and from Denver is one of the main things many people do when they come to Colorado. Going from Denver to Breckenridge (and back) is one of the more popular routes especially during the winter. Breckenridge is an incredible mountain town with access to both Breckenridge Ski area as well as trails, wilderness, and ski areas in the surrounding area. There are many connections between both places, and we help you get there better, faster, and easier. Hopefully cheaper too if that is possible.
Driving from Denver to Breckenridge
Driving is probably the easiest way to get from Denver to Breckenridge. You can control your timing and your route and of course it makes it easier once you get there if you need to travel around. There are reasons to avoid driving though, it can be a hassle and parking especially can be problematic or expensive. There are two main ways to get from Denver to Breck.
Route 1: Direct
The most direct way to get from Denver to Breckenridge is to travel along I-70. You can easily get on I-70 even from Denver Airport and then continue through the mountains. Once you pass the Dillon Reserve you’ll see an exit (203) towards CO-9S towards Breckenridge. Follow CO-9S about 10 miles.
From Downtown Denver it’s approximately 90 minutes (without traffic) and roughly 2 hours from Denver Airport. If there’s traffic you may want to consider one of the other options.
Route 2: Scenic
I call it scenic and it is, although its also a fair bit longer. This can be a good alternative if I-70 is backed up. However it can also be more difficult during snow days perhaps as well as I-70 is way better cared for since its also a main truck thoroughfare.
Expect this route to add about 40 minutes or more to your trip.
From Denver you’ll follow I-70 for part of the journey however at exit 260 you’ll take 470E towards Colorado Springs. From here Take exit 5A for US-285S. You’ll stay on 285S for about 60 miles until you reach Fairplay Colorado. Turn right onto CO-9N towards Breckenridge. Continue about 20 miles to the town of Breckenridge.
Ski Season
Ski days, in particular weekends during the winter can be really terrible for traffic. Especially if snow is forecast or has recently fallen. Basically everyone from Denver will be heading to the mountains, and I-70 is the main thoroughfare.
If you plan to go skiing you’ll either need to leave at 5:00am or you may likely be stuck in traffic for hours. It can easily take 3 or more hours if you leave later to get to the town. You can also take a look at traffic on Route 2 above to see if it looks better on Google Maps.
What do a lot of people do? They leave at 5:00 am and nap in the parking lot until lifts open. I know I’ve done this myself. Just also something to be thoughtful of if you are time sensitive.
Car Rentals in Denver
There’s really no shortage of car rental options within Denver. I would recommend doing some research on places across the city to find the best deal. Sometimes this is the airport and sometimes rental locations within Denver proper can have better prices.
I would recommend checking Priceline.com and Rentalcars.com for prices as well as compare it against direct rentals from companies such as Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, etc.
Airport
The one benefit of Denver Airport rentals is that it’s 24 hours. Also if you don’t know, the rental options are not at the terminals so you’ll need to take a shuttle from the airport to the car rental spots. Thankfully what I’ve seen is that shuttles are pretty frequent. If you live or otherwise have a car in Denver, if you rent at the airport you’ll need to find a spot to park. Parking at the airport is problematic although I find the Pike’s Peak Lot ($8 per day) to be a pretty good option. Shuttles are super frequent as well.
Off-Airport
There are several off-airport rental car options within the city. Quite a few of these can be reached via light-rail from the airport or within the city. Be careful and sure to check the hours for the rental companies. Some of them are actually closed on weekends or have incredibly limited options. One of the benefits here is that I’ve heard of places basically closed on weekends and you can if you plan it right get a later drop-off without having to worry about paying extra. Your mileage may vary though based on the location. The downside is that they may be closed if your flight or other way of getting here delays you past hours.
Denver Airport to Breckenridge Shuttle
Shuttles are a popular option for those traveling between the city or airport to Breckenridge. Prices tend to go up in the winter time due mostly to demand for the shuttle. Basically because they can, they do.
Note: Be sure to pay attention to each shuttle services price, schedules, areas of service, and luggage allowances.
Epic Mountain Express offers a daily shuttle between Denver Airport and Breckenridge (as well as other destinations). The schedule for Epic Mountain Express is located here. Prices run from about $70 – $130 and they do provide discounts for Epic Pass holders.
Summit Express also offers daily shuttle between Denver Airport and Breckenridge. They have a fair number of regular shuttle buses between the two. Prices run from $100 – $120 per passenger. Check here for more info on their schedules.
Peak 1 Express is another option between the two locations. Prices start generally around $60 and go up from there. Discounts are available for travel to Breckenridge Transfer Station vs. your hotel/lodging.
Fresh Tracks offers shuttles year round between Denver and Breckenridge. As their name suggests its definitely more popular (and expensive) in the winter. Prices run from about $75 – $85 per person.
Breck Direct as its name suggests offers shuttles to Breckenridge from Denver Airport. Be sure to check their site for the hotels and areas they service. Prices start around $200 (for 1-2 passengers) and become more cost effective from there.
Shuttle Around Breckenridge
For those already within Breckenridge there are free shuttles that operate within the town of Breckenridge to take you around the town, to the ski areas, and to many of the resorts. This is great for those visiting who don’t plan on having a car.
Check out The Breck Free Ride for more information, schedule, and routes.
Bus from Denver to Breckenridge
There are public and cheaper bus options between Denver and Breckenridge. This is especially great for those on a budget.
Depending on where you start. From the Airport, you can take the RTD (A Line) from Denver Airport to Denver Union Station. Tickets from the Airport to Denver run $10.50 each way.
From Union Station take the Bustang West Line (stops from Denver to Grand Junction along I-70) to the Frisco Transfer Center. Tickets for this Run about $12. Although for frequent travelers you can also buy multipacks or download the Bustang App to save more.
From Frisco, take the Summit County Stage Bus to the Breckenridge Transit Station. Here you’ll now be in downtown Breckenridge. You can either take the free Breck shuttle to/close to your destination or by another means.
Taxi/Uber from Denver to Breckenridge
Taxis and Ubers between Denver and Breckenridge are a definite possibility, especially if you have multiple people in your party. I’ve had issues finding Ubers late in the evening even for trips from the airport to downtown Denver. There are certainly more options available for taxis in Denver at night, but even so, Denver is not a late night city like some other metros.
You can definitely pay $100 or more for a taxi/Uber from the city and/or airport to Breckenridge. However, if you have a lot of luggage and/or ski equipment this could be more problematic. Even with larger UberXL or similar vehicles. There are even UberSki Options during the ski season that have specific ski/board racks/beds for equipment.
Taxis generally have 24hr options, however can be hit or miss late in the evening. Some options to check on but your mileage (literally) may vary. I tend to lean on Ubers more than taxis myself.
Some Denver based Taxi Companies:
- Denver Taxi and Limo Service: (720) 216-3805
- Taxi Cabs of Arvada: (720) 927-8935
- Denver Taxi: (720) 207-1286
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Driving from Breckenridge to Denver
There are more than one way to get from Breckenridge to Denver. If you are in a hurry, the most direct way is not always the best, in particular during high traffic areas. We do list the most “direct” way and the more “scenic” way. While it is true its more scenic, sometimes its a great alternative for getting from the mountains.
Route 1: Direct
This is definitely the more direct and more popular way to get from Breckenridge to Denver. From Breck, it will take about 90 minutes to Denver and about 2 hours to Denver Airport (without Traffic). However, depending on when you go, your time may increase.
From Breckenridge, head north on CO-9N to the town of Frisco. Take the entrance to I-70E and continue east until you hit Denver.
Depending on where you are going in Denver you’ll need to switch either to I-25S to head downtown, or continue on I-70 to Pena Blvd to reach Denver International Airport.
Route 2: “Scenic”
From Breckenridge head South on CO-9S until you hit the town of Fairplay, CO (about 20 miles). From here turn onto US-285N towards Denver. After about 70 miles you’ll see an exit for CO-470W towards I-70/Grand Junction. Take the exit and continue 5 miles to Exit 1 for I-70E.
You can continue on I-70E towards the airport to Pena Boulevard or to wherever else is your destination.
Ski Season
The Ski Season requires special consideration for any travel between Breckenridge and Denver. In particular, traffic will be increased going from Breckenridge to Denver during the afternoon/evenings and in particular on Sunday Evenings. Basically if you leave when the lifts close, expect to hit traffic on return to Denver as most people will be going this direction as well.
This is even more pronounced on Sundays as people often will spend the weekends up in the mountains and be returning for work on Monday. If the tunnels are metering (meaning you have to wait for green lights), you’ll see added slow down on the way home. Expect things to take an additional hour (or more) for returns if you hit traffic. I generally don’t mind with living in Denver, but if you have to catch a flight, this is more of a concern.
Car Rentals in Breckenridge Colorado
If you are staying in Breckenridge without a plan to go anywhere else in the area, you can definitely go without a car. You can use the shuttle as stated below to get around Breckenridge town.
If however, you want to explore the area, you’ll likely need a car. Unless you found yourself in Breck for some reason without a car, you’d be better off renting a car at the airport you arrived at.
However in terms of options there are several in the area. In particular with nearby towns like Silverthorne Colorado.
In terms of in town car rentals, there is an option with Breckenridge Rental Car which is located within the town. For even more options, you can check nearby Silverthorne with has options from Enterprise, Budget, and more. You’ll need to get a taxi or shuttle from your location in Breck however to downtown Silverthorne for these options. I would recommend checking Priceline.com and Rentalcars.com for prices.
Breckenridge to Denver Airport Shuttle
Shuttles are a popular option for those traveling between Breckenridge to the airport. Prices tend to go up in the winter time due mostly to demand for the shuttle. Shuttles sometimes require or offer a discount if you travel from the Breckenridge Transfer Station to the airport. Most of the shuttle companies have options both to Eagle Valley Airport (Vail) and Denver International Airport. Prices, etc. mostly reflect Denver.
Note: Be sure to pay attention to each shuttle services price, schedules, areas of service, and luggage allowances.
If you are trying to return to the airport after a day of skiing just be sure to leave extra buffer. Travel back to Denver, in particular in the afternoon on ski days can experience high levels of traffic. In particular if they are metering the tunnels. I’ve found return trips to take an additional hour of more. You may want to leave earlier to beat the traffic back if you can.
Shuttle Options
Epic Mountain Express offers a daily shuttle between Denver Airport and Breckenridge (as well as other destinations). The schedule for Epic Mountain Express is located here. Prices run from about $70 – $130 and they do provide discounts for Epic Pass holders.
Summit Express also offers daily shuttle between Denver Airport and Breckenridge. They have a fair number of regular shuttle buses between the two. Prices run from $100 – $120 per passenger. Check here for more info on their schedules.
Peak 1 Express is another option between the two locations. Prices start generally around $60 and go up from there. Discounts are available for travel from Breckenridge Transfer Station vs. your hotel/lodging.
Fresh Tracks offers shuttles year round between Denver and Breckenridge. As their name suggests its definitely more popular (and expensive) in the winter. Prices run from about $75 – $85 per person.
Breck Direct as its name suggests offers shuttles to Breckenridge from Denver Airport. Be sure to check their site for the hotels and areas they service. Prices start around $200 (for 1-2 passengers) and become more cost effective from there.
Shuttle Around Breckenridge
For those already within Breckenridge there are free shuttles that operate within the town of Breckenridge to take you around the town, to the ski areas, and to many of the resorts. This is great for those visiting who don’t plan on having a car.
You also may want to take the shuttle to the Transit Center in Breckenridge as many shuttles leave from there or charge less to leave from there.
Check out The Breck Free Ride for more information, schedule, and routes.
Bus from Breckenridge to Denver
For those on a budget, more public and cheaper bus options do exist from Breckenridge to Downtown Denver and then onto the airport if you choose.
Within Breckenridge you’ll need to first get to the Breckenridge Transit Station in downtown Breckenridge to start your journey. You can often get this by the free Breck shuttle or other means. From here you’ll need to take the Summit County Stage Bus to the Frisco Transfer Center.
From the Frisco Transfer Center it’s time to switch to the Bustang West Line (which runs from Denver to Grand Junction). Take this going east to Denver Union Station. Fares between Frisco and Denver run about $12 for walk-up fares. Although there are discount fares for multi-trips or with the Bustang app.
From here you can take the RTD from Union Station to your final destination. It’s about $10.50 from Union Station to Denver Airport (along the A Line).
Taxi/Uber from Breckenridge to Denver
Taxis and Ubers are possible for trips from Breckenridge to Denver. However, due to the nature of Breckenridge as a smaller town, you may have more difficulty finding ubers/taxis to take you between places. In particular during peak times. There still may be options coming from nearby areas of Summit county, so just take into account times. Also late at night might be difficult to find an uber.
You can definitely pay $100 or more for a taxi/Uber from the city and/or airport to Breckenridge. However, if you have a lot of luggage and/or ski equipment this could be more problematic. Even with larger UberXL or similar vehicles. There are even UberSki Options during the ski season that have specific ski/board racks/beds for equipment. Just note that there may not be enough options of this type for you however.
Options in Breckenridge and Summit County are more limited but there are taxis/shuttles. Not all services are open 24hrs up in this area. You can check the above shuttle options for more info on those. My preference of taxi or Ubers is to take Ubers.
Some Summit County Taxi Options:
- Jake’s Mountain Shuttle: (970) 401-0988
- Blue Sky Limo: (970) 406-4690
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Flights between Denver to Breckenridge
I don’t generally recommend flights between Denver and Breckenridge. Flights to Denver are very frequent, but for those with the time and means there is also an airport in Vail ( Eagle County Airport (EGE)) that is pretty accessible to Breckenridge as well.
There is also a heliport in Breckenridge for those with the means as well.
Side Trips
- Golden Colorado: One of my favorite towns between Denver and the Mountains. Golden has a great downtown, access to beautiful hiking in the foothills and great drinks and restaurants. Certainly worth a stop if you have time and/or interested.
- Frisco: I love this cute little town located next to the Dillon Reserve. In terms of cute town this one is great. If you are looking for cheaper accommodations you may find that in Silverthorne. These towns are my favorite of where to stay if you are coming up for skiing.
- Mount Evans: The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is worth a drive if you are in Colorado during the right seasons. You have a great opportunity to drive up a 14er that is a quick stop between these places. The access to Mount Evans is close to Idaho Springs which is also a great town to stop as well.
- Other Ski Areas: There are more ski areas along the way between Denver and Breckenridge. Keystone, Loveland, Arapahoe Basin are easy in between the towns. Copper, Vail, Beaver Creek, Winter Park among others are easy short trips from Breckenridge as well.
Erich W. Roeseler says
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