Getting Here

Colorado’s central location in the United States also makes it handy and less expensive to fly in attendees from various directions. it’s a great meet-you-in-the-middle place. No one has to fly coast-to-coast. Colorado is surrounded by New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma. If you have attendees driving in from these states, or even Texas and Illinois, the drive can be made in a day avoiding the need to go through any airport.

There is huge value in having Denver International Airport (DEN), the third busiest airport in the United States and world, as one of the main transportation centers.

DEN’s air service network recovered to near pre-pandemic levels in 2022 as new gate capacity supported carrier growth. The airport is the largest hub in terms of seats for three of the country’s major carriers: Frontier, Southwest and United. Total nonstop destinations at DEN totaled 215 for the year, including 190 domestic airports in 46 states and 25 international destinations across 13 countries.

The DEN Gate Expansion Program that wrapped up in November 2022 resulted in a total of 39 new gates across all three concourses, increasing gate capacity by 30% and improving the passenger experience by adding new amenities, including three outdoor decks to enjoy sunny days and beautiful views. DEN also has integrated a lot of local into the airport in the form of restaurants, breweries, wine bars, shops, artwork and more. It isn’t a hardship to have a layover or extra time in this airport!

In total, there are 13 airports around the state that provide convenient and affordable flights. After DEN, the next largest airports in the state are in Colorado Springs to the south and Grand Junction in the northwest corner.

Like DEN, Colorado’s regional airports are expanding the number of available flights and undergoing improvements to help make the flying experience top-notch. The second story of Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is newly renovated to provide passenger comforts, and Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) has undergone a total upgrade.

Colorado’s regional airports

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, Aspen (ASE)
Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado Springs (COS)
Cortez Municipal Airport, Cortez (CEZ)
Durango/La Plata County Airport, Durango (DRO)
Eagle County Regional Airport, Eagle (EGE)
Grand Junction Regional Airport, Grand Junction (GJT)
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison (GUC)
Montrose Regional Airport, Montrose (MTJ)
Pueblo Memorial Airport, Pueblo (PUB)
San Luis Valley Regional Airport, Alamosa (ALS)
Telluride Regional Airport, Telluride (TEX)
Yampa Valley Regional Airport, Steamboat Springs (HDN)

RTD’s A Line train provides a direct link from Denver International Airport to downtown’s beautifully restored Denver Union Station in only 37 minutes. The Colorado Convention Center and several hotels are located within a few blocks of Denver Union Station, along with loads of great attractions. RTD offers extensive light rail and bus options throughout the Denver metropolitan area and beyond.

In several ski towns like Vail, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Crested Butte and Gunnison, there are free public bus systems that are used extensively by locals and visitors alike and can be handy for groups.

For laser-focused service, there are outstanding transportation providers like ACE Express Coaches and Hermes Chauffeured Services that will make sure groups get from airports to anywhere they need to go in Denver, the Front Range, mountains and beyond without hassle. Consider a greeter service and on-site coordinators to help make the airport arrival process welcoming instead of overwhelming.

One benefit of utilizing a transportation company or having attendees drive is being able to go between a few nearby communities for mobile meetings (like Glenwood Springs, Snowmass and Aspen or Denver and Aurora) or to meet in one town and play in another. Denver also is within easy driving distance to Black Hawk for some casino action and to ski areas in Summit County (Copper Mountain, Keystone and Breckenridge).

Or leave cars parked for a day or two and take Amtrak Winter Park Express train from Denver Union Station to the slopes at Winter Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from mid-January through March. Year-round, the Amtrak Zephyr Express runs from Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California and in Colorado links Denver, Glenwood Springs, Fraser, Granby and Grand Junction.

Some of Colorado’s historic trains also connect two destinations, such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Spend time in both communities, using one as the main meeting venue and the other as a fun day trip.

There are all sorts of transportation options in Colorado, and destination marketing organizations and destination management companies can help guide the way in finding the best solutions.