Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Breckenridge is an outdoor-lovers paradise and the perfect getaway. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to reach as well! Here’s a complete guide as to how to get to Breckenridge, CO. We will walk you through everything from closest airports to Breck to different transportation options after arriving. You’ll be exploring this mountain gem in no time!
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Where is Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge, Colorado, is a charming mountain town located in the heart of Summit County in central Colorado.
This picturesque destination is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, making it a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. However, its appeal extends year-round with outdoor activities, vibrant festivals, and a historic downtown area brimming with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
It’s situated approximately 80 miles west of Denver, 37 miles from Vail, 99 miles from Aspen, and 106 miles from Colorado Springs.
Closest Airports to Breckenridge
- Eagle County Regional Airport (Gypsum): 71 miles
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: 103 miles
- TOP PICK! Denver International Airport: 107 miles
- Colorado Springs Airport: 116 miles
For most average travelers, Denver will be your go-to airport when traveling to Breckenridge. You’ll likely find the cheapest flights as well as the most options. But, it doesn’t hurt to check out the times and prices of the smaller airports.
Or, if you’re loaded and budget is not an issue, you’ll get to avoid the (occasional) chaos of DEN 🙂 But for us, Denver is almost always the best option.
How to get from Denver International Airport to Breckenridge
Luckily for us average-jo, not rich, travelers there are several options to get from Denver International Airport to Breckenridge!
- Option 1: Rent a Car Perhaps the most obvious, you can rent a car from the airport and drive yourself to Breckenridge. This option can be more spendy than the following, but you will be rewarded with the flexibility explore Breck at your leisure.
Renting a car from DEN is pretty simple. After landing, simply head to ground transportation and hop on the rental car (free) shuttle. Then, you have about a 7 minute shuttle ride.
- Option 2: Take a Shuttle There are several shuttle companies that offer direct service from Denver International Airport to Breckenridge. For those of you who do not want to drive yourself, this makes for a convenient and stress-free journey! (See the options below for transportation options once in Breck).
Denver International Airport to Breckenridge Shuttle Companies
- Epic Mountain Express: 7 departures daily between the hours of 9:00am-7:30pm, prices start at $59 one way.
- Summit Express: 6-10 departures daily (depending on season) between the hours of 9am-9pm, prices start at $69 one way
- Peak 1 Express: 7-17 departures daily (depending on season) between the hours of 1:30 am- 9:00 pm, prices start at $49
Transportation in Breckenridge
Once you’ve arrived in Breckenridge, you’ll find that getting around this charming mountain town is a breeze. The entire town of Breckenridge only covers just over 5 square miles.
Getting around Breckenridge WITH a car
Navigating Breckenridge with a car is relatively straightforward, and having your own vehicle offers extra flexibility for exploring the surrounding area.
While Breckenridge itself has a network of roads and parking options, it’s important to note that parking can be limited in the town center, especially during peak ski season.
Many accommodations offer on-site or nearby parking, so check with your lodging provider regarding parking arrangements. On-street parking is available in some areas, and there are several public parking lots in town, such as the South Gondola Lot (.50 cents per hour) and the F Lot (3 dollars per hour and free after 3pm).
However, if sticking around Main Street, I do recommend utilizing the FREE bus system (explained below). Because who likes the stress of trying to find a parking spot?! You can even park in the Ice Rink lot FO FREE and the trolley or brown route will take you right to town (JACKPOT!)
Having a car in Breckenridge also opens up opportunities to explore nearby attractions, go on scenic drives, and take day trips to surrounding mountain towns.
Just be prepared for winter driving conditions and potential road closures during heavy snowfall, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or chains when necessary. Seriously. Do not risk it!
Tip! Looking for the best time to visit Breck?! Check out this month-by-month visiting guide!
Getting around Breckenridge WITHOUT a car
The town offers a free and convenient shuttle service, the Breck Free Ride, which allows you to explore the area without worrying about parking or having your own car.
Whether you’re headed to the ski slopes, dining on Main Street, or visiting nearby attractions, the shuttle system makes it easy to navigate. You can check out the routes here!
And if you prefer a bit of exercise, Breckenridge is a very pedestrian-friendly destination, with plenty of scenic pathways and walkable streets to enjoy.
With a range of transportation options, you can make the most of your time in Breckenridge without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads.
Getting to Breckenridge, CO Recap
See? Getting to Breckenridge, CO is easy peasy! Whether you choose to rent a car at the airport, or take the shuttle from Denver International, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful vacation in this charming mountain town!