Telluride Transportation & Navigation Advice

Planning a trip to Telluride? This remote mountain town is packed with adventure, but getting here—and getting around—takes a little know-how. Nestled in the heart of the awe-inspiring San Juan Mountains, Telluride beckons with its stunning vistas, historic charm, and a unique blend of outdoor adventures. Navigating this picturesque town, surrounded by towering peaks and steep slopes, requires a bit of insider knowledge. Telluride is a remote town, and you won’t find access to Uber or Lyft here (the apps exist here, but drivers are few and far between), but there are other transportation methods that make getting around Telluride easy.

The hardest part about visiting Telluride is often getting here. Unlike most of the Rocky Mountain ski towns, Telluride is quite far removed. Most visitors flying to Colorado arrive via Denver International Airport, which is more than 6-hours-drive through the mountains from Telluride.

The town has its own airport, Telluride Regional Airport (KTEX), serviced by Denver Air Connect. While flights to this airport may be more expensive than those to Montrose, the journey to your Telluride accommodations takes only 10 to 15 minutes. 

Whether you’re flying into Montrose, staying in Mountain Village, or exploring historic downtown, this guide explores the various modes of transportation available, highlights the best ways to get around, and offers valuable tips for exploring Telluride with ease.

Ground Transportation from Montrose Airport (MTJ)

Most visitors arrive via Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about 1.5 to 2 hours from Telluride. While the drive is scenic, you’ll want to plan ahead for your ground transportation. Options include:

• Shared Shuttles – Affordable and reliable with regular departures timed with flight schedules. Great for solo travelers or small groups.

• Private Transfers – Services like Tellurides offer door-to-door service in a private vehicle, ideal for families or those who value comfort and flexibility.

• Luxury Car Service & Limos – For a first-class arrival, consider a luxury SUV or limo. These are especially convenient for guests staying at high-end accommodations or traveling with ski gear.

Private Luxury Transportation

If you prefer not to rent a car, private luxury transportation services are a stress-free way to move between airports, lodges, restaurants, and activities. These black car-style services operate year-round and are especially useful in winter when driving conditions can be unpredictable. Expect top-tier service, local drivers, and optional amenities like child seats or ski racks.

Getting Around in Telluride

Once you’re in Telluride, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to navigate—no car needed. The historic downtown is compact, walkable, and filled with charming shops and eateries. If you're staying in Mountain Village, you’ll be connected by the only free public gondola transportation system of its kind in North America. The gondola links the town of Telluride with Mountain Village. It serves as a convenient transport option that also offers breathtaking panoramic views along the way.

Telluride vs. Mountain Village

Telluride offers that classic Wild West downtown vibe, while Mountain Village feels more like a modern alpine resort. Both have lodging, restaurants, and access to the slopes. Most visitors ride the gondola between the two throughout the day, depending on where they're staying or playing.

The Free Gondola: A Town Icon

Telluride’s free gondola is one of the only public transportation systems of its kind in the world. Running daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight (hours may vary by season), it connects Telluride and Mountain Village in about 13 minutes—with stunning views along the way. It’s pet-friendly, family-friendly, and runs year-round.

This is the best way to travel between the two areas, providing a scenic, stress-free experience.

Electric Cart Rentals

For a fun and eco-friendly way to cruise around town, consider a street-legal electric golf cart rental from Telluride Carts. These open-air carts are perfect for sunny summer days and make parking a breeze in the busy downtown core. 

Electric Bike Rentals

Cover more ground with ease by renting an electric bike. With gentle pedal-assist motors, you can cruise between neighborhoods, trailheads, or even scenic overlooks without breaking a sweat. E-bikes are a great option for exploring both Telluride and Mountain Village at your own pace.

Getting from Telluride to Your Tours & Activities

Need a ride to your next adventure? If you don’t have a car, there are several ways to travel between your hotel and the tours or activities you have planned. Telluride is renowned for its outdoor adventure activities, including jeep tours, whitewater rafting, horseback trail rides, and guided hiking. Some tour companies include transportation in their rates and will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodations in Telluride or Mountain Village.

If you plan to hike or access a trailhead that is not within walking distance, you can book a shuttle service to reach it. Tellurides local shuttle services provide reliable, comfortable transportation to and from your experience—so you can focus on the fun, not the logistics. Whether you're heading out for a hike, a jeep tour, or a rafting excursion, we’ll help make sure you get there on time—stress-free. 

Telluride's Public Transportation

The Galloping Goose is Telluride's public bus system and operates a loop around the town. The bus service is free, and it loops through town every 15 to 20 minutes. It's a reliable option for those looking to explore the town without the need of a car. It is especially handy on cold nights when you don’t want to walk home after dinner.

The San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) operates buses to Norwood, Down Valley, Lawson Hill, Rico, and has Vanpool to Ridgway, Montrose and Mountain Village. Schedules change depending on the season, so click here for the current schedules. 

Renting a Car in Telluride

If you want to explore beyond Telluride’s immediate vicinity, then renting a car is probably the best option. This is especially true if you want to take a day trip to Ouray or Silverton (I highly recommend both towns while you are in this region). It also makes sense if you plan to do a lot of hiking or mountain biking and don’t want the added expense of adding in shuttle services to reach the trailheads. There are several car rentals available at the Montrose Airport. The Telluride Airport offers Hertz, and Diff Auto Rental and Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals for off-roading vehicles. You will want to reserve well in advance as there are not as many cars available in the Telluride region as in other Colorado ski towns. Car rentals fill up very fast during ski season and in the summer, especially on festival weeks. 

Exploring Telluride on Foot

The best way to explore Telluride is on foot. The historic downtown is compact and easy to walk around. Colorado Avenue is the town’s main street and here you will find numerous boutique shops, art galleries and local eateries. Also make sure to keep an eye out for hidden alleyways with vibrant mural art.

You can also check out the Free Spirit Trail, which is a self-guided walking tour showcasing Telluride’s public art scene. Along the way you will discover sculptures, installations, and murals.

The Mountain Village, where the ski resort is located, is also very walkable. You can get between the two areas via the free gondola. Once in Mountain Village, explore the pedestrian-friendly plazas, dine in al fresco restaurants, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this mountain enclave.

Telluride Navigation Tips for Winter Visitors

In winter, Telluride is cold and snowy. If you have arrived by car (or rented one) and aren’t used to driving on snow and ice, you will want to take some precautions. It’s always best to have a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the snowy roads and icy passes more easily.

After years of winter driving in Colorado, my best tip is to expect the unexpected. A road can appear wet when it’s actually black ice. It can be sunny one minute, and a near-whiteout blizzard can come in from nowhere, making it hard to see. 
All the roads here are two-lane, and to get in and out, you’ll need to cross mountain passes. Take it slow. When roads become inaccessible, the Colorado Department of Transportation will shut them down until they can be adequately plowed, so keep an eye on the weather reports.

How Transportation & Navigation in Telluride Compare to Other Popular Colorado Resorts

Telluride is one of Colorado’s most remote mountain resorts and transportation and navigation here is not as straight forward in many capacities as say Aspen, Breckenridge, or Vail. It is harder to reach Telluride from Denver than it is to reach the resort’s located just off I-70 and even Aspen, which is further to the west. It is between a six and seven-hour drive from Denver to Telluride, whereas Aspen is three hours from Denver and Breckenridge is under two.

Once you reach Telluride, however, it is quite easy to get around the town itself. The free gondola linking the Mountain Village with downtown Telluride makes it super convenient to get between the two areas. And once on the ground, both downtowns are compact and walkable.

Telluride vs. Vail

I find it easier to get around Telluride than at many other popular Colorado resorts, including Vail. Telluride is much more compact, making it quicker to navigate. In contrast, in Vail, if you are not staying in Lionshead or Vail Village, reaching East or West Vail takes much longer by bus.

Telluride vs. Aspen

Telluride and Aspen are similar in terms of getting around, with one exception. If you are staying in Aspen and want to ski Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk Mountain, the commute will be much longer because you’ll need to take a bus to all three. However, Aspen itself is easy to navigate, walkable, and has good public transportation, just like Telluride. 

Transportation Options from Aspen to Telluride

There are several ways to travel between Telluride and Aspen. While both towns have regional airports, you cannot fly directly between them without connecting through Denver unless you are chartering a plane. Therefore, it is easiest to drive or arrange a shuttle or private car service between the two mountain towns.

Driving from Aspen to Telluride

The drive between the two towns is gorgeous and takes you along some of Colorado’s most jaw-dropping scenic byways. There are two main routes that each take a similar amount of time, about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The most beautiful drive is via Highways 82 and 133; however, this route involves driving over mountain passes and can be more treacherous in winter. If the weather is a concern, consider taking the I-70 route. It is slightly longer but keeps you on major highways for more of the journey.
Both routes, however, feature a crossing over the stunning Dallas Divide as you descend into Telluride on Highway 62. This high mountain pass lies between Ridgeway and Telluride and offers sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains.

Shuttle Service from Aspen to Telluride

If you prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery without the responsibility of driving, shuttle services provide a convenient and comfortable alternative. Several companies operate shuttles between Aspen and Telluride, offering scheduled services or private charters. This option allows you to kick back, take in the views, and arrive in Telluride stress-free.

Telluride Express offers a shuttle service between Aspen and Telluride. If you are on a budget, you can book a shared ride. The company also offers private transfers between the two towns.

Driving the San Juan Skyway

If you’re planning to rent a car or bring your own, don’t miss the chance to experience the San Juan Skyway—one of Colorado’s most iconic scenic drives. This 236-mile loop winds through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, connecting Telluride with other historic towns like Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. Along the way, you’ll encounter alpine passes, waterfalls, ghost towns, and dramatic cliffside roads that showcase the raw beauty of Southwest Colorado.

The drive itself is as much an adventure as any activity in Telluride. One highlight is the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton—a stretch known for its narrow lanes, steep drop-offs, and jaw-dropping views. Summer and early fall are the best times to drive the Skyway, as winter conditions can bring closures or icy roads. If you're comfortable behind the wheel and love a good mountain road trip, the San Juan Skyway offers unforgettable scenery around every bend.

Telluride may be tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains, but getting here and getting around is easier than you might think—especially with a little local advice. From airport shuttles and gondolas to golf carts and e-bikes, there are plenty of ways to explore without ever needing a rental car.

Still have questions? Reach out to our team—we’re happy to help you map out your next adventure.