Colorado is a beautiful state located in the western United States, known for its stunning mountain scenery, national parks, ski resorts, and vibrant cities like Denver and Boulder. As one of the country’s top destinations for outdoor recreation and adventure, millions of people travel to Colorado every year to explore its natural wonders and partake in activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting, and skiing.
But for those planning a trip to Colorado, one common question arises: how long does it take to get there? The answer depends on where in the US you’re starting from and how you plan to travel. This guide breaks down estimated travel times by various routes and transportation methods.
By Air
Flying is often the fastest way to reach Colorado, especially if you’re coming from across the country. Flight times will vary based on your departure city, but nonstop flights from major east and west coast hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle to Denver can take as little as 3-5 hours.
If you’re flying from a city that doesn’t have direct airline routes to Denver, you may need to connect through a hub airport and total travel time could be 6+ hours door-to-door. Use flight search engines to scout options from your home airport.
Once you land at Denver International Airport (DEN), you’ll be just a short 30-60 minute drive from downtown Denver, the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. For those heading straight to the slopes, resort towns like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge are 1.5-3 hours away.
By Car
Driving to Colorado can take anywhere from 10 hours to several days, depending on how far you’re starting from. Here are average one-way drive times to Denver from various major US cities:
- From Chicago: approx. 14 hours
- From Dallas: approx. 12 hours
- From Los Angeles: approx. 18 hours
- From Seattle: approx. 20 hours
- From New York City: approx. 24 hours
These drive times assume mostly non-stop highway driving with minimal breaks. In reality, most travelers split long road trips to Colorado over 2-3 days.
If you’re planning a road trip, consider stopping at attractions like Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon along the way.
For maximum scenery, drive on interstates I-70 or I-25, which wind through the Rocky Mountains. Avoid potential winter weather delays by sticking to southern routes like I-40.
Use a road trip planning app to map the most efficient route based on your starting point, desired stops and estimated daily mileage.
By Train
While less direct, taking the train is another scenic transportation option for getting to Colorado.
Amtrak has routes connecting both coasts to Denver, usually with at least one transfer. For example:
- From New York, expect a 2 night trip with a change in Chicago. Total trip time is around 50 hours.
- From Los Angeles, expect a 2 night trip with a change in Salt Lake City. Total time is approx. 33 hours.
Trains like the California Zephyr run daily between the Midwest and West Coast with seats, sleeper cars and dining. Some routes offer Amtrak’s premium bedrooms with extra amenities.
The major downsides are the travel times are much longer versus flying, and departure options less frequent. But for a relaxed, low-stress journey, the train can be ideal.
By Bus
Interstate bus lines like Greyhound can get you to Colorado from nearly anywhere in mainland US, often for cheaper prices compared to trains or flights.
Trips are direct or may require bus changes. Sample trips:
- From Miami to Denver: 2-3 days (with changes)
- From New York City: 2 days (some direct options)
- From San Francisco: 1-2 days (some direct)
Amenities and comfort can vary greatly for multi-day bus rides. Pay a little extra for nicer seats or think about splitting the trip into segments.
While scenic, bus trips take the longest aside from specialized RV/motorhome trips. Factor in plenty of travel time if going this route.
Key Takeaways
- Flying is the fastest way to reach Colorado for most out-of-state travelers, taking as little as 3-6 hours from hub airports with direct connections.
- Driving times can vary widely based on your starting point across the US. From the East Coast, plan for roughly 24+ hours of nonstop drive time. Routes from the West Coast take around 18-20+ hours.
- Trains like Amtrak are scenic but slower, typically requiring 1-2 days of total travel time and transfers to reach Colorado by rail.
- Interstate buses are very affordable but involve the longest travel times, generally 2+ days depending on your origin.
No matter how you decide to travel, make sure to account for extended time on the road if needed when planning a trip to Colorado. The state’s magnificent landscapes and world-class skiing make the journey well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from California to Colorado?
The drive from California to Colorado takes approximately 18-20 hours depending on your starting point. Most drivers from California take I-15 to Las Vegas, connect to I-70 and follow it west into Colorado. This route offers scenic views once you reach the Rockies. Plan to spend 2-3 days driving if splitting up the trip.
What is the fastest way to get from Texas to Colorado?
The fastest way to go from Texas to Colorado is flying or driving directly. Flights take around 2 hours from Dallas and under 3 from Austin or Houston. Driving takes about 12 hours nonstop from Dallas and 16 from Houston by following major interstates like I-40, I-25, and I-70 west.
How long does it take to drive from Florida to Colorado?
Driving straight from Florida to Colorado takes around 26 hours. Most drivers spend 3-4 days on the road splitting the trip into more manageable segments. Popular routes are taking I-75 or I-95 northwest to I-40, then connecting to I-70 out west. Make sure to plan for traffic and construction delays.
What is the closest airport to fly into for skiing in Colorado?
The most convenient airport for accessing Colorado’s top ski resorts is Denver International Airport. From DEN, resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain are 1.5-2.5 hours away by rental car or shuttle service. Some resort towns like Aspen and Telluride have smaller regional airports as well.
Is it better to fly or drive to Colorado from NYC?
Flying is significantly faster at around 4.5 hours nonstop from NYC to Denver. Driving takes roughly 24 straight hours. Flying avoids weather concerns and long days behind the wheel. However, driving allows you to bring more gear and take your time seeing sights along the route at the expense of much longer travel duration.
