Flying In
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) — Recommended
For most visitors, Montrose Regional Airport is the best option. It's about 1 hour 30 minutes from town, with direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, New York/Newark, Washington D.C., and Chicago (seasonal). Once you land, book a shuttle with Telluride Express or Mountain Limo, or rent a car — though if you're staying in town or Mountain Village, you won't use it much once you arrive.
Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)
Telluride does have the highest commercial airport in the country. But flights are limited — currently only from Denver and Phoenix — and they're weather-dependent. You often end up in Montrose or Cortez anyway. Unless you're living that private jet life (hit me up!), Montrose is more reliable.
Other Airports
- Durango (DRO): About 2 hours away, good for certain Southwest connections but generally worse options than Montrose
- Grand Junction (GJT): About 2.5 hours away, with rental cars and bus service, but generally worse flight options than Montrose (unless you're flying American, and then god help you)
- Denver (DEN): A full day's drive (6–7 hours)
Driving to Telluride
Driving is recommended if you're coming from Colorado or the broader region. It's often easier than flying.
- Denver: 6–7 hours (I-70 through Grand Junction or southern route over Monarch Pass)
- Salt Lake City: 6 hours (I-70 through GJ or southern route through Moab)
- Phoenix: 7–8 hours
- Albuquerque: 5–6 hours
Always spicier in winter — these routes all cross serious mountain passes.
Public Transportation
Colorado has some (limited) bus service: From Grand Junction, Bustang and Telluride Express offer service. Durango connects to Telluride via the Bustang Outrider, but Telluride Express doesn't serve Durango.
Our Recommendation
- Out of State: Fly into Montrose and book a shuttle (Telluride Express or Mountain Limo). Skip the rental car.
- In State or Regional (Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque): Drive.