Getting to Telluride

Welcome to Our Curated Parking and Transportation Guide for Telluride and Mountain Village

Telluride, Colorado, is a town that feels like it came straight out of a painting. With its many visitors, it’s important to be familiar with the available parking options for your car or rental vehicle. For your vacation, almost all of our Telluride Vacation Rentals have a dedicated parking space for a vehicle. 

By Air
Driving
Parking in Telluride
Parking in Mountain Village
Mountain Village

Flying to Telluride is one of the fastest and easiest ways to begin your mountain vacation. Whether you're visiting for ski season, summer festivals, hiking, or a relaxing getaway, several regional airports provide convenient access to Telluride.

This guide covers the best airports, transfer options, and what travelers should know before arrival.

Best Airports for Telluride

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)

The closest airport to Telluride, located just minutes from town.

Best For:

  • Fastest arrival to Telluride
  • Short transfer times
  • Travelers prioritizing convenience

Good to Know:

Mountain weather can occasionally affect schedules, especially in winter.

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

The most popular airport for Telluride visitors.

Why Guests Choose It:

  • More commercial flight options
  • Larger airport with more carriers
  • Reliable year-round service
  • Easy access to Telluride by shuttle or rental car

Drive Time to Telluride:

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Other Regional Airports

Depending on pricing and schedules, travelers may also consider:

  • Durango-La Plata County Airport
  • Grand Junction Regional Airport

These options usually require a longer drive.

Best Ground Transportation From the Airport

Telluride Express

We often recommend Telluride Express for guests flying into nearby airports.

Why It’s Popular:

  • Airport pickup service
  • Shared and private transportation options
  • Direct service to Telluride and Mountain Village
  • Great alternative to winter driving

Best For:

  • Guests flying into Montrose
  • Winter travelers
  • Couples and families
  • Guests who don’t need a car during their stay

Renting a Car vs Taking a Shuttle

Rent a Car If You Want To:

  • Explore surrounding mountain towns
  • Grocery shop independently
  • Take day trips during your stay

Use a Shuttle If You Want To:

  • Avoid winter mountain driving
  • Skip parking logistics
  • Relax after your flight

Frequently Ask Questions

Most guests choose Montrose Regional Airport for flight availability and convenience.
Yes, Telluride Regional Airport is the closest airport.
Not always. Many guests use shuttle transportation and rely on walking, transit, and the gondola once they arrive.
Yes, all homes are stocked with fresh linens, towels, and essential items to make your stay comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Early check-in and late check-out may be available depending on the home and schedule. Let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Homes are professionally cleaned before arrival. Mid-stay housekeeping may be available upon request.

Flying to Telluride is one of the fastest and easiest ways to begin your mountain vacation. Whether you're visiting for ski season, summer festivals, hiking, or a relaxing getaway, several regional airports provide convenient access to Telluride.

This guide covers the best airports, transfer options, and what travelers should know before arrival.

Best Airports for Telluride

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)

The closest airport to Telluride, located just minutes from town.

Best For:

  • Fastest arrival to Telluride
  • Short transfer times
  • Travelers prioritizing convenience

Good to Know:

Mountain weather can occasionally affect schedules, especially in winter.

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

The most popular airport for Telluride visitors.

Why Guests Choose It:

  • More commercial flight options
  • Larger airport with more carriers
  • Reliable year-round service
  • Easy access to Telluride by shuttle or rental car

Drive Time to Telluride:

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Other Regional Airports

Depending on pricing and schedules, travelers may also consider:

  • Durango-La Plata County Airport
  • Grand Junction Regional Airport

These options usually require a longer drive.

Best Ground Transportation From the Airport

Telluride Express

We often recommend Telluride Express for guests flying into nearby airports.

Why It’s Popular:

  • Airport pickup service
  • Shared and private transportation options
  • Direct service to Telluride and Mountain Village
  • Great alternative to winter driving

Best For:

  • Guests flying into Montrose
  • Winter travelers
  • Couples and families
  • Guests who don’t need a car during their stay

Renting a Car vs Taking a Shuttle

Rent a Car If You Want To:

  • Explore surrounding mountain towns
  • Grocery shop independently
  • Take day trips during your stay

Use a Shuttle If You Want To:

  • Avoid winter mountain driving
  • Skip parking logistics
  • Relax after your flight

Frequently Ask Questions

Most guests choose Montrose Regional Airport for flight availability and convenience.
Yes, Telluride Regional Airport is the closest airport.
Not always. Many guests use shuttle transportation and rely on walking, transit, and the gondola once they arrive.
Yes, all homes are stocked with fresh linens, towels, and essential items to make your stay comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Early check-in and late check-out may be available depending on the home and schedule. Let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Homes are professionally cleaned before arrival. Mid-stay housekeeping may be available upon request.

Commuters are encouraged to use regional transit options like the SMART system, the Gondola, or carpool, with the Carhenge Parking Lot available for those without off-street parking at work.

  • Parking Permits: Permits, managed by the Marshal's Department via the ToCite online system, allow residents and businesses outside the business district to park in two-hour zones without restrictions. Silverjack Parking Garage and "S" Zone Shandoka permits require application through the town’s website. available on the town's website. 
  • Metered Parking: Available in the business district, metered parking costs $2.00 per hour, with a three-hour limit.
  • Silverjack Parking Garage: Located at 155 W. Pacific Avenue, this covered garage charges $2.00 per hour and $50 for overnight parking, with payment via QR code or text.
  • Carhenge Parking Lot: Offers free all-day parking for commuters and visitors at 700 West Pacific Avenue, a 10-minute walk from downtown. The lot is serviced by the Galloping Goose transit loop, but overnight parking is prohibited. Galloping Goose Schedule (PDF) 

Visitor parking is available throughout Telluride. Please check nearby signs for the latest information and be mindful of winter snow removal notices. Please note that vehicle camping is strictly prohibited within the Town of Telluride.

Mountain Village offers various parking options across several locations, with rates effective from April 8, 2024, through November 14, 2024:

  • Gondola Parking Garage: Offers 460 spaces with free daytime parking. Overnight parking is available for a fee, but oversized vehicles may face challenges, especially during winter.
  • Heritage Parking Garage: Located under the Madeline Hotel, charges $2 per hour with a $48 daily max.
  • North and South Village Center Parking: Charges $2 per hour, free after 6 p.m., with no overnight parking allowed.
  • Market Plaza and Shirana Short-Term Parking: Offer free short-term parking with restrictions on overnight parking.
  • Meadows Parking: Seasonal rates apply, with free daytime parking in summer and paid parking in winter.
  • ParkMobile App: Parking garages are readily available in Mountain Village and payment can be completed on the Parkmobile app. Please be aware that parking is not allowed along any street or right-of-way, and any kind of vehicle camping is strictly prohibited in Mountain Village. 

Overnight parking is available in select garages, with strict regulations on oversized vehicles. Various parking permits are offered to residents, commuters, and locals. 

Mountain Village offers various parking options across several locations, with rates effective from April 8, 2024, through November 14, 2024:

  • Gondola Parking Garage: Offers 460 spaces with free daytime parking. Overnight parking is available for a fee, but oversized vehicles may face challenges, especially during winter.
  • Heritage Parking Garage: Located under the Madeline Hotel, charges $2 per hour with a $48 daily max.
  • North and South Village Center Parking: Charges $2 per hour, free after 6 p.m., with no overnight parking allowed.
  • Market Plaza and Shirana Short-Term Parking: Offer free short-term parking with restrictions on overnight parking.
  • Meadows Parking: Seasonal rates apply, with free daytime parking in summer and paid parking in winter.
  • ParkMobile App: Parking garages are readily available in Mountain Village and payment can be completed on the Parkmobile app. Please be aware that parking is not allowed along any street or right-of-way, and any kind of vehicle camping is strictly prohibited in Mountain Village. 

Overnight parking is available in select garages, with strict regulations on oversized vehicles. Various parking permits are offered to residents, commuters, and locals. 

Stay With Vivid Vacation Rentals

Whether you fly direct or connect through a regional airport, Vivid Vacation Rentals offers premium homes and condos throughout Telluride and Mountain Village.
We’re happy to help with arrival recommendations and property-specific travel tips.

Experience the best in Telluride Property Management when you partner with Vivid Vacation Rentals.

Learn more about Vivid Telluride Property Management
Property Management

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