Are There Direct Flights To Telluride, CO?

Telluride, Colorado, is a dream destination for those seeking an unforgettable mountain experience, whether it’s skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or simply enjoying the quaint, picturesque town. One of the first questions potential visitors ask is: Are there direct flights to Telluride, CO?

While Telluride may seem like an isolated gem tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, getting there by air has become increasingly easier. Though options for direct flights to Telluride CO are more limited compared to larger cities, travelers do have access to direct routes through a few key airports. 

Direct Flights to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is the closest airport to the town of Telluride, located just 10 minutes away from downtown. While this airport does not offer a vast range of direct flight options, it does provide some year-round routes that make it a convenient choice for travelers heading to the area.

Denver Air Connection (operated by Key Lime Air)

• Denver (DEN) → TEX: This route offers direct flights year-round, with daily service. The flight takes about 1 hour and is operated by Denver Air Connection, which uses the Dornier 328JET aircraft with a 30-seat capacity.

• Phoenix (PHX) → TEX: Another key route provided by Denver Air Connection, with daily direct flights that take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

• These flights are available for booking through United Airlines’ global network, making it easier for travelers to connect from major hubs.

Seasonal Service

• PHX-TEX flights typically run from December to September, catering to the peak tourist seasons for Telluride’s skiing and summer outdoor activities.

• DEN-TEX flights operate year-round, but they do experience brief pauses during spring and fall when demand is lower.

Considerations for Flying to TEX

• Weather-Dependent Operations: Due to the high elevation (around 9,000 feet), flights to Telluride Regional Airport can be impacted by weather conditions, especially during the winter months. Snowstorms, high winds, and visibility issues can lead to delays or cancellations.

• Limited Aircraft Options: The airport is served by smaller aircraft, including the Dornier 328JET and turboprops, which are ideal for shorter regional flights but have fewer amenities and less capacity than larger jets.

Despite these challenges, the proximity of Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) to the town of Telluride makes it the most convenient option for travelers prioritizing speed and convenience over a broad selection of flight options.

Alternative Airport: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

While Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is the closest airport to Telluride, travelers also have the option to fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), located about 65 miles (roughly 1.5 hours) away from Telluride. MTJ offers more frequent and diverse flight options, especially during the peak winter season.

Direct Winter Routes (Dec–Mar)

During the winter season, Montrose Regional Airport has direct flights available from several major airlines and hubs:

• United Airlines offers direct flights from Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), and San Francisco (SFO).

• American Airlines provides non-stop service from Dallas (DFW) and Miami (MIA).

• Delta offers direct flights from Atlanta (ATL) and Salt Lake City (SLC).

• Southwest Airlines flies direct from Denver (DEN) and Dallas (DAL).

• Breeze Airways offers new routes from Los Angeles (LAX/BUR) and Orange County (SNA).

These expanded routes make Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) a more accessible option, especially for travelers coming from cities on the East Coast or larger metropolitan areas. The airport also provides year-round service to Phoenix (PHX) and Denver (DEN)  giving visitors flexibility when planning their trip.

Year-Round Service

Montrose benefits from year-round flights that offer better options for travelers not arriving during the busy winter months. These include connections to major hubs like Phoenix and Denver, making it a more flexible option for a variety of travelers.

Comparing TEX and MTJ

While both airports provide access to Telluride, each has distinct advantages depending on your travel priorities.

Ground Transportation to Telluride

Once you land at either TEX or MTJ, there are several options for getting to Telluride.

• From TEX: The airport is only about 10 minutes from downtown Telluride, so ground transportation is minimal. Visitors can take a short taxi or shuttle ride into town, or they can use private car services.

• From MTJ: At 65 miles away, the drive from Montrose to Telluride takes around 1.5 hours. Shuttle services like Telluride Express provide regular transfers, with a one-way fare typically ranging from $50 to $150 per person. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car, though it’s not necessary in Telluride due to the town’s excellent walkability and free gondola service.

Best Option for Direct Flights to Telluride

If you’re looking for the quickest and most convenient option, direct flights to Telluride Colorado via Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) are ideal. However, the limited number of direct routes means that if you’re traveling during off-peak seasons or from locations not served by TEX, Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) offers more frequent flight options and flexibility. For travelers who don’t mind a slightly longer drive, MTJ provides ample choices and reliability, especially in winter.

Takeaway 

The good news is that flights to Telluride CO are more accessible than ever, whether you're flying directly into Telluride Regional Airport or opting for Montrose Regional Airport, which offers more options year-round. Regardless of your choice, Telluride’s beautiful mountains and welcoming atmosphere await, ready to provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Rockies.

Are you ready to experience the magic of Telluride, Colorado, in a way that perfectly suits your lifestyle? LIVT Life is here to help you plan your next getaway or special occasion with ease and convenience. 

If you want to take a direct flight to Telluride, we provide customized travel experiences that fit your personal needs. Explore the possibilities today and let LIVT Life help you make unforgettable memories in one of the most scenic places on earth. 

FAQs

1. Are there direct flights to Telluride, CO?

Yes, there are direct flights to Telluride CO. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) offers year-round flights from Denver (DEN) and Phoenix (PHX), operated by Denver Air Connection. These flights are typically about an hour in duration, making it a convenient option for travelers.

2. How far is Telluride from Montrose Airport?

Telluride is approximately 65 miles (about a 1.5-hour drive) from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). This airport offers more flight options, including non-stop routes from several major cities during the winter season. There are also shuttle services available from Montrose to Telluride.

3. What airlines operate direct flights to Telluride CO?

Direct flights to Telluride, CO, are operated by Denver Air Connection, which is a partner of United Airlines. They provide daily services from Denver and Phoenix to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX). During peak seasons, additional routes may be available from other airlines at Montrose (MTJ).

4. How can I get from Montrose Airport to Telluride?

To get from Montrose Airport (MTJ) to Telluride, travelers can take a shuttle service like Telluride Express, which typically takes about 1.5 hours. Rental cars are also available, but many visitors prefer the shuttle service to avoid navigating the mountain roads.