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Aspen is a popular mountain town in Colorado’s Rockies where you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. If you are visiting this destination, you might wonder whether there’s Uber in Aspen, and if there are other ways to get around the area.
➡️ Read: Must-visit places in Colorado
I’ve spent my summer in Aspen and wanted to share my insights on Uber as well as public transportation in Aspen that you can use to get around the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley where you can enjoy fun activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping and off roading.
Travel resources for your trip to Aspen
- Accommodations in Aspen – I use Booking
- Flights to Aspen – I use CheapAir
- Travel insurance in Aspen and Colorado – I use SafetyWing
- Guided tours in Aspen and Colorado – I use Viator
- Car rentals in Aspen – I use DiscoverCars
Is there an Uber in Aspen?
Yes, there’s Uber in Aspen, but you shouldn’t rely on it as your primary type of transportation. Uber services in Aspen can be scarce, particularly during the busy summer and winter seasons, when the number of requests far outweighs the number of available drivers.
Uber is a great way to get around Aspen and visit popular destinations like Snowmass Village, Buttermilk Resorts, and nearby towns like Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.
✅ Read: Best things to do in Aspen in December
What types of Uber are available in Aspen?
Aspen has several types of Uber available like UberX, UberXL, and Uber Comfort. Other popular types of Uber in Aspen are Uber Black and Uber Black SUV.
How much is Uber from Aspen Airport to downtown?
An average price for an UberX from Aspen Airport to downtown is around $10-15, and from $20-25 with Uber XL. The price also depends on the time and date of your trip, as you are likely to pay higher rates during the busy season.
Catching Uber in Aspen Airport can be hit or miss, that’s why you should always have a backup plan in mind. Other Aspen Airport transportation options are taxis and buses.
Private transportation from Aspen Airport
If you want to relax after your flight taking private transportation from Aspen Airport to your hotel is the best option. This way, you don’t have to worry about whether Uber is going to be available or pay tons of money for a basic taxi.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FROM ASPEN AIRPORT
Other airports near Aspen
If you are not flying to Aspen Airport (ASE), you could also consider other airports near Aspen, like Eagle County or Grand Junction Airport, from where you can can take public transportation or taxi to Aspen
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) to Aspen – 31.7 miles (51 kilometers)
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) to Aspen – 91.8 miles (147.8 kilometers)
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to Aspen – 116.9 miles (188.1 kilometers)
🚘 NEED A QUICK RIDE? BOOK YOUR TRANSFER FROM ASPEN AIRPORT
Public transportation in Aspen Colorado
Aspen is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Besides Uber, public transportation options provide convenient alternatives for longer trips or for those who prefer not to drive.
Always check schedules and plan your routes in advance to make the most of the available transportation options.
➡️ Learn how to plan a perfect Colorado road trip
Aspen offers a variety of public transportation options for residents and visitors to navigate the area. Here are some of the main public transportation options available in Aspen:
1. Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)
RFTA operates a bus system that serves Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. The bus service connects Aspen with nearby towns such as Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs and offers reliable transportation for skiers, tourists, and residents.
RFTA buses run throughout the day with frequent stops and you can expect a bus every 15 minutes.
2. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Bus
RFTA operates a bus route that connects the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport with downtown Aspen. This service is convenient for travelers arriving at the airport who need transportation to Aspen or other destinations in the Roaring Fork Valley.
3. Free Aspen Shuttle
The City of Aspen provides free shuttle service around the town. The Aspen Free Shuttle operates several routes, serving main areas of the city, including residential parts, hotels, the Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza, and the Aspen Recreation Center.
The shuttle operates year-round and offers a convenient way to get around Aspen without a car.
4. Bike Sharing
Aspen has a bike-sharing program called We-cycle, which provides bicycles for short-term rentals. We-cycle has multiple stations located throughout the city, allowing users to pick up and drop off bikes at different locations. This option is great for short trips or exploring the town on two wheels.
5. Ride shares
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft operate in Aspen, but the availability depends on the timing of your trip.
6. Taking a walk
If you are visiting Aspen from May through early October, walking around is an excellent idea, as long as you are within a reasonable distance. You can walk to most places if you are staying in downtown Aspen or going out to eat.
7. Biking in Aspen
Renting a bike in Aspen is a perfect eco-friendly option to explore the town. If you are going to an event and plan on driving, don’t drink and drive in Aspen, as you have a high chance of getting pulled over, particularly if your car has an out-of-state license plate.
Uber in Aspen is a perfect alternative to driving, but if Uber is not available, you can always call a taxi, which would be more expensive, but still a much better option than getting in trouble.
8. Aspen Taxi
Several taxi companies operate in the Aspen area, but they are prices tend to be very high, especially in the peak season. Use a taxi in Aspen, only if you are in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for a bus or Uber.
Taxi companies in Aspen
There are several taxi companies in Aspen, among them are High Mountain Taxi and Colorado Mountain Express, which offer rides around the city.
Taxis in Aspen usually charge more than Uber, especially during busy times or when taking people from events or restaurants to their hotels.
✅ How to get from Denver to Vail, one of the most popular mountain towns in Colorado
9. Renting a car in Aspen, Colorado
Renting a car is a perfect way to get around the Aspen area, particularly if you want to enjoy the backcountry, go camping, or hiking.
✅ Read: When does it snow in Colorado
Not all areas around Aspen are served by public transportation and taking Uber or taxi could be prohibitively expensive, which is why it makes more sense to rent a car.
Where to rent a car in Aspen?
You can rent a car at Aspen Airport or surrounding areas for your trip, and if you want to explore the area, I suggest 4X4, as many roads in the area surrounding Aspen are dirt roads and gravel, which could be challenging to navigate for a regular sedan.
I recommend DiscoverCars, an online car rental platform where you can find cars of different models. All you need to do is specify the type of vehicle you are looking for and the system will show you the available options.
I always use DiscoverCars for my trips and have always had a great experience with them. Unlike some other car rental companies, DiscoverCars have no hidden fees or surcharges, so you always pay what you see online.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN ASPEN
Why you should rent your car in Aspen in advance
Aspen is a busy destination, and if you plan to visit it during the summer season which runs from late May through early September, don’t expect car rentals to be readily available. If you don’t book your car in Aspen ahead of time, there’s a good chance you might not find it later.
How to get from Snowmass to Aspen
You can catch a bus from Snowmass Village to Aspen, and there are stops every 15 minutes. There is a transfer at the base of the valley into Aspen, but on a typical day you can go from Snowmass to Aspen in just 15 minutes
What to know about Uber in Aspen
Taking Uber is a convenient way to get around Aspen, without paying for expensive this or having to wait for a bus to show up. However, there are a couple of things you need to know before taking Uber in Aspen and the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley.
- Uber in Aspen is not always readily available – If you are visiting Aspen during the peak season like winter or summer, don’t rely on Uber as it could take you a long time to get one.
- Be ready to pay extra – The number of available Uber drivers in Aspen is normally lower than the number of requests, which means you could end up paying higher than normal rates because of the high demand.
- Weather could affect your trip – If you are visiting Aspen during the busy winter season, it’s not uncommon to have weather get in the way. The Aspen area receives plenty of snow and weather conditions can be hard to predict. Not every Uber driver will want to drive in bad weather, especially if it involved navigating a challenging mountainous terrain.
- Make sure that the right vehicle is available – depending on the number of travelers in your group you want to make sure that you have the right type of Uber available. Not every car has enough space for a big group of people or bulky ski equipment, so it’s important to request the right vehicle.
- Communicate with your driver prior to pick-up – If you have any special instructions, let your driver know via the app.
- Make sure to include the right pick-up spot – Aspen is a small but busy town, and you should make sure to include your exact location when ordering a ride.
- Leave a tip at the end of the ride – If you feel like you have received good service, don’t forget to tip your driver. Most Uber drivers in Aspen rely on rides to make a living, so your gratuity is always appreciated.
- Always make payments via the app – Uber doesn’t allow any payments outside the app, so you should always use your Uber app for payment.
How long does it take to get from Denver to Aspen?
The distance between Denver and Aspen is about 220 miles (350 kilometers). A trip from Denver to Aspen can take anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the road conditions and timing of your trip.
✅ Find out how to avoid altitude sickness in Denver
How much is an Uber from Denver to Aspen?
Expect to pay between $200-250 for an Uber to Aspen, and possibly more, if there’s a surge. The price gets more expensive with more advanced options. For example, Black SUV can cost you $762 to get from Denver to Aspen.
How to get from Denver to Aspen
To get from Denver to Aspen, you can fly into Aspen Airport (ASE), rent a car, get on public transportation, or catch Uber.
Here are the main ways of transportation from Denver to Aspen:
1. Car Rental
Renting a car in Denver and driving to Aspen is a popular option. You can take Interstate 70 west from Denver to Glenwood Springs, and then take Colorado State Highway 82 south to Aspen.
✅ Check my complete guide to car rentals in Denver
2. Shuttle Service
Several shuttle companies offer transportation services from Denver to Aspen. These companies provide door-to-door service, picking you up at your desired location in Denver and dropping you off at your destination in Aspen.
The shuttle journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. It’s advisable to book your shuttle in advance, as availability may vary.
✅ Click here to book your shuttle from Denver to Aspen
3. Public Transportation
If you are on a budget, you can take public transportation from Denver to Aspen. Start by taking the A Line train from Denver International Airport to Union Station in downtown Denver.
From Union Station, you can catch a Bustang bus operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to Glenwood Springs. Once you reach Glenwood Springs, you can transfer to a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus that will take you to Aspen.
4. Taking a flight
If you prefer a quicker option, you can fly from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). Several airlines offer flights between the two airports, and the flight duration is approximately one hour.
From Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or RFTA bus to your final destination in Aspen. Consider your preferences, budget, and schedule when choosing the best method of transportation from Denver to Aspen.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT FROM DENVER TO ASPEN
5. Private transportation from Denver Airport to Aspen
Private transportation from Denver to Aspen is the best, hassle-free option which means you don’t have to worry about catching Uber or using public transportation.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FROM DENVER TO ASPEN
Best hotels in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is known as one of the most expensive places to visit in Colorado, but you can still save money on your accommodations, if you follow a simple trick: Book your hotels ahead of time.
Here are a couple of options for your vacation in Aspen:
- The Inn at Aspen – A 3-star hotels with a fitness center, a restaurant and a bar. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and free airport shuttle.
- St. Regis Aspen Resort – One of the most popular resorts in Aspen, St. Regis is located at the base of Aspen mountain, and has an outdoor pool and ski storage space. On-site restaurants and spa services are also available. Free airport shuttle and private parking.
- Limelight Hotel Aspen – A popular Aspen hotel with an outdoor pool, hot tub and rooftop terrace. Breakfast is served daily.
Uber in Aspen: FAQ
Is there Lyft in Aspen, Colorado?
Lyft is available and running in Aspen, CO. There are 3 levels of Lyft service in Aspen, CO, which are Plus, Premier, and Standard.
How much does Uber cost per mile in Aspen?
The cost of UberX per mile is $1.25. Uber Comfort costs $1.43 per mile. The cost per mile for UberXL is $1.85. The cost per mile for Uber Black is $3.20. The cost per mile for Uber Black SUV is $3.75.
Is Uber safe in Aspen, Colorado?
While there’s always a chance something could happen to you while riding in a vehicle driven by a stranger, the vast majority of Uber rides in Aspen are safe. Uber performs criminal background checks on drivers and have minimum requirements for vehicles.
The platform also utilizes technology to make sure the vehicle stays on course and allows you to share your ride location in real time with a friend or family member. Uber allows you to immediately request help and notify police in the Aspen area in case of an emergency.
Does Uber allow pets in Aspen?
For all service options in Aspen, CO, drivers are allowed to refuse riders that include non-service dogs or cats. Service dogs are always permitted to ride with owners.
Uber in Aspen: Final word
Uber is a quick and easy way to get around Aspen and surrounding areas, however, it might not always be immediately available, depending on the timing of your travel. Always have a back-up plan in mind, and be ready to use public buses, or other transportation options, if you need to get around fast.