So, you’re planning a trip from Estes Park down to Colorado Springs? That’s a popular route. You’re trading the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park for the city sitting at the base of Pikes Peak. It’s a great choice. But getting between them isn’t like a quick hop. This page is all about helping you figure out the best way to make that trip from Estes to the Springs.
Route Distance & Travel Time
First things first, how far is it? The drive from Estes Park to Colorado Springs is usually around 120-130 miles.
Depending on teh route you take (like if you go through Boulder/Denver on I-25 or stay more scenic), and traffic, you should plan for at least 2.5 to 3.5 hours of driving time. That’s without heavy traffic in Denver or Colorado Springs, which can definitly add time, especially during rush hour.
How to Get From Estes Park to Colorado Springs
Okay, so how do you actually get there? You’ve got a few options, but honestly, some are way better than others for this specific route.
Private Car Service A private car service is the most straightforward way. No transfers, no waiting, no worrying about finding a ride. It’s the fastest and most stress-free option, period. Pricing for a private ride usually starts in the $300 - $450 range, depending on the vehicle and exact addresses.
Shared Shuttle Shared shuttles can be a good middle ground. You share the ride with other people, so it’s cheaper than a private car. You might have to wait for other passengers or make a few stops along the way. Typically you might see prices from $90 - $150 per person.
Uber / Lyft You might be able to get an Uber or Lyft. The problem is finding a driver in Estes Park willing to take a 2.5+ hour one-way trip. Many won’t. If you do find one, expect to pay anywhere from $170 to $250, and that’s before any surge pricing. It’s really unpredictable and not something we’d recommend relying on.
Public Bus Here’s the tricky part: there isn’t really a direct bus. You can’t just hop on a Greyhound in Estes Park and get off in the Springs. You’d have to get a bus (like Bustang) from Estes to Denver, then transfer to another bus (like Bustang or Greyhound) from Denver to Colorado Springs. It’s doable, but it’ll take a big chunk of your day (5-7+ hours) and involve managing your luggage between transfers. It’s probably the cheapest option (maybe $40-$70 total), but also the most hassle.
Travel Option Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you compare.
| Travel Method | Est. Time (Door-to-Door) | Est. Cost (Approx) | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car (Estes Direct) | 2.5 - 3 hours | $300 - $450 (per vehicle) | Excellent (Direct, your schedule) |
| Shared Shuttle | 3 - 4.5 hours | $90 - $150 (per person) | Good (Cost-effective, some stops) |
| Uber / Lyft | 2.5 - 3 hours | $170 - $250+ (if available) | Poor (Unreliable pickup) |
| Public Bus | 5 - 7+ hours | $40 - $70 (per person) | Very Poor (Requires multiple transfers) |
| Rental Car (One-Way) | 2.5 - 3 hours (driving) | $80 - $150 (plus gas/fees) | Fair (Requires pickup/dropoff) |
Why Make the Trip?
People take this trip for all kinds of reasons. Alot of folks start their Colorado vacation in Estes/RMNP and then head south to see the sights in Colorado Springs, like Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods. Or maybe you’re flying out of the Colorado Springs airport instead of DIA. Sometimes it’s for work, or just to visit friends and family. It connects two of Colorado’s most famous areas.
What About Airports?
Speaking of airports, here’s what you need to know.
Near Estes Park: Your main airport is Denver International Airport (DIA). It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Estes. DIA is huge, one of the biggest in the world by land area. It opened back in 1995 (replacing the old Stapleton airport) and is known for its tent-like roof. It has some really long runways because of the altitude, with the longest one (16R/34L) being 16,000 feet!
In Colorado Springs: The airport right in town is the City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS). It’s way smaller and easier to get around than DIA. It’s mostly a regional airport, but some major airlines fly there. It’s actually been around since the 1920s and served as an Army airfield during WWII. Its main runways are also super long for the altitude, over 13,500 feet.
Car Rental Options
If you want to drive yourself, you could rent a car. You might find an Enterprise in Estes Park, but your options are limited. You’d have to check about a one-way rental and see what the drop-off fee is, which can be expensive. You’ll have way more options for rentals at DIA or once you get to Colorado Springs (especially at the COS airport). Expect to pay $60-$110 per day for a basic car, but those one-way fees can getcha.
Welcome to Colorado Springs: Weather & Things to Do
So what’s it like when you get to Colorado Springs?
Typical Weather The weather in the Springs is pretty great, honestly. They get over 300 days of sun. It’s milder than the mountains in winter, but they still get snow. In the summer, expect warm, dry mornings and (this is common for Colorado) afternoon thunderstorms that roll in and out pretty quick. Always have a jacket, even in July.
Cool Things to Check Out
- Garden of the Gods: You have to see this. It’s a free city park with these crazy red rock formations.
- Pikes Peak: You can drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the 14,115-foot summit or take the historic Cog Railway (book tickets way in advance!).
- The Broadmoor: A super famous, historic luxury hotel. Even if you’re not staying, it’s cool to walk around.
- U.S. Air Force Academy: A really impressive campus you can tour (check visitor hours). The Cadet Chapel is iconic.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: America’s only mountain zoo. Great views and a fun place to walk.
- The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: A really modern, new museum downtown.
Both towns are super busy with events. You might be leaving Estes Park just as they’re setting up for the Rooftop Rodeo (July) or the big Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in September. When you get to Colorado Springs, they have their own major stuff, like Territory Days in Old Colorado City for Memorial Day, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (a crazy car race) in June, and the Labor Day Lift Off with tons of hot air balloons. Always good to check whats happening when you’re planning your trip.
Browse Our Full Offer 🎁