Are you planning a trip to the Telluride, in Colorado? Need an insight on the nearby air transport grounds? Still wondering which is the closest Airport to Telluride, Co? Then, you have stumbled upon the perfect blog! Here you will find the easy convenience to get to the recreational hotspot and ways to make your journey shorter and swift.
As you scroll through the words, you will learn why selecting Montrose Regional Airport can be a better choice than Telluride Regional Airport. Explore the bliss of the most populated and loved town in the southwestern portion of Colorado on your terms.
Where is Telluride?
Nestled in the Box Canyon, Telluride is surrounded by steep mountain ranges and dense forests. The green hilly landscape attracts thousands of tourists from within and outside the country every year. Look over the table below to discover the exact location of Telluride.
| Name Of The City | Telluride |
| County | San Miguel County |
| State | Colorado |
| Country | United States of America |
| Time Zone | UTC−7 (MST) UTC−6 (MDT) {Summer (DST)} |
| Area | 2.22 sq mi |
| Co-Ordinates | 37.9167° N, 107.8375° W |
| Website | www.telluride-co.gov |
Best Air Travel Options to Get to Telluride!
Flying to the city can be a unique adventure when you can peak at the breathtaking view from the window. Telluride scenery is to die for! Nevertheless, if you are not a big fan of long air travel, here is a list of a few airports that can shorten your delight durations so you can begin your vacation without further ado.
| AIRPORT NAME | LOCATION | DISTANCE FROM THE TOWN |
| Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) | San Miguel County, Colorado | 4.4 miles |
| Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) | Montrose County, Colorado | 65 miles |
| Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) | Montezuma County, Colorado | 80.9 miles |
| Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) | La Plata County, Colorado | 124.4 miles |
| Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) | Mesa County, Colorado | 133.4 miles |
A List of Top 6 Airports Closest to Telluride
If you are traveling to the all-season resort, known for adventures like ski lifts, hiking, river rafting, and whatnot, select your airport wisely. The reason for this keen research is that Telluride is a small town and not many airline carriers fly to this region. Therefore, we have prepared a thoroughly researched list for you to select the airport of your choice and convenience. All the airports below are less than 3 hours away from the San Miguel County Seat.
1. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)
The Closest Airport to Telluride Colorado is TEX, which is only 10 minutes away from the main city and the nearby Mountain Village. It is situated 6 miles in the westwards direction of Telluride, at San Miguel County, in Colorado. Telluride Regional Airport offers only a few single air carriers, that too from a few locations in a connecting itinerary.
Once you land at the TEX Airport, ground transportation is only one call away, such as:
- Off-site rental services-
Hertz- 970 729 2250
Cliffhangar Jeep Rentals- 970 728 5171
- Authorized limos
Mountain Limo- 970 728 9606
Telluride Express- 970 728 6000
- Charter Flights-
Telluride Air Taxi- tellurideairtaxi.com
Helitrax- 970-728-8377
| AIRLINES | FROM |
| Denver Air Connection | Denver International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport |
2. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
You must have gathered so far, that finding a flight to the Telluride Regional Airport is like finding a needle in a haystack, especially during peak seasons. Hence, your most potent choice should be MTJ. Located just on the northwest side of Montrose, in southwestern Colorado lies Montrose Regional Airport which is at a perfectly approachable distance to Telluride. A smooth and iconic drive from MTJ to the town takes an hour and 19 minutes.
Flyers can have a look at the common amenities to relish at the Montrose Airport:
- Several Airport Shuttles, such as Alpine Luxury Limo, Mountain Limo, Telluride Car Service, and Telluride Private Transportation, etc., can enhance your experience.
- During your time at the MTJ fill your stomachs at the award-winning restaurant- Shelter, try delicious and aromatic coffee at the local choice- San Juan Coffeehouse, or booze at Horsefly Brewing.
- Lost and Found Department- If you find any item is misplaced and not to be found after leaving the airport, register a complaint at the L&F department so they can notify you if and when they find it.
- Ample Parking spaces at affordable pricing- If you are parking a vehicle only for less than 30 minutes, there is no charge.
- Pet Relief Area- If you are coming to Telluride for a long family vacation with your furry friend allow them to use the bathroom after a flight.
- Rental Car Agencies- Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Turo, and many other companies provide rental services so travelers can conveniently reach Telluride from Montrose Regional Airport.
| AIRLINES | FROM |
| Delta Air Lines | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Southwest Airlines | Denver International AirportAustin, Dallas–Love (Seasonally) |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare International AirportDenver International AirportNewark Liberty International Airport (Seasonally) |
| United Express | Denver International AirportChicago O’Hare International Airport(Seasonally)George Bush Intercontinental AirportLos Angeles International AirportSan Francisco International Airport |
3. Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ)
The next airport closest to Telluride is Cortez Municipal, located 3 miles southwest of Cortez, in Montezuma County, in Colorado. If you are planning to take a flight to this airport, mark that it operates all days of the week but for limited operating hours. A drive of 1 hr 38 min from CEZ Airport takes you to your dream vacation town- Telluride.
Since Cortez Municipal Airport is a local airport only a limited number of flights operate there. For your hideaway to Telluride, visit the Denver Air Connection website and book an itinerary from the two locations from where it lands CEZ. The airport facilitates accommodations from ground transport, to wheelchair assistance, and connecting flights, etc., Take a look below for more information on the destinations.
| AIRLINES | FROM |
| Denver Air Connection | Denver International Airport Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport |
4. Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
LA-Plata airport is only 12 miles southeast of Durango main city in La Plata County, Colorado. It lies between Mesa Verde National Park and Ute Mountain furnishing it with the most picturesque backdrop. If this county airport lies in your journey to Telluride, you have a great opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Durango. After your flight to DRO, you can take a car drive of 2 hours and 23 minutes to reach Telluride, meanwhile passing through the boutiques, restaurants, and bars in the region.
The ticket counters for the following airlines are in the main terminal, which is easy to find because of the small size of the airport. You can access the free wifi at the airport when you are there. The airline representatives and airport staff are humble enough to help you with the basic amenities and assistance to make your travels convenient.
| AIRLINES | FROM |
| United Airlines | Denver International Airport |
| United Express | Denver International AirportHouston–Intercontinental Airport (Seasonally) |
5. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
GJT is the largest airport in western Colorado, only 3 miles northeast of Grand Junction, Mesa County. The distance between Grand Junction Regional Airport and Telluride is approximately 135 miles which you can cover with a drive of 2 hr 32 min. The regional carriers use three gates with jet bridges for their operations.
You can shop at the souvenir stores inside the main terminal, and get access to the shuttle cars and buses to navigate the place. Ground transport companies, rental vehicles, and taxis are accessible outside the airport. Tailwind Concessions offers delicious meals from a wide range of dishes on the menu. The time you spend at the Grand Junction Regional Airport is going to be worth your while.
| AIRLINES | FROM |
| Allegiant Air | Harry Reid International Airport, Las VegasLos Angeles International Airport (Seasonally) |
| Breeze Airways | Orange CountySan Francisco (Shall begin seasonally from May 22, 2024) |
| United Airlines | Denver International Airport |
| United Express | Denver International Airport |
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International is the closest Major Airport to Telluride Co. Did you know it is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere? So you must also understand that it will provide you with all the necessities you are looking forward to. The airport is 384.6 miles away from Telluride and a road trip of 6 hr 34 minutes will offer you the most awe-inspiring scenery. You can also take a flight to the nearest regional airports to reach the skiing resort to reduce your travel time.
Denver allows international arrivals too, so if you are a foreign traveler you can easily catch a flight directly to DEN, and take a charter plane or a rental car to cover the rest of the journey to get to Telluride. From shopping, dining, and lounging DEN has all the resources to offer you solace after a long tiring flight. Lastly, if you seek accessibility services, transport information, baggage trolleys, etc., the staff can accommodate it promptly.
Here is a list of airlines that operate at the Denver International Airport and the concourses from where they land and fly. You must know that even though the airport is the second largest in the world with 72 gates and 4 concourses, all the operations take place at a single terminal, named Jeppesen Terminal.
| AIRLINES | FROM | CONCOURSE |
| Frontier Airlines | Atlanta, Austin, Cancún, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Charlotte, Chicago–Midway, Chicago–O’Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas-Fort Worth, Des Moines, Detroit, El Paso, Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Houston–Hobby, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Madison, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Missoula, Nashville, New Orleans, New York–LaGuardia, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Pensacola, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Savannah, Seattle/Tacoma, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington–National Seasonal: Baltimore, Bloomington/Normal, Fort Myers, Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Jacksonville, Puerto Vallarta, Sioux Falls, Syracuse | Concourse A |
| Southwest Airlines | Albany, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boise, Boston, Bozeman, Buffalo, Burbank, Cancún, Charlotte, Chicago–Midway, Chicago–O’Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas–Love, Des Moines, Detroit, El Paso, Eugene, Fort Lauderdale, Fresno, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Houston–Hobby, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Louisville, Lubbock, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Montrose, Nashville, New Orleans, New York–LaGuardia, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland, Puerto Vallarta, Raleigh/Durham, Reno/Tahoe, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San José del Cabo, Santa Barbara, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Tulsa, Washington–Dulles, WichitaSeasonal: Amarillo, Belize City, Bellingham, Charleston, Cozumel, Fort Myers, Greenville/Spartanburg, Liberia, Midland/Odessa, Myrtle Beach, Norfolk, Panama City, Pensacola, Providence, San José, Sarasota, Savannah | Concourse C |
| United Airlines | Albuquerque, Anchorage, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Billings, Boise, Boston, Bozeman, Burbank, Calgary, Cancún, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago–O’Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas/Fort Worth, Des Moines, Detroit, Durango, Edmonton, El Paso, Eugene, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Frankfurt, Fresno, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Grand Rapids, Grand Junction, Hartford, Honolulu, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Jackson Hole, Jacksonville, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lihue, London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Louisville, Madison, Medford, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Missoula, Montego Bay, Munich, Nashville, Newark, New Orleans, New York–LaGuardia, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland, Puerto Vallarta, Raleigh/Durham, Rapid City, Redmond/Bend, Reno/Tahoe, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San José del Cabo, San Juan, Santa Barbara, Savannah, Seattle/Tacoma, Sioux Falls, Spokane, St. Louis, Syracuse, Tampa, Tokyo–Narita, Toronto–Pearson, Tucson, Tulsa, Tulum, Vancouver, Washington–Dulles, Washington–National, WichitaSeasonal: Belize City, Burlington, Cozumel, Fairbanks, Great Falls, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Knoxville, Liberia, Montrose, Myrtle Beach, Nassau, Palm Springs, Portland, Roatán, San José, Sarasota, Traverse City | Concourse A/B |
| United Express | Albuquerque, Amarillo, Appleton, Asheville, Aspen, Bakersfield, Billings, Birmingham, Bismarck, Bozeman, Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Colorado Springs, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dayton, Des Moines, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Dodge City, Durango, Eagle/Vail, El Paso, Eureka, Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fresno, Gillette, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Grand Junction, Greensboro, Greenville/Spartanburg, Gunnison/Crested Butte, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Hays, Helena, Hobbs, Huntsville, Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole, Jamestown, Joplin, Kansas City, Knoxville, Laramie, Lewiston, Lexington, Liberal, Lincoln, Little Rock, Louisville, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Minot, Missoula, Moline/Quad Cities, Monterey, Montrose, North Platte, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Palm Springs, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Prescott, Rapid City,Redmond/Bend Reno/Tahoe, Riverton, Rock Springs, Salina, Salt Lake City, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Fe, Scottsbluff, Sheridan, Shreveport, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Springfield/Branson, St. George, Tri-Cities, Tucson, Tulsa, Wichita, Williston, Winnipeg Bishop, Boise, Great Falls, Harlingen, North Bend/Coos Bay, Panama City, Pensacola, Sarasota, Sun Valley, Traverse City, West Yellowstone (Seasonal) | Concourse B |
| Aer Lingus | Dublin | Concourse A |
| Aeroméxico | Mexico City | Concourse A |
| Air Canada | Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson, Vancouver | Concourse B |
| Air France | Paris–Charles de Gaulle | Concourse A |
| Alaska Airlines | Portland, Seattle/TacomaAnchorage (Seasonally) | Concourse C |
| Allegiant Air | Allentown, Appleton, AshevilleCincinnati, Knoxville, Peoria (Seasonally) | Concourse A |
| Breeze Airways | Providence (Seasonally) | Jeppesen Terminal |
| British Airways | London–Heathrow | Concourse A |
| Cayman Airways | Grand Cayman (Seasonally) | Jeppesen Terminal |
| Copa Airlines | Panama City–Tocumen | Jeppesen Terminal |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma | Concourse A |
| Southern Airways Express | Chadron, Pueblo | Concourse C |
| Denver Air Connection | Alamosa, Alliance, Clovis, Cortez, Kearney, McCook, Pierre, Telluride, Watertown | Concourse C |
| Edelweiss Air | Seasonal: Zürich | Concourse A |
| Icelandair | Seasonal: Reykjavík–Keflavík | |
| JetBlue | Boston, New York–JFK | |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich | |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis/St. Paul | |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | |
| Viva Aerobus | Monterrey | |
| Volaris | Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Mexico City | |
| WestJet | Calgary (seasonally) |
Recreational Activities to Enjoy at Telluride
Did you know that in the olden days, there used to be a silver mining camp on the San Miguel River of Telluride in the western San Juan Mountains? That’s how it got its name- after the ores of gold and silver, tellurium. You can learn so much more about the all-season resort town on your visit.
If you have selected the Closest Airport to Telluride Ski Resort using the information above, as per your preference, here are the things to do on your vacation.
- Telluride Ski Resort is a location known for stunning white views, making it one of the best places for snowboarding and skiing in the county. You can also check out ski-in/ski-out hotels for your stay, so you enjoy every minute of your vacation. The closest Airport to Telluride Ski Resort, TEX, is conveniently 4.4 miles away.
- If you are coming to Telluride for a summer vacay, hiking, rock climbing, hot air balloon rides, and biking should be on your “things to do” list. Relish in the 360° breathtaking view of the mountain village. You can venture down to the sweet meadows and catch fish at the calm lakes or you can simply bike around the old mining roads.
- The iconic Gondola Ride from Telluride to Mountain Villa is the most famous tourist fun activity that you simply cannot miss out on. The pristine water adventures include Kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, fly fishing, tubing, canoeing, hot springs, and many more!
- Telluride Mountainfilm Festival falls in May, where you can watch nonfiction stories and outstanding documentaries for inspiration and life lessons. Among the San Juan Mountains, you can revel in the music and art of the Bluegrass Festival in June where various bands feature.
- If you are traveling to Telluride in September, the Blues & Brews Festival awaits your presence at the funky indie, rock, and jam-band performances. Head straight to the mountain town from the closest Airport to Telluride.
- Lastly, you can relax at the recreational spas along the lakeside and pamper yourself after a long walk to Art Galleries and Museums, Alta Lakes, and the Alta Ghost Town on the outskirts.
Pro Tips you can not Miss out on!
Are you still asking, “What Is The Closest Airport to Telluride?” No, Right? Because you know that only 9 minutes away is the Telluride Regional Airport that serves Denver Air Connections from DEN and PHX. Finding a flight to the TEX can take loads of time and effort due to limited itineraries, so you can opt for Montrose Regional Airport. MTJ is only 65 miles and several prominent carriers such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express operate there.
Lastly, you must know that ground transportation, also known as Galloping Goose, is free of cost and runs throughout the year, allowing you a trouble-free trip.
Travelers’ Queries
The nearest air transport station to the ski resort village is Telluride Regional Airport located just 9 minutes away from the main market.
TEX is only 4.4 miles away from Telluride’s main town.
TEx is closer than MTJ. However, more air carriers fly to Montrose Regional Airport and it is rather more accessible.
You can take a bus or head for a long drive of approximately an hour to reach Telluride, located 65 miles away from MTJ.
Local transport is free in Telluride. The ‘Galloping Goose’ operates all year round to all corners of the sky resort.
The closest Major Airport to Telluride Co is Denver International Airport DEN.
You can go shopping in the market with clapboard fronts and boutiques displaying the art and culture of the town, gourmet restaurants, and skiing in the winter. During summer Telluride allows you hiking experiences to the alpines with the most magnificent view, you can picnic near the lakeside, and wander or cycle down to the colorful meadows.
