We recommend flying into Denver International Airport (DIA). (Dive into the most popular, wildest conspiracies surrounding the Denver International Airport...).
The airport is located approximately 20 miles northeast from downtown Denver. The airport is a hub for Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Guide to DIA.
DIA offers several transit options for travelers including mountain carriers to Estes Park, a commuter train to downtown Denver, and car rental options.
We recommend renting a car so that you can adventure off into the mountains in your spare time. Here is a link to the rental car companies available at DIA: https://www.flydenver.com/parking_transit/car-rentals.
In the event you do not rent a car, the following shuttle services to Estes Park: https://www.flydenver.com/parking_transit/transit/mountain-carriers.
You can also head to downtown Denver and take the Estes Park Shuttle from the Denver's Union Station, Denver International Airport or Denver Greyhound Bus Station to Estes Park. It's $95 round-trip ($55 one-way). Contact (970-586-5151) or check out estesparkshuttle.com for more information.
DIRECTIONS FROM DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
TOLL ROAD BYPASS:
Quickest Route: Exit the airport on Pena Blvd to toll road E-470 northwest to I-25. Travel north until exiting on CO 66 west towards Estes Park. E-470 Toll charges apply for a two-axle vehicle. Possible increased tolls for rental vehicles, please contact your car rental company for additional details. Bypasses most of Denver in-city traffic. From Lyons, CO take Hwy 36 to Estes Park. Estimated 1 hr, & 26 min., 76 miles. Google Map
Scenic Route: Follow the above directions to Lyons. From downtown Lyons, CO take Hwy 7 south to Estes Park. Estimated 1 hr. & 49 min., 89 miles. Google Map
Through Boulder: Exit the airport on Pena Blvd to toll road E-470 northwest past I-25 to US Hwy 36. Take US 36 northwest through Boulder to Lyons. In Lyons, turn left, continuing on US 36 west to downtown where you will turn right to remain on US 36 to Estes Park. Estimated 1 hr. & 36 min., 79 miles. Google Map
PENA BLVD ROUTE (NO TOLLS):
Through Longmont: Exit the airport onto Pena Blvd., follow until exiting onto I-70 West then quickly exiting onto I-270. Follow I-270 until exiting north on I-25. Travel north until exiting on CO 66 west towards Estes Park. From Lyons, CO, take Hwy 36 to Estes Park. Estimated 1 hr. 48 minutes, 86 miles. Google Map
Scenic Route: Follow above directions to Lyons. In downtown Lyons, take CO Hwy 7 to Estes Park. Estimated 2 hrs. & 11 min., 100 miles. Google Map
Through Boulder: Exit the airport onto Pena Blvd., follow until exiting onto I-70 West then quickly exiting onto I-270 to US 36 W. Take US 36 northwest through Boulder to Lyons. In Lyons, turn left, continuing on US 36 west to downtown where you will turn right to remain on US 36 to Estes Park. Estimated 1 hr. & 48 min, 81 miles. Google Map
*Note distances & times may vary due to road construction, weather, etc.