Taking the bus isn't for everyone. The bus schedule must match your flight schedule. If you travel with a lot of luggage or if you're not flexible and would rather pay more to be delivered to your door, you will be happier taking a taxi or shuttle. The bus makes stops at the Beaver Creek Reception Center or Avon Center, Lionshead and the Vail Transportation. You may have to walk to your lodge or make a transfer to another bus or hotel shuttle in order to complete your trip. I would recommend contacting your lodge before planing you bus trip. They can help you plan out your connections. They can tell you what bus stop to get off at and they will know about FREE busses operated by the Town of Vail and Avon and about shuttles operated by the hotels themselves.
For complete ECO Bus Schedules follow this link to ECO BUS SCHEDULES. Download the schedule DOTSERO TO VAIL EAST BOUND to go from the airport to Vail or Beaver Creek or the WESTBOUND to go to the airport. The Fare is $ 3.00 and the driver does not make change. The bus stop is right outside bagage clam. If you are not waiting at the bus stop the bus will not stop.
Denver International Airport is 120 miles from Vail, and the ride up to Vail takes
about two and a half hours, in good weather. Allow at least an
extra half-hour on Sunday afternoons.
During the Summer, unless you are traveling alone, I can recommend renting a car. In the Summer time the driving is not so challenging and, having a car in the Summer, in Vail, opens up many opportunities. During the Summer a car will allow you more flexibility in where you stay and, give you the freedom to get out and explore.
During the Winter you should consider ridding up from Denver on a shuttle van. You will have to compare the cost of renting a car against the price of booking shuttle seats and make you own choice. Before renting a car please read Should I Rent A Car (below)
Colorado Mountain Express (1-800-525-6363)
During the ski season driving a 120 miles over mountain passes in a white-out can be downright scary. When you get to the Vail area, your hotel may charge you for overnight parking and if you drive into Vail to go skiing, you'll pay to park for the day. If you take your car out to dinner, take care not to have more than a couple of drinks because the police are out in force! The Valley has a great free bus system and it's in high gear all winter. The only buses that charge are the ones between Beaver Creek and Vail and, the buses to and from Minturn and, they are only two dollars. Many of the hotels have their own shuttles. Beaver Creek has its own free taxi within Beaver Creek and down to Avon, called Dial-A-Ride. Vail Valley Taxi (476- TAXI) runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are places in the valley where you might stay where it would be better to have a car during the winter. If you plan to stay in a place where you really need a car, don't get sucked into renting a sport utility vehicle. This is not only more expensive to rent, but by far the most dangerous type of vehicle on the highway. They are great in the summer time for off road, but at highway speeds on snow packed roads, due to their high center of gravity and their short wheel base, they can go into a 4 wheel slide and flip over faster than anything else on the road. My choice would be a front wheel drive sedan or mini-van. I drive a Dodge Caravan and the local taxi company runs a whole fleet of them. Some of the mini vans are even available in 4 wheel drive.
In the summer however the whole ball game changes. There are many activities that are much easier to get to with a car. There are also many drives that are worth taking just to look around. The bus system isn't in hyperdrive as it is in the winter. Many people like to camp at one of the nearby public campgrounds or stay at a Bed and Breakfast. The whole pattern of activity shifts from on the mountain to the countryside.
If you decide to rent a car, I would suggest that you stop at exit #264 in Wheatridge. Head back under the highway, towards the South. Immediately in front of you will be a shopping center. In the shopping center you can shop at Applejack Liquors ( Closed on Sundays), which is probably the cheapest place in Colorado to buy liquor, wine, and beer. After Apple Jacks head over to King Soopers, and buy your groceries at Denver prices, and save about 10% over Vail prices.If you rent a car at the Eagle Airport be forewarned that the towns of Eagle and Gypsum are speed traps. Many tourist get a ticket before they get off the road out of the airport. One more thing; Before renting a car check with your hotel and make sure that they have free parking available. Some Vail Hotels have NO parking. When you rent a house or condo, ask how far it is from a bus stop. Especially on snowy days, you'll get to the slopes a lot faster by bus when compared to shovelling out a driveway.