How to Get to Durango: Transportation Guide

Planning a trip to Durango, Colorado? Learning the best ways to reach Durango can make your trip smoother, whether you’re visiting, house-hunting, or moving here. As local real estate experts, we’ve guided many clients to our area and want to share the best travel options.

Where is Durango Located?

Durango sits in the Animas River Valley in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. It’s:

• 25 miles north of the New Mexico border
• 89 miles east of Utah
• 85 miles northeast of Arizona

Durango serves as the main hub for La Plata County and the Four Corners region.

Flying to Durango

Many travelers prefer flying to Durango, especially from far away.

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)

The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is 15 miles southeast of downtown. The airport offers:

• Daily non-stop flights
• Connecting flights from over 300 U.S. cities
• Car rentals from major companies
• Shuttles and taxis

Airlines That Fly to Durango

These airlines currently serve DRO:

1. American Airlines
   • Daily flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
   • Daily flights from Phoenix (PHX)
   • Seasonal flights from Chicago (ORD)
2. United Airlines
   • Daily flights from Denver (DEN)
   • Seasonal flights from Houston (IAH)
3. Delta Airlines
   • Flights from Salt Lake City (SLC)

For more airline details, check our guide on airlines that fly to Durango Colorado.

Other Airports Near Durango

If you want more flight options or lower fares, consider these alternatives:

1. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
   • 217 miles south (3.5-hour drive)
   • Major airport with many flight options
   • Often has better fares than DRO
   • Car rentals available for the drive
2. Denver International Airport (DEN)
   • 361 miles northeast (6.5-hour drive)
   • Colorado’s largest airport
   • Beautiful mountain drive to Durango
3. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
   • 173 miles northwest (3-hour drive)
   • Smaller regional airport
   • Scenic western Colorado drive
4. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)
   • 110 miles north (2.5-hour drive)
   • Connects mainly with Denver
   • One of the highest airports in North America

Driving to Durango

Driving to Durango lets you enjoy amazing scenery and brings flexibility for those moving with belongings.

Main Roads to Durango

Two main highways lead to Durango:

• U.S. Highway 160: The east-west route connecting to Pagosa Springs (east) and Cortez/Mesa Verde (west).
• U.S. Highway 550: The north-south route linking to Silverton/Ouray (north) and Farmington, NM (south).

These roads form part of the San Juan Skyway, one of America’s most scenic drives.

Driving Distances to Durango

From	Distance	Drive Time
Albuquerque, NM	215 miles	3.5 hours
Denver, CO	337 miles	6 hours
Salt Lake City, UT	339 miles	6.5 hours
Phoenix, AZ	461 miles	8 hours
Las Vegas, NV	542 miles	9 hours
Dallas, TX	864 miles	13 hours

Seasonal Driving Tips

Winter (November-April):

• Mountain passes often have snow and ice
• Check Colorado road conditions before your trip
• Colorado law requires good winter tires or chains during snow
• Plan for extra travel time

Summer (June-August):

• More traffic, especially on weekends
• Afternoon thunderstorms common in mountains
• More road work projects

Fall (September-October):

• Beautiful fall colors draw many visitors
• Early snowstorms possible at higher elevations

Scenic Routes Worth Taking

If you have time, consider these beautiful detours:

1. Million Dollar Highway: The section of Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray offers incredible views.
2. Mesa Verde National Park: Just west of Durango off Highway 160, featuring ancient cliff dwellings.
3. San Juan Skyway: The complete 233-mile loop takes you through charming mountain towns.
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park: If coming from the east, see North America’s tallest sand dunes.

Public Transportation to Durango

Public transportation options to Durango are limited:

Bus Service

• Greyhound: Doesn’t serve Durango directly but reaches nearby cities.
• Road Runner Transit: Connects Durango with Ignacio and Bayfield on weekdays, but doesn’t offer long-distance service.

Train Service

• The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs between Durango and Silverton, but serves tourists rather than commuters.
• Amtrak doesn’t serve Durango.

Getting Around Durango After Arrival

Once you’re in Durango, you have several ways to get around:

Local Transit

The City of Durango runs “The T,” a public bus system with routes throughout the city. You can find schedules on the city’s website.

Rental Cars

All major rental companies have offices at the Durango airport:

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National

Taxis and Rideshares

• Several local taxi companies serve Durango.
• Major rideshare companies operate in Durango, but might have fewer drivers during slow times.

Bicycling

Durango is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and the Animas River Trail. Many shops downtown rent bikes.

Tips for New Residents

If you’re moving to Durango, consider these transportation tips:

1. Get a Winter-Ready Vehicle: An all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle with good clearance helps in winter.
2. Buy Snow Tires: Good winter tires greatly improve safety in snowy months.
3. Try Bicycle Commuting: Durango has a strong cycling community and good bike paths for warmer months.
4. Plan for Weather: Winter weather sometimes causes flight delays or cancellations.
5. Register Your Vehicle: New Colorado residents must register vehicles within 90 days.

Transportation to Purgatory Ski Resort

Skiers and snowboarders often ask about getting to Purgatory Ski Resort. The resort sits 25 miles north of Durango on Highway 550, about 40 minutes from downtown and an hour from the airport.

For travelers wondering about the closest airport to Purgatory Ski Resort, Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is your best option. It’s just 35 miles from the resort, making it much more convenient than other regional airports.

During ski season, shuttle services run between Durango and Purgatory for those who prefer not to drive in winter.

Planning Your Trip to Durango

When deciding how to reach Durango, think about:

1. Time Available: Flying directly to DRO is fastest but often costs more. Driving takes longer but offers flexibility.
2. Budget: Compare total costs of different options, including overnight stays for longer drives.
3. Season: Winter travel may favor flying directly to Durango, while summer might be perfect for a road trip.
4. Luggage and Equipment: If bringing bulky items like ski gear or moving with many belongings, driving might work better.
5. Scenic Interest: The journey to Durango can be as memorable as the destination if you have time to enjoy it.

Ready to Visit or Move to Durango?

Whether you’re planning a visit or preparing to make Durango your home, knowing how to get here is the first step. Our team at Destination DRO can help with all aspects of your journey to Durango, from travel advice to finding your perfect property.

As local experts with deep ties to the Durango community, we provide personalized recommendations for your travel plans and introduce you to what makes our mountain town special. We help with more than just finding a home—we guide your entire transition to Durango living.

Ready to plan your trip? Contact us for personalized advice on the best travel options for your needs:

Contact Destination DRO today!

Phone: (970) 555-1234 Email: info@destinationdro.com Visit: 123 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

Learn more about living in Durango CO

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Information current as of March 2025. Transportation schedules, services, and road conditions may change. Please contact Destination DRO for the most current information on how to get to Durango.