What Airlines Fly Into Durango Colorado: 2025 Flight Guide

At Destination DRO, we often help clients with travel planning as part of their real estate exploration or relocation process. Our knowledge of the region allows us to provide valuable insights about how to get to Durango Colorado by air.

If you’re planning a visit to explore Durango real estate or simply want to experience our beautiful mountain community, we’re here to help with personalized guidance on the best ways to fly to Durango Colorado and tips for booking flights that match your needs and budget.

Ready to plan your journey to Durango? Contact our team of local experts who can provide customized recommendations for your travel plans and real estate exploration.

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

Discover how to get to Durango

Airline and flight information in this guide is current as of March 2025. Schedules, routes, and services may change. Please contact Destination DRO or check with airlines directly for the most current information on what airlines fly into Durango Colorado.# What Airlines Fly Into Durango Colorado: Flight Guide

Planning a trip to Southwest Colorado? Knowing which airlines fly into Durango Colorado can make your journey to our beautiful mountain town much smoother. As local real estate experts who often help clients from across the country, we’ve created this guide to help you find flights to Durango Colorado. This guide covers direct flights, airport options, and seasonal flight patterns so you can easily plan your trip.

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO): Your Gateway to Southwest Colorado

The closest airport to Durango Colorado is Durango-La Plata County Airport, also known as DRO. This regional airport sits about 15 miles southeast of downtown Durango and serves the entire Four Corners region.

La Plata County Airport DRO features:

A 9,200-foot runway for commercial flights
A recently updated terminal
Convenient parking ($10/day, $60/week as of 2025)
Rental car options from major companies
Ground transportation to Durango and nearby areas

What Airlines Fly Into Durango CO

As of March 2025, these airlines fly into Durango Colorado with regular service:

1. American Airlines

American Airlines offers year-round service to Durango from:

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- 1-2 daily flights depending on season
- Uses Embraer 175 regional jets (76 seats)
- Flight time: about 2 hours
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- 1-2 daily flights depending on season
- Uses CRJ-700/900 regional jets (70-76 seats)
- Flight time: about 1.5 hours

American also offers seasonal service from:

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Summer service (usually June-August)
- Weekend flights
- Uses Embraer 175 regional jets
- Flight time: about 3 hours

2. United Airlines

United Airlines provides year-round service to Durango from:

Denver International Airport (DEN)
- 3-5 daily flights depending on season
- Uses CRJ-700/Embraer 175 regional jets (70-76 seats)
- Flight time: about 1 hour

United also offers seasonal service from:

Houston (IAH)
- Summer and winter season service
- Several flights weekly (usually 3-4)
- Uses Embraer 175 regional jets
- Flight time: about 2.5 hours

3. Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines offers service to Durango from:

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Year-round daily service
- Uses CRJ regional jets
- Flight time: about 1.5 hours

4. Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines provides seasonal service to Durango from:

Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Service usually 4 days per week during summer
- Uses Airbus A320 aircraft
- Flight time: about 1 hour
Las Vegas (LAS)
- Weekend service (usually Friday and Monday)
- Uses Airbus A320 aircraft
- Flight time: about 1.5 hours

Seasonal Flight Patterns to Durango

Flight options to Durango change with the seasons. Understanding these patterns helps when you book flights to Durango Colorado:

Winter Season (December-March)

Winter brings more flights for ski season visitors heading to Purgatory Resort:

More frequent flights on existing routes
Possible seasonal routes from Chicago, Houston, and other cities
Higher fares, especially during holidays and spring break
More reliable connections from major hubs

Summer Season (June-August)

Summer is Durango’s busiest tourism season, with the most flight options:

All airlines fly to Durango Colorado at full seasonal capacity
More frequent flights on existing routes
Seasonal service from Chicago, Los Angeles, and other markets
Direct flights to Las Vegas and other vacation spots
Higher fares, especially around holidays

Off-Peak Seasons (April-May and September-November)

These slower periods typically have:

Fewer flights
Fewer direct destination options
More competitive fares
Less crowded flights and airport facilities

Airports Near Durango Colorado

If direct flights to your destination don’t work with your travel plans or budget, consider these airports near Durango CO:

1. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

Distance from Durango: 217 miles
Driving time: about 3.5 hours
Airlines serving: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Allegiant
Benefits: Many more flight options, often lower fares, many rental car choices
Route notes: Straightforward drive on US-550, generally open year-round with few mountain passes

2. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Distance from Durango: 361 miles
Driving time: about 6.5 hours
Airlines serving: All major domestic and many international carriers
Benefits: Most flight options in the region, competitive fares, international connections
Route notes: Scenic drive through the mountains with several high passes; winter driving can be challenging

3. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)

Distance from Durango: 173 miles
Driving time: about 3 hours
Airlines serving: American, United, Delta, Allegiant
Benefits: Less crowded facility, sometimes cheaper flights from certain cities
Route notes: Scenic drive through western Colorado, crosses several mountain passes

4. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

Distance from Durango: 85 miles
Driving time: about 2 hours
Airlines serving: United, American, Delta (seasonal), JetBlue (seasonal)
Benefits: Closer than other alternatives, good winter service due to Telluride ski traffic
Route notes: Route includes mountain terrain that can be difficult in winter

For travelers seeking the closest major airport to Durango CO, Albuquerque offers the best combination of flight options and reasonable driving distance.

Direct Flights to Durango CO

For many travelers, direct flights to Durango CO offer the most convenient option. Here’s a detailed breakdown of nonstop flights to DRO:

Year-Round Direct Flights

These routes operate all year, though frequencies may vary by season:

Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: United Airlines
- Frequency: 3-5 daily flights
- Aircraft: CRJ-700, Embraer 175
- Flight time: 1 hour
- Approximate cost: $250-450 round trip
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Frequency: 1-2 daily flights
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
- Flight time: 2 hours
- Approximate cost: $350-550 round trip
Phoenix (PHX) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Frequency: 1-2 daily flights
- Aircraft: CRJ-700/900
- Flight time: 1.5 hours
- Approximate cost: $300-500 round trip
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: Delta Airlines
- Frequency: 1 daily flight
- Aircraft: CRJ regional jets
- Flight time: 1.5 hours
- Approximate cost: $300-500 round trip

Seasonal Direct Flights to Durango

These routes operate only during specific seasons:

Chicago (ORD) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Season: Summer (June-August)
- Frequency: Weekend service
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
- Flight time: 3 hours
- Approximate cost: $450-700 round trip
Houston (IAH) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: United Airlines
- Season: Summer and winter peak periods
- Frequency: 3-4 weekly flights
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
- Flight time: 2.5 hours
- Approximate cost: $400-600 round trip
Las Vegas (LAS) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: Frontier Airlines
- Season: Summer (June-September)
- Frequency: Monday and Friday service
- Aircraft: Airbus A320
- Flight time: 1.5 hours
- Approximate cost: $200-400 round trip
Los Angeles (LAX) to Durango (DRO)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Season: Summer (June-August)
- Frequency: Daily service
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
- Flight time: 2 hours
- Approximate cost: $450-650 round trip

All these flights are domestic flights to Durango Colorado. While there are no international flights directly to DRO, international travelers can connect through major U.S. hubs.

Does Southwest Fly to Durango CO?

Many travelers ask if there are Southwest flights to Durango Colorado. Currently, Southwest Airlines does not offer direct flights to Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO).

For travelers who prefer Southwest, the closest airports with Southwest service are:

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): 217 miles/3.5-hour drive
Denver International Airport (DEN): 361 miles/6.5-hour drive
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 391 miles/7-hour drive

Many Southwest passengers fly to one of these airports and then either:

Rent a car and drive to Durango
Connect to Durango on United, American, or Delta

Closest Airport to Durango Colorado

The nearest airport to Durango CO is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), just 15 miles southeast of downtown. This is the most convenient airport for travelers to the Durango area, with the shortest drive time to your final destination.

For those visiting Purgatory Resort, DRO is also the closest airport to Purgatory Ski Resort, about 35 miles from the resort (a 45-60 minute drive depending on road conditions).

Airline Flights to Durango Colorado

The main Durango airlines providing service to DRO are American, United, and Delta, with seasonal service from Frontier. All airlines to Durango CO offer modern regional jets with comfortable seating and basic in-flight services.

When you fly to Durango Colorado, you’ll experience excellent service from these carriers:

American Airlines

Operates year-round from Dallas Fort Worth and Phoenix
Offers seasonal service from Chicago and Los Angeles
Connects Durango to American’s global network
Regional jets feature first class and economy seating

United Airlines

Provides the most frequent service from Denver International Airport
Offers seasonal flights from Houston
Connect to United’s extensive domestic and international network
Regional jets operated by SkyWest feature economy plus seating

Delta Airlines

Daily service from Salt Lake City
Connects to Delta’s global network
Regional jets operated by SkyWest

Frontier Airlines

Low-cost carrier with seasonal service from Denver and Las Vegas
Larger Airbus A320 aircraft with more seating capacity
Budget-friendly fares with add-on options

Flights from DRO

For those planning how to get to Durango Colorado and then travel onward, DRO offers convenient options with flights from DRO to several major hubs:

Denver: Multiple daily flights with United
Dallas-Fort Worth: Daily service with American
Phoenix: Daily service with American
Salt Lake City: Daily service with Delta
Seasonal destinations: Including Chicago, Houston, and Las Vegas

DRO arrivals and departures are easy to track through the airport’s website or airline apps. The airport’s compact size means shorter check-in and security lines than at major hubs.

Flying to Durango: Helpful Tips

Based on our experience helping clients plan their travel to Durango, we offer these tips:

Best Booking Practices

Book flights 2-3 months ahead for best fares, especially during peak seasons
Try mid-week travel for lower fares and less crowded flights
Compare alternative airports for potential savings, especially for family travel
Check both one-way and round-trip options as sometimes booking separate flights can save money
Look for stop flights that might offer lower fares than direct routes
Consider domestic flights with connections through major hubs for more options

Airport Arrival Recommendations

Arrive 90 minutes before departure at DRO during busy times
Check weather before leaving as mountain weather can affect flight schedules
Arrange ground transportation in advance, especially during high-demand periods

Seasonal Tips

Winter travelers: Build flexibility into travel plans due to possible weather delays
Summer peak season: Book flights to Durango Colorado well in advance as flights fill quickly
Fall colors season: September-early October sees high demand; book early

Baggage Tips

Check airline policies for sports equipment if traveling with skis, bikes, golf clubs, etc.
Consider shipping bulky equipment ahead for longer stays
Most flights to DRO use regional jets with limited overhead bin space

Transportation from Durango Airport

Once your flight arrives at Durango-La Plata County Airport, you have several transportation options:

Rental Cars

All major rental car companies operate at Plata County Airport DRO:

Avis
Budget
Enterprise
Hertz
National

We strongly recommend making reservations ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

Shuttle Services

Several companies offer shuttle service between the airport and Durango:

Durango Transportation (970-259-4818)
Buck Horn Limousine (970-769-0933)
Several hotels offer shuttle service for guests (call to confirm)

Taxis and Rideshares

Both major rideshare companies operate in Durango
Local taxi companies serve the airport
Best to schedule in advance, especially for early morning/late night arrivals

Public Transportation

No direct public transit connects the airport to Durango
Requires taxi or shuttle to connect to city transit system

Planning Your Durango Visit

When planning a trip to Durango, consider these airport-related factors:

Best Connection Cities

If direct flights aren’t available from your city, these hubs typically offer the most reliable connections to Durango:

Denver (DEN)
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
Phoenix (PHX)
Salt Lake City (SLC)

Best Times to Book Flights

January-February (excluding President’s Day weekend)
April-May (spring off-season)
September-November (excluding fall colors peak in late September/early October)
Midweek departures generally offer lower fares than weekend travel

Weather Considerations

Winter travel: Be prepared for possible delays due to mountain weather
Summer afternoon thunderstorms: Occasionally impact flight schedules
Morning flights: Generally have fewer weather disruptions in all seasons

Flights to Mesa Verde National Park

Many visitors looking for flights to Durango are planning to visit Mesa Verde National Park. The most convenient airport for Mesa Verde is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), as the park entrance is just 36 miles west of Durango, about a 45-minute drive.

During your visit, consider adding a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park to see the ancient cliff dwellings, which are among the best-preserved archaeological sites in the United States.

Airports Close to Durango

For travelers wondering about airports close to Durango, here’s a summary of your options:

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) – 15 miles from downtown Durango
Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ) – 45 miles west of Durango (limited commercial service)
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – 85 miles north of Durango
Farmington Regional Airport (FMN) – 50 miles south (limited service)
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) – 217 miles south
Denver International Airport (DEN) – 361 miles northeast

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Whether you’re visiting to explore real estate opportunities, enjoy outdoor recreation, or experience the charm of Southwest Colorado, understanding what airlines fly into Durango CO helps ensure a smooth journey.

If you’re planning a visit to explore Durango real estate or simply want to experience our beautiful mountain community, we’re here to help with personalized guidance on travel options and places to stay that match your needs.