Two airports, one big decision
For most families, Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the easier arrival and Denver International (DEN) is the cheaper, more flexible option especially with a family. Which is right depends on your travel dates, your home city and how your kids handle a long day.
EGE sits about 37 miles from Vail, roughly 35 to 45 minutes by car. DEN is about 120 miles away, a solid 2 hour drive in good conditions over two mountain passes. That gap matters a lot more with a car full of kids and ski gear than it does on a solo trip.
Here’s how the two compare for a family ski trip this winter.
EGE vs. DEN at a glance
| Eagle County (EGE) | Denver (DEN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Vail | About 37 miles | About 120 miles |
| Drive time | 35–45 minutes | About 2 hours, 2.5–3+ in snow |
| Mountain passes | None | Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass |
| Nonstop flights | Seasonal nonstops from major hubs, most starting mid-December | Nonstops from almost everywhere, all season |
| Airfare | Usually higher | Usually lower, more choice |
| Winter weather risk | Mountain airport, occasional storm delays | Flights reliable; the drive is the weather risk |
| Terminal | Small, quick bags and easy pickup | Large, long walks to baggage claim |
| Best for | Holiday weeks, young kids, short trips | Early-season trips, budget travelers, more flight options |
Sources: Wikipedia: Eagle County Regional Airport for distance; Roame Flightmap for 2026–27 route start dates.
Which airport is right for your family?
Fly into Eagle (EGE) if:
- You’re traveling Christmas, New Year’s or Presidents’ Day week, when seasonal nonstops are running and I-70 traffic is at its worst
- You have toddlers or young kids who dont do well with another two hours in the car
- Your trip is short, so a half day saved on travel means a half day more on the mountain
- You can get a nonstop from your home city
Fly into Denver (DEN) if:
- You’re coming for Thanksgiving or early December, before most EGE nonstops start
- Airfare for your whole family is much cheaper into Denver
- You want more flight times to choose from, or need a nonstop that EGE doesn’t offer
- You’re spending a night in Denver first, or visiting family on the Front Range
A tip for holiday travelers: price both airports for the whole family, then add the cost of getting to Vail. A cheaper DEN ticket can come out even once you count ground transportation, extra time and an early start the next morning.
Whichever airport you choose, we’ll be there
VIP Ground is a locally run luxury car service based in the Vail Valley, In Avon, just outside the Beaver Creek roundabout, and we pick up families at both EGE and DEN all winter. We drive to Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards, Arrowhead and Bachelor Gulch, door to door.
- From Eagle (EGE): Your driver is waiting when you land. You’re at your Ski Resort in under an hour, often before the kids have finished their airplane snacks.
- From Denver (DEN): Your driver tracks your flight, meets you at baggage claim and handles the two-hour mountain drive. Stops for groceries or a bathroom break are on request.
- Sprinters sized for families: Seats for up to 14, with room for ski bags, strollers and luggage. A 15-passenger limo Sprinter is available for multi-family groups.
- Car seats on request: Tell us your kids’ ages when you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest airport to Vail? Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), about 37 miles west of Vail. It’s also the closest commercial airport to Beaver Creek. If its in your budget Eagle Regional (EGE) is definitely the best option.
Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or Eagle? Denver is usually more cost efficient when it comes to airfare. Once you add ground transportation and a longer travel day, the difference often narrows, especially for families.
How do I get from Eagle airport to Vail? Private car service, a shared shuttle, a rental car or a taxi. A private car is the simplest option with kids and ski gear, and takes about 35 to 45 minutes.
Do flights into Eagle get canceled in winter? Occasionally. EGE is a mountain airport, so snow storms can cause delays or diversions. If your flight is diverted to Denver, we can pick you up there instead.
When do the winter nonstops to Eagle start? Most seasonal routes begin in mid-December and run into spring. Check your airline for exact dates.
Book your airport transfer before the holidays fill up
Vail Mountain is scheduled to open November 13 and Beaver Creek on November 25, conditions permitting (ColoradoBiz). Holiday weeks book up first.
Send us your flight details, airport and group size, and we’ll have a driver waiting when you land, at EGE or DEN.
