A lot of people going to Aspen end up flying into Grand Junction. Sometimes this is by choice (we typically have cheaper fares), but sometimes involuntarily, as the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport can close due to weather.
Unfortunately there isn’t any direct public shuttle service from Grand Junction to Aspen, nor is there any type of light rail so you’ll have to either take the bus, rent a car or go the private route.
The distance from Grand Junction to Aspen is 130 miles, and there are basically four options to get there, although they aren’t always cheap (or simple). Here they are:
- Private Car/Shuttle
- Uber/Lyft
- Car Rental
- Bus
Prices range from $20 a person for a bus ride to $750 for an SUV pick-up. (More on that below).
Private Shuttle Options/Car Service from Grand Junction to Aspen
Because Aspen is a high-demand destination, several Colorado transportation companies offer private service to and from Grand Junction, especially during ski season. (For our purposes here, a shuttle and car service is the same.)
These companies usually operate SUVs, vans, and luxury vehicles with room for ski gear.
Typical Features
Door-to-door pickup (or airport to door drop-off)
Space for skis and luggage
Experienced mountain drivers
Available year-round
Flexible departure times
Price Range
These were prices for five Grand Junction, Colorado to Aspen, Co shuttle services I researched in late 2025, and can change, but most private car services cost in the $750 to $1300 range, depending on vehicle size, number of passengers, and season. Prices can be higher during holidays and busy ski weekends.
- Aspen Way to Go quoted $700, (I believe that does not including a 20% service charge) to get from Aspen to the Grand Junction Regional Airport. Presumably it would be the same to get from GJT to Aspen, but you would want to make sure of that here: Aspen Way to Go rates
- Goodlift showed a quote for $840 (tip included) from Aspen to GJT, and again, presumably that is the same price from GJT to Aspen: Goodlift rates
- Brio Limo showed the exact same rate ($840), but I’m not sure if that included gratuities: Brio Limo Rates
- ZG Limo: $750 for a 7 passenger max or $1,300 for a 14 person max coach. Not sure about if the tip is included or not: ZG Limo Rates
- Aspen Johnny O Limo didn’t quote Grand Junction, but from the Rifle airport to Aspen is $500. (Rifle is 45 minutes closer to Aspen than Grand Junction): Aspen Johnny O Limo
How Long It Takes
Most private transfers take about 2.5 hours, similar to driving yourself.
This is best for families, that ski group vacation with buddies, travelers with heavy luggage, and those wanting guaranteed pickup at time of arrival.
Rideshare from Grand Junction to Aspen
Ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are available in Grand Junction, and I was very surprised at the cost, as I had assumed it would be outrageous.
This was on a random Tuesday morning in the fall, but Uber (X) from Grand Junction to Aspen came in at $170.
An Uber XXL (for 6) was $260. Booking in advance, a Black SUV for 6 people for Thanksgiving morning (a busy time), was $549.
Of course, your results and prices may vary, but paying $260 or so for an Uber XXL to take a family of four and their luggage 130 miles to Aspen seems fairly reasonable.
Bus From Grand Junction to Aspen
There is no single direct public bus service from Grand Junction to Aspen unfortunately. However, you can make the trip using a combination of two different bus routes.
If you’re hopping off the plane at the Grand Junction airport, it’s very convenient, although afterwards you may feel like you’re in the movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.”
Step 1:
Take Bustang from Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs
The Bustang is the Colorado state funded bus system that includes departures and arrivals from two different stops in Grand Junction – including one right at the airport.
This isn’t your trashy, inner-city bus ride. It’s clean and safe, affordable and with comfortable seating, bathrooms and wi-fi. My 81 year-old parents take this from Grand Junction to Denver and have no complaints.
Fares are very reasonable, in my view: $15 for an adult, $7.50 for a kid, and $11.25 for a senior.
There are two places to get on in Grand Junction: one just a few steps right outside the airport, and the other downtown on 5th Street.
It leaves the Grand Junction Regional Airport six times a day going towards Aspen, starting at 7:25 AM and the last departure at 3 PM.
Tickets and more information can be found here: Bustang Grand Junction
Step 2:
Take RFTA from Glenwood Springs to Aspen
From Glenwood Springs, (the same station where you were dropped off), you can catch a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus.
These buses to Aspen leave from the West Glenwood Park n Ride 41 times a day! These start at 4 AM and go until just after midnight. I was shocked to see how frequently these run, but I guess all of the workers who cannot afford to live in Aspen create this demand.
It’s not a quick ride, as there (by my count), 46 stops along the way. It takes around 1 and ½ to an hour, 45 minutes for the bus to get from Glenwood Springs into downtown Aspen.
So you’ll be on the bus awhile, but hey, at least it’s cheap: $5 for an adult to ride the bus from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. Seniors and kids 5 and under ride free.
Total Cost
As of this 2025 writing, it costs just $20 to take the buses from Grand Junction to Aspen.
Total Travel Time
Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Wait at Glenwood Springs Bus Stop: A half-hour max
Glenwood Springs to Aspen: 1 hour, 45 minutes:
So figure around 4 ½ to 5 hours to get from the Grand Junction Airport into downtown Aspen.
Best For: Solo travelers, budget travelers and those without tight schedules
Car Rentals from Grand Junction to Aspen
There are five car rental companies located inside the Grand Junction Regional Airport: National, Hertz, Avis, Alamo and Enterprise.
I looked at the Thanksgiving weekend prices, and saw you can get a mid-size SUV in the $50 to $80 per day range.
Of course these offer you the advantage of flexibility and not having to wait for anyone, however it does mean you’ll have to balance that with paying gas, the stress of driving, and having to pay those Aspen parking fees, ($8 a day for self-parking at public surface lots, and valet prices at $60 a night, for example, in places like the Hotel Mollie.
Grand Junction Airport to Aspen Transportation
If you’re flying into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), transportation to Aspen is straightforward. You can book one of the aforementioned private car services, book Uber Lyft, get a rental car (from inside the airport), or take the Bustang, which has a stop immediately right outside the west doors of the airport.
Shuttle/Bus/Rideshare Instead of Driving?
A bus or private car service is often the best way to get to Aspen if you’re visiting during the winter, carrying ski equipment, or simply prefer not to deal with snowy roads and parking in Aspen.
Driving to Aspen in the winter can be a little stressful if you’re not used to driving in the snow, and who wants that to start off a vacation? The drive from Grand Junction to Aspen however, is usually pretty smooth, and safe, and the Colorado Department of Transportation workers do a great job keeping the roads plowed and in good condition.
Some Tips:
Check COtrip.org for road conditions (they have webcams on there too).
Avoid evening travel during storms
Consider a shuttle if you’re not used to snow and ice
Allow extra time during peak season
Book well into advance in the winter. Especially Christmas/New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and spring break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shuttle from Grand Junction to Aspen cost?
There aren’t regularly scheduled shuttles, but private car services range from about $750 to $1,300 for a 14 person luxury coach. Public buses run around $20 a person for the Bustang and RFTA combination.
How long does the ride take?
Most car services take around two and a half hours.
Is there a direct bus or shuttle from Grand Junction to Aspen?
No, but you can get there using the Bustang to Glenwood Springs and then the RFTA from Glenwood into downtown Aspen.
Can Uber or Lyft take me to Aspen from Grand Junction?
Yes. And while I had assumed you would have to take out that second mortgage to do so, a recent Uber price check showed the cost was more reasonable than I had thought. $260 or so for an Uber for six people.
Is it better to shuttle or drive in winter?
A private shuttle service or rideshare may cost more than the rental car, but then again, you don’t have to pay high Aspen parking fees, gas, or deal with the stress of driving in the Colorado mountains during the winter. Shuttles handled by experienced drivers are generally safer and easier during winter storms.
Conclusion
Whether you’re flying into Grand Junction Airport or already here and want to get to Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, or simply want someone else to handle the mountain driving, there are plenty of reliable ways to get to Aspen without driving yourself.
From private car service to reasonable (in my opinion) rideshares to the budget-friendly Bustang/RFTA combination, travelers have flexible options for every schedule and budget.
(By Steve Beauregard. Top Aspen photo by Eamonn O. Muiri via Flickr. Snowmass picture courtesy of Jonathan Fox via Flickr. Bus picture from the Colorado Department of Transportation.)