Cincyguy63

Checking out of our condo in Aspen and need to catch a 2:30pm domestic flight out of Denver (DEN). This will be on a Sat in early Aug. What time should we plan to depart?

fmpden

I would plan on an absolute min of 5 hours travel time. With a 2.30 flight and TSA delays these days you should be there by 12.30 so pull out of Aspen around 7 am.

BeachGirl247

Which route are you taking? Over Independence Pass and up 91 through Leadville & Breckenridge? Curious as family will be joining us in Aspen this fall from Denver airport, too.

lindagj

In my opinion, Independence Pass would take longer. Narrow road, slow going.

tomfuller

Check out of the condo about 10AM on Friday. Head for Denver by way of Rocky Mt. National Park. Check in to a motel near the airport that has a shuttle to the airport. Turn in the rental car late Friday and catch a ride back to the motel on their shuttle.

Gretchen

I will add that August is TRULY a high travel time for DIA. It will be crowded at every point--car return, TSA, etc.
I70 would be ther route not the pass.
I think fmpden is probably right but with my flight caution antennae, I'd be leaving at 6:30!! LOL

fmpden

beachGirl you need to consult a map. Leadville and Breckenridge are not on the same road. Hwy 91 only goes through Leadville In the fact they are on opposite sides of the ten mile range and no real road between. On the map the shortest distance between Aspen and Denver appears to be via Leadville and Independence Pass - and it is BUT a lot of narrow, winding mountain roads that easily adds an hour or more to the trip. The fastest route is I-70 and 82 via Glenwood Springs.

BeachGirl247

You are correct fmpden. I was in a hurry and misspoke.