Denver to Colorado Springs: your options
Garden of the Gods lies in Colorado Springs, about 1.5 hours south of Denver by car on I-25 according to the park's operator. Rush hour and weekend traffic can add to that. Note that this figure is for Denver city, not for Denver International Airport (DEN), and a fixed time from the airport cannot be promised.
You can also skip Denver and fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Without a car, the Bustang bus and a direct airport shuttle both reach Colorado Springs. Neither takes you to the park gates, so plan the last stretch as well.
Bus, shuttle, car and plane compared
Fares are adult prices as listed for 2026. Dates and times can change them.
| Option | From | To | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Denver city | The park | About 1.5 hours via I-25, more in heavy traffic | – |
| Bustang South Line | Denver Union Station, Gate B4 | Downtown Terminal, 127 E. Kiowa Street | 2 hours 15 minutes in one weekend example (8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.) | $12 |
| Direct airport shuttle | Denver International Airport | Colorado Springs park-and-ride | – | From $55 online, $60 regular |
| Direct airport shuttle | Denver International Airport | A hotel stop in Colorado Springs | – | From $59 online, $64 regular |
| Flight | Elsewhere in the US | Colorado Springs Airport (COS) | About 20 minutes by car to downtown | – |
The Bustang example is one weekend timetable and not a time for every trip. Children aged 2 to 11 pay $6 and seniors aged 65 and over or people with a disability pay $9 on the bus. The airport shuttle lists children up to 12 from $39, seniors from $52 and students or military from $53 for the park-and-ride. Since 5 May 2026 the shuttle company adds a temporary fuel surcharge of $2 per passenger, which is included in the checkout total. It recommends booking at least 24 hours ahead.
Tours that include the transfer
Jeep, bike and guided tours around Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, plus day trips from Denver, with live prices and availability.
From Denver Airport and Denver city
Two places that are easy to mix up.
The Bustang bus
The South Line runs from Denver Union Station to the Downtown Terminal in Colorado Springs. It does not stop at Denver International Airport, so from the airport you first need another way into the city. Do not read it as a direct airport bus.
The direct airport shuttle
This service runs from the airport to Colorado Springs, with a choice of the park-and-ride or a hotel stop. It suits you if you land at DEN and do not want to change in Denver.
Driving
The route follows I-25 south. The operator's 1.5 hours refers to Denver city and not to the airport. For a drive from the airport, add the time to leave the airport and any traffic.
Colorado Springs Airport
The smaller option, closer to the park.
The city places the airport about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of downtown Colorado Springs, roughly 20 minutes by car. A second city page says 6 miles south, so treat the distance as approximate and use a map for your route. Our where-to-stay guide shows which part of town suits your plans.
The last stretch to the park
Arriving at Garden of the Gods itself.
By car
Drive to the roundabout on 30th Street and enter the park to the west. The visitor center address is 1805 N. 30th Street. The visitor center lot has fewer than 200 spaces and can fill in summer and on holidays. Overflow Lot 1 sits across from it on Gateway Road. The speed limit in the park is 20 mph (32 km/h). Our parking guide lists the other lots.
On foot
From the visitor center you reach the park through a pedestrian tunnel. See the visitor center guide for hours and facilities.
The free summer shuttle
The operator lists a free shuttle from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 23 to 25 May, 5 June to 23 August and 4 to 7 September, about every 15 minutes. Check the current dates before you rely on it, and do not count on it outside summer.
By city bus
Do not plan around a direct city bus to the visitor center. Check the current stop map for the final walk before you rely on any route. The free Route 33 shuttle serves Manitou Springs, the Incline and the Cog Railway, and its published timetable ran from 29 March to 24 October 2026.
Entering the United States
Rules differ by nationality, so check yours.
German citizens can enter visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA for stays of up to 90 days. An ESTA is normally valid for 2 years, and authorities advise applying at least 72 hours before you travel. British citizens need an ESTA or a visa before departure, and their passport must be valid for the length of the stay. An ESTA or visa does not guarantee admission at the border. Travel advice for the US can change, so check your own government's current guidance before you book.
Getting there: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Denver to Garden of the Gods?
The park's operator gives about 1.5 hours from Denver city via I-25. Rush hour and weekends take longer. That time does not apply to a trip from Denver International Airport.
Is there a bus from Denver to Colorado Springs?
Yes. The Bustang South Line runs from Denver Union Station, Gate B4, to the Downtown Terminal at 127 E. Kiowa Street. An adult one-way fare is $12 in 2026. It does not stop at Denver International Airport.
Is there a direct shuttle from Denver Airport to Colorado Springs?
Yes. A private shuttle company runs from the airport to a Colorado Springs park-and-ride from $55 online and to hotel stops from $59 online. A temporary $2 fuel surcharge per passenger applies since 5 May 2026, and the checkout total includes it.
How far is Colorado Springs Airport from the park?
The city places the airport about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of downtown, about 20 minutes by car. A second city page says 6 miles south, so check the route on a map. The park is a separate drive from downtown.
Can I get to the park without a car?
You can reach Colorado Springs by bus or shuttle. For the park itself, plan a tour, a taxi or the free summer shuttle in season. Do not rely on a direct city bus to the visitor center.
Do I need a visa for the US?
German citizens can enter visa-free with an ESTA for up to 90 days. British citizens need an ESTA or a visa. Neither guarantees entry, and other nationalities have other rules.