Aspen Center for Physics

Air Travel

If you are flying, please make reservations far in advance since flights to Aspen often sell out. Please note that some flight options are seasonal, and that all of the options below are subject to change. 

Aspen has its own airport (ASE), about 10 minutes out of town. It is served by United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines with nonstop flights from Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco (this list is subject to change).

There is a free bus from the Aspen airport to the Aspen Center for Physics. Plan your route with Google Maps or the Transit App, or use the RFTA trip planner. Typically, a bus comes every 15-20 minutes, depending on the season. You can get on the “BRT” or “L” at the airport, and get off at the “Hallam Street + 8th” stop to walk a few blocks to the Center.

Ground Transportation from Denver International Airport (DIA)

By Bus or Train

The Bustang West Line runs from downtown Denver (Union Station) to Glenwood Springs.

Take the RTD A-line train from the Denver Airport to Union Station. $10 for a one-way ticket. (Takes 40 minutes, leaves every 15 minutes)

Take the Bustang from Union Station to Glenwood Springs

Go from “Denver Union Station Gate B19 [DUS]” to  “West Glenwood Park & Ride” stop. It's on the "West Line." Check the schedule in advance (buses from 6am-5:15pm Westbound, and 5:15am-7:00pm Eastbound for the return trip ). $28 each way.

Then you can take the RFTA bus the rest of the way to Aspen. $5. 

BRT buses from 4:35am-8:55pm, and Local buses from 4am-12:08am. Both go from Glenwood Springs to Aspen (the BRT is faster.)

From Aspen to Glenwood Springs, BRT buses from 5:45am-11:20pm, and Local buses from 6:15am-1:45am.

The Amtrak California Zephyr train runs from Downtown Denver (Union Station, ~40 minutes from DIA) to Glenwood Springs where you can transfer to a local RFTA bus to Aspen. There is only one a day, which leaves at 8:46am so may not be a viable option depending on when you land in Denver. This may be a good option if you are flying in the night before and staying in Denver overnight. It’s a gorgeous route. The return from Glenwood leaves around 11:42am and arrives in Denver (Union Station) around 6:30pm.

If planning to stay in Denver overnight, the Limelight Hotel in Denver is right at Union Station and very convenient.

Bringing a Car to Aspen

If you choose to drive your own car to Aspen, you will be able to park for free at the Center and at your housing. Please make sure to get a parking pass from the front desk. If you will have multiple cars with you (if you are bringing family), please let us know in advance, as some of our housing units only come with one parking spot.