The Telluride Science Research Center is located in southwest Colorado, deep in the Rocky Mountains. The closest airports are Telluride Airport (TEX) or Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). Montrose is a 1.5 hour drive from Telluride, but is a larger airport with a better selection of flights. Telluride’s airport is just a few minutes outside of town and is served by small commuter planes, some of which have code-share arrangements with the major airlines.
Transportation to and from regional airports
Click on the Telluride Express logo to view their website.
Telluride Express is Telluride's premier and most established ground transportation service to and from all area airports (Telluride, Montrose, Durango, Cortez and more) with door to door shared-ride and private accommodations. They operate a brand new fleet of 4-WD Suburbans, vans, shuttle buses and motor coaches.
It is best to reserve transportation a week ahead, but you must book no less than 24 hours in advance. Telluride Express does not necessarily meet every incoming flight. Make reservations by calling 888-212-TAXI or 970-728-6000 or by email at reservations@tellurideexpress.com.
Driving Directions to Telluride
Download a regional map (93k PDF)
Maps Require Adobe Acrobat Reader
From Denver by car:
- I-70 West towards Grand Junction
- Take Highway 6 & 50 turnoff at Exit 37 towards Montrose
- Continue through Montrose south to Ridgeway
- At Ridgway, take a right onto Highway 62 towards Telluride
- At Placerville, take a left onto Highway 145 towards Telluride (do not bear right towards Norwood)
- Continue on Highway 145 about 16 miles into Telluride
From Montrose by car:
- Take a left out of the airport
- Drive straight through the town of Montrose about 30 miles to Ridgway
- At Ridgway, take a right onto Highway 62 towards Telluride another 25 miles
- At Placerville, take a left onto Highway 145 towards Telluride (do not bear right towards Norwood)
- Continue on Highway 145 about 16 miles into Telluride
Car Rental Agencies
An automobile is usually not necessary in Telluride. However, should you decide to rent a car, the following agencies are available:
In Telluride:
- Budget - 800-527-0700 or 970-728-4642
- National - 800-227-7368 or 970-728-9380
- Thrifty - 970-728-3266
In Montrose:
- Dollar - 970-252-9755
- Thrifty - 970-249-8741 or 800-367-3299
- Enterprise - 800-736-8222
- Hertz - 800-654-3131
Telluride Airport phone number 970-728-5313.
Montrose Airport phone number 970-249-3203.
