As Labor Day weekend approaches, many Coloradans are dreaming of a mountain getaway—cooler temps, crisp air and scenic views. But heavy holiday traffic can burst the bubble of your long weekend escape. Instead, use this transit cheat sheet so you can easily plan your trip, relax and leave the driving to someone else.
Regional Transit
- Bustang (West Line): Running several daily trips, this Colorado Department of Transportation-run express bus service connects Denver Union Station and the Federal Center in Lakewood with mountain towns along the I-70 Mountain Corridor through Grand Junction.
- Pegasus: Operating between Denver and Avon, this shuttle van service runs multiple times per day.
Local Transit
- Summit Stage: Hop on Summit Stage, Summit County’s free bus service featuring plentiful routes and convenient schedules.
- Breck Free Ride: From shopping to mountain exploration, jump on the free Breck Free Ride to enjoy all Breckenridge has to offer.
- CORE Transit: Travel seamlessly between Vail and Eagle using the free ECO Transit network, making adventuring in the Vail Valley easier than ever.
- Vail Bus Service: Vail makes it easy to experience all the Town has to offer with their free bus service – world class restaurants, plentiful shopping and trails galore.
- Avon Transit: The town of Avon’s free bus service connects neighborhoods, ski resorts, and all the hidden gems in between.
- Beaver Creek Resort Shuttle: Explore every beautiful nook and cranny of the Beaver Creek Resort on their free shuttle.
- The Lift: Enjoy free transit to charming towns throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley.
- The Roundabout: Explore all Clear Creek County has to offer, including scenic views, historic landmarks, and local culture, using this free bus service.
- RFTA: Easily travel through the iconic Roaring Fork Valley on this cost-effective bus, servicing Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, El Jebel, Basalt, Snowmass Village and Aspen.
Tips for a Smooth Transit Getaway
- Use travel tools: Follow @GoI70_CO on Instagram or GoI70.com on Facebook for travel information and weekend traffic forecasting. Use COtrip.org or the COtrip planner app to get real-time traffic information and to view camera feeds.
- Forget parking fees: With transit, you’ll avoid the hassle of finding and paying for parking at your destination.
- Change your peak travel time: Whether you ride or drive, avoiding peak travel times makes for a smoother trip.
- Enjoy the ride: Transit means no road stress—surf the views, read, nap or chat your way into the mountains.
This Labor Day weekend, skip the I-70 Mountain Corridor headache and opt for stress-free mountain access via Bustang, shuttles and local transit. Whether you’re headed for Vail, Breckenridge, Glenwood Springs or elsewhere, these public options are scalable, savvy and serene.