How to Get to Telluride From Chicago [2025-2026 Guide]

By John MathewUnited States

⛷️ How to Get to Telluride From Chicago [2025–2026 Guide]

Travel from Chicago to Telluride in 3 hrs 15 min by nonstop flight to Montrose (MTJ) + 1.5 hr shuttle, 20–21 hrs by car (1,250 miles, $180–$220 fuel), or 30+ hrs by bus/train combo ($150–$220). Compare travel times, costs, and best routes in this 2025–2026 guide.

The fastest way from Chicago to Telluride is a flight to Montrose Regional Airport (3 hrs 15 min) followed by a 1.5 hr shuttle or drive. Driving takes 20–21 hrs (1,250 miles), while bus/train combos take 30+ hrs with transfers.

📍 Telluride Overview

Telluride sits in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, famous for its ski resort, summer festivals, and dramatic scenery. The town is remote, so travelers from Chicago often combine flights with shuttles or make a scenic road trip.

  • Distance from Chicago: ~1,250 miles
  • Closest airports: Telluride Regional (TEX), Montrose (MTJ), Durango (DRO)
  • Peak seasons: Winter (skiing) & Summer (festivals, hiking, biking)

✈️ Flying from Chicago to Telluride (Fastest Option)

Flying is the most efficient way to reach Telluride from Chicago.

1. Chicago to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

  • Flight Time: ~3 hrs 15 min nonstop
  • Airlines: United (direct seasonal flights), American, Delta (via Denver/Dallas)
  • Shuttle/Drive to Telluride: 1.5 hrs (65 miles)
  • Cost: $250–$450 roundtrip

2. Chicago to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)

  • Very limited service; flights often connect via Denver
  • Flight Time: ~4.5–6 hrs with layovers
  • Shuttle/Drive: 10 min into town
  • Cost: $350–$500 roundtrip

3. Chicago to Durango (DRO) or Grand Junction (GJT)

  • Flight Time: ~4 hrs with layovers
  • Drive: 2–3 hrs to Telluride

Advantages:

  • Fastest way to the Rockies
  • Shuttle services available from MTJ directly to hotels

Tips:

  • MTJ is the most reliable airport for Chicago travelers
  • Book early during ski season and July festival weeks

🚗 Driving from Chicago to Telluride (Scenic Road Trip Option)

A long but beautiful cross-country drive.

  • Distance: ~1,250 miles
  • Duration: 20–21 hrs without long stops
  • Route: I-55 S → I-70 W across Missouri & Kansas → US-50 W → CO-145 into Telluride
  • Cost: $180–$220 fuel (roundtrip ~$360–$440)

Advantages:

  • Scenic mountain and desert landscapes
  • Flexibility for side trips (Denver, Colorado Springs, Moab)
  • No luggage restrictions

Disadvantages:

  • Requires multiple days unless done in a marathon drive
  • Weather delays in winter (snowstorms in Rockies)

🚌 Bus or Train from Chicago to Telluride (Budget Option)

There are no direct trains or buses to Telluride, but combos exist.

Amtrak + Bus

  • Train: Chicago → Denver (California Zephyr, ~18 hrs)
  • Bus: Denver → Montrose (~6 hrs), then shuttle to Telluride (~1.5 hrs)
  • Total Time: 30–32 hrs
  • Cost: $150–$220 total

Greyhound/FlixBus + Shuttle

  • Bus: Chicago → Denver (~18–20 hrs)
  • Shuttle: Denver → Telluride (~7–8 hrs)
  • Total Time: 30+ hrs
  • Cost: $140–$200

Best For: Backpackers and those seeking a budget-friendly adventure.

🏆 Best Way to Travel

  • Fastest: Flight to Montrose + shuttle (4.5–5 hrs total)
  • Most flexible & scenic: Driving (~20–21 hrs, great road trip option)
  • Cheapest: Train+bus combo (~30 hrs, $150–$220)

📊 Chicago to Telluride Travel Summary

Mode Duration Cost (USD) Best For Notes
✈️ Flight (MTJ) 3 hrs 15 min + 1.5 hr shuttle $250–$450 Speed & comfort Nonstop flights seasonal, shuttles available
✈️ Flight (TEX) 4.5–6 hrs w/ layover + 10 min $350–$500 Convenience Closest airport, limited flights
🚗 Car 20–21 hrs $180–$220 fuel Road trippers Scenic cross-country drive, weather-dependent
🚆 Train+Bus 30–32 hrs $150–$220 Budget travelers Amtrak to Denver + bus + shuttle
🚌 Bus Only 30+ hrs $140–$200 Cheapest option Long travel, multiple transfers

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the fastest way to get from Chicago to Telluride?
A nonstop flight to Montrose Regional Airport (3 hrs 15 min) + shuttle (~1.5 hrs).

Q2: How far is Telluride from Chicago by car?
About 1,250 miles, or 20–21 hrs of driving.

Q3: Can you fly directly from Chicago to Telluride?
Limited — United and regional carriers offer flights to Telluride Regional (TEX) via Denver, but most travelers fly into Montrose (MTJ).

Q4: What’s the cheapest way to get to Telluride from Chicago?
Amtrak train to Denver (~18 hrs) + bus and shuttle (~12–14 hrs) — total $150–$220.

Q5: When is the best time to visit Telluride?

  • Winter (Dec–March): Skiing and snowboarding
  • Summer (June–August): Festivals, hiking, mountain biking
  • Fall (Sept–Oct): Stunning foliage and fewer crowds