Purgatory Transportation
Purgatory Resort is conveniently located on US 550 between Durango and Silverton, CO, about thirty miles from each. Commuting by car around the area provides amazing views along the Million Dollar Highway and US 550!
Durango’s La Plata County Airport makes reaching the area by flight easy, and rental cars are available at the airport. Purgatory offers shuttle and charter transportation options from the airport, but they are expensive.
There is a free on-site shuttle at Purgatory Resort between the parking lots and slopes/resort.
Purgatory Shuttle Service
Purgatory offers a variety of shuttle services, including a free on-site shuttle between various parking lots and locations, as well as a charter vehicle service between Durango (airport or downtown) and Purgatory.
Purgatory Shuttle Service
Purgatory offers a shuttle service from Durango’s La Plata County Airport or Downtown. Pricing ranges from $145-$290 depending on the size of vehicle. Reserve at least 24 hrs in advance.
Purgatory Transportation FAQ
La Plata County Airport is the most convenient airport, as it is located in Durango. There are nonstop flights between Denver and Durango.
The Denver airport is a 6-7 hour drive from Purgatory. The Albuquerque airport is closer than Denver, with an average of four hours driving time from Purgatory.
United Airlines and American Airlines are the main providers to the Durango airport.
There are several rental car companies on-site at the Durango La Plata Airport: Alamo, Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Hertz.
Located about 407 miles away, it takes roughly seven hours to drive from Denver to Purgatory, depending on the weather.
Purgatory Ski Resort is 241 miles from Albaquerque, NM, taking roughly 4 hours by car.
Purgatory offers a free shuttle service from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm daily. Shuttles go to both the Upper and Lower Columbine parking lots, the Columbine beginners area, and the Gelande overflow parking lot.
The Million Dollar Highway & US 550
The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile section of US Highway 550 that stretches from Ouray to Silverton, Colorado. Deemed one of the country’s most beautiful scenic drives, it is also among the most intimidating and most dangerous. This highway includes Red Mountain Pass. This pass, as well as Coal Bank Pass, are both located to the north of Purgatory.
There are only two directions by which to arrive to Purgatory – US 550 from the north (Silverton) or US 550 from the south (Durango).
Durango Bus
The in-town bus system runs throughout the town of Durango, offering several route options. Prices for an adult are $1/trip, and can be paid with exact change onboard, through an app, or passes can be purchased at the transit center.
See Durango’s official bus route and information here. This bus does not travel to Purgatory
Durango Airport
This airport is located 12 miles from Durango and approx 41 miles from Purgatory. This is a single runway airport but it measures just over 9k feet in length, so it is able to accommodate almost all commercial flights. Car rentals are located at Durango’s La Plata County Airport, and you can see their location at the airport on this terminal map.