City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Colorado Springs Airport is about 19 km southeast of downtown, a 20-minute drive without traffic: there's no train or direct bus, so the choice of area depends mostly on what you want to see. The historic center remains the most practical base for getting around the city; Garden of the Gods, the region's most visited red-rock park, is instead to the northwest, almost half an hour from the terminal, and is only worth staying near if it's the priority of the trip. Those looking for a mountain resort stay instead look south, toward Cheyenne Mountain, where the Broadmoor stands.

Airport area

A few minutes from the terminal, with a free shuttle at both properties.

Best for: Early morning flights or overnight layovers, with no other plans in the city.

Pros

Free shuttle to the terminal, handy for those just departing again
Cheaper than downtown and Garden of the Gods

Cons

An industrial/airport area, nothing to do on foot in the evening
A car is always needed for downtown or Garden of the Gods, 20-30 minutes

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton Inn Colorado Springs-Airport: A few minutes from the terminal with a free shuttle, among the best-reviewed properties in the airport area.
Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Airport: About 5 km from the terminal with a free shuttle, an indoor pool for those with a long layover.

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Historic center, Colorado Springs

City centre · About 20 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal, on a direct road with no traffic.

Best for: Those visiting the city on foot, among restaurants and the historic district.

Pros

In the historic 1902 building of the former precious metals exchange, in the heart of downtown
Restaurants and bars within walking distance, no car needed in the evening

Cons

No direct public transport to the airport: a car is always needed
Reviews mention hidden extra fees and limited parking

Recommended hotels in this area

The Mining Exchange Hotel, a Registry Collection Hotel: In the historic 1902 building of the former precious metals exchange, in the heart of the historic center.

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Garden of the Gods

Neighbourhood · From the terminal the drive takes about 25-30 minutes; avoid the 7-9 and 16-18 windows because of traffic.

Best for: Those coming mainly for the red-rock park who want to reach it in a few minutes.

Pros

A few minutes from the park entrance, handy for being among the first at dawn
The area's resort option has a direct view of the rock formations

Cons

It's the area farthest from the airport among those in this guide
The resort option is noted in reviews as expensive for the perceived value

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods: A few minutes from the park and about 6 km from downtown, with rooms featuring a separate sitting area.
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club: Inside the park area, with a direct view of the rock formations from the rooms and the gardens.

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Cheyenne Mountain

Neighbourhood · About 25-30 minutes by car from the terminal, on the south side of the city toward Cheyenne Mountain.

Best for: Those seeking a mountain resort stay, not just a base for visiting the city.

Pros

A historic estate at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, with gardens and a private lake
Among the highest ratings in the whole city in every source consulted

Cons