Need a Ride? Take Advantage of Local Transportation Options!
Whether you're in Grand County without a vehicle or would prefer hitching a ride, our rural community offers several options for local transit, trips to Denver, and rides to and from Denver International Airport. And we've put it all together in one place for you so you can plan your next mountain adventure or night out on the town!
THE LIFT
Funded by sales tax revenue (local voters approved a 2% sales tax for transit and trails in late 2015); the towns of Winter Park, Fraser, and Granby; and federal grant monies, The Lift provides free local bus transportation on a 21-mile route that connects Winter Park Resort all the way to Granby.
Be sure to check out their winter and summer schedules and download the Lift Rider app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Then, you can have real-time map tracking and route visibility, making it easy to pop out right when the bus arrives and maximize your time wherever it might be picking you up. In winter, they offer 30-minute service on holidays and weekends. The summer schedule is more limited, so be sure to plan accordingly!
Hopping on with gear? No problem! You can bring skis, boards, and poles; bikes; luggage; and strollers. Service animals are also welcome on all Lift buses. The Lift also offers ADA + paratransit rides to residents and visitors. The ADA service is amazing: safe, reliable, door-to-door rides to all eligible riders 7 days week, 7am - 2am within the town limits of Winter Park and Fraser as well as the Meadow Ridge neighborhood. If you'd like to take advantage of the ADA service, you'll need to fill out an application. Resident applications and visitor applications are a little different, so make sure you are using the right form when you apply!
And we're all in for The Lift's plan for the future - they're hoping to move to an all-electric fleet. They just received a Lo/No grant of $1,145,951 to fund low or no-emissions vehicle and infrastructure from the Federal Transit Administration, which covered the cost for the system's first electric bus and charging infrastructure.
If you haven't tried The Lift yet, you should definitely check it out. It has been such a gift to our community, for residents and visitors alike.
HOME JAMES TRANSPORTATION
Home James has been providing airport shuttle service to the Fraser Valley since 1982. Driving over Berthoud Pass, especially during a snowstorm, is no joke. But it's easy to trust the team at Home James to get you to and from DIA safely. The average Home James driver has been driving for the company for over 5 years, and has driven the pass literally hundreds--if not thousands--of times, in all weather conditions.
Hop on a shared shuttle, book a private charter, or take advantage of their "Elite Service" that can pick you up and drop you off anywhere in Colorado. And they offer free changes should your flight get delayed! All of their vehicles are new and comfortable; whether you ride in a Suburban or Ford Transit van, you'll get where you're going in style. Check out their airport shuttle schedule and conveniently book online. We love this option when we have guests fly in - skip the drive to Denver and have a shuttle waiting for them when they get off the plane!
And now they provide local service as well! If you have a large group or wedding, they've got you covered. Or if you just plan on going out to dinner and don't want to worry about driving, give them a call at or reach out via email to get a quote! Keep in mind - 24 hours advanced bookings are recommended. Depending on driver availability, they can potentially come on shorter notice, but if you're looking for a quick, last-minute ride, check out Scoop-a-Drunk.
GRAND MOUNTAIN RIDES
Grand Mountain Rides, based in Fraser, also offers airport shuttle services. You can save money with a shared shuttle or book a private luxury ride that can accommodate up to 14 people. They offer shuttles with door-to-door service to and from Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, and Grand Lake as well as rides to your favorite ski resorts throughout Colorado.
You can add "Cancel Protect" to your booking for an additional $30, giving you flexibility with a delayed or canceled flight. They also offer memberships that provide discounts and perks for frequent travelers!
And while they don't provide local service for day-to-day events, they do offer wedding transportation. Book online or give them a call to get a quote or make a reservation!
Scoop-a-Drunk
While we don't have consistent Uber or Lyft drivers for getting around here in Grand County, the closest equivalent is Scoop-a-Drunk. They've got your ride covered anywhere from Winter Park to Granby - and they'll bring your car home for you if needed! Just give them a call to ensure your pick up time is available. If it is, fill out the online form and pay $5 via Venmo to book the ride. Then, you'll get a text with the ETA and description of your driver.
Their rates are based on established zones. Zone 1 rides have a base charge of $35, and Zone 2's base charge is $40. Regardless of the zone, an additional $3 per mile is part of the rate.
In the summer, they offer "eco rides" - your driver comes to meet you via bicycle, pops it on your car, and leaves on their bicycle after getting your home safely.
Bustang and the Ski Train
Airport shuttle services aren't the only option for getting between Denver and the Winter Park area. The Bustang Outrider bus system runs a route from Craig to Denver and has stops in Granby, Tabernash, Fraser, and Winter Park. You can ride the Bustang from the Winter Park pickup at Cooper Creek Square to Denver's Union Station for just $11. Check out their schedule and rates if you're looking for a more economical ride to the Denver.
Or take the scene route on the Winter Park Express ski train. It runs from Denver's Union Station to Winter Park Resort and back on weekends during the ski season.
AVALANCHE CAR RENTALS
If you get to Grand County via shuttle, bus, or train but would like a car to drive explore at your own pace, Avalanche Car Rentals has you covered! Rent a car, SUV, or even an e-bike for your time in town.
If you're arriving via Amtrak, they'll drop your rental off and have it waiting for you! They also provide the same service for customers flying into the Emily Warner Field in Granby.
LOOKING FOR MORE OF THE LOCAL SCOOP?
We love sharing our local expertise with you! And it doesn't stop with logistics like transportation services or where to take your trash. Our decades of experience living in the Winter Park area keeps us in the know with all things local - and that includes the ins and outs of the real estate market! We're on the pulse with the latest market conditions, government regulations, HOA covenants, and upcoming developments. If you have questions about the area or local real estate, we'd love to connect with you and share more about this place we get to call home.
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