How to reach Grand Junction
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown. You can fly in with a connection or nonstop from a handful of cities, ride the Amtrak California Zephyr, or drive on I-70 from Denver. A rental car is the practical choice, because the canyons, wine country and Grand Mesa are spread out.
Two things are easy to mix up. The airport code GJT is also the Amtrak station code, but the train station and the airport are in different places. And DEN is Denver International Airport for flyers, while Amtrak uses DEN for Denver Union Station. If you would rather not drive in the canyons, look at the Colorado National Monument tours once you know your dates.
Flying to Grand Junction Airport (GJT)
Nonstop destinations and the airlines that serve them.
| Destination | Airline |
|---|---|
| Dallas/Fort Worth | American |
| Phoenix | American |
| Denver | United |
| Salt Lake City | Delta |
| Las Vegas | Breeze |
| Orange County (Santa Ana) | Breeze |
The list does not show how often each route flies or whether it runs all year. Check the schedule for your dates.
Tours from Grand Junction
Canyon drives, wine country and Grand Mesa trips, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Grand Junction Airport (GJT)
The airport has rental car counters as well as local taxi and transfer services. Fares vary, so ask for the fare before you get in and have the driver confirm it.
If you want to save money, the city bus is a cheap option. GVT Route 1 Airport links downtown, Colorado Mesa University, Horizon Drive and the airport. It runs Monday to Friday from 5:15 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. and Saturday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. Those are the hours of the whole line, not a departure time at the airport stop. There is no Sunday service, and the bus does not run on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas.
A single ride costs $1.50 and a day pass $3.75, and transfers are not included in the single ticket. A reduced fare of $0.75 applies to eligible seniors aged 65 and older, people with a disability and holders of Medicare or Medicaid proof, Monday to Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and all day Saturday.
Rental car and parking
A rental car is the most flexible way to see the valley, the monument and the Grand Mesa. At one airport renter, the counter is on the ground floor across from baggage claim, the minimum age is 21, and drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young driver fee of $25 per day, with limits on vehicle classes. That is one company’s rule, so check the terms of the company you pick.
Parking at the airport lot is free for the first 2 hours, then $2 for each 20 minutes, up to $14 per day. A vehicle that takes more than one space pays for each space. For stays of more than 45 days, contact the airport. The lot has 7 electric vehicle charging points.
For the monument, a private vehicle pays $25 for 7 consecutive days, and international visitors who want an annual pass should plan for the $250 America the Beautiful pass in 2026. See the Colorado National Monument page.
Compare rental car prices at Grand Junction Airport (GJT) for the drive to the Colorado National Monument on Economybookings.com.
By train and by car
Amtrak, Denver and the I-70 corridor.
Amtrak California Zephyr
The station is at 339 South 1st Street. Train 5 leaves Grand Junction westbound at 4:43 p.m. and train 6 leaves eastbound at 9:53 a.m., both daily. From Denver Union Station, the westbound train leaves at 8:46 a.m., which is 7 hours 57 minutes to the Grand Junction departure. Check the timetable for your date, and plan for delays.
Drive from Denver
The drive between Denver and Grand Junction takes about 4 hours without traffic. Roadwork and weather can add time. Read the Colorado road trip page for stops along I-70.
Winter on I-70
From 1 September to 31 May, traction and chain rules can be activated, and severe weather can close the road. All-wheel drive alone does not guarantee that your tires are allowed, so check the signs and your rental contract.
Getting to Grand Junction: frequently asked questions
How far is Grand Junction Airport from downtown?
About 5 miles, or 8 km. A taxi or transfer takes you there, and GVT Route 1 links the airport to downtown on weekdays and Saturdays.
Is the Amtrak station at the airport?
No. The station is at 339 South 1st Street in the city. Both use the code GJT, but they are different places.
Can I take a train from Denver Airport?
Amtrak’s DEN means Denver Union Station, not the airport. Plan how you get to the station before you board.
How much does airport parking cost?
The first 2 hours are free, then $2 for each 20 minutes, up to $14 per day in 2026.
Do I need a rental car?
For the monument, wine country and Grand Mesa, a car is the practical choice. In town, the GVT bus runs Monday to Saturday.