This convenient and growing regional airport provides the perfect starting point to discover Durango and the Four Corners region.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO) provides convenient access to Durango, Colorado, and surrounding attractions like Mesa Verde National Park.
- The airport offers amenities like car rentals, free Wi-Fi, and lounges to make your travel smooth.
- Explore the area's epic outdoor adventures, Southwest native cultures, and charming mountain towns.
- To serve growing passenger demand, DRO is undergoing major expansion through 2026.
Why Visit Durango, Colorado
Durango is the gateway to the enormous San Juan National Forest, home to the iconic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and hundreds of miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. The charming Victorian-era downtown boasts boutique hotels, indie shops, creative restaurants, and a lively arts and music scene.
Just a short drive away, Mesa Verde National Park protects over 4,000 archaeological sites and cliff dwellings left by ancestral Puebloan peoples. Rafting and fishing abound on the Animas River, and the Purgatory and Hesperus ski resorts offer downhill and cross-country skiing. Quaint mountain towns like Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride are perfect for day trips.
Transportation and Navigating DRO
Durango-La Plata County Airport offers travelers several transportation options to access attractions around Durango and the Four Corners region.
National rental car companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz operate counters at the airport terminal for convenient pickup and dropoff.
Durango Taxi provides 24/7 shuttle service to downtown Durango hotels, while Mountain Express offers shuttles to Purgatory Resort, Durango Mountain Resort, and other regional destinations.
Durango Transit buses run between the airport and various stops around town. Riders can access free Wi-Fi and bike racks while enjoying the mountain scenery.
Navigating DRO’s compact terminal layout is straightforward. Travelers can park in one of 500 short-term or 300 long-term parking spots, then pass through ticketing and security to access various airport amenities before heading to their departure gate.
Top Airport Amenities
While passing through DRO, visitors can take advantage of several convenient amenities to make their travel smooth and enjoyable.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal means travelers can stay connected during layovers.
Lounges like the Animas Lounge and Peaks Lounge offer comfortable seating, charging stations, TVs, and runway views. Gain access with certain credit cards or airline status perks.
Dining options like the Durango Diner and Prospectors Pies and Grinders provide Southwest-inspired meals and snacks.
The gift shop stocks locally-made jewelry, apparel, crafts, and souvenirs so travelers can take a piece of Durango home with them. Pet relief areas both before and after security give four-legged companions a chance to go to the bathroom.
Top Durango Airport Hotels
With DRO undergoing major expansion plans through 2026, several hotels offer prime proximity.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Durango:
This all-suite hotel features full kitchens along with an indoor pool, fitness center, and airport shuttle. It’s perfect for multi-night stays.
DoubleTree by Hilton Durango:
The full-service DoubleTree is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway, allowing ultimate convenience along with amenities like a restaurant, bar, and room service.
Best Western Durango Inn and Suites:
Great for families and groups, this affordable hotel includes both standard and suite-style rooms less than 2 miles from the terminal.
Key Flight Information
As the gateway to the Four Corners, DRO provides connections to major airline hubs across the country. Travelers should know that United Airlines offers daily nonstop flights between DRO and Denver International Airport (DEN) along with seasonal nonstop service to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
In addition to United Airlines, DRO airline partners include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines via codeshare agreements.
The airport’s convenient location and continued expansion plans ensure that DRO will keep providing essential air access to drive tourism and support Durango’s economy.
Navigating Airport Security
All travelers flying out of DRO must pass through security per TSA guidelines, and paying attention will make the process smooth. At security, remove shoes, belts, jackets, and all personal items from pockets before passing through metal detectors. Know current liquid restrictions. Laptops and approved liquids can stay in carry-on bags that pass through X-ray scanners. Members of TSA PreCheck can use expedited lanes, leaving shoes and jackets on and laptops in bags.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Durango’s airfield elevation of 6,689 feet means travelers should take some key factors into account. In winter, check for potential flight delays due to snowstorms impacting DRO or connecting airports like DEN. Anti-icing procedures may cause minor aircraft boarding delays.
Durango’s dry climate means snow doesn’t stick around on the tarmac for very long, but winter weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. Always check your flight status before traveling.
In summer, scattered afternoon thunderstorms are common, though they typically don’t disrupt airport operations. Stay hydrated, as thinner air and high sun can lead to fatigue.
FAQ
What types of ground transportation serve Durango Airport?
DRO offers rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and public transit for easy airport access. Major rental agencies operate onsite car counters, while shuttles from Durango Taxi and Mountain Express can arrange hotel drop-offs. Durango Transit buses also serve the airport.
What amenities and services are available in the DRO terminal?
The Durango Airport terminal provides free Wi-Fi, private nursing rooms, pet relief areas both before and after security, comfortable lounges, local dining options, and gift shops selling regional merchandise. ATMs, payphones, mail drops, and lost and found services ensure travelers have support to address their needs.
How can I track flight arrivals and departures at DRO?
Travelers can check real-time flight status for arrivals and departures on DRO’s website or apps like FlightAware. Airport monitors also display up-to-date flight information. Sign up for flight alerts from your airline to receive text notifications about delays or gate changes.
What is Durango Airport doing to reduce noise impacts?
As part of the airport’s Noise Compatibility Program, arrival and departure flight paths aim to minimize aircraft noise over populated areas. Ongoing monitoring ensures DRO remains in compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration noise standards.
