# Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) > Montrose, US · 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Montrose Web: https://airport.flights/airport/mtj JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/mtj.json ## Facts - **IATA**: MTJ - **ICAO**: KMTJ - **Timezone**: America/Denver - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: : 295,000 /yr - **Official site**: https://www.montroseairport.com ## Overview ## Welcome Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) feels like a secret mountain retreat disguised as a small-town terminal. This quirky hub serves as a gateway to Colorado's famed ski destinations like Telluride and Crested Butte, offering stunning mountain views and the convenience of local providers under one compact roof. During peak winter, it channels a ski resort vibe more than a typical airport, making travelers buzz with anticipation as they sip local craft brews and meet shuttle reps amid a lively scene. Yet, outside the ski season, it's a tranquil spot where security is swift and the lines are shorter than the coffee queues at Denver International. ## At a glance - Annual passengers: 295,000 - Runways: 2 - Distance from Montrose: 3 miles (4.8 km) north - Terminals: 1, with 7 gates - Major airlines: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines ## Terminals & layout Montrose Regional operates a singular, multi-use terminal that's easy to navigate, despite handling a surge of passengers during the ski season. It houses seven gates, providing access to flights primarily from Delta, Southwest, and United. The terminal's compact design means everything is just a short walk away, with the rental car lot steps from the baggage claim and food and shops offering quick access to travelers in transit. ## Getting to and from the city Located just 3 miles north of Montrose, the airport connects efficiently to the city and nearby ski resorts. On-site car rentals are convenient but often sell out fast during peak winters — secure a vehicle in advance to avoid disappointment. Hotel and ski resort shuttles are abundant, yet it’s advisable to have a pre-booked arrangement as the curbside can become crowded. Taxi and rideshare services add flexibility, while courtesy shuttles provide access to select nearby accommodations. ## Traveller essentials The Main Parking Lot is the hub for personal vehicle parking, and electric vehicle charging stations are not currently mentioned. While arrivals are generally straightforward, winter can pose challenges. It’s wise to arrive early on peak days, as noted by seasoned flyers who mirror experiences more common to larger airports despite the terminal's simplicity. ## Dining & shopping highlights Given its size, the terminal surprises with culinary local gems like Horsefly Brewing and Shelter Distilling, offering brews and cocktails reflective of the Western Slope's vibrant craft scene. Options are limited, and prices reflect the ski resort proximity, especially during busy times when waits may exceed your patience. Be sure to explore the Souvenir Shop for last-minute mountain gear or distinctive local mementos, especially when preparation for cold weather didn't go as planned. ## Lounges Montrose Regional doesn’t feature any traditional airline lounges. Travelers accustomed to lounges will need to adapt, possibly opting for the freshly available quiet workspace in the terminal. This tech-friendly area provides much-needed respite from the otherwise bustling terminals, especially during ski season. ## Insider tips - **Time:** Aim for 90 minutes pre-departure during winter mornings for flights between 6:00-7:00 AM, as staffing may not keep pace with morning peak loads. - **Insider:** For Telluride and Crested Butte, pre-book your ski shuttle — the curb can resemble a chaotic parking lot of resort vans, especially after dark. - **Quiet:** For a quieter work environment, seek out the dedicated workspace rather than jostling for gate power outlets in winter. - **Local:** Sample local craft beer at Horsefly Brewing or unique spirits at Shelter Distilling right in the terminal before your flight. - **Avoid:** Watch for peak food waits with simultaneous flight boards; keep dining expectations modest and grabbable. - **Money:** Expect airport pricing mirroring Telluride’s glitzy resorts — drinks especially cost more than you’d imagine for a regional airport. - **Quiet:** Visit in shoulder seasons to enjoy a quieter terminal and less crowded resources. - **Avoid:** Dodge confusion at busy shuttle spots with a handy phone — keep it charged and confirmation screenshots ready due to unreliable reception outside the terminal. ## Terminals (2) - **Passenger terminal** — 7 gates · Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines - **Main Terminal** — 6 gates · United, American, Delta, Southwest ## Dining (3) - **Horsefly Brewery** - **San Juan Coffeehouse** — Main Terminal · Coffee · Pastries · $ - **Shelter Distilling** ## Shops (2) - **CVS Vending Machines** - **Souvenir Shop** ## Parking (3) - **Long Term Parking Lot** — Surface lot · $11/day · Short walk from terminal - **Main Parking Lot** — Short and long term · /day/day, /hour/hr - **Short Term Parking Lot** — Surface lot · $11/day · Adjacent to terminal ## Ground transport (11) - **Courtesy Transportation** — Courtesy shuttle - **Crested Butte Shuttle Services** — Shuttle · 120-150 min to Crested Butte · $80-150 · By reservation Several operators offer seasonal shuttle service; booking ahead ensures a seat and confirmed departure time. - **Hotel Shuttles** — Van service - **Local Taxi Companies** — Taxi · 10-15 min to downtown Montrose · $15-30 · On demand Taxis can be pre-booked or requested on arrival; availability may vary outside peak flight times. - **Montrose / Regional Hotel Shuttles** — Shuttle · 5-20 min to nearby hotels · Free-$20 · By reservation Many local hotels operate on-request shuttles that must be arranged directly with the property. - **On-site Rental Cars** — Car rental - **Rideshare Pickup** — Rideshare - **Ski Resort Shuttles** — Van service - **Taxi Services** — Taxi - **Telluride Express Shuttle** — Shuttle · 75-90 min to Telluride · $60-120 · Coordinated with flight arrivals Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during ski season. - **Uber / Lyft** — Rideshare · 10-15 min to downtown Montrose · $10-25 · On demand Rideshare pickup locations are generally in the public parking or designated ride app area; check the app for exact meeting point. ## Insider tips - _Time_: Aim for 90 minutes pre-departure during winter mornings for flights between 6:00-7:00 AM, as staffing may not keep pace with morning peak loads. - _Insider_: For Telluride and Crested Butte, pre-book your ski shuttle — the curb can resemble a chaotic parking lot of resort vans, especially after dark. - _Quiet_: For a quieter work environment, seek out the dedicated workspace rather than jostling for gate power outlets in winter. - _Local_: Sample local craft beer at Horsefly Brewing or unique spirits at Shelter Distilling right in the terminal before your flight. - _Avoid_: Watch for peak food waits with simultaneous flight boards; keep dining expectations modest and grabbable. - _Money_: Expect airport pricing mirroring Telluride’s glitzy resorts — drinks especially cost more than you’d imagine for a regional airport. - _Quiet_: Visit in shoulder seasons to enjoy a quieter terminal and less crowded resources. - _Avoid_: Dodge confusion at busy shuttle spots with a handy phone — keep it charged and confirmation screenshots ready due to unreliable reception outside the terminal.