Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is about 10 kilometers southeast of downtown Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado. It covers 2,900 hectares and has three paved runways.

It is officially the second busiest commercial service airport in Colorado after Denver International Airport.

Its busiest domestic routes in 2021 were Denver, Colorado, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dallas–Love, Texas, Chicago, Illinois (O'Hare), Chicago, Illinois (Midway), Salt Lake City, Utah, Houston–Intercontinental, Texas, and Los Angeles, California.

In 1927, the airport opened on a 260-hectare property with two gravel runways. Several small airlines operated a mail route from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Pueblo, Colorado with stops at Denver and Colorado Springs.

Ten years later, Continental Airlines began commercial services between Denver and El Paso, Texas, with stops at Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque.

The first municipal terminal was in 1942. The control of the new facility went to the US military before World War II. Eventually, it was returned to the city after the war.

In 1966, a new terminal was built on the west side of the runways. It was expanded by the 1980s, with more gates.

By 1991, it had three runways. In the same year, the city approved the construction of a new terminal, two miles east of the facility.

This modern $140 million facility was opened in 1994, with 12 gates.

In May 2021, it began a pavement rehabilitation project, closing runway 17R/35L for remodeling. The project includes new asphalt, lighting, and navigation equipment.

It also announced in 2021 that the main concourse (Gates 1–12), completed in 1994, will undergo a $10–$20 million renovation and will be completed in 3 to 5 years.

In March 2022, the Colorado Springs Airport released a plan to double the number of gates from 12 to 24, relocate the control tower, and consolidate other airport services.

Today, Colorado Springs Airport has one terminal with two concourses.

However, only one, the main concourse housing Gates 1–12, has ever been put to commercial use. (The second concourse, which contains Gates 14–18, is not actively used for passenger traffic, and there are plans to demolish this concourse.)

Access between the main and second concourses requires leaving the secure area, walking through the main terminal, and down a long hallway.

At Colorado Springs Airport, ground transportation services include shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and buses.

The rental car check-in counters are on the Lower-Level, outside the secured area, across from Baggage Claim.

Wi-Fi at Colorado Springs Airport

Free WiFi is available at Colorado Springs Airport. Connect to the “flyCOS” network.

Hotspot areas are located in the newly remodeled concession and seating areas between the top of the escalators and before security screening, as well as in the concourse.

Transfer Services at Colorado Springs Airport

Services to/from COS, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center.

Rental Car Services at Colorado Springs Airport

There are several rental car check-in counters on the Lower-Level outside of the secured area, across from Baggage Claim.

It is ideal to pre-book your vehicle before you land to make sure your car will be there for you when you land.

The rental facility is generally open 24/7. You can also inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If unsure of direction, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at Colorado Springs Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found. Office Phone: +1 719-550-1976.

The Colorado Springs Police Department Airport Unit office is at the Lower Level near Baggage Carousel No. 5.

Ride Shares at Colorado Springs Airport

Rideshare designated pick-up and drop-off areas at the Airport Ground Transportation Center.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Colorado Springs Airport

From the Baggage Claim area, taxi passengers can proceed to the Airport Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal building.

One-way fare to Downtown is about $40.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. See more information about taxis at Colorado Springs Airport.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and the driver's name when traveling to and from the airport, just in case you leave something behind.

Trains at Colorado Springs Airport

There are no train stations at the COS. Passengers can use other modes of transportation when in Colorado Springs.

Other ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services. More information about train services near Colorado Springs Airport.

Buses at Colorado Springs Airport

Mountain Metro Route 37 Buses run multiple times per hour from 6:15 AM to 8:35 AM and then from 5:13 PM to 7:32 PM each day.

It will run seven days a week, and it will connect with other routes to provide transportation to Security-Widefield and downtown. Tickets cost $2.00 one-way.

Note that public buses may not be available upon arrival. Alternatively, taxis and rideshares are available. More information about buses to and from Colorado Springs Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Colorado Springs Airport

Many hotels in Colorado Springs provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at designated locations at the Airport Ground Transportation Center.

Parking at Colorado Springs Airport

Colorado Springs Airport provides safe, modern, and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is not available. The facility is open 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at Colorado Springs Airport.

Hotels

Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, our Colorado Springs hotel and accommodation listings include all the information you need to book the ideal room for your trip.

Attractions

Colorado Springs is a city that offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and mountain climbing in the nearby mountains, while those who prefer a more urban environment can enjoy the city's many restaurants, shops, nightlife, and many more. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado.