Fly & Drive guide
Fly into COS, drive to Manitou Springs
Your route
COS
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
Manitou Springs
About 30 min · 16 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to COS
Compare fares into City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
02Car at COS
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Manitou Springs. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: abdallahh from Montréal, Canada · CC BY 2.0
04 · First night near Manitou Springs
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Manitou Springs
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Manitou Springs
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Advance Reservations Required for Pikes Peak and Incline Trails
Access to the Pikes Peak Highway frequently requires a timed entry reservation, distinct from any local parking permits in the town center. The Manitou Incline also utilizes a reservation system to manage hiker volume; check the official city portal as systems are subject to change. Accommodation in the canyon fills quickly during peak summer months, so verify booking confirmations well in advance of arrival.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – September
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Manitou Springs?
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from COS to Manitou Springs?
Roughly 30 min (about 16 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Manitou Springs?
Access to the Pikes Peak Highway frequently requires a timed entry reservation, distinct from any local parking permits in the town center. The Manitou Incline also utilizes a reservation system to manage hiker volume; check the official city portal as systems are subject to change. Accommodation in the canyon fills quickly during peak summer months, so verify booking confirmations well in advance of arrival.
