Montrose Regional Airport (IATA: MTJ) is a strategic gateway to the breathtaking natural beauty and world-renowned ski resorts of western Colorado. The airport is located approximately 4 miles northwest of the city of Montrose.
Montrose Airport is a vital connection point for adventure and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains, the legendary ski slopes of Telluride, the historic hot springs of Ouray, and the breathtaking depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Operated by Montrose County, the airport experiences increased passenger traffic, especially during the winter months. The airport has two parallel runways and a terminal building.
Interactive MTJ Airport Map
Montrose Airport – terminal and gate map
Montrose Airport has one terminal building. Due to the increase in passenger numbers in recent years, the terminal has been renovated and expanded. Terminal 1 was designed in 1988 by local architect Patrik Davis with a “small-town hospitality” concept. Today, the terminal still has a warm atmosphere and comfortable waiting areas that reflect the mountain spirit of Colorado.
The terminal offers all the basic services passengers may need. Free Wi-Fi, monitors displaying up-to-date flight information, and comfortable seating areas are available in the terminal. There is a “Nursing Room” for families with small children and a designated “Pet Relief Area” outside the terminal for passengers traveling with pets.
The terminal is a single-story building. Check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and TSA security checkpoints are easily accessible. After security, you’ll find boarding gates, shops, and food and beverage areas. The terminal opens two hours before the first flight and closes one hour after the last flight.
Parking Areas
There are three parking areas at Montrose Airport where passengers can park their vehicles.
Short-Term Parking: This is the closest parking area to the terminal building. It is used for dropping off/picking up passengers. The first 30 minutes are free. Daily rate: $14.
Short-Term Parking-South: This is a newly opened parking lot. It is located south of the terminal building. The first 30 minutes are free. The daily fee is 12 USD.
Long-Term Parking: This parking lot is within walking distance of the terminal. It is located north of the terminal. The daily fee is 11 USD.
All parking areas have designated parking spaces for disabled individuals near the terminal entrances. Payments can usually be made at automatic payment kiosks at the parking lot exits or sometimes at staffed booths using credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and other major cards) and cash.
Car Rental at the airport
Car rental companies have offices inside the terminal, next to the baggage claim area. Leading national car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, Hertz, and National operate here. You can pick up your rental car from the private parking area just outside the terminal. Companies offer extended hours, especially during busy flight periods and the winter season. Service hours are scheduled to begin one hour before the earliest morning flight and end one hour after the last arrival.
Find transportation from the airport – MOD express, taxis, shuttles
All Points Transit (MOD Express): MOD Express provides transportation to the airport from the Montrose Transfer point at scheduled times (07:10, 09:10, 11:10, 13:10, 15:10). It only operates on weekdays.
Shuttle Services: There are several private companies offering regular shuttle services from Montrose Airport to popular destinations such as Telluride, Mountain Village, Ouray, and Crested Butte. Telluride Express, Mountain Limo, and Western Slope Rides provide private transfer services. If you plan to use these services, be sure to make a reservation in advance. It can be difficult to find a seat during peak seasons.
Taxis and Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Outside the terminal building, there are taxi stands located near the arrivals exit. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in the Montrose area. However, it may be difficult to find a vehicle, especially during off-peak times or late at night.
Lost & Found
If you lose an item in the general airport area (terminal, parking lot, etc.), you should contact the Montrose Regional Airport Management or the Airport Security Department’s Lost and Found section. For more information, please email airport@montrosecounty.net.
If you lost your belongings on the plane or at the boarding gate, or if you have any issues with your luggage (lost or damaged luggage, etc.), you should contact your airline’s lost luggage service directly.
Contact numbers for airlines operating at the airport:
American Airlines: 1-800-535-5225
Delta Airlines: 1-800-455-2720
Southwest Airlines: 1-800-435-9792
United Airlines: 1-800-221-6903
Restaurants at Montrose Airport
In the terminal, you can enjoy local beers at Horsefly Brewing, which has two locations, one before and one after security, and sip fresh coffee at San Juan Coffeehouse. Shelter Distilling bar serves small snacks and regional liqueurs. There are also various snack and beverage vending machines in the terminal corridors.
Shelter Distilling: A restaurant serving hot meals, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and a variety of beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic).
Shopping at Airport
Shopping options at the airport are quite limited. CVS vending machines offer travel supplies and basic necessities.
Hotels at Montrose Airport
There are many hotels in Montrose, a short drive from the airport.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Montrose: Approximately 1 mile from the airport. Free airport shuttle service is available. Guests can enjoy a buffet or continental breakfast.
Red Arrow Inn & Suites, a Travelodge by Wyndham: Located 1.4 miles from the airport.
The Rathbone Hotel: Located 2 miles from the airport.
Montrose Airport Flights and Airlines
Montrose Regional Airport is used by many of America’s leading airlines, especially during the winter ski season. Airlines serving the airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Montrose Regional Airport offers regular flights to Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field, and Phoenix. Seasonal flights are available to Orange County (CA), Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York Newark, Atlanta, and Austin.
Satellite view of Montrose Airport. Click to enlarge
Montrose Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge
Other Airports in Colorado