Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado Springs, CO!
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Airport (IATA: COS, ICAO: KCOS, FAA LID: COS) is a city-owned airport located 6 miles SE of downtown Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado. It’s the second busiest commercial airport in Colorado, but it’s much less congested than number one, and you still get some great mountain views right from the terminal. COS has three paved runways: 17L/35R is 13,501 ft x 150 ft and is concrete. Both 17R/35L, 11,022 ft x 150 ft, and 13/31, 8,269 ft x 150 ft are asphalt. If you’re looking for a hassle-free travel experience, the Colorado Springs Airport is a great choice.
Powers Blvd./SH 21 gives you easy access to the general and private aviation hangers, maintenance, and FBOs. There are three FBOs located on this field: jetCenters of Colorado, Cutter Aviation, and the J. H. W. Hanger Complex. There are two concourses in the terminal building, but only one is used for commercial traffic; the other is basically a large space used for meetings.
There is plenty of commercial traffic here provided by American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Sun, and United Airlines. Also, Air Cargo facilities are located on the west side of the airport. The terminal has multiple places to eat, both before and after security, with a great little coffee shop named appropriately, Pikes Perk Coffee House.
Transportation
In addition to shuttle services by Groome Transportation, Transit Van Shuttle Services, Front Range Shuttle, there are also Peak Transportation and Ramblin Express available at Colorado Springs Airport. You could also opt for Yellow Cab Taxi, Springs Cab, or A Ride in Luxury. Alternatively, limousine services such as Mountain Lion Limo and Brown’s Car Service are available. If you prefer driving, there are rental cars available at the airport. If you need a commercial flight, check out Expedia.com.
Places to Stay!
Homestay has a classy little cabin in the woods if you want to be really authentic with your Colorado experience. I stayed in a small Airbnb with a peaceful stream running behind it in Cheyenne Valley, and I’m certain you’ll find plenty of those in the area. Additionally, Colorado Springs was once known as the City of Millionaires and is the home of the world-renowned Broadmoor Hotel. The treasures that await you inside the galleries are magnificent. If you’d like to compare amenities and prices, go to Hotels.com.
If you want to be closer to downtown, go to The Antlers. It is now a part of the Wyndham franchise, but the hotel itself has been here since 1871. The Mining Exchange, also now a Wyndham property, is close enough to any downtown destination that a few-minute walk will get you there.
For a “closer to nature” stay, try a guest cottage at The Ranch at Emerald Valley or the Broadmoor Cloud Camp. You won’t find a better view!
Wanting to stay closer to Denver yet still have very easy access to Colorado Springs? I would suggest the Best Western Inn Peak Vista Inn & Suites. It’s about three miles from the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and close to the Chapel Mills Mall. It’s also clean, comfortable, and affordable.
If you need something near the Air Force Academy, the Drury Inn & Suites would be a great choice. For a pet-friendly visit, check out The Academy Hotel, and of course, the usual chain hotels are here if you want to collect points.
Colorado Springs Pubs!
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co., right on E. Pike Peak Avenue, is celebrating 30 years in business in 2023 with four special brews to celebrate the event. Not only do they serve great beer there’s great food to go with it for lunch and dinner. If they don’t have anything that sounds good to you, The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant, is right next door and just the place for a new experience.
The 503W has an energetic atmosphere, and they consistently change the interior artwork. The Asian menu is a little pricey but very good. Sticking with the upbeat theme, The Public House caters to the locals with pool tables, karaoke and trivia nights, pint nights, and televised sports! I didn’t try one, but this place boasts that they have the best burgers in town. They look good, if that helps.
I loved the bar in the Ristorante De Lago in the Broadmoor Hotel. It was busy at dinner, but after that, it turned into a nice, relaxing place to have a drink and watch the snow fall. Everything in the hotel is a little expensive, but when it’s worth it, it’s just worth it. Inside the Broadmoor is the Golden Bee, which is a cozy British pub with great fish and chips! (And the bar is sooo pretty!) You can check out the Broadmoor link above for info on these two restaurants.
If you prefer laid back, Alchemy is a sweet little pub in the old shopping district with an Irish theme. It’s also located right in the heart of the city, and they have live music on the back patio. The location, although handy, does have its drawbacks as parking can sometimes be problematic.
Things to do!
Even if you don’t stay in the Broadmoor Hotel, check it out. It’s filled with magnificent Western art, and the annex houses the Penrose Heritage Museum and the El Pomar Carriage Gallery. In addition, there are race cars that took part in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. There are Segway tours around the grounds and Cheyenne Canyon.
Early risers should not miss the Colorado Springs sunrise balloon ride. And, if you’re a foodie, there is a three-hour classic food tour that should be satisfying.
Please note: If you manage to get lost or separated in the surrounding beauty, do not hike up Cheyenne Mountain to orient yourself. It’s the one with all the antennas on top and is Federal property. Also, in case you were wondering civilians aren’t allowed in the visitors center, and the road isn’t public access. It’s a good thing Santa got in good with NORAD long ago because I don’t think they would track him today if that little guy hadn’t called back in 1955.
The Garden of the Gods is a beautiful natural landmark waiting for you to come hike or bike the trails. Also available are Trolley tours, Segway tours, and the Old Stage Road Jeep Tour. Visit the Geo-Trekker theater to find out how this awe-inspiring place came to be.
Ultimately, you can’t forget the ultimate high-Pike’s Peak! Take a tour, take a hike, and take a breath! There’s no place like it. In the same area is the historic Manitou Springs with restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Colorado Springs is also home to the U. S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the Festival of Lights. The Festival is usually scheduled for the second week of December.
Dining in Colorado Springs
I didn’t spend much time eating out in town, as my job on this trip was at the Broadmoor, so I will leave the ranking of the eating establishments to the pros.
In the #1 spot, as of October 1, 2025, is Four by Brother Luck, #2 is Paravicini’s Italian Bistro serving authentic Italian meals. In third place is The Rabbit Hole, and coming in at #4 is the Play at the Broadmoor.Juniper Valley Ranch takes fifth place, with both #6 and #7 being the Shuga’s and the Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar, respectively.
In Conclusion
Colorado Springs is a visually stunning destination with a very nice small airport.
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As always, safe flight and safer landings,
jo@jettreks.com