A mountain vacation can feel even more relaxing when the car keys stay tucked away. In Vail, exploring without a vehicle is not only possible, it can become part of the experience.
With free public transportation, pedestrian-friendly villages, bike paths, and convenient access to East Vail, a car-free getaway leaves more time for the things that brought you to the mountains in the first place. From our peaceful setting in East Vail, guests can spend the morning on a hiking trail, wander Vail Village in the afternoon, and return for an evening swim without worrying about finding a parking space.
Here is how to make a Vail vacation work beautifully without getting behind the wheel.
Start With a Car-Free Arrival
Guests flying into Colorado can begin the no-car experience before reaching the resort.
Eagle County Regional Airport is approximately 35 minutes from Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort, while Denver International Airport is about 125 miles east. Our Getting Here page includes transportation options and discounted links for services such as Epic Mountain Express and Peak 1 Express, making it possible to arrange the journey into the mountains without renting a vehicle.
Once the suitcases are unpacked, getting around becomes surprisingly simple.
Let Vail’s Free Bus System Do the Driving
One of the biggest advantages of staying in East Vail is access to the Town of Vail’s complimentary bus network.
Two stops serve our property, including the Racquet Club stop and Racquet Club Townhomes stop along the East Vail route. The ride to the Vail Transportation Center takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, providing an easy connection between our quieter mountain neighborhood and the center of town.
For the 2026 summer season, the East Vail route operates from early morning into the night, with frequent service throughout much of the day. Current arrival information can also be checked through the Town of Vail’s transit resources before heading to the stop.
That means dinner in Vail Village, an afternoon of shopping, or an evening event does not automatically require a car. Beyond the convenience, leaving the car behind also means avoiding the cost and hassle of the parking structures.
Explore Vail Village on Foot
Once the bus reaches the Vail Transportation Center, walking becomes one of the easiest ways to explore.
Vail Village’s pedestrian streets make it possible to move between restaurants, shops, galleries, and public spaces at an unhurried pace. Instead of thinking about where the car is parked, spend the afternoon following whichever cobblestone lane looks interesting, stopping for lunch, or simply enjoying the alpine architecture and mountain surroundings.
The transportation center also serves as a hub for other Town of Vail routes, creating opportunities to travel beyond the village without returning to a vehicle.
Take the Bus to the Trail
Car-free travel can even make certain East Vail hiking adventures easier.
The free East Vail bus serves several stops near local recreation areas, including Booth Falls. In fact, parking at the Booth Lake Trailhead is closed through fall 2026, and the Town of Vail specifically encourages hikers to use the East Vail bus route instead.
Our East Vail hiking map helps illustrate how the local bus route connects with nearby trails. Before any hike, check current trail conditions and choose a route appropriate for the group’s experience and ability.
There is something especially satisfying about finishing a mountain hike and letting someone else handle the ride home.
Give Two Wheels a Turn
The bus does not have to be the only transportation option.
Seasonally, guests can rent e-bikes through Shift Bikes, offering another way to experience the Vail Valley while leaving the car behind. Town buses on outlying routes also feature front bike racks, although availability can vary and bikes are not permitted aboard In-Town buses.
A bike ride can turn transportation into part of the day’s recreation rather than simply a way to travel from one destination to another.
Make the Resort Part of the Vacation
Of course, going car-free is easiest when there are plenty of reasons not to leave.
Our resort amenities include a year-round heated 25-meter outdoor pool, hot tubs, seasonal tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, and picnic areas. Guests booking through our rental program also receive complimentary access to the Vail Racquet Club Athletic Club, with fitness facilities, classes, saunas, and steam rooms.
Après Cafe provides an on-site dining option, while our condo-style accommodations feature full kitchens and living areas for nights when staying in sounds better than going anywhere.
A Vail vacation does not have to revolve around driving. With the free bus outside, trails nearby, Vail Village a short ride away, and plenty to enjoy right here in East Vail, leaving the car behind can make the mountains feel a little more accessible—and the vacation considerably more carefree.