Find the Current ECO/Core Transit Route Before You Leave
Searching for an ECO bus schedule now means checking Core Transit, the regional system that replaced the former ECO Transit operation in Colorado’s Eagle Valley.
The current Summer 2026 network connects Vail, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum, Eagle County Regional Airport, Dotsero, Minturn, Red Cliff and Leadville. Most trips are fare-free, while travel to or from EGE, Gypsum and Leadville requires a fare.
ECO Transit Has Become Core Transit
The old ECO Transit regional bus operation is now operated as Core Transit. If an old bookmark, search result, hotel page or local guide still says “ECO Transit,” use the current Core Transit schedule before traveling.
Plan an ECO/Core Transit Trip
Which Core Transit Schedule Is Active Now?
As of this guide’s October 2, 2026 review, Core Transit lists the Summer 2026 schedule as operating April 12 through November 21. The seasonal Vail/Beaver Creek Express is listed to return November 22.
Current fixed-route choices include Valley, Highway 6, Minturn and Leadville service.
- Valley Route serves Dotsero through Vail.
- Highway 6 serves the Vail–Edwards corridor.
- Minturn service includes Red Cliff trips.
- Leadville commuter service remains in operation.
Core Transit’s route index currently lists the Vail/Beaver Creek Express as seasonal service returning November 22.
Before traveling on or after that date, open the current route page because winter departure times can differ from summer times.
Core Transit Routes That Replace the Old ECO Schedule
Valley Route
This is the main long-distance valley route and the route to use for Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).
Local tip: if your trip involves EGE Airport, Gypsum, Eagle or Dotsero, start with the Valley Route rather than Highway 6.
Highway 6 Route
The Highway 6 Route is designed for local trips between Vail, Eagle-Vail, Avon and Edwards.
2026 update: the summer schedule added West Vail Mall stops and additional peak-period westbound service to Freedom Park.
Minturn Route
This scenic corridor links Vail, Eagle-Vail, Minturn and Red Cliff.
Local tip: if one Minturn departure does not fit your trip, check the Leadville Route because Core Transit notes that it serves most Minturn stops too.
Leadville Route
The Leadville Route provides commuter-oriented service connecting Vail, Minturn, Red Cliff and Leadville.
Planning tip: Leadville has fewer trips than the core valley corridors. Check the exact return departure before leaving Vail or Leadville.
Vail / Beaver Creek Express
This is the seasonal express linking Vail Transportation Center, Avon Station and Beaver Creek Village.
Important: this is seasonal. Do not assume it operates during the current October summer schedule.
Eagle County Regional Airport Trips
The Valley Route is the Core Transit service used for Eagle County Regional Airport.
Luggage is allowed but must remain under the passenger’s control. Core Transit states that operators cannot load or unload luggage for riders.
How the Main ECO/Core Transit Corridors Connect
This simplified diagram is for orientation, not a replacement for the official route map or stop list.
How to Check ECO Bus Times Correctly
Core Transit publishes separate schedules by route and direction. There is no single “ECO bus time” because departure times depend on route, direction, stop and season.
| Trip Need | Route to Check | Direction | What Matters Most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vail ↔ Avon / Edwards | Highway 6 or Valley | East or West | Compare both routes for the best departure and stop. |
| EGE Airport | Valley Route | East / West | Airport stop requires a fare; allow extra travel buffer. |
| Vail ↔ Minturn | Minturn or Leadville | Check destination sign | Leadville Route can serve many Minturn stops. |
| Vail ↔ Leadville | Leadville Route | Route-specific | Fewer daily trips; check return trip before leaving. |
| Vail ↔ Beaver Creek | Highway 6 now; Vail/BC Express in season | Verify current season | Express is seasonal and returns November 22. |
Most Core Transit Trips Are Fare-Free
Core Transit currently requires fares only when traveling to or from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), Gypsum or Leadville. All other routes are fare-free. Riders age 18 and under are currently free systemwide through the end of the Winter 2026–2027 season.
Trips that do not begin or end at EGE, Gypsum or Leadville are fare-free.
Core Transit also lists a $6 24-hour pass and $63 30-day pass for Gypsum travel.
Core Transit lists a $14 24-hour pass and $200 30-day pass for Leadville travel.
Core Transit states youth ride free on all routes through the end of Winter 2026–2027.
How to Ride Core Transit to Eagle County Regional Airport
For Eagle County Regional Airport, use the Valley Route. Core Transit lists airport trips as fare-required travel because EGE is within the Gypsum fare area.
Scheduled Time vs Live ECO/Core Bus Arrival
Scheduled time is the planned timetable. Live arrival is a current estimate based on real-time bus information. Snow, traffic, road closures, congestion, detours, vehicle issues and operating conditions can affect the prediction.
Go to the official Core Transit tracker.
Select Valley, Highway 6, Minturn or Leadville.
Confirm the correct boarding stop and direction.
Check updated arrival information and bus position.
Look for active service information before leaving.
Check Same-Day Service Changes
Core Transit’s alert page is updated during regular business hours. The agency instructs riders to use the live bus-tracking page and look for the information icon for real-time alerts at other times.
Accessible Fixed-Route and Paratransit Options
Core Transit states that all fixed-route buses are equipped with ramps or lifts and are wheelchair accessible. Operators are trained to assist with and secure mobility devices.
Vail Transportation Center Map
Vail is the most useful reference point in the Core Transit system because Core Transit states that every route connects to Vail.
- Confirm your route before walking to the platform.
- Check East/West or destination wording.
- Use the live tracker for updated arrival information.
- Do not confuse Vail town buses with Core Transit regional routes.
- Allow extra transfer time during ski season or major events.
- Verify the last return trip before traveling to Leadville.
Practical Tips That Save Time in the Eagle Valley
Official Core Transit Schedule, Fare and Rider Tools
Current schedule period, route index, route maps and seasonal service.
Open Routes & SchedulesOfficial route to Dotsero, Gypsum, EGE, Eagle, Edwards, Avon and Vail.
Open Valley RouteOfficial Vail–Eagle-Vail–Avon–Edwards local schedule.
Open Highway 6Official Vail, Eagle-Vail, Minturn and Red Cliff schedule.
Open Minturn RouteOfficial Vail–Minturn–Red Cliff–Leadville schedule and direction information.
Open Leadville RouteCurrent fare-required areas, mobile ticketing, youth, senior and military discounts.
Open Fare InformationReal-time vehicle location, arrival estimates and active alert indicators.
Track a BusStop closures, rider updates, road issues and other current service notices.
Open Rider AlertsAirport fare, Valley Route guidance and luggage information.
Open EGE GuideWheelchair access, reasonable modifications and ADA paratransit.
Open Accessibility PageECO Bus Schedule FAQs
Is ECO Transit still operating?
The former ECO Transit regional system now operates as Core Transit. Riders searching old ECO schedule information should use the current Core Transit website and schedules.
What is the current ECO/Core Transit schedule?
Core Transit currently lists Summer 2026 service from April 12 through November 21, 2026. The seasonal Vail/Beaver Creek Express is listed to return November 22.
What routes does Core Transit operate?
The main current routes are Valley, Highway 6, Minturn and Leadville. The Vail/Beaver Creek Express is seasonal winter service.
Is the ECO/Core Transit bus free?
Most Core Transit trips are fare-free. Fares are required when traveling to or from Eagle County Regional Airport, Gypsum or Leadville.
How much is the bus to Eagle County Regional Airport?
Core Transit currently lists the adult EGE/Gypsum single ride at $3. Riders age 18 and under currently ride free.
How much is the Core Transit bus to Leadville?
The current listed Leadville adult single fare is $7. Core Transit also lists 24-hour and 30-day pass options.
Can I pay cash on an ECO/Core Transit bus?
No. Core Transit states that cash payments are not accepted onboard. Riders who need a fare should purchase it through the mobile ticketing system or an approved sales location.
How do I track an ECO/Core Transit bus live?
Use track.CoreTransit.org. Select the route and stop, then review the current bus location and estimated arrival time. Also check the information icon for active alerts.
Which Core Transit route goes to EGE Airport?
Use the Valley Route. It connects EGE with Gypsum, Eagle, Edwards, Avon and Vail.
Are Core Transit buses wheelchair accessible?
Core Transit states that all buses have ramps or lifts and are wheelchair accessible. ADA paratransit is also available for eligible riders who cannot use the fixed-route system.