$164 Cheap Flights to Rico, CO

Flights to Rico at a glance

Traveling to Rico is easy—select from a variety of full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and choose the option that best matches your budget and schedule, making it convenient to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Rico: La Plata County Airport (DRO), Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)
• Closest airport to Rico: Telluride Regional Airport, TEX (around 19 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,600+ flights arriving across Rico airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Rico: around 5+ carriers

Popular airports near Rico

Rico is a vibrant city perfect for ski enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery and outdoor sports opportunities. The city is conveniently connected by three major airports, making it easy to reach for your next getaway.

• La Plata County Airport (DRO): Situated in La Plata County, Colorado, roughly 40 miles from Rico, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking to over 110 domestic cities and 3 international locations. Travelers can opt for first-class service for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers include United and American Airlines.
• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): Found in Montrose County, Colorado, about 56 miles from Rico, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, connecting to over 95 domestic cities and 4 international destinations. For a more comfortable experience, travelers have the option to upgrade to first-class service, depending on their chosen airline and route. Notable airlines include United, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
• Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): Located in San Miguel County, Colorado, just 19 miles from Rico, this airport primarily serves domestic routes, connecting travelers to around 2 cities nationwide. Airlines operating at this airport include Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection, United, and American Airlines, providing options for various travel needs.

Top routes to Rico

• Denver (DEN) to Rico (DRO/TEX/MTJ), with one-way tickets available from around $80
• Dallas (DFW/DAL) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with one-way fares starting at around $120
• Phoenix (PHX) to Rico (DRO/TEX/MTJ), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• Austin (AUS) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with one-way flights starting at around $110
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with one-way tickets available from around $120

Cheapest routes to Rico

• Denver (DEN) to Rico (DRO/TEX/MTJ), with low one-way fares from around $80
• Orange County (SNA) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with low one-way fares from around $80
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with cheap one-way fares from around $95
• Tucson (TUS) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with low one-way fares from around $100
• Des Moines (DSM) to Rico (DRO/MTJ), with cheap one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Rico

• United: This airline services Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), and La Plata County Airport (DRO), making up approximately 58% of arrivals to Rico. Average one-way fares hover around $300, and premium cabin options may include first class based on the route.
• American Airlines: Operating flights to La Plata County Airport (DRO), Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), and Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), this carrier accounts for about 32% of arrivals to Rico. Expect average one-way fares near $290, with premium class possibly including first class depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: This airline flies exclusively to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and contributes around 6% of arrivals to Rico. Travelers can anticipate average one-way fares of about $230.
• Key Lime DBA Denver Air Connection: With flights to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), this provider represents roughly 2% of arrivals to Rico. The average one-way fare is around $280.
• Delta: Serving Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Delta accounts for about 2% of arrivals to Rico. One-way fares tend to average approximately $210.

Best time to fly to Rico

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Rico are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Rico can reach up to 27.5°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 39.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $239), roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? January, November, and April offer average one-way fares of around $245, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Rico

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Rico is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Rico hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Rico flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Rico

Rico welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Rico efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Rico, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Rico is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Rico on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Rico

• Telluride: Located 21 miles drive away from Rico, Telluride is a charming city renowned for its exhilarating ski slopes and adventure sports. This picturesque destination boasts a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing and hiking in the surrounding national parks. Visitors can unwind at local hot springs or enjoy the serene beauty of nearby lakes. Key points of interest such as Town Park, ideal for family outings, and Alta Lakes, perfect for a romantic day by the water, make Telluride a must-visit for travelers seeking both thrill and tranquility.
• Dunton: Dunton is located 11 miles drive away from Rico, offering a quaint village atmosphere that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Known for skiing and various outdoor sports, this hidden gem also features relaxing spa options and stunning mountain resorts. The local hot springs provide a perfect spot for rejuvenation after a day of adventure. Don’t miss Trout Lake, a scenic area perfect for romance and outdoor activities, along with the charming Town Park, which invites families to enjoy its natural beauty.
• San Juan National Forest: Situated 8 miles away from Rico, San Juan National Forest is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The expansive park is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, with breathtaking scenery around every corner. Nearby attractions include the tranquil Durango Hot Springs Spa, where visitors can relax and unwind, and the historic Rico Town Hall, adding a cultural touch to your visit. Families can enjoy the eco-friendly atmosphere of Louis M. Jones Memorial Park, making this national forest a great destination for all ages.

Tips for short-haul flights to Rico

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Optimize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This strategy also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices prior to boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while saving money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Rico

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat ahead of time is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Rico

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Rico on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Rico. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Rico. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Rico, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Rico

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Rico in 2026 starts from $273, while one-way tickets start from from $164. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Rico. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Rico

United, American Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Rico. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Rico and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Rico, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Rico. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Rico plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Rico

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Rico.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Rico are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Rico. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Rico for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Rico. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Rico flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Rico. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.