Planning a trip to Schriever Space Force Base (SFB), located just east of Colorado Springs, Colorado, can involve a few logistical considerations. Unlike a major city with a direct airport or train station, Schriever SFB is a military installation, meaning your journey will involve connecting through nearby transportation hubs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best options for air travel, navigating Amtrak railway routes, and understanding local operational aspects to ensure a smooth arrival.
Understanding Schriever Space Force Base (SCH)
First, let’s clarify: when referring to “Schriever (SCH),” we’re talking about Schriever Space Force Base, a critical U.S. military installation focusing on space operations and missile warning. There isn’t a standalone “city of Schriever” with its own commercial airport or direct train station. Your travel will always be to a nearby civilian hub, followed by ground transportation to the base.
1. Airport Operational: Flying to Schriever SFB
Your primary options for air travel will be through Colorado Springs Airport (COS) for convenience, or Denver International Airport (DEN) for a wider range of flights and potentially better pricing, albeit with a longer drive.
Option 1: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) – The Closest Hub
- Distance to Schriever SFB: Approximately 15-25 miles (24-40 km), depending on the specific base gate.
- Driving Time: 20-40 minutes, traffic permitting.
- Advantages: Proximity makes it the most convenient choice.
- Disadvantages: Fewer direct flight options and potentially higher fares compared to DEN.
Option 2: Denver International Airport (DEN) – The Major Hub
- Distance to Schriever SFB: Approximately 80-90 miles (128-145 km).
- Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, sometimes longer with Denver traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Advantages: A large international airport offering a vast array of domestic and international flights, often with more competitive pricing.
- Disadvantages: Significantly longer drive, requiring more planning for ground transportation.
Table 1: Nearby Airports Serving Schriever SFB
| Airport Name | IATA Code | Primary Airlines | Distance to Schriever SFB | Recommended Ground Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs Airport | COS | Southwest, United, Delta, American, Frontier, Allegiant | 15-25 miles | Rental Car, Taxi, Rideshare |
| Denver International Airport | DEN | All major domestic & international carriers | 80-90 miles | Rental Car, Shuttle, Rideshare |
2. Amtrak Railway Routes: Reaching Schriever by Train (Indirectly)
There is no Amtrak station directly serving Schriever Space Force Base or Colorado Springs. However, you can use Amtrak to get into the region and then connect via ground transportation. Your key Amtrak stations will be Denver Union Station or La Junta, CO.
Option 1: Denver Union Station (DEN) – Major Western Hub
- Distance to Schriever SFB: Approximately 85-95 miles (137-153 km).
- Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, highly dependent on Denver traffic.
- Primary Amtrak Route: California Zephyr (operates daily between Chicago and Emeryville/San Francisco, CA).
- Advantages: A well-connected station in a major city, offering more options for onward ground transportation (rental cars, bus services, rideshares).
- Disadvantages: Significant drive to Schriever SFB.
Option 2: La Junta Station (LAJ) – Southeast Colorado Stop
- Distance to Schriever SFB: Approximately 80-90 miles (128-145 km).
- Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Primary Amtrak Route: Southwest Chief (operates daily between Chicago and Los Angeles, CA).
- Advantages: Similar driving distance to Schriever as from Denver, but often less urban traffic.
- Disadvantages: La Junta is a much smaller town with limited ground transportation options immediately available. Pre-booking a rental car or taxi/shuttle is essential.
Table 2: Key Amtrak Stations and Routes for Schriever Access
| Amtrak Station | Code | Primary Amtrak Route(s) | Distance to Schriever SFB | Recommended Ground Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Union Station | DEN | California Zephyr | 85-95 miles | Rental Car, Bus, Rideshare |
| La Junta Station | LAJ | Southwest Chief | 80-90 miles | Pre-booked Rental Car, Taxi |
3. Ground Transportation & Local Logistics
Regardless of whether you fly or take the train, ground transportation is crucial for reaching Schriever SFB.
- Rental Cars: This is by far the most recommended and flexible option for anyone traveling to Schriever SFB. The base is spread out, and public transport directly to or on base is non-existent. Rental car agencies are available at COS and DEN airports, and also in downtown Denver and Colorado Springs.
- Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): Available from COS and DEN. While you can get a rideshare to Schriever SFB, getting one from the base can be challenging due to its remote location and limited driver availability. Pre-booking or having a backup plan is advisable.
- Taxis: Available from COS and DEN, but can be expensive for the distance to Schriever.
- Shuttles: Some private shuttle services operate between DEN and Colorado Springs. You would then need to arrange further transport from Colorado Springs to Schriever.
- Base Access: Remember that Schriever SFB is a secure military installation. Ensure you have the proper identification (military ID, common access card), vehicle registration, insurance, and purpose for your visit prior to arrival. Gate guards will verify your credentials. If you are a visitor, ensure your sponsor has put you on the “Entry Access List.” GPS may not always be accurate on base, so follow signage or instructions from your sponsor.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
- Plan Ahead: Book flights, train tickets, and especially rental cars well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or military move cycles.
- Factor in Drive Times: Always add buffer time, particularly when traveling from Denver, due to potential traffic and weather conditions (especially in winter).
- Confirm Base Access: Contact your sponsor or the welcoming unit at Schriever SFB to understand current base access procedures and requirements before your travel date.
- Consider Accommodation: If arriving late, consider staying overnight in Colorado Springs before heading to the base, especially if you need to pick up a rental car the next morning.
- Offline Maps: Download offline maps for the Colorado Springs area, as cell service can be spotty in some rural areas surrounding the base.
Navigating to Schriever Space Force Base requires a bit of planning, but by understanding your airport and Amtrak options, along with local ground transportation, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to this vital installation. Safe travels!
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