Abortion Travel Guide: Knoxville to Boulder, CO
If you are traveling from the Knoxville area for abortion care, Boulder Valley Health Center (BVHC) is here to support you every step of the way.
Because Tennessee laws currently restrict nearly all in-state abortion access, many patients from Knoxville and surrounding East Tennessee communities travel out of state for care. BVHC provides a safe, single-visit option in Colorado, designed specifically for patients traveling longer distances.
For detailed information about Tennessee abortion laws and Colorado’s legal protections, please visit our Tennessee Abortion Care Resources Page.
Planning Your Travel from Knoxville to Boulder, CO
While this guide focuses on Knoxville, we regularly support patients from across East Tennessee, including Maryville, Oak Ridge, Farragut, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and surrounding Appalachian communities.
Knoxville’s location near the Great Smoky Mountains makes air travel through regional hubs or driving to larger airports a common strategy for patients traveling to Colorado.
Flying to Denver
Most patients traveling from Knoxville find air travel to be the most efficient option.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) offers daily flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), typically with one-stop connections through major hubs.
Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, and United commonly operate routes from TYS to DEN.
Flight Time:
- One-stop flights: ~4–6 hours total travel time depending on connection
- Some itineraries may be longer depending on layover timing
Ground Transit from DEN to Boulder (45 minutes):
- RTD SkyRide Bus (AB Route): Direct, affordable transportation between DEN and Boulder.
- Ride-sharing Services/Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate regularly from the airport.
- Rental Car: Multiple agencies are available onsite at DEN if you prefer private transportation.
Driving from the Knoxville Area to Boulder
Some patients choose to drive for flexibility, privacy, or to travel with a support person.
Distance: Approximately 1,250–1,350 miles
Driving Time: Roughly 18–20 hours of active driving
Common Route:
I-40 W from Knoxville → across Tennessee and Arkansas → connect to I-70 W across Missouri and Kansas → continue into Colorado → US-36 W into Boulder
This is a long cross-country drive, and planning rest stops is especially important for safety and comfort.
Overnight Stay:
We strongly recommend planning an overnight stop so you arrive rested and prepared for your appointment.
Parking at BVHC:
If you are driving from Knoxville, our clinic provides private, accessible parking specifically for out-of-state patients.
Packing for Your Trip
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Phone, earbuds, and charger
- A book or quiet activity
- Pads and extra underwear
- Personal comfort items for rest or travel
Patient Support: Our patient navigator team can help you plan arrival and departure times that align with your appointment, often minimizing the need for overnight lodging.
Single-Visit Appointment Model: Whenever medically appropriate, we prioritize out of state travelers for single-day appointments so consultation and procedure can be completed in one visit.
Local Support for Knoxville Residents
Traveling out of Tennessee for abortion care can feel overwhelming, but support is available.
Reputable Tennessee Support Organizations
- Abortion Care Tennessee: Provides funding and resources for Tennesseans seeking abortion.
- Mountain Access Brigade: Provides practical support and travel assistance for individuals seeking abortion care in and outside Tennessee.
- ARC Southeast: Support people seeking reproductive care in the Southeast.
- National Abortion Federation (NAF): Our navigators can help you secure national funding during your appointment call.
BVHC Financial Navigators
When you call to schedule, mention you are traveling from out-of-state. We can help you explore financial assistance options and discuss payment options to reduce stress.
Why Choose Boulder Valley Health Center?
Many patients from Knoxville choose BVHC for the following reasons:
Faster Access: We often have appointments available within 7 days, compared to longer wait times in neighboring states with limited clinic availability.
Single-Visit Care: Our care model is specifically structured for long-distance travelers, minimizing repeat trips and time away from home.
Legal Protection: Abortion is legal and constitutionally protected in Colorado under state Shield Laws, providing strong protections for out-of-state patients.
Trusted Experience: Founded in 1973, BVHC is Colorado’s first abortion clinic, with more than 50 years of experience serving patients from across the Southeast.
Privacy & Confidentiality: Your medical information is kept strictly confidential and never shared without your consent.
Contact Boulder Valley Health Center
If you’re considering traveling to Boulder for abortion services, please call us to discuss and schedule an appointment. We offer online scheduling for your abortion, making easier to access confidential, compassionate services from anywhere.
We’re here to answer your questions and provide high-quality, affordable, supportive, and respectful healthcare to all our patients.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:00 pm MT
Location: 2855 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80301
Additional Questions?
We understand that traveling for healthcare is a big decision. For detailed answers regarding medical safety, what to expect during your procedure, and aftercare, please visit our full guide for Out-of-State Patients.