No direct flights connect Denver (DEN) and Spokane (GEG)—a surprising gap given both cities' regional importance. The fastest one-stop options, typically connecting through Seattle (SEA), Salt Lake City (SLC), or Portland (PDX), take approximately 4 hours 35 minutes total travel time.
The 1,300-mile drive via I-25 north to I-90 west takes roughly 19-20 hours of pure driving time—typically a 2-3 day trip with stops. This option makes sense for those moving household goods, traveling with pets, or wanting to explore the Rocky Mountain and Inland Northwest landscapes en route.
For pure speed, the connecting flight wins. For experience, the drive offers Glacier, Yellowstone, and Coeur d'Alene as potential detours.