Denver Transport

Denver is a very easy city to get around, thanks to its comprehensive and efficient public transportation system and amazing network of biking and walking paths. The city’s light rail system goes to most attractions and the rest of the city is covered by the bus system. Denver calls this integrated transportation network ‘The Ride’. Visitors can transfer freely between the two modes of transport and the cost is very reasonable.

By train

The city’s light rail system is an excellent way to get around Denver’s most popular attractions. The railway lines connect the southwest and northwest of the city, passing right through the heart of downtown. Depending on the route, final departure times for trains vary from 21:00 to 02:00. Call the Regional Transportation District (RTD) for more information (tel: +1 303 299 6000).

By bus

The city’s public bus service, called ‘The Ride’, is a comprehensive system, with routes spreading out to all corners of the metropolitan area. The service also links Denver with outlying towns such as Boulder, Longmont and even the mountain town of Nederland. Bus tokens can be bought at grocery stores, but if you pay your fare on the bus, you must have exact change. Fares are based on the time and zone of your travel, and trips within the city limits are quite cheap.

Taxis

Taxis are available everywhere, especially around the major attractions and hotels. They can also be called by phone and hailed on the street. Taxis in Denver are not particularly cheap. During major events and after 02:00, when the bars close, they are very hard to find, so it’s best to carry a taxi phone number with you when you go out for a late night.

Tourist services

Free shuttle buses run up and down the 16th Street Mall between the Civic Centre and Market Street every few minutes between 06:00 and 01:00, offering a great way to get around the heart of Denver’s downtown. The open-air Platte Trolley is a charming and interesting tour bus which takes visitors on a short sightseeing route through the historic downtown area. The trolley operates year-round, but only gives special tours between June and October.

From the airport

The most popular way to travel from the airport into the city is by private shuttle bus. There are several companies providing door-to-door service for a reasonable price. Many hotels also offer courtesy shuttle buses for their guests; ask about this option from your hotel. The public bus system is the most inexpensive option. The special Skyride buses depart throughout the day, serving five different routes which cover most of the city.

Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall, offering the most convenient but also the most expensive way to get to your hotel. For a bit of style, there are numerous private limousine companies operating out of the airport. They cost about twice as much as a taxi, but they are quite luxurious. If you rent a car, simply follow the signs from the airport exit, which will lead you straight to the city centre.