Getting to Denver

Denver’s central location makes it easy to reach by a number of means. The most convenient access is by air, through Denver International Airport, located 23 miles northeast of the city centre. Denver is also connected by Amtrak’s train network, with the main railway station conveniently located in the centre of the city. Long-distance Greyhound buses provide the most extensive access, with connections available to almost every city in America. If you are driving, Denver lies along the path of several major interstate highways.

By car

Denver lies at the crossroads of two major cross-country highways. Drivers coming from the north or the south will take I-25, which connects with New Mexico and Wyoming. Interstate 70 is the main east-west highway, heading straight through the Rocky Mountains to the west and across the Great Plains to the east. If you are coming from Nebraska, I-76 is the best choice. Of course, there are also numerous smaller roads which lead to Denver if you have the time for a more leisurely and scenic drive.

By rail

America has one of the least-developed railway networks in the world, but fortunately, it happens to pass through Denver. Amtrak’s major east-west route, the California Zephyr, makes a stop in Denver on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The service operates daily and pauses at Denver’s Union Station, which is located right in the heart of LoDo. The train is a great way to see some of the countryside, if it happens to fit into your travel plans.

By bus

Denver is a major stop for Greyhound buses, which extensively cover the entire country. Besides flying, bus travel is the most popular way to get around in America, as prices are cheap and the buses go everywhere. More than 60 buses arrive each day at Denver’s Central Bus Terminal, located downtown.

By air

All air traffic into Denver is handled by Denver International Airport, which is located 23 miles from the city centre. It’s the largest airport in Colorado and the most popular gateway into the Rocky Mountains. Most major US airlines provide regular domestic service as well as international flights from the UK and many cities in Europe, Asia and North America. Buses, taxis and limousines provide ample transportation into the city.

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is rather far from the city, but it’s still the easiest way to get here. The beautifully modern and efficient airport has a single massive terminal, divided into east and west concourses. These two parts of the terminal are connected by an efficient underground rail system. 

Concourse A handles domestic flights as well as international flights operated by both US and international carriers such as British Airways. Concourse B primarily serves domestic flights serviced by US airlines. The terminal has three levels. Departures are on the upper level, while the lower level handles arrivals.

The airport’s stunning tent-like opaque terminal has all the usual facilities which a traveller might need. ATMs, banks and currency exchange offices can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, news stands, gift shops and duty-free shopping. Wireless internet is also available at points throughout the airport. An information desk can be found in the Arrivals Hall of the terminal (tel: +1 303 342 2000).

Denver International Airport transportation

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, so ask about this option from your hotel. The public bus system is the most inexpensive. 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 taxis, 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.