Denver Public Transportation How-to

Denver’s public transportation is easy, inexpensive and convenient. You can get pretty much anywhere in The Mile High City by rail or bus, and often get there faster than by car. Below, you’ll find some info and tips on how to take advantage of Denver’s public transportation. Hop on board!

RIDING THE BUS

First, check out the Regional Transportation District's user-friendly homepage for routes, fares and other pertinent info. If you're craving the personal touch, however, you can call the RTD Customer Care line at 303-299-6000. Just tell the experts there where you want to catch the bus, where you want to go and when you want to get there. They'll help you plan your trip (including your return home), complete with route numbers, fares and answers to any questions you might have. Note: Customer Care is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The 16th Street MallRide is a free shuttle that's easy to hop on and off while exploring downtown.

RTD's light rail connects the city with nearly 100 miles of rail line.

Next step? Head to your stop! All bus stops have red and white signs that list each bus route that stops at that location, so double check for your route number. Take note — there's a good chance that your return bus stop is located right across the street. As the bus approaches, check the electronic sign above the windshield to make sure this is indeed the bus you want. Wait for the bus to come to a full stop. The doors will open and you can hop on!

Please note: Drivers do NOT carry or make change — so make sure you have exact change (bills or coins) or a pass before you get on the bus. If you need to change buses to get to your final destination, ask the driver for a transfer slip, which will get you on your next bus. RTD offers a variety of pass programs, saving you money off regular cash fares. By purchasing passes or ticket books in advance, you won't have to worry about having exact change every time you ride the bus.

Now that you're on the bus, sit back and relax! The driver will announce stops over the loudspeaker, so wait until you hear yours. You may need to pull the "Stop Requested" cord above your head to let the driver know you want to get off. Exit the bus through the rear door if the bus has two doors. Always wait for the bus to leave before you cross the street, and never walk in front of the bus.

RIDING THE LIGHT RAIL

Again, check out the RTD website first for routes, fares and other pertinent info. And you can call the RTD Customer Care line (303-299-6000) for light rail info, too — they're happy to help!

Next, head to the station. They're easy to find thanks to their open design, artwork and red and white signs on nearby streets leading to the stations. Many of the RTD light rail stations have Park-n-Ride lots where you can park for free. Bus routes and/or FlexRides also serve many stations. Use the ticket vending machines located at each station to pay for your trip — unlike the bus, you need a validated ticket before you get on board. Your ticket will automatically be validated with the date and time you purchased it from the machine. An RTD bus transfer or pass will get you on the light rail free of charge, though an upgrade may be needed if your light rail fare is more than your bus fare. As the light rail approaches, check the electronic sign above the windshield to make sure this is the correct line. Wait for the train to come to a full stop. The doors will open and you can board. Once the train is underway, a fare inspector will check your ticket.

The RTD light rail system is divided into four fare zones: A, B, C and Airport. The number of zones you travel in for each one-way trip determines your fare. Arriving trains stop at every station, so you don't have to signal the driver. Once the train has stopped, the doors will automatically open, or you can push the lighted green button. Please wait for the passengers on the train to exit before you get on board.

AIRPORT RAIL

The long-awaited "Train to the Plane," a new rail line that runs from downtown to Denver International Airport (DEN) and vice versa, opened on April 22, 2016. Riders departing from Union Station will reach the airport in 37 minutes, with trains leaving every 15 minutes during peak times. The fares to and from DEN are just $10.50 (with discounts available). Purchase tickets and use this line as you would any other rail line — just don't forget your passport and suitcase! For more information, see our Denver Airport Rail page.