Home › Travel Guides › North America Travel Guide › United States of America › Colorado › Denver › Getting around Denver

Getting around Denver

Public transport: 

Denver has an excellent public transport system run by the Regional Transport District (RTD) (tel: 303 299 6000; www.rtd-denver.com). The RTD bus system has more than 10,000 stops. There’s also a light rail network with 37 stations across the city, and a number of special services, including the SkyRide airport buses.

The light rail runs every 10 minutes throughout the day. The main line is between the intersection of Interstate I-25 and Broadway, to 30th Street and Downing Street, including various stops Downtown. There are two extensions that run south to Mineral Avenue and US 285 in the suburb of Littleton, as well as two extensions that run to Lincoln Station in the city of Lone Tree. The local bus service is comprehensive, covering all areas of Metro and Greater Denver. The free Mall Ride shuttle runs the length of Downtown’s 16th Street Mall, which extends from Union Station to the Civic Center Station on Broadway.

You can buy tickets and passes at any RTD sales outlets, which include light rail stations, Denver International Airport’s west terminal, and selected King Soopers and Safeway stores.

Taxis: 

Taxis in Denver can be hailed on the street, but they don’t consistently stop. Visitors can commonly find them at taxi ranks outside of major hotels, as well as bus and train stations. The best option is often to telephone for one in advance. Denver Yellow Cab (tel: 303 777 7777) and Metro Taxi (tel: 303 333 3333) are easily Denver’s most popular taxi companies, likely because their phone numbers couldn’t be easier to memorize. Tipping is customary, usually 15 to 20% of the fare.

Driving: 

A car is not necessary if your visit is limited to downtown Denver, as everything is within walking distance or accessible by public transport.

If you choose to get around by car, it’s easy outside of the peak rush hour periods when there’s congestion on major roads such as the I-25, I-70 and US36 to Boulder. Parking is expensive downtown, and while most major hotels have guest parking facilities, these usually come with a fee. Most blocks downtown either have parking garages or on-street, metered parking.

Car hire: 

All major car hire companies have offices in Denver, including Avis (tel: 1 800 230 4898; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 1 800 527 0700; www.budget.com), Enterprise (tel: 1 800 261 7331; www.enterprise.com), and National (tel: 1 800 222 9058; www.nationalcar.com).

The minimum age for hiring a car in Denver is 21 years, although those under age 25 have to pay a higher premium. For British nationals, a full UK driving licence will suffice. Other foreign drivers will require an International Driving Permit and a full licence from their own country. A major credit card is also required to cover the deposit and optional insurance expenses.

Bicycle hire: 

Campus Cycles (tel: 303 698 2811; http://campuscycles.com) hires out bicycles for up to four hours, overnight, or by the week. Child bikes and trail-a-bikes are also available. Denver Bike Sharing Stations (tel: 303 825 3325; www.denverbikesharing.org) allows a person to check out a bike for as long as they please. When they’re finished, they simply drop the bike off at the most convenient bike sharing station.

Travel Deals

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Africa, the way it should be seen
We´re cutting the cost of Africa overland trips by up to a whopping 40%. 25% off many trips departing by 30/6/12.
Thailand Holidays from £349pp
Tailor made beach, city and multi-centre holidays to Thailand.
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.