How to Use Public Transportation in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs

Public transportation in Colorado isn’t perfect — but it’s way better than most travelers expect. Here’s how to use it in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.

1. Denver = RTD (Regional Transportation District)

Covers:
- Buses
- Light rail
- Commuter rail (to airport)
- Regional buses

Runs throughout:
- Metro Denver
- Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster

2. Light Rail Tips

Hits:
- Downtown
- Tech Center
- Ball Arena
- South Suburbs

Buy passes:
- RTD Mobile Tickets app
- Station kiosks

Fares:
- $3 local
- $5.25 regional
- $10.50 airport

3. Airport Train (A Line)

Union Station → DIA:
- Every 15 mins
- 37 min ride
- $10.50 fare
- Avoids traffic and snow delays

4. Key Bus Routes

Popular lines:
- Route 0 and 15 (Colfax)
- Free MallRide (16th Street)
- SkyRide (to/from DIA)

Use Google Maps or Transit App to plan.

5. Boulder Transit

Still RTD! Includes:
- Hop, Skip, Jump, etc.
- Bolt and Dash for neighboring cities
- Frequent local service

Same app + fare system as Denver.

6. Boulder is Walkable

Reach:
- Pearl Street
- CU campus
- Chautauqua
- Downtown

Use the Hop bus for quick loops.

7. Colorado Springs = Mountain Metro

No rail system, but:
- Bus service across key zones
- Buses every 30–60 mins
- $4 day pass

Connects to Denver via Bustang.

8. Bustang = Statewide Bus Network

Goes from Denver to:
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins
- Glenwood Springs

Cheap, fast, and has Wi-Fi + A/C. Book at ridebustang.com.

9. Apps to Download

- Transit App (universal)
- RTD Mobile Tickets
- Bustang App
- Mountain Metro Tracker

Google Maps works for all systems.

10. Final Tip

With RTD, Mountain Metro, and Bustang, you can see the best of urban Colorado without ever renting a car — just bring a little patience and a phone charger.