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.