Getting Around Centennial
Centennial sits within the Denver metropolitan area, and most visitors will find that getting around relies on a mix of the Regional Transportation District (RTD) rail and bus network, driving, and ride-hailing. The city itself is spread out and car-oriented, so it helps to plan how you will cover the gaps between transit stops and your final destination.
Rail: Light Rail and Commuter Rail
Centennial is served by RTD light rail, with the E and R lines running through the city. These lines connect Centennial to Denver, including Denver Union Station, which is the region's main rail hub. From Union Station you can also connect to the RTD commuter rail A line, which runs to Denver International Airport.
Key light rail stops in Centennial include:
- Arapahoe at Village Center Station — served by the E and R lines, plus several RTD bus routes and FlexRide service.
- Dry Creek Station — served by the E and R lines, with FlexRide bus service.
- County Line Station — served by the E and R lines, with FlexRide bus service.
If you are arriving by intercity train, Amtrak's California Zephyr and Winter Park Express serve Denver Union Station; from there, the E line provides access to Centennial.
Buses and FlexRide
RTD buses complement the rail network in Centennial. Bus routes 66, 153, 169, and AT serve the Arapahoe at Village Center Station area, while routes 135 and 139 serve the Smoky Hill/Picadilly Park-n-Ride. FlexRide, RTD's on-demand bus service, operates in several parts of the city, including around Arapahoe at Village Center, Dry Creek, and County Line stations.
For intercity bus travel, Greyhound Lines serve Denver, which is the nearest major hub for connections beyond the metro area.
Tickets and Passes
RTD rail and bus services use a common fare system, so a single ticket or day pass can generally cover both modes within the relevant zones. Tickets and passes can be purchased through RTD's official sales channels, including ticket vending machines at stations and the RTD mobile app. If you plan to use transit frequently during your visit, a multi-day or day pass is usually more convenient than buying individual fares.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Denver metro area, including Centennial. These are a practical option for trips that do not line up neatly with rail or bus routes, or for reaching destinations away from the stations. Because Centennial is spread out, ride-hailing can be more convenient than walking between transit stops and your final destination.
Walkability
Centennial is a suburban, car-oriented city, and walking is generally practical only for short trips within a specific neighborhood or commercial area. Most visitors should not expect to cover the city on foot; instead, plan to combine transit, driving, or ride-hailing for longer distances.
Getting from the Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main gateway for visitors flying into the area. The airport connects to Centennial via the RTD commuter rail A line, which links to the RTD light rail E line. In practice, this means taking the A line from the airport to Denver Union Station, then transferring to the E line to reach Centennial.
Centennial Airport (APA) is a separate facility serving general aviation and flights to Grand Junction; it is not a major commercial airport for most visitors.
By car, the E-470 Toll Road provides direct access to Denver International Airport, which is useful if you are driving yourself or using a taxi or ride-hailing service.
By Car
Driving is a common way to get around Centennial and the wider metro area. The E-470 Toll Road offers direct access to Denver International Airport. One practical note for navigating the city: Centennial's street naming does not follow a simple numbered system like some of Denver's northern suburbs. If you are looking for a numbered street, you will generally be driving across town from west to east, watching for signs indicating "North" or "South" for that street.