Getting Around Denver
Denver offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city, from public transit to walking and ride-hailing services. The city's street grid can help orient you: numbered avenues run east-west, with numbered streets increasing as you travel north, while named streets run north-south in alphabetical order from the center. Downtown has a diagonal layout that differs from the rest of the city, which can be disorienting at first.
Public Transit: RTD System
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates Denver's public transit network, which includes commuter rail, light rail, and buses. The system connects well to Denver Union Station, making it a good hub for visitors arriving by train or bus.
Airport to City Center
Denver International Airport (DIA) is located about 18 miles northeast of downtown. The RTD A line commuter rail connects the airport directly to Denver Union Station in approximately 37 minutes, offering a convenient and straightforward option for arriving travelers. This is a practical alternative to renting a car or arranging other ground transportation from the airport.
Rail and Light Rail Network
RTD operates both commuter rail and light rail services that converge at Denver Union Station, the historic downtown transit hub. The A line serves the airport, while light rail lines provide connections to many destinations throughout the Denver area. Union Station itself has been extensively renovated and includes an on-premise hotel, restaurants, bars, and comfortable seating areas for travelers.
Bus Services
RTD operates local city buses throughout Denver and surrounding areas. Some buses depart from Union Station, while others run on surface streets. The Union Station Bus Concourse, located underground beneath 17th Street behind the historic Union Station building, serves both RTD local buses and intercity bus lines including Greyhound, Bustang, Burlington Trailways, and Express Arrow. This makes Union Station a central point for various transportation options.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing and taxi services are available throughout Denver as alternatives to public transit. These can be useful for trips outside the main transit network or when traveling at off-peak hours.
Walkability
Downtown Denver is walkable, particularly around Union Station and the central business district. However, the city's size and spread mean that many destinations require transit or other transportation to reach conveniently. The downtown area's diagonal street layout differs from the regular grid elsewhere in the city, so be attentive when navigating on foot in that area.
Long-Distance Travel
Beyond the local public transit system, Denver is served by Amtrak's California Zephyr, which operates daily service between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, with trains departing from Union Station. Intercity buses connecting Denver to destinations across the region and nation also depart from Union Station and other nearby terminals.