Denver is easier to navigate than its size suggests. The airport has a direct train to downtown, the center is walkable, and buses reach the mountains in season. The catch is distance: Denver International Airport is far out on the plains, and the best sights beyond downtown are spread across the metro and the foothills. Here's an honest look at every option.
From the airport to the city
Denver International Airport (DEN) sits about 23 to 25 miles northeast of downtown, on the largest piece of land of any commercial airport in North America. It handled a record of about 82.4 million passengers in 2025, so build in time for long walks and busy curbs.
The A Line train
RTD's A Line runs from the airport to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes, stopping at eight stations along 23.5 miles of track. Trains come roughly every 15 minutes. The fare is an Airport Day Pass at $10, and riders 19 and under ride free under RTD's Zero Fare for Youth program, as do active-duty military.
It's a great choice for one or two travelers with carry-ons heading to a hotel near Union Station. It's less convenient with ski bags, small children, a late-night arrival or a hotel away from the line, since you'll need another ride from the station.
Rideshare and taxis
Uber, Lyft and taxis all serve DEN. The drive to downtown is about 35 minutes without traffic, more at weekday rush hours or in snow, and pickup zones at a terminal this size can take a while to reach.
A private car
Private car services also meet flights at DEN. Ours focuses on the long drive to the mountains: flight tracking, meet and greet, help with the bags and door-to-door service to Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Winter Park or Steamboat. See all our airport routes.
Around the city
On foot
Downtown, LoDo, Union Station, Larimer Square, RiNo, LoHi and the Golden Triangle museum district are all walkable, and the walks between them are pleasant in good weather. Our neighborhoods guide explains each area.
RTD trains and buses
Union Station is the hub for RTD's light rail, commuter rail and buses. A Local 3-Hour Pass costs $2.75 and a Local Day Pass $5.50. Trains are handy for longer hops across the metro area.
Driving and parking
Denver is a car city outside the center, and rental cars give you flexibility. In the core, though, parking takes time and money, and big events at Coors Field, Ball Arena or Empower Field fill nearby garages and streets. If your plan is mainly downtown, you may not need a car until you head for the mountains.
Rideshare in the city
Rideshare works well for short trips across town. It can get slow right after concerts and games, and at Red Rocks every pickup is sent to one lot. See our Red Rocks guide for how that works.
To the mountains without a car
Bustang is the Colorado Department of Transportation's intercity bus. The West Line runs along I-70 through the mountain towns toward Grand Junction, and the North Line runs along I-25 to Colorado Springs. In winter, Snowstang adds weekend ski buses from Denver to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, plus a route to Loveland Ski Area, and in summer Bustang to Estes serves Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Two things to know: Bustang doesn't stop at the airport (connect through the A Line to Union Station), and each rider can stow up to three pieces of luggage, with skis or a board counting as one. Tickets for Snowstang are bought in advance and seats aren't reserved.
For Winter Park, the seasonal Winter Park Express train runs from Union Station to the base of the resort. See DEN to Winter Park.
Driving to the mountains yourself
From September through May, Colorado's Traction Law applies on I-70 in the mountains, weekend traffic can double the drive, and many rental cars come with all-season tires that may not meet the rules. Read our I-70 winter driving guide before you set out.
When a private transfer to the mountains makes sense
- You land with children, or with more than two bags each
- You're carrying skis, snowboards or golf clubs
- You'd rather not drive I-70 in winter after a long flight
- Your lodging is in a ski town, away from the Bustang and Snowstang stops
Every Denver Moments transfer is in a luxury full-size SUV or an 11-passenger Ford Transit. Book your transfer in a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Denver airport to downtown?
The RTD A Line train runs from the airport to Union Station in about 37 minutes, every 15 minutes or so, with a $10 Airport Day Pass. By car it's about 35 minutes without traffic.
How much is the train from Denver airport?
The Airport Day Pass is $10. Riders 19 and under ride free under RTD's Zero Fare for Youth program.
Do I need a car in Denver?
Not for downtown, LoDo, RiNo or the museums, which are walkable. You'll want a car for Red Rocks, Boulder and the foothills, and a car or a private transfer for the mountains.
Does Bustang go to Denver airport?
Bustang's mountain and Colorado Springs routes start in Denver, not at the airport. Take the A Line to Union Station to connect.
Can I take a bus to the ski resorts from Denver?
Yes, in season. Snowstang runs weekend ski buses from Denver to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, and there's a Denver to Loveland Ski Area route. Book ahead.