Does Denver have good transportation options?
ARE YOU VISITING DENVER BUT AREN’T QUITE SURE HOW TO GET AROUND WITHOUT UBER?
This wonderful, artsy city has so much to offer, and we want you to take it ALL in. From RiNo to Broadway to LoHi and more, Denver has a scene for everyone and that’s why we love it so much. Ember Hostel is located in Capitol Hill, a neighborhood jam packed with beautiful old Mansions, and perfectly central for getting around this great big city (see our musing: Denver’s Best Neighborhood for more tips). Maren, a former hostel employee, and a current public-transportation champion, shares her best Denver travel practices.
The Bus
By far my favorite form of transportation in Denver, because it is the absolute EASIEST thing to use even if you’re new to public transportation. Download the Denver RTD app to view schedules and buy tickets – tickets can be purchased by the day or in 3 hour increments (I recommend the day pass, it’s just $3 more and you don’t have to worry about it expiring).
Tip: If you’re not sure how to find the bus stops, put your destination into Google Maps and set it for public transportation directions. The map will guide you to the bus stop with step by step directions.
Free Mall Ride
Denver’s downtown treasure is the Free Mall Ride on 16th Street. Just over a mile walk from Ember Hostel you can ride this bus up and down 16th Street all day long… for free!. There is so much to do in downtown that can be easily accessed if you’re using the Mall Ride as your center of transportation, and if you’re looking to relax take the bus all the way to the end hop over the Denver Millennium Bridge and have yourself a picnic in Confluence Park.
The Light Rail
If you’re looking to get a bit farther outside the Downtown limits, or maybe you’re heading back to the airport I would suggest taking the light rail. The rail map can be found on that same RTD app, and my trick of using Google Maps for directions and stops works for the light rail too! Tip: If you’re using the rail to get to the airport you will have to make your way to Union Station first. From there the trains run about every 20 minutes during peak times, and every 30-45 minutes in the early morning and evenings. Check the schedule before you go and don’t miss your flight, though you’re always welcome back if you do…
Flatiron Flyer
Hikes, hikes and more hikes! If that’s why you came to Denver please take advantage of the Flatiron Flyer to Boulder – I would recommend FF2 Route (express). The regional bus passes are just $10.50 per day and the bus will drop you off just one mile from Chautauqua Park. Chautauqua Park is an excellent trailhead with miles and miles of trails from beginner to intermediate – hop off at the Broadway and Euclid stop for a 1-mile walk to the trailhead.
Did someone say shopping? If you want to visit the shops and restaurants at Pearl Street take that same Flatiron Flyer Bus Route FF2 all the way to the Downtown Boulder Station (the last stop).
Scoot Scoot…Scooters!
There are a LOT of scooters in Denver as you will soon realize. My best advice is to download all the apps you can (Lime, Bird, Lyft, Spin and Jump) that way you don’t have to go chasing after a scooter on your map - just pick up the first one you see. The scooters are a great way to take in the sights and have fun at the same time. But please… be smart, don’t drink and scoot.