Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
- Public
- RTD is good in Denver metro but essentially non-existent in mountain towns. Bustang helps connect Front Range cities.
- Taxi
- Uber and Lyft widely available in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and major ski towns
- Rental
- Best way to explore Colorado's diverse and spread-out landscapes - AWD/4WD recommended
- Walking
- Denver's LoDo, Boulder's Pearl Street, and Aspen/Telluride downtowns are highly walkable
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $35-55, 30-45 min to downtown Denver
- Taxi Info
- Metered taxi rate from DEN airport
- Shuttle
- $20-35, shared van service to downtown hotels
- Shuttle Info
- Multiple companies serve hotels throughout Denver metro
- Bus
- $10.50, RTD A-Line train direct to Denver Union Station
- Bus Info
- Direct train from DEN airport to Denver Union Station in 37 minutes - most affordable option
- Private
- $60-100, pre-booked private car service
- Private Info
- Book online 24 hours in advance for best rates
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
RTD buses cover Denver metro extensively, $3 per ride with multi-trip passes available
Alternatives
RTD Light Rail, free 16th Street Mall shuttle bus, bike-sharing (Denver B-Cycle from $4/30 min), electric scooters
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered - approximately $2.50 base + $2.25/mile in Denver
- Apps
- Uber, Lyft
- App Names
- Uber, Lyft
- Typical Fare
- $10-20 for average Denver city ride
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Bustang from $10 (Front Range), Greyhound from $20 (national routes)
Shared
Rideshares and airport shuttles to ski resorts from Denver
Flights
Domestic connections from DEN to mountain airports (ASE, EGE) for ski resort access
Private
Private car hire from $75/day or per-trip ski transfer services
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Colorado is a large state best explored by car. Denver has good public transit, but mountain towns require driving or shuttle services. The state's dramatic terrain means roads can be challenging in winter.
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare widely available in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and major ski towns
Google Maps
Best for navigation and public transit directions - includes RTD schedules
RTD MyRide
Official Denver public transit app for schedules, trip planning, and mobile ticketing
CoTrip
Colorado Department of Transportation app for road conditions, closures, and webcams on mountain passes
Waze
Community-based GPS navigation - excellent for avoiding I-70 ski traffic congestion
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book ski resort parking in advance for weekends and holidays
I-70 westbound is extremely congested Friday afternoon and Saturday morning during ski season - leave Denver by 7AM or after 10AM
The RTD A-Line is the most cost-effective way from DEN airport to downtown Denver at $10.50
Many ski resorts offer free parking in outlying lots with free shuttle service to the resort
Rent AWD or 4WD vehicle for any mountain travel in winter - Colorado Traction Law is enforced
Bustang bus from Denver to Colorado Springs costs $12-15 versus $45-65 by taxi
RFTA (Roaring Fork Transit Authority) provides free bus service between Aspen and Glenwood Springs