How to get to Denver
All the Ways You Can Access DenverThere are plenty of reasons to visit Denver - and plenty of ways to get there. Whether you are coming from across town or around the globe, we have you covered.
When planning how you will get to Denver, also think about how you want to get around while visiting this city and the surrounding area. For those who are coming to downtown Denver with lodging, meals, and attractions all centrally located, it is possible to get off the plane and take a light rail train into the city and just walk from place to place. If you want to go beyond Downtown Denver, things get more complicated. There are buses to take travelers to Boulder, Golden, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins but once you are in these cities, you will need to find another mode of transportation to get to specific destinations such as Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs or Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins. Renting a car at the airport makes sense if you plan to drive a lot, but there are likely fees for parking it at your hotel to factor in. There are a few car rental agencies in downtown Denver for those who just need to rent a car for a day to get to a trailhead in the foothills, take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, or visit a new town.
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Getting to Denver by Plane
Denver International Airport, usually called DIA by locals, is the third busiest airport in the nation.
Skip the main terminal security lines by making a beeline for Concourse A. There are still lines but it’s not a maze.
If you are renting a car – which can be a good idea if you plan to leave downtown Denver for a fun excursion into the mountains or to visit another Front Range city – head for the shuttle to car rental agencies, People who will be spending their vacation or business trip exclusively in downtown Denver, can aim for the light rail train that departs from the east end of the airport (there is also a bus that goes downtown). The light rail train brings you to Union Station in downtown’s LoDo neighborhood. There are taxis and ride share available just outside of Union Station, as well as nearby regional buses and it’s a short walk to rental car agencies located downtown.
There has been construction in the airport’s main terminal, known as the Great Hall, for years already and it is scheduled to continue until at least 2028. This can make navigating the airport confusing, but there are ambassadors on-site to answer questions.
For your return journey, it’s important to know that DIA is notorious for its security lines so plan accordingly and leave plenty of time for getting through the airport and to your gate. For those with time on their hands, there are many trendy restaurants to feast at. Root Down will stock you with all the vegetarian options imaginable, La Casita is known for their spicy tamales, and New Belgium Brewery features Colorado-brewed beer and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salad. The airport also houses a public art collection, a yoga zone, and even an ice-skating rink during the cold months.
Getting to Denver by Train
Although somewhat limited, it is possible to get to Denver—and leave Denver—by train. Amtrak trains come to the Mile High City from Chicago and Los Angeles. If you are traveling from another city, such as NYC, you will need to take a train that first goes to Chicago, then take the train to Denver from there.
Even if you don’t arrive by light rail train, bus, or Amtrak train to Denver, be sure to make time to visit Union Station during your trip. This historic and glamorous building has a lot to offer and is decorated for the holidays.
In winter, there is a Ski Train that takes skiers from Union Station to Winter Park, a ski resort owned by the city of Denver. There is a dining car on the train that sells light snacks, coffee, tea, and water, or you can pack a picnic. It feels so luxurious to simply board the train for your ride back to Denver rather than drive and possibly encounter traffic.
The Union Station that stands today was opened in 1914 and has been the first place many dignitaries—former presidents and European royalty–who traveled by train saw when they arrived in Denver. Like the city itself, this grand building went through boom and bust cycles over the years as train travel became less popular and the station had fewer and fewer passengers. After being used for both office space and a fairly quiet train station for many years, in 2014 it was revitalized as a hotel with bars and restaurants, once again becoming a hub of activity for the city.
Today Union Station provides a place for those who arrive by train to spend the night at the Crawford Hotel or meet up with friends in the Grand Hall after their travels. It’s also within walking distance from other hotels such as the Oxford Hotel and the Maven Hotel.
If you are looking for an excursion from Denver by train, some trains go to Glenwood Springs and Moab, Utah. There are also longer trips that go to Salt Lake City, Utah, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana.
Getting to Denver by Bus
There are hostels for affordable lodging downtown, though it will be a longer walk than the hotels from the station. Hostel Fish is the closest one to Union Station.
If you identify as a budget traveler with time to spare, the Greyhound bus offers regular routes into the Mile High City at an affordable price. There are buses from Los Angeles to Denver, Seattle to Denver, Salt Lake City to Denver, and plenty more. The bus will bring you to Union Station where you can connect to light rail trains to the airport or other neighborhoods around the city, and access to local hotels and restaurants.