Getting Around Denver
The best way to get around Denver is to walk or use public transportation, known as RTD. A majority of the sites are clustered together in central downtown. RTD also helps you avoid parking and car rental costs, plus you'll also get a better feel for the historic neighborhoods. From the airport, you can take a hotel shuttle or the skyRide bus into the downtown area, where most of the hotels are located. It's about a 30 minute trip.
| On Foot | Many of Denver's historic sites can be found downtown, making them easy to reach on foot. Just make sure to wear comfy shoes and dress in layers (especially during the spring and fall). |
| Car | With Denver's natural landmarks -- the Rockies and the Colorado River -- and its traffic grid, it will be a challenge to get lost. Drivers can get slightly disoriented in the center of downtown, which is on a northeast-southwest grid rather than the larger, encompassing one that runs north-south. Garages are abundant downtown, so park your vehicle in a convenient spot before traversing Denver on foot. |
| Public Transport |
The Regional Transportation District (RTD), which operates bus and light-rail lines throughout the city. Fares are inexpensive, and the visitor-friendly routes service most of the popular attractions. RTD also offers the free MallRide bus service that operates daily from 5 a.m. to 1:35 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 1:35 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. The free buses run up and down the 16th Street Mall, which makes exploring downtown Denver easy and convenient. |
| Trolley |
If you can, take advantage of the open-air Platte Valley Trolley. During the prime tourist season, from April until the end of October, the trolley system offers the Riverfront sightseeing route that takes passengers from the Colorado Convention Center and along the Platte River to the Children's Museum of Denver. Riverfront routes are offered every Friday through Sunday from noon to 3:30 p.m. |
| Taxi | Taxicabs are another convenient way to get around the city. Denver's two main taxi companies are Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi. You can hail them from the street, but it might be easier to call in advance or wait for one outside a major hotel. |
