Denver City Guide - Getting Around

Denver has an excellent public transport system run by Regional Transport Direct (RTD) (tel: (303) 299 6000; website: www.rtd-denver.com). RTD has 180 bus routes, a light rail line and a number of special services, including the Skyride airport buses.

The light rail runs every 10 minutes (0400-0100) and has 24 stops. The main line is between 1-25 Streets and Broadway to 30th Street and Downing Street, including six stops situated Downtown. An extension runs south to Mineral Avenue and Santa Fe in the suburb of Littleton. The ‘C train’ is a second branch, which runs from Union Station to popular attractions including the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field.

The local bus service is comprehensive, covering all areas in Metro Denver and Greater Denver. Times vary on the different routes but generally operate between 0500 and 2400. Some buses stop running between 1800 and 1900, although others, on very busy streets, run until after midnight. It is best for travellers who are unfamiliar with the route to telephone and check.

Fares can be paid in cash on the bus, although the exact amount is required, as the driver does not dispense change. There are also vending machines with clear instructions, located at light rail stations. The selection of passes on offer are not that much use to tourists, as the options are geared toward locals and commuters, although a selection of monthly passes are available, such as the Local Monthly Pass valid for either bus or light rail travel. There are also a number of passes and offers for travel to and from various sporting events.

Tickets and passes are available for purchase at RTD sales outlets, which include the Market Street Station, Civic Center Station, Denver International Airport west terminal and selected metro-area King Soopers and Safeway stores.

The free 16th Street Mall Shuttle runs between Broadway and Union Station, daily 0514-0206, stopping at every junction. The Skyride airport service has 30 stops, including Denver International Airport (see Getting There By Air). The Cultural Connection Trolley, operated by Grayline, runs during the summer and serves the main city centre attractions, including the Mint, Zoo and Botanical Gardens (see Tours of the City).

Taxis can be hailed on the street but they rarely stop. Visitors can instead find them at taxi ranks outside the major hotels and the bus and train stations, or telephone for one in advance. There are two reputable cab companies in Denver – Yellow Cab (tel: (303) 777 7777) and Metro Taxi (tel: (303) 321 5400). Tipping is customary, usually 15% of the fare.

A car is not necessary for visits limited to Downtown Denver, as everything is within walking distance or accessible by public transport. Getting around by car is easy outside of the peak rush hour periods (0700-0900 and 1600-1800), when there is much congestion on major roads such as the I-25, I-70 and US36 to Boulder.

Parking is expensive in Downtown and although most of the major hotels have parking facilities for their guests, there still is a charge. Most blocks in Downtown have either a parking garage, surface lot or on-street, metered parking. Parking fees in garages vary from US$7-18 according to the proximity to major office buildings or retail centres. The average daily rate is from US$9-14. Outdoor parking is generally a bit cheaper. Parking meters cost 25 cents per 15 minutes, with a limit of two hours. Prices are higher the closer cars are parked to the 16th Street Mall – outlying lots are cheaper. Visitors should be aware that parking costs double (or more) during baseball games and events at Coors Field.

The minimum age for hiring a car is 25 years. For British nationals, a full UK driving licence will suffice. Other foreign drivers will require an International Driving Permit and a full licence from their own country. A major credit card is also required to cover the deposit and insurance excess. Insurance cover included in the basic hire cost is usually only for third party and it is strongly advised that additional insurance be purchased to cover theft of or damage to the vehicle. Hirers will be liable for the full replacement value of the car, even if it is not their fault. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), is extra.

All major car hire companies have offices in the city, including Avis (tel: 1 800 331 1212; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 1 800 527 0700; website: www.budget.com), Dollar (tel: 1 800 800 3665; website: www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel: 1 800 261 7331; website: www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel: 1 800 654 3001; website: www.hertz.com), National (tel: 1 800 227 3876; website: www.nationalcar.com) and Thrifty (tel: 1 800 847 4389; website: www.thrifty.com).

Cherry Creek Bike Rack (tel: (303) 388 1630; website: www.cherrycreekbikerack.com) hires out bicycles for up to four hours, overnight, or by the week. Child bikes and trail-a-bikes are also available.