🚌 Bus Transportation
Quick Answers about Buses at DEN
Where do I catch the bus?
At the DEN Transit Center, Level 1, next to the Westin hotel. Strategy: Follow the signs for the Westin hotel; the station is located right underneath.
Can I pay with cash?
No. Only by card at the vending machines or via the MyRide app. Strategy: Download the app before arriving to avoid lines at the vending machines.
Do the buses have luggage space?
Long-distance buses do. Attention: Conventional urban lines do not have space for large suitcases; avoid them if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.
Are they accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, all RTD public services are.
How often do they run?
Every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes at night.
Public bus transportation is provided by RTD. Several public bus lines serve DEN, including AB, AT, 104L, 145X, and 169L. The airport station is located at the DEN Transit Center, Level 1, next to the Westin hotel. Interregional and interstate services, hotel shuttles, charter buses, and transportation to various Colorado ski resorts and stations are also available.
Security Alert at Counters
User Experience: Cases have been reported where staff at intercity bus company counters try to divert passengers to "pirate" or third-party transfer services with inflated prices.
Strategy: If you are traveling by intercity bus, buy your ticket online or strictly demand the official bus ticket at the counter. Do not accept "suggestions" for alternative transportation from the staff.
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Public Bus Lines
104L - 104th Ave & Revere, Thornton Crossroads, Wagon Road Park-n-Ride
169L - Tower, Centretech, Buckley, Smoky Hill/Pheasant Run
145X - 4th/Laurel, US 85 & Bridge St Park-n-Ride
AB1/AB2 - Flatiron, McCaslin, Table Mesa, University of Colorado, Boulder
AT - Nine Mile, Arapahoe at Village Center
Schedules: Buses depart approximately every 15 minutes during peak hours, from 3:30 am to 12:00 am, with the last service from the airport at 1:28 am.
Fare: A day pass costs USD 10.00. SEE MORE
Payment Method: Credit or debit card at vending machines, via the MyRide app, or through the website.
Accessibility: All buses are accessible for passengers in wheelchairs.
User Experience: 🟡 While many passengers praise the efficiency and punctuality of RTD services, comfort levels can vary. It is recommended to avoid peak hours if you are carrying heavy luggage, as seating may be limited. 🚦 Some travelers have found that airport signage to the bus station is not clear.
Interregional Bus Service
The Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang service offers transportation from Union Station to Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Vail, Glenwood Springs, and other locations. You can reach Union Station from the airport by taking the RTD A Line commuter train.
Charter Buses
Several private companies can organize your transportation within Colorado and neighboring states. These buses pick up passengers on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal.
- Ace Express Coaches (Tel +1 303 421 2780)
- Arrow Stage Lines (Tel +1 303 373 9119)
- D & D Transportation Services (Tel +1 720 252 3973)
- Dakota Bus Service (Tel +1 303 287 7605)
- Gray Line Of Denver (Tel +1 303 289 2841)
- Hermes Worldwide (Tel +1 303 577 7600)
- Landline Motorcoach Charters (Tel +1 888 428 1149)
- Ramblin’ Express (Tel +1 303 572 8687)
- Royalty Coach Charters (Tel +1 970 439 7778)
- Sunset Luxury Limousines (Tel +1 303 426 9005)
Transportation to Resorts and Ski Stations
Passenger pick-up and drop-off on Level 5, Island 1, of the Jeppesen Terminal, outside doors 511-513 (East side) and 504-506 (West side). Some providers include:
- Aspen/Snowmass Express (Tel +1 303 342 3424)
- Epic Mountain Express (Tel +1 970 754 7433)
- Golden West Airport Shuttle (Tel +1 303 756 9399)
- Mountain Ready Rides (Tel +1 970 445 1552)
- MTN Shuttle (Tel +1 970 453 3010)
- Silver Mountain Express (Tel +1 720 440 4202)
- Storm Mountain Shuttle (Tel +1 970 879 1963)
- Summit Express (Tel +1 970 668 6000)
Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels around the premises offer transportation to and from the airport. It is advisable to check with the hotel first to confirm availability and schedules.
Pick-up Zone: Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5, Island 3, doors 505-507 (East side) and 510-512 (West side).
Pros and Cons of Buses at DEN
Pros: Cheapest option for downtown; well-integrated RTD network; very frequent ski resort shuttle services.
Cons: Intercity company counters can be hotspots for scams; limited night schedules; confusing signage to find external stops.
Official Sources and Resources
Factual information is based on the official Denver International Airport website and other updated institutional resources.
Impressions regarding experience, prices, and service quality are supported by recent reviews on Google Maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Sleeping in Airports, Skytrax, Reddit, other opinion portals, and travel forums.