If you are thinking about moving to Denver, you are probably aware that this city offers many amazing things to see and do. Denver is also set up for easy navigation, making it an ideal option for those who want to live just outside the city and travel in for work each day or for those looking to be able to traverse the city with ease.
Denver offers something for everyone and is an ideal place for people of all ages and interests. Whether you want to live inside the city or in the suburbs, you will love Denver’s climate, friendly residents, and convenience.
Commuting in Denver
There are various ways to get around Denver. There are few cities in the US that are so transportation-friendly. Denver offers the following transportation options operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD):
- A light rail system
- Buses and shuttles
- Passes & MyRide
- A well-cared-for highway system
- Biking
The RTD is responsible for 100 bus routes, ten rail lines, and a bunch of Park-N-Ride lots all over the Mile High City. You can easily reach many Denver suburbs with the help of the RTD, and you can also use a combination of their services on a regular basis to navigate even the most populous areas of the city easily.
Buses which are operated by RTD are both regional and local. The fare zones are clearly indicated as well, making it easy to tell what your daily cost for transportation will be if you are using RTD transit to get around.
1. Light Rail and Commuter Rail
If you opt to live in one of Denver’s suburbs, you will probably need to travel into the downtown area regularly. Light rail has been a part of Denver’s transportation picture since the mid-90s. There are 12 lines that are intended to serve as commuter rail lines. These lines head to Union Station and the downtown area and also head out to the major suburbs, like Golden, Aurora, and Littleton.
Learn more: What are buyer commission rebates in Denver.
The commuter rail system dates back to 2016 and helps out those who need to commute over longer distances. These rail lines are made to travel at higher speeds and with fewer stops. You will want to use the A, B, G, and N lines if you are heading to the downtown area from Westminster, the airport, or the Eastlake area.
Light rail trains arrive every 15-30 minutes, and trains on this system run until about one a.m. in most cases. Commuter trains are operated on an hourly schedule and often stop for the day at 10:30 p.m. The A-line, which runs to the airport, follows a schedule that is closer to the light rail schedule.
2. Buses and Shuttles
Regional and local buses are some of the best options to help you navigate the city if you don’t want to drive your car in the downtown area. There are 9,000 bus stops in the Denver metropolitan area and 125 bus routes. Fares begin at $3.00, with longer trips out to places like Aurora or Boulder being priced at $5.25.
There is a SkyRide shuttle that covers transit from the airport to Boulder, Thornton, and the Denver Tech Center for a flat fee of $10.50. There are also some free shuttles in the city, such as metroRide.
You can opt to get a bus pass that will cover most of the bus travel lines that you need to take to work each day. This can be the easiest way to handle your commute using buses since you will need exact change to pay for your fare otherwise.
3. The Highway System
The highways in the Denver area are some of the nicest in the US. You will likely spend a fair amount of your commute time on I-25 or I-70. These two highways can be quite congested during peak commute hours, however. Other highway options that you could take instead include highways 85 and 287 and the E-470. Be aware that there are various toll roads in this state, and you might want to pick up a fast pass to pay your toll as you drive by.
Park-N-Ride options can be the right solution for those who want to drive part of the way to work and then use public transportation for the rest of their journey into downtown. You can buy a monthly pass for your Park-N-Ride fares as well, making it easy to leave your car at a secure lot, hop on a bus or a train, and head into the city.
4. Biking
While it might not seem like you would be able to get around easily on a bike in a big city, there are many people who commute each day with the help of their bike. There are 196 miles of bike lanes in Denver due to a recent initiative to improve and expand the biking network in the city. You can reach any area of the city on the bike path system, and there are many safe places to lock up your bike along the way. The bus fleet in Denver is also set up with quality bike racks on buses, so you can use a combination of transportation options even if you are choosing to bike part of the way to work each day.
Getting Around Denver is a Snap
If you are worried about moving to Denver due to traffic on the highway during rush hour, this guide will help you formulate the perfect, affordable, stress-free commute plan. You can easily live outside the city and head downtown for work each day when you choose to move to Denver. There are so many opportunities in the Denver area for people who are looking for a place to call home that is fun and engaging and offers amazing housing opportunities.
This guide to commuting around the city should put your mind totally at ease. Now, all you need to do is find your dream home, and you will be ready to move to one of the best cities in the US!