Travel & Transportation
Here are some key considerations when moving to (and around) the Denver area.
Denver International Airport
The closest airport to the CU Denver Campus is Denver International Airport (DIA). Denver International Airport has one terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal with two sides; East and West. Domestic and International arrivals arrive on two different sides of the airport, so if you have someone who is meeting you at the airport, make sure to tell them if you are arriving from an International destination, or a domestic destination.
A Line Commuter Train
The A Line commuter train is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), and offers convenient, easy transportation between the airport and downtown Denver:
- Travel time: 37 minutes from the airport to Denver Union Station
- Frequency: Trains run every 15 minutes during peak travel times, and every 30 minutes from 3 a.m. - 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. (for exact departure and arrival times, visit the RTD website)
- Tickets: You can buy A line train tickets using cash or a credit card at the ticket vending machines located at the train stations or at the DEN airport Transit Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the RTD Information Booth at the Transit Center.
- Fare: Generally, the airport fare is $10.50 per day from any of the stations on the A Line and includes unlimited rides on the A Line during a single business day.
Ride App Services
Ride apps like Lyft and Uber offer pickup and drop-off transportation service for passengers at DIA (Denver International Airport).
Ride App Drop-Off Location - Level 5, Curbside: Passengers arriving at the airport via a ride app service will be dropped off at their specified airline location on Level 5, east or west.
Ride App Pickup Location - Level 5, Island 5: Passengers who have requested rides through Lyft or Uber apps should follow signs for ground transportation, then exit the terminal through doors 506-510 (west side) and 507-511 (east side) on Level 5 near baggage claim and proceed to Island 5 to meet your Lyft or Uber driver.
Passengers using a ride app service may only be picked up in the designated area of Level 5. Find the Ride App Pickup Area on this interactive map.
Helpful Tips:
- Request your ride after you’ve claimed your luggage at baggage claim or have arrived on Level 5.
- Please use the designated crosswalks to access Island 5 and be aware of vehicle traffic in the area.
- Ride app drivers are not allowed to solicit customers and payment is made in the mobile app.
- Rides may only be requested through the mobile apps.
- Before you get into a ride app vehicle, make sure the license plate, car make and model, and driver’s name match what is in the app.
Here are the links to Uber and Lyft – however it is best to download the app on your phone, it is available in the app store.
When you contact the shared shuttle services you are supposed to give the following details:
Shared-ride service shuttles pick-up and drop-off from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, island 5, outside doors 505-507 (east side) and 510-512 (west side).
Here are links to a couple of shared shuttle service operators:
Travel Tips for long flights
Many of our international students have to take a really long flight to get to Denver. Here are top 15 tips for surviving a long flight:
- Power up. Make sure you have all your chargers with you so that you can keep all your gadgets powered up throughout your flight. Alternatively, bring extra batteries or an external charging device in case your plane doesn’t have electrical outlets but keep in mind not all airlines allow these so make sure to double check.
- Before you board your flight, make sure that your devices (tablet, laptop, smartphone, e-reader) have enough games, movies, television shows, music, books to keep you entertained during the long flight. Also, search for the airline’s app to download in advance for additional entertainment options.
- There are tons of different travel pillows on the market. Find out which one works for you and pack one. Also, not all airlines provide blankets so you might want to bring your own or at least some warm clothes.
- Wear comfortable clothes. The temperature on a plane is rarely comfortable for everyone. Pack some layers so that you can adjust as the temperature changes on the plane. Pack some cozy socks, too.
- Carry eye masks.
- Bring earplugs and/or noise-cancellation headphones.
- Pack anti-bacterial wipes.
- Bring a face mask.
- Bring snacks/water.
Public Transportation
RTD (Regional Transportation District)
Denver is home to many great forms of transportation. Our public transportation system is managed by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Our train system in Denver is called the light rail. We also have buses. On the RTD website, you can find more information on the available trains, buses and their routes, and tools for planning your trip. This is the Lightrail Train Map for Denver.
The stops that are closest to our campus are as follows:
- Colfax at Auraria
- Auraria West
- Pepsi Center
- Theatre District
You should try to find a place to live that is close to light rail so you don’t have to worry about driving and paying for parking.
Bustang
The Bustang is the intercity bus service for Denver. These are high quality, express buses that are easy to use. You can travel to many other cities in Colorado including Ft. Collins, Boulder and the Rocky Mountains.
Student RTD Pass
All full-time CU Denver students get a RTD pass which can be used on all Denver RTD buses and lightrail trains. You will get your RTD Pass when you pick your student ID.
Easy and Affordable
CollegePass offers several benefits to students including:
- Reduced cost of parking and gas
- Automatic enrollment and peace of mind with reliable transportation
- Convenient transportation to school, work, and anywhere else.
Convenience
CollegePass utilizes smart card tap on technology making program administration and riding RTD a breeze. Students are issued their own photo ID CollegePass smart card, which can be easily replaced if the card gets lost or damaged.
Airport Transportation
All trips to and from the airport are included with the CollegePass.
How CollegePass Works
All participating colleges receive free Local, Regional and Airport bus and rail service. CollegePass is not valid on special services including but not limited to Access a Ride, BroncosRide, BuffRide, Rockies service, RunRide, and SeniorRide.
Colorado Driver's License
How To Obtain A CO Driver's License
Parking Maps
Anschutz Medical Campus
13001 E 17th Place
Aurora, Colorado
- Composite Map (pdf)
- Visitors' Parking Map (pdf)
- Reserved Parking (pdf)
- Circulator Route (pdf)
- RTD Stops (pdf)
- Motorcycle Parking (pdf)
- Bicycle Parking (pdf)
- Scooter Parking (pdf)
- More Maps & Information
Denver Campus
1250 14th Street
Denver, Colorado
Bike / Scooter Options
Another great way to get around Denver is by biking or scooting. You can usually bike or scoot when the weather is nice and the roads are dry (about 9 months out of the year). There are many bike and scooter rental options to consider. Search your app store for the apps listed below and download on your phone.
- Lime
- Bird (on the Uber App)
- Jump
- Lyft
- Spin
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