Denver, a vibrant city nestled against the Rocky Mountains, offers a comprehensive public transportation system to help you explore all it has to offer. A cornerstone of the City Of Denver Transportation network is the efficient and accessible light rail. Operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), the light rail provides a convenient way to travel throughout Denver and its surrounding areas.
Getting Started with Denver Light Rail
Embarking on your Denver light rail journey is straightforward. For the most up-to-date information on routes, fares, and schedules, your first stop should be the RTD website. This resource is invaluable for planning your trip. Should you need personalized assistance, the RTD Customer Care line (303-299-6000) is readily available to answer your questions and provide light rail details.
Denver light rail stations are designed for easy access and are identifiable by their open layouts, public art installations, and clear red and white RTD signage on nearby streets. Many stations, designed with commuters in mind, feature Park-n-Ride facilities offering free parking. Furthermore, numerous bus routes and FlexRide services connect to light rail stations, expanding your reach within the city of Denver transportation ecosystem.
Before boarding the light rail, ensure you have a validated ticket. Ticket vending machines are conveniently located at each station. Unlike buses where you can pay upon entry, light rail requires pre-validation. Upon purchase, the ticket machine automatically validates your ticket with the current date and time. If you possess an RTD bus transfer or pass, it is also valid on the light rail. However, be aware that an upgrade might be necessary if the light rail fare exceeds your bus fare coverage.
As the light rail train approaches the station, verify you are boarding the correct line by checking the electronic sign displayed above the train’s windshield. Allow the train to come to a complete stop before attempting to board. Once stationary, the doors will open automatically. Alternatively, you can activate them by pressing the illuminated green button. It’s courteous to allow exiting passengers to disembark before boarding the train.
Once the train is in motion, a fare inspector may request to see your ticket to ensure compliance. The Denver RTD light rail system operates on a zone-based fare structure, divided into zones A, B, C, and Airport. Your fare is determined by the number of zones you traverse during a single one-way trip. Light rail trains are designed for frequent stops, halting at every station along the route. There is no need to signal the operator for your stop. Upon arrival at a station, the doors will open automatically, or you can use the lighted green button to open them. Remember to allow passengers to exit before you board.
Denver Airport Rail: The A-Line
For seamless city of Denver transportation to and from Denver International Airport (DEN), the Airport Rail, also known as the “Train to the Plane,” is an excellent option. Launched on April 22, 2016, this dedicated rail line provides a direct link between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport. Departing from Denver Union Station, the A-Line whisks travelers to DEN in just 37 minutes. Trains run frequently, departing every 15 minutes during peak hours, ensuring timely connections. The fare for travel to or from DEN is a flat rate of $10.50, with discount options available. Utilize the A-Line just as you would any other light rail line, remembering to keep your travel documents handy if heading to the airport! For more in-depth information, explore the official Denver Airport Rail page.
Denver’s light rail system is an integral part of the city of Denver transportation network, offering an efficient and convenient way to navigate the city and reach Denver International Airport. By utilizing the RTD website and understanding the simple steps to ride, you can confidently explore Denver and its surroundings using this excellent public transportation option.
