Transportation Options for Our Wedding

We're so excited to celebrate with you in beautiful Colorado! Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get from Denver International Airport (DIA) to Denver, Boulder, Lyons, and surrounding areas.

Getting to/from Denver International Airport (DIA)

Rental Cars (Most Flexible Option)

Traditional Rental Companies: All major rental car companies operate at DIA, but note that rental counters are off-site. After collecting your baggage, exit on Level 5 to the island outside baggage claim and catch the dedicated rental car shuttle bus to the rental facility.

Turo (Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing): A convenient alternative to traditional rentals

  • Website: turo.com

  • Book cars directly from local hosts through the Turo app

  • Many hosts offer airport delivery to DIA parking garages (East/West Garage or Economy Lots)

  • Often more affordable than traditional rentals

  • Wide variety of vehicles available, from economy cars to luxury SUVs

Train from DIA to Downtown Denver

A-Line Train: The most affordable option to get downtown

  • Website: rtd-denver.com

  • Cost: $10 per person

  • Route: Take elevator/escalator to basement level of airport → board A-Line train → ride to final stop at Union Station downtown Denver

  • Purchase tickets: Before boarding using ticket machines or RTD MyRide app

  • Duration: ~45 minutes to Union Station

  • Great option if you're staying downtown or want to connect to other public transit

Rideshare from DIA

Uber & Lyft: Available 24/7 from Level 5 of the terminal

  • Cost: $50-100+ depending on destination and time of day

  • Pick-up: Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5

  • Most convenient for direct transport to your accommodation

Public Transportation to Boulder, Lyons & Longmont

RTD Bus Service (Regional Transportation District)

Website: rtd-denver.com

AB Routes (DIA ↔ Boulder):

  • AB1: Year-round service, approximately hourly

  • AB2: Weekday peak service with increased frequency

  • AB3: Saturday service (seasonal)

  • Cost: ~$10 Airport Day Pass

  • Duration: ~75-90 minutes

  • Stops: Multiple stops in Boulder including Downtown Boulder Transit Center (14th & Walnut)

  • Pick-up at DIA: Transit Center (basement level of airport, under Westin Hotel)

  • Amenities: Luggage storage, drivers assist with bags

Regional Routes:

  • LD1/LD3: Denver ↔ Longmont (via Lafayette and Broomfield)

  • LX: Express service Denver ↔ Longmont

  • BOLT: Boulder ↔ Longmont connection

  • Free local routes: Some Longmont city buses are fare-free

Bustang Service (State Bus System)

Website: ridebustang.com

North Line (Denver ↔ Fort Collins) - Daily service with Longmont stop:

  • Route: Denver Union Station → Westminster → Firestone-Longmont → Berthoud → Loveland → Fort Collins

  • Cost: Affordable state bus service (check website for current fares)

  • Schedule: Multiple daily trips, Monday through Friday

  • Duration: ~80 minutes total journey time

  • Amenities: WiFi, power outlets, restroom onboard

  • Longmont Stop: Firestone-Longmont Mobility Hub (CO 119 & I-25 Exit 240)

  • Perfect for guests heading to the Longmont area

Denver Union Station ↔ Estes Park (Seasonal - weekends & holidays):

  • Cost: $15 round-trip per person

  • Stops: Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, Lyons, Estes Park

  • Seasonal: Please check availability

  • Amenities: WiFi, bathroom, bike racks, luggage storage

  • Great option for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park

Private Transportation & Shuttles

Airport Shuttles

Boulder Shuttle/Eight Black Cars:

  • Website: bouldershuttle.com

  • Phone: Contact via website for reservations

  • Door-to-door service from DIA

  • Reservations required (phone, email, or text)

Estes Park Shuttle:

  • Website: estesparkshuttle.com

  • Phone: (970) 586-5151

  • Service to Estes Park area

  • $75 one-way, $135 round-trip per person

  • Runs from DIA or Union Station

Denver Airport Transportation:

Charter Bus Services

Several companies offer group charter services for custom routes:

Metropolitan Shuttle

Ace Express Coaches

National Charter Bus

Perfect for larger groups wanting to travel together to mountain destinations.

Getting Around Once You're Here

Denver Area

16th Street FreeRide (formerly MallRide):

  • Cost: Completely FREE

  • Route: 1.25-mile corridor from Union Station to Civic Center Station

  • Schedule: Runs approximately every 5 minutes, attracting thousands of boardings daily

Shared Bikes & Scooters:

  • Cost: Variable pricing, check apps for current rates

  • Coverage: City-wide with dedicated parking corrals

  • Apps: Download Lime or Bird apps

  • Important: Riding on sidewalks is illegal - use bike lanes or roads

Traditional Bike Rentals:

  • Wheel Fun Rentals (City Park): Standard bikes start at $12/hour, $24/full day, includes helmets and safety equipment

  • evo Denver: Located at 845 Lincoln St, offers road, mountain & electric bikes with multi-day rentals available

RTD Local Transit:

  • Light Rail: 10 rail lines with 113 miles of service

  • Local Buses: Over 100 routes throughout metro area

  • Day Passes: More economical for multiple trips

Boulder Area

Free Transit Options:

  • HOP: Continuous loop serving downtown Boulder, Pearl Street, CU campus, and 29th Street Mall

  • SKIP & JUMP: Additional local Boulder routes

Longmont Area

Ride Free Longmont: City buses (routes 323, 324, 326, 327) are completely free

FLEX Regional: Connects Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, and Longmont

Driving Directions & Tips

DIA to Boulder (45-50 minutes)

Fastest Route: Peña Blvd → E-470 North (toll road) → US-36 West through Boulder Scenic Route: Peña Blvd → I-70 West → I-270 → US-36 West through Boulder

Boulder to Lyons (20 minutes)

Route: US-36 West from Boulder → Continue through scenic canyon to Lyons

Mountain Driving Tips

  • Altitude: Drink plenty of water - Colorado altitude can be dehydrating

  • Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly; check conditions before driving

  • Winter: If visiting in snow season, ensure your rental has snow tires or carry chains

Money-Saving Tips

  1. Youth discount: RTD offers free rides for anyone 19 and under

  2. Group travel: Charter buses become cost-effective for larger groups

  3. Day passes: RTD day passes offer unlimited rides and can be more economical than individual tickets

  4. Turo vs traditional rentals: Often 20-40% cheaper, plus you support local hosts

Questions?

Feel free to reach out if you need help planning your transportation to Colorado. We want to make sure everyone can get here safely and affordably to celebrate with us!