World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
Denver has an excellent public transport system run by Regional Transport Direct – RTD (tel: (303) 299 6000; website: www.rtd-denver.com). RTD has 180 bus routes, a light rail line and a number of special services, including the Skyride airport buses.

The light rail runs every ten minutes (0400-0100) and has 24 stops. The main line is between 1-25 Streets and Broadway to 30th Street and Downing Street, including six stops situated Downtown. An extension runs south to Mineral Avenue and Santa Fe in the suburb of Littleton. The ‘C train’ is a second branch, which runs from Union Station to popular attractions including the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field.

The local bus service is comprehensive, covering all areas in Metro Denver and Greater Denver. Times vary on the different routes but generally operate between 0500 and 2400. Some buses stop running between 1800 and 1900, although others, on very busy streets, run until after midnight. It is best for travellers who are unfamiliar with the route to telephone and check.

Tickets for bus and the light rail cost US$1.10 at all times. A ten-ride book of tickets costs US$8.25. Express fares for both bus and light rail are US$2.50 and regional buses, such as the ones to Boulder, cost US$3.50 one way. The fare can be paid in cash on the bus, although the exact amount is required, as the driver does not dispense change. There are also vending machines with clear instructions, located at light rail stations.

The selection of passes on offer are not that much use to tourists, as the options are geared toward locals and commuters, although a selection of monthly passes are available, such as the Local Monthly Pass valid for either bus or light rail travel and costing US$31. There are also a number of passes and offers for travel to and from various sporting events.

Tickets and passes are available for purchase at RTD sales outlets, which include the Market Street Station, Civic Center Station, Denver International Airport west terminal and selected metro-area King Soopers and Safeway stores.

The free 16th Street Mall Shuttle runs between Broadway and Union Station, daily 0514-0206, stopping at every junction. The Skyride airport service has 30 stops, including Denver International Airport (see Getting There By Air). The Cultural Connection Trolley, operated by Grayline, runs during the summer and serves the main city centre attractions, including the Mint, Zoo and Botanical Gardens (see Tours of the City).

Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street but they rarely stop. Visitors can instead find them at taxi ranks outside the major hotels and the bus and train stations, or telephone for one in advance. There are two reputable cab companies in Denver – Yellow Cab (tel: (303) 777 7777) and Metro Taxi (tel: (303) 333 3333). Charges are US$1.60 flag fare, plus US$1.60 per mile and a flat charge of US$0.20 per person. Tipping is customary, usually 15% of the fare.

Limousines
Presidential Limousines (tel: (800) 828 8680; fax: (303) 320 7721; website: www.presidentiallimo.com) offers a complete service, by sedan or stretch limousines, including airport transfers, business, excursions and transport to the ski areas. Other companies include Carey LimousineDenver (tel: (800) 331 1063; e-mail: info@ecareydenver.com; website: www.ecareydenver.com) and Star Limousine (tel: (877) 249 7827; e-mail: coolalia@aol.com; website: www.starlimousine.net).

Rates start at US$55 for an airport transfer, with possible additional charges for airport toll, fuel and an average 20% tip for the chauffeur.

Driving in the City
A car is not necessary for visits limited to Downtown Denver, as everything is within walking distance or accessible by public transport. Getting around by car is easy outside of the peak rush hour periods (0700-0900 and 1600-1800), when there is much congestion on major roads such as the I-25, I-70 and US 36 to Boulder.

Parking is expensive in Downtown and although most of the major hotels have parking facilities for their guests, there still is a charge. Most blocks in Downtown have either a parking garage, surface lot or on-street, metered parking. Parking ramps (garages) cost upwards of US$10, while outdoor lots are less. Parking meters cost 25 cents per 15 minutes, with a limit of two hours. Prices are higher the closer cars are parked to the 16th Street Mall – outlying lots are cheaper. Visitors should be aware that parking costs double (or more) during baseball games and events at Coors Field.

Car Hire
The minimum age for hiring a car is 25 years of age. For British nationals, a full UK driving licence will suffice. Other foreign drivers will require an International Driving Permit and a full licence from their own country. A major credit card is also required to cover the deposit and insurance excess. Insurance cover included in the basic hire cost is usually only for third party and it is strongly advised that additional insurance be purchased to cover theft of or damage to the vehicle. Hirers will be liable for the full replacement value of the car, even if it is not their fault. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), can cost as much as US$16 per day.

All major car hire companies have offices in the city, including Avis (tel: (800) 331 1212; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (800) 527 0700; website: www.rent.drivebudget.com), Dollar (tel: (800) 800 4000; website: www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel: (800) 720 7222; website: www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel: (800) 654 3131; website: www.hertz.com), National (tel: (800) 227 7368; website: www.nationalcar.com) and Thrifty (tel: (800) 367 2277; website: www.thrifty.com).

The basic cost of car hire in Colorado starts at US$32 per day, including taxes but excluding additional insurance.

Bicycle Hire
Due to lack of demand, there are no bicycle hire outlets in the city.