Denver
Getting Around
RTD has buses, and a light rail network. There is also a free MallRide shuttle along 16th Street Mall. Denver itself is highly walkable, with bike lanes and rentals.
Public Transportation
Getting around Denver is fairly straightforward thanks to its variety of transportation options that cater to both locals and visitors. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates buses and a light rail network that connects downtown to neighborhoods, suburbs, and even Denver International Airport. The A Line train is especially popular for quick, direct service between the airport and Union Station.
Within downtown, many people take advantage of the free 16th Street MallRide, an electric shuttle that runs along the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall, making it easy to hop between shops, restaurants, and attractions. Denver is also very bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes, scenic trails like the Cherry Creek and South Platte River paths, and a city bike-share program.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and the city’s walkable neighborhoods—especially LoDo, RiNo, and Capitol Hill—make exploring on foot easy and enjoyable. For those heading into the mountains or to outlying attractions, renting a car is often the most flexible option, as public transit doesn’t cover many mountain destinations. In short, whether you prefer public transit, biking, walking, or driving, Denver offers a mix of modern and convenient ways to explore.
Walkability & Bike Friendliness
Denver is recognized as the 4th most bicycle-friendly large city in the U.S. by Walk Score, and Colorado is ranked the 6th most bike-friendly state overall thanks in part to cities like Denver and Boulder.
The city boasts around 850 miles of paved, off-road bike and walking trails, including major corridors like Cherry Creek Trail and the South Platte River Greenway. These paths are key arteries connecting downtown with parks, neighborhoods, and even the foothills.
Neighborhoods like Five Points, Capitol Hill, Whittier, City Park West, and Lincoln Park frequently top local Bike Score rankings—making them easier and more enjoyable to explore by bike.