Transportation
Public Transportation
Denver’s bus and light rail system is run by RTD (Regional Transportation District). Denver’s bus system operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, across eight counties in the Denver metro area. Buses run on most main streets throughout the Denver area and to the airport (SkyRide).
Denver’s light rail is convenient for travel downtown to the theater district, convention and entertainment centers and sports parks.
Visit RTD for bus, light rail and SkyRide schedules, routes and fare information.
Make sure to contact the benefits department at National Jewish Health to learn about the RTD discount program.
Bicycle
Denver has an extensive bike network made up of on-street routes and bike lanes as well as off-street trails. Also, RTD's bike-n-ride program combines bikes with transit, making it easy to get around with your bike. Cyclists in Denver are respected and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. There are many resources for acquiring new and used bicycles in Denver. Visit Yellow Pages and Yelp for information on new and used bikes.
Denver also offers a bike-sharing program (Denver B-Cycle) as a way of getting around. There are several bike stations in downtown Denver as well as Cherry Creek and Denver University neighborhoods. Cyclists can pick up a bike at any B-cycle location for a 24-hour period and drop off at any B-cycle station when they're done. Visit Denver B-cycle for more information.
Automobile
Driver’s License
Anyone living in the state of Colorado and driving a car here must have a Colorado driver’s license. Before taking the driver’s examination, visit the Division of Motor Vehicles for a free copy of the Colorado Driver Handbook. The Colorado Motor Vehicle Department publishes the Driver Handbook and it is the best study source for exam preparation.
To acquire a Colorado license, you must visit your local Department of Revenue Driver’s License Office when you are ready to take the written examination. Visit the Division of Motor Vehicles to find an office nearby. Written tests are given on a walk-in basis. You will need your proof of legal status including passport, residence in Colorado and social security card. If you do not have a social security card, you will need to apply for one even if you are not eligible. You will then take your social security denial letter to the Driver’s License Office to be eligible for a license.
Automobile Registration
After purchasing a car, you must take all the necessary papers such as the title and emissions test results to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles to get a license plate and registration. A fee will be charged for this based on the value of the car. To register a vehicle, visit the Division of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements.
Automobile Insurance
Colorado law requires every driver to have automobile liability insurance. If you drive in Colorado, you must show that you can pay for accidents you cause. Visit dexknows for a list of automobile insurance companies. Unless a friend can recommend a reliable agent, make sure to shop around and compare insurance plans.
SuperShuttle Denver
SuperShuttle Denver provides residential and office pick-up and drop-off service to and from the Denver International Airport. Visit SuperShuttle to learn about their shared-ride services and fares.
Taxi Services
Taxi services are an alternative to Denver’s public transportation system. A quick search for “Taxicabs & Other Transportation” will reveal numerous taxi services. If flying into Denver International Airport, taxies are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some taxi service companies in the area include:
- Freedom Cab – 303.444.4444
- Metro Taxi – 303.333.3333
- Yellow Cab – 303.777.7777
Greyhound Bus Lines
Greyhound provides intercity bus transportation across North America. Greyhound offers an economical way to get around the country for those who aren’t able to drive, or who choose not to. Visit Greyhound for fares, schedules and ticketing.
Amtrak
Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. Visit Amtrak to learn about train routes and fares in Colorado and across North America.
Maps
For easy access to a variety of Denver, Colorado map files and getting directions visit: