How to get to Denver

Denver International Airport, usually called DIA by locals, is the third busiest airport in the nation.

If you are renting a car – which can be a good idea if you plan to leave downtown Denver for a fun excursion into the mountains or to visit another Front Range city – head for the shuttle to car rental agencies, People who will be spending their vacation or business trip exclusively in downtown Denver, can aim for the light rail train that departs from the east end of the airport (there is also a bus that goes downtown). The light rail train brings you to Union Station in downtown’s LoDo neighborhood. There are taxis and ride share available just outside of Union Station, as well as nearby regional buses and it’s a short walk to rental car agencies located downtown.

There has been construction in the airport’s main terminal, known as the Great Hall, for years already and it is scheduled to continue until at least 2028. This can make navigating the airport confusing, but there are ambassadors on-site to answer questions.

For your return journey, it’s important to know that DIA is notorious for its security lines so plan accordingly and leave plenty of time for getting through the airport and to your gate. For those with time on their hands, there are many trendy restaurants to feast at. Root Down will stock you with all the vegetarian options imaginable, La Casita is known for their spicy tamales, and New Belgium Brewery features Colorado-brewed beer and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salad. The airport also houses a public art collection, a yoga zone, and even an ice-skating rink during the cold months.

Although somewhat limited, it is possible to get to Denver—and leave Denver—by train. Amtrak trains come to the Mile High City from Chicago and Los Angeles. If you are traveling from another city, such as NYC, you will need to take a train that first goes to Chicago, then take the train to Denver from there.

In winter, there is a Ski Train that takes skiers from Union Station to Winter Park, a ski resort owned by the city of Denver. There is a dining car on the train that sells light snacks, coffee, tea, and water, or you can pack a picnic. It feels so luxurious to simply board the train for your ride back to Denver rather than drive and possibly encounter traffic.

The Union Station that stands today was opened in 1914 and has been the first place many dignitaries—former presidents and European royalty–who traveled by train saw when they arrived in Denver. Like the city itself, this grand building went through boom and bust cycles over the years as train travel became less popular and the station had fewer and fewer passengers. After being used for both office space and a fairly quiet train station for many years, in 2014 it was revitalized as a hotel with bars and restaurants, once again becoming a hub of activity for the city.

Today Union Station provides a place for those who arrive by train to spend the night at the Crawford Hotel or meet up with friends in the Grand Hall after their travels. It’s also within walking distance from other hotels such as the Oxford Hotel and the Maven Hotel.

If you are looking for an excursion from Denver by train, some trains go to Glenwood Springs and Moab, Utah. There are also longer trips that go to Salt Lake City, Utah, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana.

If you identify as a budget traveler with time to spare, the Greyhound bus offers regular routes into the Mile High City at an affordable price. There are buses from Los Angeles to Denver, Seattle to Denver, Salt Lake City to Denver, and plenty more. The bus will bring you to Union Station where you can connect to light rail trains to the airport or other neighborhoods around the city, and access to local hotels and restaurants.