Denver Transport Tickets and RTD Pass Guide

Quick answer: which Denver transport ticket should tourists use?

• Best for Denver Airport to Downtown: RTD Airport Day Pass or airport-valid fare product for the A Line
• Best for one or two local rides: RTD 3-Hour Pass or Tap-n-Ride depending on payment preference
• Best for one busy sightseeing day: Standard Day Pass for local bus and rail travel, or Airport Day Pass if airport travel is included
• Best for several days: MyRide, Tap-n-Ride or individual day passes depending on ride frequency
• Best for Union Station and LoDo: Airport Day Pass if arriving from DEN, then local RTD options if needed
• Best for families: check youth rules; riders 19 and under can ride free on RTD services
• Best for convention visitors: Airport Day Pass on arrival day, then Standard Day Pass or 3-Hour Pass for local movement
• Best for ski or mountain travelers: check shuttle or regional transport tickets separately
• Main mistake to avoid: buying a standard local fare when your trip starts or ends at Denver Airport

Ticket or payment method	Best for	Main advantage	Main limitation
Airport Day Pass	Denver Airport to Union Station, airport arrival days, airport + local RTD rides	Valid across RTD for the service day, including airport travel	Costs more than a standard local Day Pass
Standard Day Pass	One full day of local bus and rail travel without airport trips	Good value if you take several local RTD rides in one day	Not valid for standard adult travel to or from the airport
3-Hour Pass	Short local trips, simple one-way journeys, limited RTD use	Cheaper than a Day Pass when you only need one short travel window	Not ideal for several separate rides across a full day
MyRide	Visitors or residents using RTD more regularly	Convenient RTD fare payment through app or account-based options	Requires setup and familiarity with RTD payment rules
Tap-n-Ride	Visitors who prefer tapping a contactless card or mobile wallet	No ticket preloading needed; fare capping can simplify payment	You must use the same card or device consistently
Monthly Pass	Long stays, commuters, students, temporary workers and frequent riders	Unlimited travel for a calendar month, including airport access	Usually unnecessary for normal tourist stays
Mobile ticket	Visitors comfortable buying tickets on a phone	Convenient and avoids paper tickets or vending machines	Requires phone battery, app access and correct ticket selection
Cash fare	Backup use on buses only where accepted	Useful if you have no card, phone or app available	Less convenient and not ideal for rail or airport travel planning

Airport Day Pass: the most important Denver ticket for visitors

The RTD Airport Day Pass is the most important fare product for many tourists because it covers travel to and from Denver International Airport as well as RTD bus and rail travel during the same service day.

If you are arriving at DEN and taking the A Line train to Union Station, this is the fare product most adult visitors should understand first. A normal local fare is not the same as an airport-valid fare.

The Airport Day Pass can be very useful because it is not just a one-way airport ticket. It can also cover local RTD travel later that same service day, which may help if you take the A Line to Union Station and then continue by light rail, bus or other RTD service.

For example, if you arrive at DEN, take the A Line to Union Station, then later use RTD to reach the Colorado Convention Center, RiNo, Civic Center or another part of the city, the Airport Day Pass can simplify fare planning.

Airport Day Pass is best if:

• you are taking the A Line from DEN to Union Station,
• you are travelling from Downtown Denver to the airport,
• you need airport travel and local RTD travel on the same day,
• you want one simple fare product for arrival day,
• you do not want to worry about airport upgrades,
• you are a standard adult rider paying full fare.

How to buy and use the RTD Airport Day Pass

1. Go to the RTD ticket vending machines at Denver Airport Station or another RTD rail station.
2. Select the Airport Day Pass or airport-valid fare product.
3. Pay by accepted card, cash where available, or use RTD mobile payment options if preferred.
4. Keep your valid fare during the entire journey.
5. Board the A Line train to Union Station or the airport according to your direction.
6. Use the same pass for eligible RTD bus and rail travel during the same service day.
7. Check the validity period before using it for late-night or next-day travel.

If you use Tap-n-Ride or MyRide, make sure your payment method correctly covers airport travel. The key issue is not simply boarding the train; it is having a valid airport fare before or during your RTD journey according to current rules.

Standard Day Pass: best for local Denver travel

The Standard Day Pass is useful if you plan several local bus or rail rides in one day without travelling to or from Denver Airport. It can be a good option for visitors who have already arrived downtown and want to explore Denver using RTD.

A Standard Day Pass may be useful if your day includes Downtown Denver, Civic Center, Capitol Hill, Ball Arena, Coors Field, RiNo, Baker, Broadway, local light rail trips or bus connections. If you only stay around Union Station and LoDo, you may not need it because many places are walkable.

The important limitation is that the Standard Day Pass is not designed for standard adult airport trips. If your day includes DEN, choose the Airport Day Pass instead.

Use a Standard Day Pass if:

• you plan several local RTD rides in one day,
• you are not travelling to or from Denver Airport that day,
• you are exploring multiple Denver neighborhoods,
• you are attending a sports event or convention and using RTD both ways,
• you prefer one fixed local transit cost for the day.

3-Hour Pass: best for short local trips

The RTD 3-Hour Pass is the best choice if you only need a short local trip or a limited travel window. It is useful for one-way local journeys, short errands, quick hotel-to-attraction rides and simple bus or rail trips within Denver that do not involve the airport.

For visitors, the 3-Hour Pass can work well if you only need to go from your hotel to a museum, restaurant, sporting venue or local destination and do not expect to ride several times later in the day.

If you need to take several separate rides throughout the day, a Day Pass may be more convenient. If your trip starts or ends at DEN, make sure you use an airport-valid product instead of a normal local 3-Hour Pass.

Use a 3-Hour Pass if:

• you only need one short local journey,
• you are not travelling to or from the airport,
• you want the cheapest simple local fare,
• you are taking a bus or light rail for a limited time window,
• you do not plan several rides across a full day.

MyRide: RTD account-based payment

MyRide is RTD’s account-based payment option and can be useful for visitors who prefer mobile or stored payment instead of buying separate tickets each time. It is especially useful if you will ride RTD repeatedly during a stay or if you want a more modern payment experience.

MyRide can reduce the need to use ticket vending machines. However, visitors should understand the setup before relying on it. If you arrive tired after a flight, using a vending machine for an Airport Day Pass may feel simpler than installing an app, creating an account and checking fare settings.

For long stays, MyRide can be more convenient. For a one-time airport transfer, a ticket vending machine or Tap-n-Ride may be easier depending on your comfort level.

Tap-n-Ride in Denver

Tap-n-Ride allows riders to tap a compatible contactless card or mobile wallet at RTD fare readers for public transport travel. It can be convenient for visitors because it reduces the need to buy a ticket before every ride.

The most important rule is to use the same card or device for your trips. A physical card and the same card in a phone wallet may be treated as different payment methods. If you switch between them, fare capping or trip recognition may not work as expected.

Tap-n-Ride can be a strong option for visitors who are comfortable with contactless payment and want the system to calculate fares automatically. However, for airport travel, you should still understand that airport-valid fares apply.

Use Tap-n-Ride if:

• you prefer contactless payment,
• you do not want to buy a paper ticket,
• you are comfortable using the same card or mobile wallet consistently,
• you may ride RTD several times and want fare capping benefits,
• you understand airport fare rules before travelling to or from DEN.

Monthly Pass in Denver

The RTD Monthly Pass is usually designed for commuters, students, residents and long-stay visitors. It can be useful for travelers who will use RTD almost every day during a full month.

For normal tourists staying a few days, a Monthly Pass is usually unnecessary. For someone staying in Denver for several weeks, working temporarily, studying, commuting from suburbs or frequently going to the airport, it may become relevant.

Most visitors should focus first on the Airport Day Pass, Standard Day Pass, 3-Hour Pass, MyRide or Tap-n-Ride before considering a Monthly Pass.

A Line fares from Denver Airport

The RTD A Line is the airport rail service between Denver International Airport and Denver Union Station. For most visitors, it is the most important RTD rail route and the first RTD fare they need to understand.

Standard adult trips starting or ending at Denver Airport require an airport-valid fare product. This usually means using an Airport Day Pass or a payment method that correctly covers airport travel.

The A Line fare is much cheaper than a taxi or rideshare for solo travelers and many couples. It also gives a predictable travel time to Union Station. The main limitation is that Union Station may not be close to every hotel, so you may still need a local connection or short ride after arriving downtown.

Use the A Line if:

• you are going from DEN to Union Station,
• you are staying in LoDo or Downtown Denver,
• you want an affordable airport transfer,
• you want to avoid highway traffic,
• you have manageable luggage,
• your hotel is walkable from Union Station or easy to reach by local transit.

Denver local bus fares

RTD buses cover local neighborhoods, downtown routes, suburban corridors and connections to rail stations. Visitors may use buses less often than the A Line, but buses can be important for areas not directly served by rail.

Local bus rides are covered by standard RTD fare products, including the 3-Hour Pass, Standard Day Pass and relevant MyRide or Tap-n-Ride payment options. Airport bus routes or trips involving DEN may require airport-valid fare rules.

Buses are especially useful if your hotel is outside the main downtown core or if you are visiting neighborhoods not directly served by light rail.

Buses are useful for:

• local neighborhood trips,
• connections from Union Station,
• areas away from light rail,
• short hops when walking is inconvenient,
• visiting museums, restaurants or residential neighborhoods,
• connecting to or from light rail stations.

Denver light rail fares

Denver’s RTD light rail network is useful for several city and suburban trips. Visitors may use light rail for sports venues, convention travel, downtown movement, some hotel districts and trips toward southern parts of the metro area.

Light rail is covered by RTD fare products such as the 3-Hour Pass, Standard Day Pass, Monthly Pass, MyRide and Tap-n-Ride. If you combine an airport arrival with local light rail on the same day, the Airport Day Pass can be useful because it includes systemwide travel including the airport.

For many short-stay visitors, light rail is not as important as the A Line and downtown walking. But for convention visitors, sports fans or travelers staying near rail corridors, it can be very useful.

Free MallRide and Free MetroRide

The Free MallRide is one of the most useful services for downtown visitors. It runs along the 16th Street Mall corridor and can help travelers move between Union Station and other parts of Downtown Denver without paying an additional fare.

This is especially helpful after arriving from the airport by A Line. If your hotel is along or near 16th Street, Free MallRide may reduce the need for a taxi or rideshare from Union Station.

Free downtown services are useful, but they do not replace paid RTD fares for the airport, buses, light rail or regional trips. Think of Free MallRide as a downtown connector, not as a full transport pass.

Denver Airport ticket strategy

Denver Airport ticket strategy is simple once you understand the airport fare. If you are taking the A Line from DEN to Union Station, use an Airport Day Pass or another airport-valid payment method. Do not buy a local-only fare by mistake.

If you arrive at the airport and plan to take only the train to Union Station, the Airport Day Pass still functions as the correct airport fare. If you also plan to use RTD later the same day, the pass can become even more useful.

If your hotel is far from Union Station, you should compare two costs: A Line plus local connection or taxi/rideshare direct from the airport. For solo travelers, the train is usually cheaper. For groups with luggage, road transport may be more practical despite the higher cost.

For detailed airport transfer planning, read our Denver Airport to City Center guide, which explains A Line, taxis, rideshare, shuttles, private transfers and arrival routes by destination.

Best ticket for Union Station and LoDo

If you are staying near Union Station or in LoDo, the Airport Day Pass is usually the best ticket for arrival day. Take the A Line from DEN to Union Station, then walk to your hotel if it is close enough.

For later sightseeing, you may only need occasional local fares because LoDo is walkable and close to many restaurants, attractions and transit services. Use a 3-Hour Pass, Standard Day Pass, MyRide or Tap-n-Ride depending on how much you ride.

Best ticket for Downtown Denver

Downtown Denver is larger than Union Station. If your hotel is near 16th Street Mall, Colorado Convention Center, Civic Center or Capitol Hill, you may need a local connection after arriving at Union Station.

On arrival day, use the Airport Day Pass if taking the A Line from DEN. For local movement on other days, use a 3-Hour Pass for limited trips or a Standard Day Pass if you plan several rides.

Best ticket for Colorado Convention Center

Convention visitors often arrive at DEN and need to reach hotels near the Colorado Convention Center. The A Line is a good first step, but Union Station is not directly next to every convention-area hotel.

If you use the A Line, choose the Airport Day Pass on arrival day. Then continue by Free MallRide, light rail, bus, walking, taxi or rideshare depending on your hotel, luggage and schedule.

If you are attending a multi-day event and using RTD daily, MyRide, Tap-n-Ride or day passes may become more useful after the first day.

Best ticket for RiNo

RiNo can be reached by A Line stations such as 38th & Blake or by local transit from Union Station depending on the exact address. If arriving from DEN and staying in RiNo, use an airport-valid fare product for the A Line.

After arrival, you may use local fares, buses, rideshare or walking depending on where you stay. RiNo is spread out, so checking the exact hotel or apartment location matters more than the neighborhood name alone.

Best ticket for Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is not directly served by the A Line. If you go from DEN to Cherry Creek by public transport, you will likely need A Line plus bus or another local connection. In many cases, taxi or rideshare is simpler with luggage.

If you choose public transport, use an Airport Day Pass on arrival day. For later travel between Cherry Creek and downtown, use local RTD fare products such as 3-Hour Pass, Standard Day Pass, MyRide or Tap-n-Ride.

Best ticket for Boulder

Boulder is a separate city and requires regional planning. Depending on your route, you may use RTD regional bus service, shuttle, private transfer, rideshare or rental car. Do not assume that a Denver local fare is enough for all Boulder travel.

If using RTD, check current fare rules, route schedules and whether airport fare products apply. If your destination is Boulder rather than Downtown Denver, compare direct airport-to-Boulder options before deciding to go through Union Station.

Best ticket strategy by trip length

One day in Denver

If your day includes the airport, use an Airport Day Pass. If you are already downtown and only need one local ride, use a 3-Hour Pass or Tap-n-Ride. If you plan several local rides, use a Standard Day Pass.

Two days in Denver

Use an Airport Day Pass on the airport arrival or departure day. For the non-airport day, use a 3-Hour Pass if you only take one trip or a Standard Day Pass if you move around by RTD several times.

Three to four days in Denver

For three or four days, use Airport Day Pass on airport travel days and MyRide, Tap-n-Ride, 3-Hour Pass or Standard Day Pass for local travel. Do not buy a pass every day if you mostly walk around LoDo and Downtown.

One week in Denver

For a week, compare your expected ride count before choosing between MyRide, Tap-n-Ride, day passes or a monthly pass. A monthly pass can be useful for long stays or frequent commuting, but most tourists do not need it.

Best ticket strategy by traveler type

First-time visitor

Use the Airport Day Pass for the A Line from DEN to Union Station. Stay near Union Station or Downtown if possible. Use Free MallRide, walking and occasional RTD fares for local movement.

Budget traveler

Use the A Line instead of taxi from the airport. Walk in LoDo and Downtown where practical. Use 3-Hour Passes for short local trips and Standard Day Passes only when you expect several rides.

Family traveler

Check youth fare rules because riders 19 and under can ride free on RTD services. For airport arrival with luggage and children, compare the A Line with taxi or rideshare for comfort.

Business traveler

Use the A Line if your hotel or meeting is near Union Station or Downtown. Use taxi, rideshare or private transfer for Cherry Creek, DTC, suburban offices or tight schedules.

Convention visitor

Use the Airport Day Pass on arrival day. For days spent around the Colorado Convention Center, you may not need many fares if your hotel is nearby. Use Standard Day Pass only if you travel around the city.

Ski traveler

RTD city fares are not the main solution for ski resorts. Use mountain shuttles, private transfers or rental cars for ski destinations. Use RTD only if spending time in Denver before or after the mountain portion.

Where to buy Denver transport tickets

Denver transport tickets and passes can be purchased through RTD ticket vending machines, the RTD MyRide app, participating sales outlets, online options and accepted Tap-n-Ride payment methods.

At Denver Airport, ticket vending machines are available at the train station area. This makes it simple to buy an Airport Day Pass before boarding the A Line to Union Station.

If you plan to use RTD repeatedly, consider using MyRide or Tap-n-Ride. If you only need one airport ride, a vending machine ticket may be the simplest option.

How to avoid payment mistakes

• Buy an airport-valid fare for DEN: standard adult airport trips need an Airport Day Pass or airport-valid payment option.
• Do not confuse Standard Day Pass with Airport Day Pass: local day passes do not cover standard airport travel.
• Use the same card or device: Tap-n-Ride fare capping works best when you use the same payment method consistently.
• Do not assume cash is best: vending machines, MyRide and Tap-n-Ride are usually easier for visitors.
• Check youth fare rules: riders 19 and under can ride free, but proof of eligibility may be required.
• Know when Free MallRide is enough: you may not need a paid fare for some downtown movement.
• Check airport transfer needs: Boulder, DTC and ski resorts may require separate planning.
• Keep proof of payment: fare inspection can occur on rail services.

Common Denver ticket mistakes

• Buying a local fare for an airport trip: airport travel requires the correct airport-valid product.
• Buying a Day Pass when walking is enough: Union Station and LoDo are very walkable.
• Ignoring the Free MallRide: it can help you move along 16th Street without an additional paid fare.
• Assuming every downtown hotel is next to Union Station: check your exact hotel location.
• Using rideshare without comparing the A Line: the train is usually far cheaper for solo travelers.
• Not checking late-night RTD service: delayed flights may require taxi or rideshare backup.
• Assuming Boulder is just another Denver stop: Boulder requires regional planning.
• Renting a car for downtown only: parking costs can make a rental unnecessary.
• Not planning ski transport separately: mountain trips need dedicated shuttle, car or private transfer planning.
• Switching Tap-n-Ride cards: use the same card or device for fare recognition and capping.

Final recommendation

For most visitors, the best Denver transport ticket strategy is simple. Use an Airport Day Pass when travelling between Denver International Airport and Union Station on the A Line. Use a 3-Hour Pass for one short local trip. Use a Standard Day Pass only on local sightseeing days when you expect several RTD rides. Use Tap-n-Ride or MyRide if you prefer modern payment and expect repeated travel.

If you arrive at Denver Airport, the A Line is usually the best-value public transport route to Downtown Denver. For airport transfer planning, check our Denver Airport to City Center guide before deciding between A Line, taxi, rideshare, shuttle or private transfer.

Once you are in the city, Denver’s network becomes easier if you understand Union Station, Free MallRide, bus routes and light rail. Our How to Use Public Transport in Denver guide explains how to combine RTD rail, buses, Free MallRide, walking, Union Station, LoDo, RiNo, convention areas, sports venues and local neighborhoods.

FAQ – Denver Transport Tickets

What is the best transport ticket for tourists in Denver?

For airport travel, the Airport Day Pass is usually the key ticket. For local Denver travel, use a 3-Hour Pass for one short trip or a Standard Day Pass if you plan several rides in one day.

What ticket do I need from Denver Airport to Union Station?

Standard adult travelers need an airport-valid fare product such as the RTD Airport Day Pass when taking the A Line between Denver Airport and Union Station.

How much is the Denver Airport train ticket?

The standard RTD Airport Day Pass is commonly listed at $10.00 and includes airport travel and RTD bus and rail travel during the same service day.

Is the Denver Airport train included in a normal Day Pass?

No. A Standard Day Pass covers local bus and rail travel but does not cover standard adult travel to or from the airport. Use an Airport Day Pass or airport-valid fare product for DEN.

What is the RTD Airport Day Pass?

The Airport Day Pass is an RTD pass valid across the RTD system for one service day, including travel to or from Denver International Airport.

What is the RTD Standard Day Pass?

The Standard Day Pass is a local RTD pass for bus and rail travel that does not include standard adult travel to or from the airport.

What is a 3-Hour Pass in Denver?

A 3-Hour Pass is a short-duration RTD fare product for local travel during a limited time window. It is useful for one short local trip or simple city movement.

Is Tap-n-Ride available in Denver?

Yes. RTD offers Tap-n-Ride for compatible contactless cards and mobile wallets. Use the same card or device consistently for the best fare recognition.

What is MyRide in Denver?

MyRide is RTD’s account-based payment option that allows riders to manage and pay fares through RTD payment tools instead of buying separate tickets each time.

Can children ride free on RTD?

RTD allows youth 19 and under to ride free on RTD services, subject to current rules and eligibility requirements.

Can I buy RTD tickets at Denver Airport?

Yes. RTD ticket vending machines are available at the Denver Airport train station area, making it easy to buy an Airport Day Pass before boarding the A Line.

Can I use a credit card on RTD?

Yes. You can use accepted payment methods at vending machines, and Tap-n-Ride allows compatible contactless cards or mobile wallets on RTD readers.

Do I need a ticket for the Free MallRide?

No. Free MallRide is a free downtown connector along 16th Street Mall and can be useful after arriving at Union Station.

What ticket should I use for Downtown Denver?

If you are staying downtown and not travelling to the airport, use a 3-Hour Pass for one short ride or a Standard Day Pass for several RTD rides in one day.

What ticket should I use for LoDo?

If arriving from Denver Airport, use an Airport Day Pass on the A Line to Union Station. Once in LoDo, you may not need many additional tickets because the area is walkable.

What ticket should I use for the Colorado Convention Center?

Use an Airport Day Pass on arrival day if taking the A Line from DEN. For local travel on other days, use a 3-Hour Pass, Standard Day Pass, MyRide or Tap-n-Ride depending on your itinerary.

What ticket should I use for RiNo?

If arriving from DEN by A Line, use an Airport Day Pass. Depending on your exact destination, exit at 38th & Blake or Union Station, then walk or use local transit.

What ticket should I use for Cherry Creek?

Cherry Creek is not directly served by the A Line. If using public transport from the airport, use an Airport Day Pass plus local connection, but taxi or rideshare may be easier with luggage.

What ticket should I use for Boulder?

Boulder requires separate regional planning. Check RTD regional bus or shuttle options and make sure the fare product matches your route.

Is a Monthly Pass worth it for Denver tourists?

A Monthly Pass is usually not worth it for normal tourists. It is more useful for long stays, students, commuters or visitors using RTD very frequently over a full calendar month.

Can I use RTD for ski resorts?

RTD city fares are not the main ski transport solution. Use mountain shuttles, private transfers or rental cars for most ski resort trips.

What is the biggest Denver ticket mistake?

The biggest mistake is buying a local fare for an airport trip. Standard adult travel to or from Denver Airport requires an airport-valid fare product such as the Airport Day Pass.