Quick Info
From downtown Denver: 10 miles, 20-30 minutes by car or G Line. From DEN airport: 25 miles, 45-60 minutes by car or transit. Transit: G Line light rail to Olde Town station. Major routes: I-70, Wadsworth Boulevard, Highway 36.
Arvada sits just northwest of Denver, easily accessible by car or light rail. The G Line connection makes Olde Town one of the most transit-friendly suburban destinations in the metro area.
From Denver
By Car
Distance: About 10 miles from downtown Denver. Time: 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Routes:
- I-70 West: Exit at Wadsworth Boulevard, head north to Olde Town.
- Wadsworth Boulevard: Direct route from south Denver through Lakewood to Arvada.
- Highway 36/Sheridan: From northwest Denver, take Sheridan north.
By G Line
RTD's G Line connects Union Station directly to Olde Town Arvada. About 25-30 minutes. The best option for visiting breweries without driving.
Fare: Regional rate ($5.25 one-way, 2025). Use RTD app or station kiosks.
From Denver Airport
By Car
Distance: About 25 miles. Time: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Route: Take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West. Exit at Wadsworth Boulevard and head north to Olde Town.
By Transit
Take the A Line from DEN to Union Station, then transfer to the G Line. Total time about 75-90 minutes including transfer. More affordable than rideshare but takes longer.
By Rideshare
Uber/Lyft from DEN to Arvada typically runs $35-50 depending on demand. About 45-60 minutes.
From Nearby Areas
From Golden
Distance: 8 miles. Time: 15-20 minutes via Highway 58 or surface streets.
From Boulder
Distance: 20 miles. Time: 30-40 minutes via Highway 36 or I-25/I-70.
From Westminster
Distance: 5 miles. Time: 10-15 minutes via Wadsworth or Sheridan.
Parking
Olde Town
Free parking in public lots throughout Olde Town. Street parking also available. Weekends can be busy—arrive early or take the train.
G Line Stations
Park-and-ride lots at Arvada Ridge and other G Line stations. Free parking available.
Getting Around Arvada
Olde Town: Walkable once you're there. Breweries, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.
Beyond downtown: A car is helpful for attractions like Apex Park or Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge.
Trails: Ralston Creek Trail connects neighborhoods for biking or walking.
Tips
Take the G Line for breweries. No designated driver needed. Train runs until late evening.
Avoid rush hour. I-70 and Wadsworth get congested during commute times. Time visits accordingly.
Free parking is available. No need to pay for parking in Olde Town—public lots are free.
Combine with Golden. The two are close together. Easy to visit both in one day trip.
Weekend mornings fill up. If visiting the farmers market, arrive early for parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G Line a good option?
Excellent for Olde Town visits. Convenient, affordable, and eliminates parking concerns. Highly recommended for brewery hopping.
How bad is traffic?
Typical Denver metro traffic. I-70 can be congested, especially on ski weekends. Wadsworth has lights but moves reasonably.
Do I need a car?
For Olde Town only, no—the G Line works. For Apex Park, Two Ponds, or exploring beyond downtown, yes.
Is parking really free?
Yes—Olde Town has free public parking lots. No meters or fees.
How long does transit take from the airport?
About 75-90 minutes via A Line to Union Station, then G Line to Olde Town. Factor in wait times.