Denver Airport to Boulder

Quick Facts: DIA to Boulder

An easy 45-minute trip

Distance: 45 miles via Highway 36

Drive Time: 45-60 minutes

Route: Highway 36 (or E-470 to Highway 36) directly to Boulder

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Time
RTD AB Bus	$10.50	~75 min
Uber/Lyft	$50-75	45-60 min
Green Ride Boulder	$35-45/person	~60 min
Private Car	$120-180	45-60 min
Rental Car	$50-100/day	45-60 min

Best value: RTD bus at $10.50 if you're not in a rush. Best convenience: Uber/Lyft at $50-75 for door-to-door service.

Transportation Options

Getting from DIA to Boulder

RTD AB Bus ($10.50)

The most affordable option. RTD's AB bus runs directly from DIA to downtown Boulder.

Departs from Transit Center at DIA
Runs roughly every hour (less frequent late night)
Takes about 75 minutes
Stops at Downtown Boulder Station
Purchase tickets at DIA Transit Center or RTD app

Tip: From Downtown Boulder Station, local buses or a short Uber can get you to your final destination.

Uber/Lyft ($50-75)

Best balance of convenience and cost for most travelers. Door-to-door service in about 45 minutes.

Pick up at Level 5, Island 6
Usually 5-10 minute wait
Direct to any Boulder address
Prices vary with demand (surge pricing)

Note: Peak times (CU move-in, major events) can see prices spike to $100+.

Green Ride Boulder ($35-45/person)

Shared shuttle service focused on the Boulder route. Good middle ground between bus and private car.

Scheduled departures throughout the day
Door-to-door service in Boulder
Book online in advance
Good for solo travelers wanting more comfort than the bus

Private Car/Sedan ($120-180)

For a short trip like Boulder, private cars are a premium option but offer the most comfort.

Meet-and-greet service
Professional drivers
Guaranteed vehicle and pricing
Good for business travelers or special occasions

Rental Car ($50-100/day)

Makes sense if you'll need a car in Boulder for hiking, mountain access, or multi-stop trips.

Boulder is fairly walkable/bikeable
Good local bus system (free within Boulder)
Car useful for accessing Chautauqua, trailheads, Estes Park
Parking can be challenging downtown

Getting Around Boulder

You may not need a car

Boulder is one of Colorado's most walkable and bikeable cities. Consider whether you actually need a car:

No Car Needed If:

You're staying near Pearl Street or CU campus
Your activities are primarily in town
You're comfortable using buses or bikes

Car Helpful If:

You want to hike at Chautauqua, Flatirons, or mountain trailheads
You're visiting Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park
You're exploring multiple Front Range cities

Boulder Transportation

HOP: Free bus circulating through downtown
SKIP: Frequent service on Broadway
B-Cycle: Bike share with stations throughout town
Uber/Lyft: Good availability within Boulder

Frequently Asked Questions

DIA to Boulder transportation

How long is the trip from Denver Airport to Boulder?

About 45-60 minutes by car or rideshare. The RTD bus takes about 75 minutes with stops. Traffic can add time during rush hour.

What's the cheapest way to get from DIA to Boulder?

The RTD AB bus at $10.50 is by far the cheapest option. It runs about hourly and takes you to Downtown Boulder Station.

Is Uber available from Denver Airport to Boulder?

Yes, and it's a good option. Expect $50-75 typically, more during peak times or events. Pick up at Level 5, Island 6.

Do I need a car in Boulder?

Not if staying downtown. Boulder has great buses, bike infrastructure, and is walkable. You'll want a car for mountain hiking, Estes Park, or exploring the region.

Where does the RTD bus drop off in Boulder?

Downtown Boulder Station at 14th and Walnut, a few blocks from Pearl Street. From there, local buses or a short Uber can reach anywhere in Boulder.