How do I get to Boulder from Denver? Drive US-36 (45 minutes, 30 miles) or take the Flatiron Flyer bus ($5.25, 45-60 min). From Denver Airport: drive 45 minutes via E-470 or take RTD AB bus ($10.50). Parking in downtown Boulder is challenging - consider parking at a park-and-ride and busing in.
Boulder is an easy day trip from Denver, but getting around once you're there requires some planning. Here's everything you need to know.
From Denver
Driving
Distance: 30 miles
Time: 45 minutes (longer during rush hour)
Route: US-36 west - the only real option
The drive is scenic with Flatiron views as you approach Boulder. US-36 is the main corridor and has express toll lanes that can save time during peak hours.
Traffic reality:
- Morning rush (7-9am): Westbound can be slow entering Boulder
- Evening rush (4-6pm): Eastbound backs up toward Denver
- Weekends: Usually smooth sailing
Public Transit (Flatiron Flyer)
Cost: $5.25 one way
Time: 45-60 minutes
Route: FF1 runs between Denver Union Station and Boulder
The Flatiron Flyer is RTD's express bus service. It uses the US-36 express lanes and has WiFi. Runs every 15-30 minutes during peak hours.
Best stops:
- Denver Union Station - easy connection from A Line airport train
- Boulder Downtown Station - walking distance to Pearl Street
- Table Mesa - near Chautauqua and hiking trailheads
From Denver International Airport
Driving
Distance: 45 miles
Time: 45-60 minutes
Route: E-470 to US-36, or I-70 to I-25 to US-36
E-470 is a toll road but faster and less stressful than I-70/I-25. Toll is about $10-15 depending on your route.
Public Transit
Cost: $10.50 total
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Route: A Line train to Union Station, transfer to FF1 bus
Or take the AB bus directly from the airport to Boulder. It runs less frequently but avoids the transfer.
Shuttles and Rideshare
Uber/Lyft: $50-80 depending on surge pricing
Green Ride Boulder: Shared shuttle service, $30-40 per person, reservations required
Private car services: $80-120 for sedan
Parking in Boulder
Downtown Boulder parking is limited and expensive. Plan accordingly.
Street parking: 2-hour limits in downtown, meters $1.25-2/hour
Parking garages: 11th & Spruce, 15th & Pearl, St Julien - rates vary but expect $2-4/hour
Free parking: Limited, mostly outside downtown. Consider parking at Table Mesa Park-n-Ride and taking the free HOP bus downtown.
Pro tip: On weekends, the CU campus lots are often free and walkable to Pearl Street.
Getting Around Boulder
Walking: Downtown is very walkable. Pearl Street to Chautauqua is about 1.5 miles.
Biking: Boulder is incredibly bike-friendly. Boulder B-Cycle has stations throughout town. Flat, easy riding on extensive bike paths.
HOP Bus: Free shuttle around downtown, runs every 10-15 minutes.
Local buses: RTD buses connect neighborhoods. Flat fare within Boulder.
From Other Colorado Destinations
From Estes Park: 40 miles, 50 minutes via US-36 through scenic canyon
From Rocky Mountain National Park: 35-60 minutes depending on which entrance
From Fort Collins: 45 miles, 50 minutes via US-287 or I-25
Do You Need a Car?
For downtown Boulder and Pearl Street: No. Walkable with good transit.
For Chautauqua and hiking: Helpful but not required. Table Mesa bus stop is near trailhead.
For day trips to mountains: Yes. RMNP, Peak to Peak Highway, etc. need a car.
Bottom line: If staying downtown and focused on Boulder activities, skip the car. If exploring beyond Boulder, rent one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Boulder from Denver?
30 miles, about 45 minutes via US-36. During rush hour, add 15-30 minutes. From Denver Airport, it's 45 miles and takes about an hour via E-470.
Is there public transit from Denver to Boulder?
Yes! The Flatiron Flyer (FF1) bus runs between Denver Union Station and Boulder every 15-30 minutes. It costs $5.25 and takes 45-60 minutes. It uses express toll lanes so it's often faster than driving.
How much is an Uber from Denver Airport to Boulder?
Typically $50-80 depending on time and surge pricing. Green Ride Boulder shuttle is cheaper at $30-40 per person if you can share. RTD bus is cheapest at $10.50 but takes 1.5-2 hours.
Is parking free in Boulder?
Not in downtown. Street meters are $1.25-2/hour with 2-hour limits. Garages run $2-4/hour. Free parking exists at park-and-rides outside downtown. CU campus lots are sometimes free on weekends.
Do I need a car to visit Boulder?
Not for downtown Boulder and nearby hikes like Chautauqua. The HOP bus is free downtown, and regular buses reach the trailheads. For Rocky Mountain National Park or mountain exploring, yes - get a car.
What is the Flatiron Flyer?
RTD's express bus service between Denver and Boulder. The FF1 is the main route, running from Union Station to Boulder Downtown Station. It uses US-36 express lanes and has WiFi. Best public transit option between the cities.