Quick Info
From Denver: 15-20 min via I-25 south. From DIA: 30-40 min via E-470 or I-225. From Colorado Springs: 45-50 min via I-25 north. Transit: E and H light rail lines. Key highways: I-25, Arapahoe Rd, C-470.
Centennial sits in the south Denver metro, primarily along the I-25 corridor between Denver and Lone Tree. The city is well-connected by freeway and served by RTD light rail for downtown Denver access.
From Downtown Denver
By Car
Take I-25 south about 10-15 miles. Exit at Arapahoe Road, Dry Creek Road, or County Line Road depending on your destination. About 15-25 minutes without traffic.
By Light Rail
RTD E Line or H Line from Union Station to stations throughout the DTC and Centennial area. About 30-40 minutes depending on destination.
From Denver Airport (DIA)
By Car - E-470 Route
Take E-470 south (toll road) to I-25, then I-25 south. About 30-40 minutes. Tolls apply but often faster.
By Car - I-225 Route
Peña Boulevard to I-70 west, then I-225 south to I-25, then I-25 south. Avoids tolls but may be slower during rush hour.
By Transit
A Line from DIA to Union Station, transfer to E or H Line south. About 60-75 minutes total.
From Colorado Springs
By Car
I-25 north about 50 miles. Exit at County Line Road, Dry Creek Road, or Arapahoe Road. About 45-50 minutes without traffic.
Public Transit
Light Rail Stations
E and H lines serve the DTC area with stations including Arapahoe at Village Center, Orchard, and Belleview. Park-and-ride facilities available.
Bus Routes
RTD buses provide local connections. Less frequent than light rail.
Key Routes
I-25
Main north-south corridor. Connects to Denver, Castle Rock, and Colorado Springs.
Arapahoe Road
Major east-west arterial through central Centennial.
C-470
Beltway connecting to west metro. Access from I-25 at various points.
Tips
Rush hour. I-25 through the Tech Center congests heavily 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM.
Express lanes. I-25 express lanes available for a toll—faster during busy times.
Light rail for downtown. Consider taking light rail for downtown Denver visits to avoid parking.
E-470 saves time. Toll road but often worth it from DIA during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centennial easy to get to?
Yes—direct I-25 access makes it straightforward. Light rail adds transit options.
Do I need a car?
Helpful for most activities. Light rail works for downtown Denver but a car is better for local exploration.
How bad is traffic?
I-25 through Tech Center is notorious during rush hours. Allow extra time or use express lanes.
Is there Uber/Lyft?
Yes—rideshare services operate throughout Centennial.
Which airport should I use?
Denver International (DEN) for commercial flights. Centennial Airport (APA) is for private/charter aviation only.