Quick Info
From Denver: 15-20 min via US-6 or Colfax. From DIA: 35-45 min via I-70. From mountains: Direct I-70 access. Transit: W Line light rail. Key highways: I-70, US-6, C-470, Colfax.
Lakewood sits immediately west of Denver, spanning from the city limits to the foothills. Major highways and light rail provide easy access from downtown Denver, the airport, and the mountain corridor.
From Downtown Denver
By Car - US-6
Take US-6 (6th Avenue Freeway) west. Fast and direct—about 15-20 minutes to central Lakewood depending on destination.
By Car - Colfax
West Colfax Avenue provides a surface street option through the city. Slower but passes through neighborhoods and business districts.
By Light Rail
RTD W Line runs from Union Station through Lakewood to Golden. Stations at Federal Center, Oak, Wadsworth, and beyond. About 25-35 minutes from downtown.
From Denver Airport (DIA)
By Car
Peña Boulevard to I-70 west, continue on I-70 to Lakewood exits. About 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and destination.
By Transit
A Line from DIA to Union Station, transfer to W Line west. About 75-90 minutes total.
From the Mountains
I-70 Eastbound
Lakewood is the first major city after descending from the mountains on I-70. Exit at Morrison, Union, Wadsworth, or Sheridan depending on destination.
US-6 from Golden
US-6 from Golden runs through Lakewood. Easy connection from the US-6/Clear Creek Canyon route.
Public Transit
W Line Light Rail
Primary rail connection running east-west through Lakewood. Stations with park-and-ride facilities throughout.
Major Stations
Federal Center, Red Rocks Community College, Oak, Wadsworth, Garrison. Each provides access to different parts of Lakewood.
Bus Routes
RTD buses serve major corridors including Colfax, Wadsworth, and Alameda.
Key Routes
I-70
East-west interstate along northern Lakewood. Mountain access and airport connection.
US-6 (6th Avenue)
Fast freeway through central Lakewood connecting Denver to Golden.
C-470
Beltway along southern Lakewood connecting to the south metro.
Colfax (US-40)
Historic highway running east-west through Lakewood's commercial districts.
Tips
I-70 ski traffic. Avoid Sunday evenings when eastbound I-70 backs up from the mountains.
W Line for downtown. Park at a Lakewood station and take light rail to avoid downtown parking.
US-6 fastest. Usually the fastest route from downtown Denver.
Colfax for exploring. Take Colfax if you want to stop at businesses along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lakewood from downtown Denver?
10-15 miles depending on exact locations. 15-25 minutes by car.
Is there light rail to Lakewood?
Yes—the RTD W Line serves multiple Lakewood stations with connections to Union Station.
How do I get to Casa Bonita?
Exit US-6 at Wadsworth Boulevard, head north. Or take the W Line to Wadsworth station.
Is Lakewood on the way to the mountains?
Yes—I-70 passes through northern Lakewood. A convenient staging point for mountain trips.