How do I get from Denver Airport to Boulder? RTD bus AB ($10.50, ~70 min), rideshare ($50-80, 45-60 min), shuttles ($35-50), or rental car (~$50/day + gas). Distance: 45 miles via US-36. Boulder has excellent public transit and is walkable—you may not need a car once there.
Route Overview
Distance: 45 miles
Drive time: 45-60 minutes
Route: E-470 to US-36 (Boulder Turnpike)
Elevation: 5,400 feet (DIA) to 5,430 feet (Boulder)
Boulder is one of the easiest destinations to reach from Denver Airport. The route stays at lower elevation with no mountain passes, making it accessible year-round without winter driving concerns. Multiple transportation options serve this popular corridor.
Transportation Options
RTD Bus AB (Flatiron Flyer)
Cost: $10.50 one-way
Time: 60-75 minutes
Best for: Budget travelers, solo visitors
The AB route runs directly from DIA to Downtown Boulder Station. Buses depart approximately every 30-60 minutes. Comfortable coaches with WiFi. No transfers needed. This is the cheapest option and reasonably convenient.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Cost: $50-80 one-way
Time: 45-60 minutes
Best for: Small groups, door-to-door service
Readily available at DIA. Goes directly to your Boulder address. Splits well for 2-3 people. Can be surge-priced during peak times.
Shuttle Services
Cost: $35-50 per person
Time: 50-70 minutes (with stops)
Best for: Those wanting scheduled service
Green Ride Boulder and other operators offer scheduled and on-demand shuttles. Book in advance for best rates.
Rental Car
Cost: $50-90/day + gas (~$15)
Time: 45-60 minutes
Best for: Those exploring beyond Boulder, day trips to mountains
Consider whether you need a car in Boulder—the city has good public transit (HOP, SKIP, JUMP buses), is very bikeable, and downtown is walkable. Rental makes sense for mountain day trips.
Getting Around Boulder
Boulder has excellent local transit, reducing the need for a rental car:
- HOP: Free bus circulating downtown and CU campus
- SKIP: Free bus on Broadway corridor
- Flatiron Flyer: Express buses to Denver ($5.25)
- Bike share: BCycle stations throughout town
- Walking: Downtown and Pearl Street are very walkable
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Boulder?
Not necessarily. Downtown, Pearl Street, and CU campus are walkable. Good bus service covers the city. Rent a car only if you're doing mountain day trips.
How often does the AB bus run?
Every 30-60 minutes depending on time of day. More frequent during commute hours, less frequent evenings and weekends. Check RTD schedules.
Is the drive to Boulder difficult in winter?
US-36 is generally well-maintained. Unlike mountain routes, there are no high passes. Winter storms can still cause delays, but it's much easier than mountain destinations.