Transportation
Getting to Boulder
If you are driving . . .
From the North take I-25 south to exit 240, State Highway 119. Drive west on 119 for approximately 22 miles to Boulder. (Follow signs to stay on 119, which jogs south and merges briefly with US 287).
From the South take I-25 north through downtown Denver to US Highway 36. This is not a typical exit ramp; rather, the roads split, with US 36 veering left, or west (so be in the left lanes as you approach). US 36 will take you directly to Boulder (approximately 20 miles).
From the East take I-70 going west. Take exit 279 onto I-270 North/US-36. Follow signs for US-36, which will take you straight to Boulder.
From the West take 1-70 east. After passing Idaho Springs, get off at exit 244 which will put you on US Highway 6 heading east. As you approach the city of Golden, look for signs for State Highway 93. Take 93 north all the way to Boulder, about 20 miles.
If flying in to Denver International Airport:
Public Transportation. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has bus service from the airport to Boulder about every hour starting at 6:15 am until 11:20. Go to RTD's website and click the "skyride" link, then select the "AB" route to view the full schedule. Catch the AB Bus on the baggage claim level at Island 5 outside either the East or West Terminal. The one-way fare to Boulder is $10, or $18 round trip (advance purchase). You may pay on the bus using cash, but be sure you have exact change because drivers carry no money. Tickets may also be purchased at RTD's desk on level 5 of DIA's West Terminal.
Super Shuttle provides van service to several hotel locations in Boulder, or you may ask to be dropped off at a specific address. Call 800-525-3177 or (303)370-1300 for reservations. SuperShuttle has a desk on level 5 of DIA's West Terminal, that is open from 7am until 11pm.
Driving to Boulder from DIA: Take Pena Blvd south from the Airport to I-70. Drive west on i-70 to exit 279. Follow I-270 North, which will merge onto US-36, which takes you straight to Boulder.
There is also a tollway, the Northwest Parkway/E-470, which takes you almost to Boulder on a more northerly route. You'll pay $2 at each of 3 tollgates along the way, for a total of $6. During morning and evening rush hours, you can really save some time by taking the tollway. At other times, it may be not worth the cost, as it's not much less distance. To access the Northwest Parkway/E-470, exit the airport on Pena Blvd and shortly after you pass the rental cars exit turn right onto E-470 (going west). E-470 becomes the Northwest Parkway. Follow it to its end at US-36, then take US-36 nothwest the rest of the way to Boulder.
Getting Around Boulder
The City's Go Boulder program provides lots of information to help you get around town without a car.
Boulder has one of the most extensive pedestrian/bicycle path networks in the country. Go Boulder has excellent system maps. Depending on your mode of arrival in Boulder, you might want to consider bringing a bike. It's also possible to rent bikes at a number of shops in town, including:
Bicycle Village, (303) 440-8525
The Boulder Bikesmith, (303) 443-1132
Full Cycle, two locations (303) 440-7771 or (303) 440-1002
University Bicycles, (303) 444-4196 or (800) 451-3950
Bus service, administered by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), includes numerous routes in Boulder, as well as convenient connections with Denver and other nearby cities and towns. For assistance with routes and schedules, visit RTD's website or call 303.299.6000 (800.366.7433 outside the local calling area).