Relax and Enjoy the Ride
Public transit is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-stress way to get to your destination. Riding the bus is easy and convenient in Boulder with a robust transit system that connects all parts of the city.
Travel Safely
Traveling by public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile.
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Download the free Transit App on your phone to determine which bus routes are closest to where you live and work.
Payment / Fare Options
We understand that in the world of transit, one size does not fit all. There are many transit pass options available, and we are here to help you navigate your options.
RTD Business & Group Passes
EcoPass
The EcoPass is an annual RTD (Regional Transportation District) transit pass which can be used for unlimited free rides on all RTD local/regional bus routes and light/commuter rail service throughout the Denver-Boulder region. A Business EcoPass is purchased by employers for full-time employees, with an option to include part-time employees. EcoPasses are valid every day of the year.
Your EcoPass can be used for unlimited free rides on any local or regional RTD bus, including:
- SkyRide bus to/from the Denver International Airport
- Boulder's Community Transit Network: HOP, SKIP, JUMP, BOUND, DASH, STAMPEDE and BOLT
- "N" bus route to Eldora Mountain Resort
- Light Rail and Commuter Rail
- Call-n-Ride Service
- The Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides free taxi service in the event of an emergency or an unexpected change in work schedule
Mobile Ticketing App
Smaller businesses may want to consider RTD's Mobile Ticketing option as a resource for their employees. Employers deposit funds into an account for use by employees. The best part is that all transactions can be completed electronically, with no need for paper tickets.
NECO Pass
The Neighborhood Eco Pass program allows Boulder residents in nearly 50 neighborhoods to purchase a pass through their neighborhood. NECO Pass holders are able to utilize the same benefits as an Eco Pass holder.
FlexRide
FlexRide is a service available in some locations for first- and last-mile connections from RTD stations to get you to your final destination. The service operates on a first come, first served basis, and has limitations on availability. Click here to learn more about FlexRide.
Individual Transit Passes
If you are looking to use transit, but your employer or neighborhood doesn't offer a pass program, there are individual Monthly Passes, as well as 10-Ride Ticket Books, available for purchase through RTD. For a complete listing of RTD’s transit fares, visit RTD Fares and Passes
Individuals can also use RTD’s Mobile Ticketing App. Download the app from the App Store and enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets only when you need them.
RTD Navigation Tools
Now that you have your transit pass, you may need help navigating the many transit options available. Check out these resources to help you get started:
The free Transit App is a very easy and convenient way to plan trips on your phone. The app will provide you with accurate walking and transit options to get to your destination! You can also see where your bus is in real time. Pro Tip: The Transit app works in other communities as well, so it’s great to use when traveling too!
RTD Trip Planner is a great resource for planning your trip.
Boulder Bus Routes
New to transit in Boulder? Below is a comprehensive list of local and regional Boulder transit routes.
Local Bus Routes
- HOP: around central Boulder - Ride the Hop to get to many of Boulder's hot spots including Downtown Boulder, the University of Colorado, Boulder Junction, and Twenty Ninth Street Mall
- SKIP: along Broadway - from south Boulder to north Boulder . . . and back again
- JUMP: along Arapahoe - from Boulder to Lafayette
- BOUND: along 30th Street, connecting to Broadway and 27th Way
- DASH: along South Boulder Road - from Boulder to Louisville and Lafayette
- STAMPEDE (Buff Bus): Connects the University of Colorado Boulder's East Campus and Main Campus
- CLIMB: Connects Boulder with mountain communities west of Boulder
- Route 204 (Table Mesa to North Boulder): Connects north and south Boulder, via 19th St. and Broadway
- Route 205 (28th St. / Gunbarrel): Connects downtown Boulder with Gunbarrel, via 28th and Jay Rd
- Route 208 (Iris / Valmont): Connects west and east Boulder, via Iris and Valmont
- Route 225 (Boulder / Lafayette): Connects Boulder and Lafayette via Baseline
Regional Bus Routes
- BOLT: Connects Boulder and Longmont, via the Diagonal (Highway 119)
- NB: Nederland (with seasonal service to Eldora Ski Resort and the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle)
- Flatiron Flyer (FF): Connects Boulder and Denver, via US36
- AB: Service to Denver International Airport
- Flex: Connects Boulder and Fort Collins, Loveland, and Berthoud (run by Transfort, EcoPasses are honored)
Airport Services
RTD SkyRide
Need a ride to the airport? SkyRide provides transportation to Denver International Airport (DIA). Buses depart from each SkyRide stop on an hourly basis throughout the day and into the late evening. Routes AB/AB1 offer transit from locations in Boulder to DIA. Find information about pick up locations and schedules here: RTD AB Route Schedule.
Departing from a different location? Information about transit to DIA from several other locations can be found here: RTD Airport Service.
EightBlack Airport Shuttle
EightBlack Airport Shuttle provides low cost, eco-friendly, shared-ride Airport shuttles between DIA and Boulder, Longmont, Niwot, Lafayette, Louisville, and Broomfield/Superior. More information is available about EightBlack’s airport shuttle and charter services at EightBlack Airport Shuttle.
Regional & Recreational Bus Routes, Shuttles & Trains
While RTD provides the lion's share of public transport options available in Colorado, other providers such as the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Amtrak provide great transit services as well.
Bustang
Bustang provides transit options connecting many Colorado cities:
- North Line: Fort Collins to Denver
- South Line: Colorado Springs to Denver
- West Line: Grand Junction to Denver
- Denver Tech Center: Colorado Springs to Denver Tech Center
- Estes Park: Denver, Boulder, and Lyons to Estes Park & RMNP on weekends (summer route only)
Bustang also provides Outrider routes that connect many smaller Colorado towns and cities such as Lamar to Pueblo and Grand Junction to Telluride. Click here to find out information about the many services offered by Bustang.
Fares for Bustang rides vary depending on the route and length of the trip. Fares start as low as $9 for adult, single ride tickets up to $43 for adult, single ride tickets. Discounts are available for children (ages 2-11) and seniors.
Snowstang
Snowstang provides service to the Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Copper Mountain and Steamboat Springs on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Day holidays. For all four lines, passengers can board at Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center. For more information on ticketing and fares, check out https://ridebustang.com/snowstang/.
Winter Park Express
Winter Park Express by Amtrak provides skiers and boarders with a beautiful, stress free, and eco friendly option for getting to the slopes in WinterPark.
Pegasus
The Pegasus shuttle van lives up to its name, whisking weekenders up and down I-70. Pegasus offers service Thursday through Monday from Denver’s Union Station, with stops at the Lakewood-Denver Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, and Avon that connect users to local transit. Built for speed, comfort, and convenience, all Pegasus shuttles are climate controlled and equipped with USB ports, outlets, and WiFi. Pegasus is fast, affordable, sustainable and convenient, allowing for flexible travel.
Recreational Shuttles in Boulder County
Boulder County provides shuttle services to many popular hiking and recreation destinations : Boulder County Recreation Shuttles.
Accessible Transit Planning
RTD provides support in many ways to travelers with limited mobility. The Free Travel Training Program is designed for older adults (60+), people with disabilities, and others living with mobility limitations to learn how to ride public transit as a way to expand their transportation options and save money. The program is free; to learn more contact RTD Training at 303-299-4144 or traveltraining@rtd-denver.com.
For more information about RTD’s efforts to make transit accessible to all, check out https://www.rtd-denver.com/services/accessibility#accessible-bus-vehicles.
Via is a local, nonprofit organization that focuses on providing residents with transportation and mobility options that enable them to live a more self-sufficient and independent life. Many of Via’s customers are older adults, people with disabilities and others living with mobility limitations.
The Mobility and Access Coalition promotes and provides accessible, affordable, and equitable transportation options for Boulder County through collaboration. The County established the MAC (formerly known as the LCC) in 2012 as an alliance of community organizations, individuals, and interest groups working together to achieve common goals regarding transportation services to people with mobility challenges, including seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities.