Key Highlights
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Denver Union Station is the main train station and at the heart of downtown Denver. It is the biggest spot for transit in the city.
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The Regional Transportation District runs many light rail and commuter rail lines. These rail lines help people travel in and out of downtown Denver and reach the suburbs, too.
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It is easy to get to downtown Denver from Denver International Airport. You can use the A Line commuter rail for this trip.
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Union Station is more than a regular transit hub. The place is inside a historic building that looks very nice after its make over.
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Union Station is the top station in the city. Still, you will find other stations with access to different parts of Denver and many popular places to visit.
Introduction
Welcome to your 2026 guide for getting around Denver’s train stations! Traveling in the Mile High City will be easy, thanks to the great public transit choices here. If you are new in town or you live here, the city’s rail system can help you get where you need to go.
The Regional Transportation District runs many light rail and commuter trains in the city. In the middle of it all is the beautiful Denver Union Station. You will find that using these trains is simple and can save you time.
Let’s help you get ready to ride the rails and explore more of the High City!
Overview of Train Stations in Denver
Denver’s train station system brings together old and new in a good way. The main spot is Denver Union Station. It sits in the middle of the Mile High City and has had a big update. It used to be called Denver Union Depot, but now it is much more active and works as a well-connected hub. This train station links to many parts in the high city and nearby suburbs, making it easy to get where you want to go.
Starting from this spot, you can get to many other stations. These train stations reach out into different towns and areas. The system is built to help people go to work, have fun, or catch a flight. When you use the Denver Union Station network, you won’t need your car as much, and your trips can be more smooth and simple.
Key Transportation Hubs in the City
When you think about getting around in Denver, a few main spots stand out. These places are the big connection points that keep Denver moving. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is in charge of them. They are set up to mix many kinds of travel for easy trips.
Union Station comes first. It is the busy center of transit in downtown Denver. You can get on seven RTD train lines, 18 bus routes, and even the Amtrak here. This spot sets the example for how to build an area where everything is close and handy for travel.
There are also other important hubs:
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Denver International Airport Station: This station links travelers from all over the world to Denver’s rail network. It helps you move from your flight to where you are going with no trouble.
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Theater District-Convention Center Station: This rail station is big for people visiting or living in Denver. It brings you quick access to the top places for shows and big city events.
Growth of Rail Travel in Denver
Denver’s rail system has grown a lot. This matches the way the city is growing and shows the city’s support for public transit. The network has both light rail and commuter rail services. Each one helps people travel to different places across the High City.
A lot of the rail lines in Denver were built next to highways like I-25. This helped make building easier. But after, the city had to work on putting population centers near each rail station. City planners wanted to make these areas packed and easy to walk so that more people would use the train.
This way of thinking helped bring up new neighborhoods built around public transit. Bringing in the first commuter rail line, called the A Line, was a big moment. Now, new buildings and homes are growing around rail stations, turning them from small stops into lively places in the High City.
Denver Union Station: The Heart of Downtown Transit
Denver Union Station is not just a place where people get on and off trains or buses. It is truly the heart of downtown Denver. This landmark, once known as the Denver Union Depot, has been fixed up and turned into a busy spot for all—the union station is full of life for both people who live here and people who visit.
You can see its classic grand hall. There is also a new underground bus area. These make it the main spot for all city trips, and help connect downtown Denver to the rest of town. Most people say this is the most important part of the local transit system.
After the station was renewed, the area around it changed a lot too. Now, you will find 18 tall new buildings near Denver Union Station since the work was done. The heart of downtown Denver has, since then, become a lively area. There are homes, jobs, and spots for fun here. All of them sit within an easy walk to your next train or bus.
If you travel through Denver, almost every train or bus can bring you to Denver Union Station. Now, let’s take a look at how it all started and what the union station in downtown Denver gives you now.
Location, History, and Architecture
Located at 1701 Wynkoop Street in Lower Downtown, Denver Union Station is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. This historic building, easily recognizable by its iconic clock tower, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After a massive renovation, the opening of the rebuilt structure cemented its status as a premier urban space.
The station has a rich history of welcoming travelers. Though many famous figures have passed through its doors over the decades, the building itself is the main star. The grand reopening of the reimagined Denver Union Station in 2014 was a pivotal moment, transforming it into the centerpiece of a new, dynamic neighborhood.
Its location and historical significance make it a must-see landmark. Here are the station’s operating hours for key services:
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Service |
Hours of Operation |
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Station Waiting Room |
6:30 AM – 10:00 PM Daily |
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Ticket Office |
6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Daily |
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Passenger Assistance |
6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Daily |
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Checked Baggage Service |
6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Daily |
Services, Lines, and Amenities Available
Denver Union Station gives you many services and things to do. The goal is to make sure your trip is easy and stress-free. This place takes care of almost everything—ticket sales, help for passengers, and checked baggage service.
But it’s not just a spot to catch a train. The historic building at union station is home to good places to eat, shopping, and a hotel. The station is good for more than transit. You will see special events, and sometimes there is live music that brings the place to life. Amtrak service connects Denver union station to many places around the country. In winter, you can hop on the Winter Park Express ski train that leaves from here.
Here are some things you will get at denver union station:
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Staff there to sell you tickets
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You can check your bags and store them here
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The platforms and bathrooms are easy to get to for everyone
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They have wheelchairs and lifts you can use if you need them
Exploring the RTD Rail System
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs an easy-to-use rail system in the High City. You can get around downtown Denver and other areas without any trouble. The rail network has two types of service. There is light rail transit. This is great for short rides in and around downtown Denver and its suburbs. For longer trips, there is also commuter rail. The commuter trains go faster and reach places farther away.
This rail system links the city center to many neighborhoods outside downtown. It is very important for people who travel to work each day. It is also good for people who want to see new spots. If you know about the different rail lines and main stations, you will get the most out of the Denver metro area. In the next part, we will talk about some lines and stops on the system that you will want to check out.
RTD Light Rail and Commuter Rail Lines
The RTD network has many light rail and commuter rail lines. Each line has a letter to help you know which is which. If you look at an RTD rail system map, you will see these lines going from one place to another. The map helps you pick the right train station for your trip.
Popular light rail lines like the D Line and W Line connect the southwest and west suburbs to the middle part of town. The W Line is a good choice if you live on the west side. These lines are great for trips to attractions, work, or other neighborhoods in the main service area.
For commuter rail, lines like the B Line and G Line help people reach places like Westminster and Wheat Ridge faster. The A Line is Denver’s first commuter rail line and might be the most well-known. It gives people a direct trip between Union Station and Denver International Airport.
Notable RTD Rail Stations in Denver
Beyond Union Station, the RTD system has many important stations. Denver Airport Station is a key stop, and it acts as a door to the city. Some, like 10th & Osage, are known for having both mixed-income housing and being close to local places you can visit. Perry and Knox stations on the W Line are known because people can walk there easily. Plus, these stations feel like parks, which many people like.
Some stations connect you with certain places and groups. Jefferson County Government Center – Golden station gives you an easy way to get to Golden. The stations in Lone Tree help those in the southern metro area. On the University of Colorado A Line, there are stops that link you with growing neighborhoods. The Convention Center station puts you right in the center of what’s going on there.
Not every station is the same though. Some, such as Southmoor, are harder for people on foot to get to, mostly because of how they are built and where they sit along highways. On the other hand, stations like Alameda and Evans are getting new projects that help people walk there. These changes help these stops turn into more lively places for the community.
Conclusion
To sum up, Denver’s train stations are more than places to catch a train. They let you step right into the fun and lively side of the city. The old beauty of union station and the smooth RTD rail make it easy for people to see and do more. Both locals and folks visiting can get a lot out of these spots. When you know what these transportation places offer, your travel will be better.
You should use the services and nice things at each stop. This way, your trip will be easier and better. Are you thinking about a trip to Denver? Try to see how Denver union station and the train system can add something cool to your visit. And if you ever feel confused, ask for help. People can guide you to good routes or share top things to check out nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Amtrak routes depart from Denver Union Station?
Amtrak trains at Denver Union Station link you to many places across the country. The California Zephyr goes each day from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area and stops in Denver. You can’t go straight to New York from here, but you can use other routes to get there or to many other cities across the country.
Which Denver RTD rail station is the most popular?
There is no question that Denver Union Station is the busiest rail station in the High City. This spot in downtown Denver is where almost all RTD rail and bus lines meet. It gets more riders than any other station. Many people see it as a leading example of transit areas built around public transport.
What are some attractions near Denver train stations?
Many train stations in Denver help you get to the best places in the city. The Theater District-Convention Center station is close to big events. There are a few stations in downtown Denver that make it easy to reach the 16th Street Mall. Union Station has places to eat, stores, and you can also enjoy live music there.