RTD

The University of Denver encourages students, employees, and visitors to use public transit to travel to and from campus. Riding RTD is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support DU’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.

Below, you’ll find helpful tips for planning your trip, making your way around campus, getting the most out of your DU transit benefits, and ways to get to other regions of Colorado by bus and train.

Plan Your Trip

The University of Denver is well-connected by public transit:

  • The University of Denver Station on the north side of campus provides access to RTD’s light rail and bus network.
  • Additional bus routes serve the east and central areas of campus.

To plan your route to and from DU, we recommend these easy-to-use tools:

Upon Arrival

Once you arrive by bus or train, there are several convenient options to complete your trip:

  • DU Campus Shuttle
    The free Campus Shuttle connects you to destinations in and around DU.
  • Bike and Scooter Share
    Rent a bike or scooter from one of Denver’s bikeshare vendors for a flexible and fun way to get around. View vendors and download apps.

Tickets to Ride

As a DU student or employee, you get unlimited rides on all RTD bus and rail services—including trips to Denver International Airport.

  • No additional cost
  • Use it for commuting, errands, or exploring the region

Click the sections below for eligibility details and how to activate your pass. If you are a campus visitor or are ineligible for DU-provided passes, click the “all other tickets & passes” section to purchase tickets to ride RTD. 

  • Student Transit Access: RTD CollegePass

    All eligible University of Denver students receive unlimited rides on RTD buses and trains through the RTD CollegePass program. It's an easy, sustainable, and cost-effective way to get around the Denver metro area—including to and from the airport.

    How to Activate Your CollegePass

    1. Download the RTD MyRide App on your smartphone.
    2. Create an account using your @du.edu email address.
    3. Activate your CollegePass following the step-by-step instructions.

    Need help? Check out the full instructions in English and Spanish.

    Troubleshooting

    • App or pass issues?
      Use the help options within the MyRide App to contact RTD directly.
    • If the issue persists:
      Email parking@du.edu with your DU ID and DU email address.
    • Need a physical card instead?
      If you don’t have access to a smartphone, contact the DU Parking Office at parking@du.edu for help obtaining a physical MyRide card.

    RTD CollegePass Eligibility

    Eligibility is determined each academic term. Be sure to check your eligibility every semester. Passes activate at the start of each eligible term.

    Eligible Students:

    • Full-time undergraduate students (excluding College of Professional Studies)
    • Graduate and law students enrolled in a participating program who pay the Transportation Fee
    • Continuous enrollment students in:
      • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Engineering & Computer Science
      • DU/Iliff Joint PhD program

    Non-Eligible:

    • Executive MBA (Daniels College of Business)
    • Executive Real Estate program
    • Distance MSW students in Durango or Glenwood Springs
    • MSW@Denver, MLIS@Denver, SchoolCounseling@Denver students
    • SECS Lockheed Martin students
    • College of Professional Studies students
    • Transportation Institute participants
    • Other Continuous Enrollment students not listed under eligible programs
  • Employee Transit Access: RTD EcoPass

    As a University of Denver staff member, you receive free access to all RTD buses and trains, including the A Line to Denver Airport, through your RTD EcoPass! Whether you’re commuting to campus or exploring the city, your EcoPass makes transportation across Denver and beyond easy, sustainable, and free.

    Follow these steps to register your EcoPass:

    1. Download the RTD MyRide app on your smartphone.
    2. Register for an account using your University of Denver email address.
    3. Set up a MyRide Barcode by clicking on the MyRide homepage, Your Activities Tokens section, and enter a barcode name such as “DU EcoPass.”
    4. Look for the Green EcoPass bar in your app on the home page under the barcode.
    5. Select “I’ll add funds later.”

    Once registered, the DU program administrator will link your EcoPass to your account. You’ll receive two emails from noreply@justride.com. One is to confirm your account, and another will come when your EcoPass is activated (this second email may be delayed by 24 hours). After that, just tap to ride anywhere RTD goes.

    The University encourages staff to access their EcoPasses digitally via the MyRide app. If you cannot access the MyRide App, contact benefits@du.edu, and we can assist you with obtaining a MyRide Card.

Additional Information

  • Transit Tips

    Here are some additional things to know about RTD:

    1. Youth ride for free! People 19 and under ride RTD at no cost. 
    2. Keep RTD safe with Transit Watch. Stay alert and contact RTD or use their app to report unsafe activity.
  • Explore Colorado with Regional Transit Options

    Looking to venture beyond the Denver Metro area? Public and private transit providers make it easy to explore all that Colorado has to offer—from mountain towns to ski resorts and rural small towns.

    Bustang

    Bustang is Colorado’s statewide express bus service, connecting major destinations across the state:

    • West Line: Travel to Glenwood Springs and beyond
    • North & South Lines: Reach Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and other Front Range cities
    • Snowstang: Direct winter-season service to top ski resorts
    • Outrider: Access rural mountain towns like Crested Butte and plains communities like Sterling

    Enjoy comfortable onboard amenities including Wi-Fi, power outlets, bike racks, and luggage storage—making it easy to relax and prepare for your adventure.

    Winter Park Express Ski Train

    Experience a unique combination of Colorado’s ski culture and rail history with the Winter Park Express. This scenic train departs from Denver Union Station and takes you straight to the base of Winter Park Resort.

    Colorado Mountain Express

    Traveling in a group? Colorado Mountain Express offers private transportation to mountain destinations via SUVs and Sprinter vans—ideal for group trips, vacations, or special events.

    Treadshare

    Carpooling made easy—an eco-conscious way to get where you need to go while building community. TreadShare is Colorado’s carpooling app that links drivers and passengers so they can share rides to the mountains and special events outside of Denver. Download the app to get started, and sign up for their email list to be alerted to special events and offers. 

Contact

 

Parking & Mobility Services