It's easy to get going with RTD light rail!

STEP 1: Go to your nearest light rail station.
You can board or exit light rail at 36 stations. Nineteen light rail stations have park-n-Ride lots. Parking fees apply at select park-n-Ride locations; visit How to Park for more information. In addition, many stations are served by convenient bus routes and call-n-Rides that circulate throughout nearby neighborhoods.

STEP 2: Buy your ticket.
You must have a validated ticket before you board the light rail. To purchase a ticket, use the ticket vending machines (TVMs) located at each station. Your ticket will be automatically validated with the date and time when you purchase it from the machine.

If you have a valid monthly pass or bus transfer, you do not have to buy a ticket. Your monthly pass is valid only for travel in the fare zones indicated on the pass.

If you use a ticket from a 10-Ride Ticketbook, you must validate your ticket at the ticket validator at the light rail station. Your validated ticket can also serve as a bus transfer if you need to complete your trip on a bus. If you are beginning your trip on the bus and then plan on transferring to light rail, be sure to ask for a transfer when boarding the bus.

STEP 3: Locate the light rail line going in the direction you want.
Overhead signs next to the light rail tracks indicate which direction the train is going: Northbound or Southbound. Signs on each train indicate the light rail line and the final destination for that train.

If you are traveling into downtown Denver on the D, F or H line, any train you board will stop at every station as far as 18th & California. However, only designated trains on the D Line continue along Welton Street to the 30th & Downing Station, so check the destination sign to see how far the train is going. If it says, "30th & Downing," it will travel up Welton Street to the 30th & Downing Station. Otherwise, the train will turn around on 19th Street for a return trip south.

STEP 4: Stand behind the yellow warning strip.
Yellow strips located next to the tracks indicate the safe waiting distance from the trains. Stay behind the strip until the train comes to a complete stop. Once the train has stopped the doors open automatically, or you can open the door by pushing one of the lighted green buttons. Read more light rail safety tips.

STEP 5: Let other passengers exit before you board the train.
It is easier and faster for everyone if you allow other passengers to get off the train before you board.

If you are riding light rail to special events, crowds may be waiting to board at some stations. Please form orderly lines and be patient if you have to wait a few extra minutes until a train arrives with available space. We also ask that you observe all restrictions concerning items that are not permitted in entertainment and sports venues or on RTD vehicles, such as bottles, alcoholic beverages, large coolers, etc. Contact each venue for specific regulations.

STEP 6: Have your ticket, transfer or pass ready for fare inspector.
Fare inspectors circulate through light rail cars to check for valid fare. When asked, show your validated ticket, pass, upgrade, zone receipt or transfer. You may also be asked to show your ticket, pass or transfer at light rail stations in areas identified by "Fare Paid Zone" signs.


STEP 7: Exit at your stop.
You don't have to signal the operator; your train will stop at every station along the route. To exit, the door will open automatically or push the "Open Door" button located near the stairwell at each door.

Wheelchair accessibility
All light rail vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Ramps are located at each station. Wait at the top of the ramp for the train to stop. Operators will help you board and exit the train.

Transferring between light rail and the bus

• Your validated light rail ticket serves as a bus transfer if you need to complete your trip on a bus. Just show your bus driver the validated light rail ticket as you board.
• If you are starting out on a bus and then moving to light rail, be sure to ask the bus driver for a transfer when you board the bus and keep it with you in case a light rail fare inspector asks for proof of payment.
• The easiest transfer is with a pass. All passes are valid on light rail. Depending on how many light rail fare zones you travel through, you may need to pay an additional fare.

Learn more about how to transfer.