STEP 1: Go to your nearest light rail station.
Board or exit the light rail at 36 stations. Nineteen light rail stations have park-n-Ride lots. Many stations also have bus routes and call-n-Rides that access 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 RTD pass or bus transfer, you don't have to buy a ticket. You've already paid for your light rail ride. Your monthly pass is valid only for travel in the fare zones indicated on the pass.

If you use a ticket from an RTD 10-Ride Ticketbook, you must validate your ticket in the ticket validator near the TVM at the light rail station. Your validated light rail ticket can also serve as a bus transfer if you need to complete your trip on an RTD bus. If you're starting out on a bus and then transferring to light rail, be sure to ask for a transfer when you board the bus.

STEP 3: Locate the correct light rail line heading in the direction you wish to go.
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 up to 18th and California streets. However, only designated trains on the D Line continue along Welton Street to the 30th & Downing Station. If it says "30th Avenue," 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. Arriving trains stop at all stations, so you don't need to signal the operator. Once the train has stopped, the doors open automatically, or you can open a door by pushing one of the lighted green buttons.

STEP 5: Let other passengers exit before you board the train.
For easier and faster boarding, please allow other passengers to get off the train before you board.

Note: If you are riding light rail to large 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 make every effort to get you to your destination quickly and safely. We also ask that you observe all restrictions concerning items that you are not permitted to carry into entertainment and sports venues or onto RTD vehicles, such as bottles, alcoholic beverages, large coolers, etc. Contact each venue for specific regulations.

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


STEP 7: Get off at your stop.
You don't have to signal light rail operators. Trains stop at every station along a route. Doors open automatically when the train has come to a complete stop or you can push the "Open Door" button located near the stairwell at each door.

Wheelchair accessibility
Light rail is 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.