Ticket Vending Machine

How to use the light rail ticket vending machine
Ticket Vending Machine
The display screen guides you through your ticket purchase. You can choose to view instructions in either English or Spanish by pressing the audio buttons. Ticket vending machines will either give you the option to push the appropriate button below your selection or touch-screen your selection.

Step 1-Make a ticket selection.

Choose the type of ticket by pushing the appropriate button below the screen.

  • Purchase tickets
  • Quick ticket – One regular fare to Central & Downtown Denver Stations: You will be issued a one-way regular ticket.
  • skyRide, Zone Receipt and Upgrades: skyRide – Choose what station you will board skyRide to DIA

    Zone Receipt – Choose this selection when traveling to an adjacent light rail fare zone not indicated on your monthly pass. When using a zone receipt, the number of zones traveled cannot exceed the number of zones on the monthly pass. Zone receipts are valid only when accompanied by a monthly pass and are not valid on buses. A zone receipt is valid all day and must be retained for same-day return travel.

    Upgrade – Choose this selection when you travel in more zones than indicated on your existing ticket/pass. This allows you to upgrade a regular or discounted ticket/pass that you have already purchased and pay the difference in fares.

    Note: Discount pass users also use this button when upgrading a ticket.

All RTD light rail tickets and bus transfers are pre-validated with that day’s date and time; you cannot purchase tickets from a TVM for use on another day.

RTD passes and 10-Ride Ticketbooks are not available for purchase at ticket vending machines.

10-Ride Ticketbook tickets must be validated at light rail stations before boarding. 10-Ride Ticketbooks apply to the following light rail fare zones:

Local       1-2 adjacent zones
Express   3 adjacent zones
Regional  4 zones

Prior to boarding, locate the validating machine either near the ticket vending machines or on the platform. Validating machines are thin, stainless steel machines. Insert your ticket and the actual date, time and station locator will be printed on your ticket.

If you’re a frequent rider, you can save money by purchasing in advance an RTD monthly pass, annual pass or 10-Ride Ticketbook. Passes and ticket books may be purchased at RTD sales out-lets such as Safeway and King Soopers stores at the Customer Service Center and online at
RTD-Denver.com


Step 2-Select your destination.

Find your final destination station.

Step 3-Select ticket type.

You will have the option of the following types of tickets: one-way, roundtrip or discount.
Discount tickets apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients and students in elementary, middle or high school, ages 6-19.

  • Roundtrip tickets: If you’re attending a special event using light rail, you may want to purchase a round-trip ticket at your initial boarding station so you don’t have to purchase a return ticket after the event.

    Note: For large special events where many light rail passengers are expected, RTD ticket agents will be selling light rail tickets at booths located near station entrances at Littleton/Mineral, Littleton/Downtown, Englewood, Alameda and I-25 & Broadway stations.

    Special Event Services: During major special events and sproting events, RTD may offer increased service on select light rail lines, depending on anticipated attendance. Please be aware that the trains may be at capacity before and after these events. Special ticket windows may also be in service at select light rail stations for special events. In addition to increased light rail service, RTD offers BroncosRide (all games) and RockiesRide (select games) direct bus service from several metro area park-n-Rides. For more information visit RTD-denver.com and click on "Special Rides."

  • Discount tickets: Discount fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities.
    Medicare recipients and students in elementary, middle and high school, ages 6-19. Provide proof of eligibility when boarding. For seniors or individuals with disabilities a Special Discount Card may be obtained by calling 303.299.2667

Step 4-Select quantity of tickets

  • The TVM automatically calculates the amount and displays your purchase price on the screen. Children age 5 and under ride free when accoumpanied by a fare paying adult.

Step 5-Pay amount shown on screen.

The screen will show the type of ticket selected and the amount due. Insert bills, coins or RTD 25¢ tokens in the money slots. The TVM will not accept RTD $1 tokens, pennies or bills larger than $20.00.

Step 6-Take your ticket and change.

Your ticket and change are dispensed at the bottom of the TVM. Change will only be given in coins.