How to use light rail ticket vending machines
The ticket vending machine (TVM) display screen guides you through your ticket purchase. You can choose to view instructions in either English or Spanish by pressing the audio buttons. Depending on the TVM, you may input selections using the touch screen, or by pushing the appropriate button below your selection.
Step 1: Make a ticket selection
Purchase tickets:
Purchase one-way, 6-hour special event ticket, or all day passes.
Monthly passes and 10-Ride ticket books are not available for purchase at TVMs.
All 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.
Please note, to streamline our fare products, our regular round-trip ticket has been replaced with a 6-hour special event ticket.
Quick ticket:
You will be issued a one-way regular ticket to central and downtown Denver stations.
SkyRide, zone receipt and upgrade:
- SkyRide: Select the station where you will board SkyRide to DIA.
- Zone receipt: Select this when traveling to an adjacent light rail fare zone not indicated on your 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.
Zone receipts must be obtained at stations in zone B on the C and D lines and at stations in zones B and C on the E, F and H lines. - Upgrade: Choose this selection when you travel in more zones than indicated on your existing ticket or pass. This allows you to upgrade to a regular or discounted ticket or pass that you have already purchased and pay the difference in fare. Discount pass users also use this button when upgrading a ticket.
Step 2: Select your destination
The TVM will automatically calculate fare zones and service level based on the destination you select.
Step 3: Select ticket type
You will have the option of choosing regular or discount, one-way, 6-hour special event ticket or all day pass.
Day Pass:
If you're planning to make multiple trips on light rail or bus in a single day, our Day Pass may be your most affordable option. With a Day Pass you can traffic all day for one low price.
Six-hour Special Event ticket:
If you're attending a special event using light rail, you may want to purchase a 6-hour special event ticket at your initial boarding station so you don't have to purchase a return ticket after the event.
Special Event Services:
During major special events and sporting 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.
Discount fares:
Discount fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients and students in elementary, middle and high school, ages 6-19. Proof of eligibility is required when boarding. For seniors or individuals with disabilities a Special Discount Card may be obtained by calling 303.299.2667 Active duty members of the U.S. military currently ride for free on all RTD services.
Step 4: Select quantity of tickets
The TVM automatically displays your purchase price on the screen based on quantity of tickets chosen. Children age 5 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult (limit three children per adult).
Step 5: Pay amount shown on screen
The screen will show the type of ticket selected and the amount due. Insert bills or coins in the money slots or select the credit card option. The TVM will not accept RTD tokens, pennies, or bills larger than $20.00. Change will be given in coins.
TVMs will begin accepting credit cards on April 28, 2013 at every light rail station in downtown Denver, and at stations along the Central Platte Valley and Southwest corridors, and the W line. The Southeast corridor stations will be upgraded by early May with new software, so that all TVMs will have the capability of accepting all major credit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA.
At select light rail stations, where there are multiple TVMs, at least one TVM will continue to accept cash and coins.
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.
Be sure to keep your ticket readily available while riding the train. RTD Fare Inspectors conduct random fare checks and may request to see a valid ticket at any time.
