RTD Fares
After more than a year of engagement with the community, RTD is pleased to introduce a simpler, more affordable, and more equitable fare system.Still have tickets from a 2024 Ticket Book?
No worries! All unused tickets will remain valid through 2025. Just validate as usual when taking your next trip on RTD!
RTD’s fare system is now simpler, more affordable, and more equitable. In 2024, we lowered fares, reduced the number of fare zones, and consolidated Discount fares. Costs for 3-Hour, Day, and Monthly Passes are now lower, and all Monthly and Discount Passes include travel to/from the airport. We also reduced Access-a-Ride fares and introduced Access-a-Ride LiVE fares. The updated system expands access to the LiVE program, launched a transit assistance grant program, introduced a new Semester Pass for post-secondary students, and more.
| Standard Fares | Discount Fares* (Includes Airport) | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Hour PassValid for 3 hours after validation. | $2.75 | $1.35 |
| Day PassValid all service day. | $5.50 | $2.70 |
| Airport Day PassValid all service day across the system, including the airport. | $10 | no additional charge |
| Monthly Pass*Valid all month across the system, including the airport. | $88 | $27 |
*Discount fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and customers enrolled in LiVE. All Discount fares and Monthly Passes include travel to/from the airport.
Youth 19 and under and active-duty U.S. military ride free on all RTD services.
Proof of eligibility is required for all Discount fare riders, youth, and active-duty military.
| Access-a-Ride | Access-a-Ride LiVE | |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | $4.50 | $2.25 |
| Airport | $19 | $9.50 |
Learn more about Access-a-Ride, RTD's ADA complementary paratransit service.
Save on Fares with fare capping when you use the MyRide App or Card
Fare capping ensures you never pay more than you should on RTD. When you use your MyRide Barcode or MyRide Card, 3-Hour Passes automatically convert to Day and Monthly Passes. Fare capping applies to individual tokens, so an account holder using their MyRide barcode will accumulate trips separately than those using a MyRide Card connected to the same account. This way, everyone saves!
Fare Benefits
How to Purchase
Discount Programs and Fares
RTD’s Nonprofit Program
RTD's Nonprofit Program offers reduced fares to eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit or governmental community/social service organizations that provide assistance to low income and homeless individuals. To learn more about the program and how to apply, please contact RTD's Nonprofit Program Coordinator by email.
Discounted Fares
Rail Fare Zones
Welcome aboard the RTD rail system, where convenience meets accessibility! RTD’s fare system is comprised of two fare zones: Local and Airport. For trips to or from Denver International Airport, customers will need an Airport Day Pass or Airport Upgrade. These options facilitate seamless travel throughout the entire network for Standard fare-paying customers. Notably, all Discount fare products include travel to and from the airport, ensuring affordability and ease for all customers.
Additional Fare Information
Fare Policies
No Refunds
There are no refunds for purchases of any fare products. Fare media may carry an end-of-year expiration date; if so, they may be eligible for credit towards a new ticket book during a limited period.
Fare Evasion
It is against the law to use RTD services without paying the fare (C.R.S. § 42-4-1416(2) Failure to Present a Valid Transit Pass or Coupon). Failure to present a valid transit pass, ticket, transfer or coupon could result in a fine of up to $106.50 including court costs. Fare evasion is punishable under the Colorado traffic code and failure to pay may result in the loss of a person's driving privileges. Multiple fare citations will result in suspension from RTD services for a pre-determined amount of time.
Fare Upgrades
Upgrades
To get the most value and convenience customers are encouraged to use the MyRide mobile barcode or MyRide card to pay for fares. When using these forms of payment trips accumulate and fares are capped to ensure you never pay more than you should. 3-Hour Passes automatically convert to Day and Monthly Passes based on travel, and if you take a trip to a higher fare zone you'll only pay the difference.If not using the MyRide barcode or card, customers are encouraged to purchase the Airport Day Pass rather than relying on upgrades for making multiple trips at different fare levels. However, customers may use an upgrade on a higher level of service.
Upgrade on a Trip to or from Denver International Airport:
Customers with a Standard 3-Hour Pass or Day Pass must pay for an airport upgrade ($7.25 from 3-Hour, $4.50 from Day) with cash on the bus or at a Ticket Vending Machine with cash, credit or debit at rail stations. All Discount fares include travel to and from the airport.
Downgrades
In most cases the bus fare that you pay will correspond to the service level of the route. However, on Airport routes it is possible to take a partial trip that qualifies for a lower fare, depending on the route and where you board and depart. If you know your trip qualifies for a non-airport fare be sure to tell the operator before you pay your fare so that you are charged correctly.
More Information
Passes and Ticket Books
Frequent riders and commuters can save time and money by pre-purchasing passes or ticket books
Learn more about Passes & Ticket BooksFare Evasion
RTD counts on revenue from passengers to provide and improve transit services. That’s why it’s important for all passengers to pay the full fare when riding buses and light rail.
Learn more about fare evasionMobile Ticketing
Use your mobile phone to scan and ride with RTD MyRide! RTD tickets and passes also available on the Uber and Transit apps.
Learn more about mobile ticketing