1. GO TO YOUR NEAREST RAIL STATION

    You can board or exit rail at many stations across the metro area (see map). Parking is available at rail stations that 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 FlexRide that circulate throughout nearby neighborhoods.

    Explore rail with our interactive system map
    View the rail map and get station information

  2. PAY YOUR FARE

    Purchase tickets

    A valid ticket is required before you board the rail. To purchase a ticket, use the ticket vending machines (TVMs) located at each station. Cash (coins and bills) and debit/credit cards are accepted at TVMs. TVMs accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Your ticket will be automatically validated with the date and time when you purchase it from the machine.

    3-Hour Passes are valid for unlimited trips at the same service level on other buses or trains. Also available for purchase are Day Passes, which allow you to take unlimited rides on bus or train all day for the price of a round-trip.

    Learn more about using ticket vending machines

    Validate tickets

    If you use a ticket from a 10-Ride ticket book or a Free Ride Coupon, validate your ticket at the ticket validator at the rail station. Tickets are valid for 3 hours after the time of validation.

    Passes

    If you have a valid monthly pass or 3-Hour Pass, you do not have to buy a ticket. Your monthly pass is valid only for travel in the fare zones indicated on the pass. To obtain a fare upgrade to a Regional/Airport Day Pass, obtain a fare upgrade from a ticket vending machine.

    If you are using a smart card, you must tap on at a smart card reader located along the rail platform prior to boarding the train. Be sure to verify the default service level on the reader and if necessary select your correct service level prior to tapping your card.

  3. LOCATE THE CORRECT PLATFORM

    Overhead signs next to the rail tracks indicate which direction the train is going. Signs on each train indicate the rail line and the final destination for that train.

  4. STAND BEHIND THE YELLOW 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.

  5. PREPARE TO BOARD

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

    If you are riding 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.

    Riding Commuter Rail

    Commuter rail comes to Denver with the A Line and the B Line to Westminster. Commuter rail has many new, different features than light rail. Commuter rail trains carry more passengers, operate at higher speeds and make fewer stops than light rail.

    The A Line provides fast, convenient service to DIA. Additionally, commuter rail vehicles offer different cargo space options for travelers making their way to and from Denver International Airport.

    Boarding the Train
    Once the train has come to a complete stop and the doors have opened, you may safely board the train. If you see the doors are closing, please wait for the next train to safely board.
    Luggage Storage
    Commuter rail vehicles feature overhead storage running the entire length of the vehicle, similar to an airplane or regional bus. Additionally, there are two designated luggage storage racks per vehicle.
    Bikes and Large Cargo
    Each vehicle has two multi-purpose storage racks. Each storage area can hold two bikes, four per vehicle. This large storage space is also ideal for large pieces of luggage like skis and snowboards.
    Level Boarding
    With commuter rail cars, every door has level boarding. This means there are no steps to maneuver when boarding or exiting the train. You can roll your bike, luggage, stroller, or wheel chair directly onto the vehicle.

    Learn more about riding commuter rail

    Be Safe Around Buses and Trains

    Don't touch those wires. The wires above the train are dangerous and extremely high voltage. Never try to touch them or reach them with an object.

    When it's gone, it's gone. Never chase or touch a moving vehicle. Your life is more important than a few missed minutes.

    Stay off the tracks. Stay alert when near the tracks - it might save your life. Trains travel at high speeds, come from both directions and can't stop very easily.

    Learn more about being safe around buses and trains

  6. BE READY FOR FARE INSPECTION

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

  7. EXIT AT YOUR STOP

    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 door.

HOW TO TRANSFER BETWEEN RAIL AND BUS

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

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY

All rail vehicles are accessible to riders with mobility devices, and have seating areas available for riders with mobility devices. At light rail stations, passenger loading ramps are located on the platform. Wait at the top of the ramp for the train to stop. Operators will help you board and exit the train. Commuter rail vehicles offer level boarding at each door with no need to use a ramp to board the train.

HOW TO RIDE RESOURCES

Rail Resources

How to Ride Video

Commuter Rail Frequently Asked Questions

Wheelchair courtesy service is provided by the individual airlines. When booking your flight, request wheelchair courtesy service and the airline should provide you with courtesy wheelchair service once you exit the train, on or near the train platform.

Children five years of age or younger ride for free on all RTD services when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (limit three children with each fare-paying adult). Children aged 6-19 are eligible for the discount fare, which is 50% of the fare type (Local, Regional, or Airport fare).

Strollers, car seats, and other luggage can be stored in the vertical luggage racks, overhead bins, or in the oversized luggage storage area.
Children should remain seated next to their parent or guardian while the train is in motion.
There are no size restrictions or weight limits for luggage brought onto the train. Please keep in mind that luggage cannot block the aisle, doors, or emergency exits. Passengers should be able to load and unload their own luggage.

If the storage areas are full, please try to find extra space in the adjoining train. If all storage areas are full, please wait for the next train and stand in line to be the first to board. Trains run every 15 minutes during most of the day.

Bikes and luggage cannot block the aisles, doors, or emergency exits.

Travelers will need to exit the University of Colorado A Line train with all of their personal belongings and take the escalator or elevator to level 5 and proceed into the airport. Ticket counters and baggage check are located on level 6 of the airport.

There are plans for bag check inside Denver Airport Station on level 1 in the near future.

The train will stop on level 1 at Denver Airport Station, directly below the Westin Hotel.

Passengers will need to proceed up the escalator or elevator to level 5 and enter Denver International Airport.

Passengers needing to check-in for their flights or check bags will need to proceed to level 6. Passengers with carry-on baggage can proceed directly to Security on level 5.

There are two wheelchair securement areas per vehicle. All doors on the commuter rail vehicle are ADA accessible. If the wheelchair securement area is not in use, the folding bench seat in that area may be used for additional seating.

Customers using a wheelchair or mobility device may choose to secure themselves appropriately, without the assistance of a train operator or any other on-duty driver, staff, or operator.

No, there are no restrooms on our commuter rail trains or at any of the University of Colorado A Line stations.

No, there is no covered parking available at any of the University of Colorado A Line stations.

Service animals and crated pets must remain on the floor, not blocking the aisle, or on their owner's/trainer's lap. Service animals and crated pets are not allowed in the aisle or on seats.

Yes, your EcoPass and/or CollegePass will pay for your trip to the airport. Simply select your trip type at the Smart Card validator on the platform and tap your card before boarding the vehicle. There is no additional payment required.

Yes, Free Ride Coupons are good for one-way trips on any level of service, including a trip to the airport. Validate your coupon at the red validator machines on the platform. The machine will time stamp your coupon. This coupon is good for three hours and for travel in one direction. If you need to transfer to a bus to complete your trip, please show your time-stamped coupon to the bus driver as your proof of fare.

RTD will staff security officers/Fare Inspectors (uniformed and plain-clothed) aboard nearly all commuter rail vehicles. These officers will frequently enforce fare payment. 

All commuter rail vehicles have security cameras installed.

Transferring from bus to train:

If you begin your trip on a bus, you will need to tell the driver your final destination and pay the correct fare for your entire trip. If you board a local bus but will end your trip at the airport, ask the driver for the airport fare and pay the fare box. The driver will issue a printed fare receipt with the time and fare type paid. This is your proof of fare when you board the train. No additional payment is required.

Transferring from train to bus:

If you begin your trip on a train, you will need to purchase your fare at the Ticket Vending Machine on the platform. Purchase the fare for your final destination. Retain this ticket to show to the bus driver as proof of fare.

No, there is not an RTD-provided wifi signal on the commuter rail trains.

No, there are no electrical outlets on the commuter rail trains.

Use Next Ride for the next scheduled departures from your stop, station, or Park-n-Ride.

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