Getting to and Around Golden

TRAVELING TO GOLDEN?

Golden can be accessed by car, bus, or rail. There are five major highways (I-70, Hwy 6, Hwy 58, Hwy 93 and C-470) that lead to Golden. No matter if you are coming from the East, West, North or South, Golden is conveniently located at the foothills of the Rockies just 20 minutes from downtown Denver. Map your route to Golden using Google maps.

Golden is served by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The local bus is Route 17, the light rail is the W Line. The new RTD bus 17 travels to/from Golden to Federal Center Station. The 16 to downtown Denver now starts and stops at Oak Station in Lakewood. For RTD's schedule, please click here.

Golden can also be accessed by trail via the Regional Clear Creek trail map or the C-470 Bikeway. Cyclists can also use designated bike routes on 32nd Avenue and 44th Avenue. Golden has a designated north-south light rail bike route on Ford Street. Remember rules of the road apply to cyclists.

You can also get around downtown Golden using the Ore Cart Free Transit Service. See routes and details below.

THE WEST RAIL LINE (LIGHT RAIL SERVICE)

Please click on the Rail: W LINE button below.

Visitors to Golden can travel from Denver and DIA to Golden via the West Rail Line or “W” line. The West Rail Line between Golden and Denver Union Station passes through 3 fare zones. Please access RTD's fare and passes page by clicking on RTD's Fares & Passes link. Discounts are available.

Getting Here Light Rail Transfers are provided when requested. Transfers can be used between the light rail and bus service. If you travel from Denver to Golden on the light rail, a transfer will allow you to continue your journey into Golden via bus for no additional cost. The same applies if you start on a bus and transfer to the light rail. Bikes are also allowed on the light rail.

Once you arrive in Golden on the “W” line, you can either walk, bike, ride or taxi to downtown Golden depending on the time or day of the week. You can walk or bike the 6th Avenue Trail or travel through town along Johnson Road to Ford Street. The total distance is about 2.5 miles and can take up to 1 hour.

Rail: W Line

Ore Cart Service & Transit Planning

Please click here for the route map.

This service is free for all riders, ADA accessible, and will expand access to existing transit options including the RTD 17 bus and W regional train line. The Ore Cart service does not run on Sundays or Mines school holidays (typically the state holiday calendar).

Questions? Concerns? Contact (303) 384-CART(2278) or orecart@mines.edu

Gold Route: North Golden

Service hours: Buses arrive approximately every 15 minutes.
Monday- Friday: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m

Silver Route: Colorado School of Mines Campus

Service hours: Buses arrive approximately every 15 minutes.
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The shuttle connects the CSM campus and Mines Park along with campus parking lots.

Tungsten Route: Jefferson Campus RTD W Line Station to Downtown Golden and CSM Campus

Service hours: Buses arrive approximately every 15 minutes.
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The shuttle connects the CSM campus, Downtown Golden and several senior housing complexes to the RTD W Line station at the Jefferson County campus. The return route includes the remote parking lot at the Splash at Fossil Trace and Jefferson County Human Services before returning to campus.

FLEXRIDE

Please click on the Golden FLEXRIDE Service Area button below.

FlexRide provides extended bus service in specific Denver metro areas, delivering first- and last-mile connections to other RTD Park-n-Rides and stations, medical centers, and business parks. Similar to a ride share, FlexRide is available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Call our Customer Care team at 303.299.6000, to reserve your ride.

Fares for flexride are $3.00 for locals, $0.90 for youth. Discounts can apply.

Access online reservation service by clicking on this link, online reservation service or calling Customer Care AT 303-299-6000.

Golden Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM. NO Services on Sundays and holidays.

Call-n-ride bus

To schedule a ride on the FlexRide service or to ask questions, call the Customer Care Team at 303-299-6000. Please visit the RTD website to view the full FlexRide Bus Schedule.

Golden Flexride Service Area