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Denver’s altitude, dry air, and distance between the airport and downtown throw most first-time visitors, so this guide answers the practical questions: how to get from the airport, what transit costs, whether you need a car, and how to handle the 5,280-foot elevation. Sorted by the questions real travelers ask. For optimal timing, check the best time to visit guide.
Denver Travel Tips: Arriving and Altitude
How do I get from Denver International Airport to downtown?
Denver International Airport (airport code DEN) is 25 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown. The RTD A Line commuter train runs from the airport’s transit center to Union Station every 15 minutes most of the day, takes 37 minutes, and costs US$10.50 one way. Ride-share (Uber or Lyft) costs about US$40 to US$60 and takes 30 to 45 minutes. Taxis run a flat-ish US$55 to US$70. If you’re driving to the mountains, skip the rental at the airport and pick it up downtown instead to avoid airport fees. Build your itinerary with our things to do guide.
Will the altitude make me sick?
Denver sits at 5,280 feet (1,609 m), and the thinner air affects most people for the first day or two, mainly as fatigue, headache, or faster breath on stairs. Drink about twice your usual water, go easy on alcohol the first night, and take it slow on day one. If you’re headed straight up to the ski resorts at 9,000 to 12,000 feet, spend one night in Denver first; symptoms of altitude sickness get worse the higher and faster you go, and headaches or nausea mean you should descend, not push through. Choose a base with our neighborhoods guide.
Do I need a car in Denver?
Within Denver, no: Union Station, the A Line, light rail (D/E/H/W lines), buses, the free MallRide, and ride-share cover downtown, LoDo, RiNo, and Cherry Creek. Parking downtown runs US$20 to US$40 a day and spaces are scarce. Rent a car only for mountain day trips to Red Rocks, the ski resorts, or Rocky Mountain National Park; for the ski corridor, the CDOT Snowstang and Bustang buses from Union Station are cheaper than a rental plus winter I-70 driving.
Denver Travel Tips: Getting Around and Costs
- RTD local bus and light rail fare: US$3.00 one way, day pass US$6.00. The A Line airport train is US$10.50 one way.
- Free 16th Street MallRide bus runs the length of the Mall every 1 to 2 minutes daily.
- Ride-share within downtown typically costs US$8 to US$15 per trip.
- A taxi from the airport to downtown runs about US$55 to US$70 flat.
- Bike share (Lyft-owned) and e-scooters are available through downtown and RiNo via app rental.
Is Denver tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Denver Water’s tap water is safe and among the cleanest in the country, sourced from mountain snowmelt, so there’s no need to buy bottled water in Denver or at the resorts. At altitude you should be drinking more of it than usual anyway.
How much should I tip?
US tipping applies: 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants, US$1 to US$2 per drink at bars, US$2 to US$3 per bag for hotel porters, and 15 to 20 percent for ride-share and taxis. Many counter-service spots now present 15, 18, and 20 percent options on the screen. Tipping is expected for table service even when it’s counter-order food delivered to your table.
Denver Travel Tips: Weather, Packing, and Safety
What do I pack for Denver weather?
Layers year-round, because a 25°C (45°F) swing between morning and afternoon is normal in any season. November through April send you out with warm boots, a waterproof shell, and gloves; June through September add sunscreen (SPF 30 plus), a hat, and a light rain layer for the 3 pm thunderstorms. Denver is dry, so lip balm and moisturizer help more than you’d expect. Full month-by-month numbers are in the weather by month guide.
Is Denver safe?
Denver’s downtown core, LoDo, RiNo, and Cherry Creek are generally safe to walk during the day and evening with normal city awareness. Use extra caution around Union Station and the 16th Street Mall at late night, keep bags zipped, and don’t leave valuables in a parked car (window-smash thefts are common near tourist lots and trailheads). Colfax Avenue east of the Capitol has blocks that are rougher after dark; stick to ride-share at night there.
Do I need a visa for the United States?
Most foreign visitors need either a US visa or authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), which must be completed online before travel and currently costs US$21. ESTA covers citizens of about 40 countries including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea for stays up to 90 days. Canadians generally just need a passport. Check current requirements on the official ESTA and State Department sites before booking, since rules change.
Suggested Hotels in Denver
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Denver’s 1892 landmark hotel has a six-story atrium, afternoon tea, and a downtown address two blocks from the 16th Street Mall. Best for couples and history lovers who want a luxury stay in the center of the city. Check rates and availability
The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block
A design-focused hotel at the foot of the Dairy Block alley of shops and bars, a four-minute walk from Union Station and the airport train. Best for groups and first-timers who want to be near the transit hub and nightlife. Check rates and availability
the Curtis Denver, a DoubleTree by Hilton
A DoubleTree with pop-culture themed floors and a playful lobby, three blocks from the Colorado Convention Center and right off the Mall. Best for families and convention-goers who want a fun, well-priced downtown stay. Check rates and availability
For area-by-area hotel pricing, see the where to stay guide, and check the events and festivals calendar before you lock in dates.
