Rush hour is no fun in Denver, and anyone can vouch for that, even a Denver taxi cab driver. There's an ongoing joke among the Denver locals that Denver International Airport is so far away from the center of the Denver metro area that it may as well reside in another state altogether. In reality the Denver airport is only 24 miles from Denver, but to any first time visitor it will feel like an eternity. Limos in Denver are the best bet if anyone wants to make the ride a little more comfortable. And anyone getting a car from a Denver car rental service should have no trouble navigating around the city. The highways are easy to navigate, signage is straightforward, and a map is helpful. Denver transportation is easy to follow, but knowing which roads and highways to take can be somewhat of a challenge. The major highways are well marked, but they are however, congested with construction, making rush hour the number one cause for frustration, so it is wise to either schedule extra time if for driving between 7 am to 9 am and 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Or to rent a limo to get in and out of Denver. There is also a Denver taxi that will always be available to get to and from the city. It seems too daunting to battle with other Denver cars, when a Denver shuttle service is available at a low cost.
Seatbelts are required in the state of Colorado, and anyone can be ticketed for not buckling up. Child restrains are mandatory for all children younger than 6 years old, and children less than 1 year old must be strapped in a rear-facing child restraint seat. Highway speeds vary throughout Colorado, but for the most part, the highway speed limit in and around the Denver metro area is 55 mph. As anyone heads out of town, the limit increases to 65 mph. Here's an insider tip: the police rigorously patrol the highway in and out of the Denver airport, so resist the urge to put the pedal to the metal.
Denver is still playing catch-up when it comes to contemporary methods of public transportation, but the Regional Transportation District or RTD operates numerous bus routes and a limited light rail system. Service within Denver and to the outlying suburbs and communities is prompt and plentiful, and there are 65 Park-n-Ride locations throughout the Denver-Boulder area for stowing those Denver cars.
One-way tickets are $1.50 on Denver buses; seniors, Medicare recipients, and disabled patrons pay 75 cents, and children age 5 and younger travel free. Regional and Express fares vary, and light rail tickets range from $1.50 to $2.75, depending upon the zone. Exact change is required on Denver busses, and light rail tickets can be purchased at station vending machines. FasTracks, a 12-year comprehensive plan to build and operate high-speed rail lines, expand and improve bus service, and increase the number of Park-n-Rides throughout the region, is progressing; but for now, it's Denver buses or bust.
Somewhat surprisingly, Denver is not a town overwhelmed with Denver taxis. They are available, but no one should expect to find a litter of yellow cabs lined up at hotels or perched on every street corner. Should anyone need a Denver taxi, it's best to phone ahead. If someone is staying at one of the many Denver downtown hotels, then they'll want to explore the city center on foot.
Denver boasts an extremely walkable downtown, coupled with free Denver shuttles that transport visitors from the far west end of the 16th Street Mall to the east end, which sits just steps away from Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol.
