How to get to the Nuggets game without a car
Headed to the Nuggets game? Here are tips for getting to Ball Arena by bus, train or bike
If you’re heading to Ball Arena to catch a Denver Nuggets game, you have a lot of options for getting there. By riding transit or walking or biking to the game, you can save money and stress by not having to worry about traffic or parking. Plus, it’s better for our air.
What’s the best way to get to the Nuggets game?
Taking a train or bus, walking or biking is a great way to head to a Denver Nuggets game. The Nuggets play at Ball Arena, adjacent to downtown Denver. Good cross streets to aim for are 9th Street & Auraria Parkway or Speer Blvd & Chopper Circle.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) transit hub, Union Station is conveniently located near all the downtown sports venues – and a pretty cool destination in and of itself, with shops and dining options. Whether you’re catching an RTD train or bus, many lines will take you through Union Station, just a short walk from Ball Arena, and some will get you even closer to the venue.
Suggestions for which buses and trains to take to the Nuggets game
If you’re coming from Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton or other points north of Denver:
Try taking the N line train, the 19 bus, or the 120X express bus. All three will drop you off at or right near Union Station. From there, walk about a half a mile, or take the E or W light rail train just one stop, to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. Follow the crowds to your desired part of the arena.
If you’re coming from Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Broomfield, Westminster or other points northwest of Denver:
Hop on the Flatiron Flyer express bus. You can find stations along U.S. 36. You’ll travel in comfort to Union Station. From there, walk about a half a mile, or take the E or W light rail train just one stop, to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. Follow the crowds to your desired part of the arena.
From Westminster, try the B line train to Union Station. Westminster Station near 71st and Federal is a great place to catch the train. From Union Station, walk about a half a mile, or take the E or W light rail train just one stop, to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. Follow the crowds to your desired part of the arena.
If you’re coming from Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Lakewood or other points west of Denver:
From Arvada and Wheat Ridge, catch the G line train to Union Station. The G line makes stops at Ward Road, Olde Town Arvada, Pecos Junction and other stations along the way. From Union Station, walk about a half a mile, or take the E or W light rail train just one stop, to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. Follow the crowds to your desired part of the arena.
From Golden or Lakewood, the W line train will take you directly where you need to go! Get off at the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. Follow the crowds to your desired part of the arena.
If you live on the west side of town near Colfax, you can take the 16 bus to the Decatur/Federal station, and then the 15L bus to 9th & Auraria Parkway, right outside Ball Arena.
If you’re near Belmar in Lakewood, hop on the number 1 bus at Lakewood City Commons – it will take you directly to the 9th & Auraria stop, right outside Ball Arena.
If you’re coming from Littleton, Englewood, Sheridan or other points south of Denver:
If you’re coming from Centennial, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Parker, Glendale or other places southeast of Denver:
If you’re coming from Aurora, Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, Central Park, Northfield or other places east of downtown Denver:
Take the A line, which will bring you to Union Station. From there, walk about a half a mile, or take the E or W light rail train just one stop, to the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens station. Follow the crowds to your desired part of the arena.
If you’re farther south in Aurora, hop on the R line train northbound to Peoria Station, where you can transfer to the A line to Union Station.
If you live on the east side of town near Colfax, you can also take the 15L bus directly to the 9th & Auraria stop at Ball Arena.
If you’re already in Downtown Denver:
Walk, bike or scoot your way over to the game! Or hop on the free MallRide shuttle bus; get off at Wewatta and you’re just a short walk away from Ball Arena.
The routes suggested here should also be running and able to take you home when the game is over — just check the schedule ahead of time to be sure.
For detailed instructions and to find the best connection between your starting point and Ball Arena, you can use RTD’s trip planner:
Where do I find bike parking at the Nuggets game?
Biking to the Nuggets game is another great option. You’ll get some exercise and arrive right at the venue without having to worry about parking. Ball Arena is conveniently accessible from the paved Cherry Creek bike trail, which you can connect to from other trails such as the South Platte River Trail and High Line Canal Trail. Bring a good lock and park your bike on available racks near either the East Atrium to the arena, outside the Grand Atrium or in the “Toyota 4Runner Lot South” parking lot.
For info about protected bike lanes and other bicycle routes in Denver, check out the Denver Bike Map.
Other options for getting to the Nuggets game
If you’re staying or live nearby, of course the easiest way to get to the Nuggets game may be to use your own two feet. Get some exercise and enjoy the scenery at 3 miles per hour. Or you can always look into renting an electric scooter through local scooter share programs.
Why is it a good idea not to drive to the game?
There are other reasons to leave the car behind when you head to the Nuggets game beyond saving money and reducing stress. The more we can all ride a bus, train or bike or get places on foot, the less pollution enters our air. Traveling by public transit is also ten times safer per mile than traveling by car. By giving Coloradans more choices for getting around, we can save money and cut air pollution at the same time.
Go Nuggets!
Topics
Authors
Kirsten Schatz
Clean Air Advocate, CoPIRG Foundation
Kirsten joined CoPIRG's staff in 2022 and is focused on fighting for clean air for Coloradans and transforming transportation systems. Previously, she oversaw The Public Interest Network's efforts to engage alumni/former employees and volunteers in the network's work, specializing in communications and organizing events in dozens of cities. Kirsten lives in the Denver area with her husband and two children, where she is an avid hiker, biker, church choir member and gardener.
Find Out More
The best way to get to the National Western Stock Show
How to get to the Broncos game without a car
Transportation plan to focus on maintenance, safety, options
