How to get to the Broncos game without a car

Headed to the Broncos game? Here are tips for getting to Empower Field at Mile High stadium by bus, train or bike

A Broncos game at Denver's Mile High Stadium

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If you’re heading to Empower Field at Mile High stadium to catch a Denver Broncos game, you have lots 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. 

How do I get to the Broncos game using transit?

The Denver Broncos play at Empower Field at Mile High – also known simply as Mile High Stadium –  just southwest of downtown Denver. Good cross streets to aim for are West Dick Connor Avenue & Mile High Stadium West 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, and many will get you even closer to Mile High Stadium.

Suggestions for which buses and trains to take to the Broncos 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 – if it’s a rare weeknight game – the 120X express bus. All three will drop you off at or right near Union Station. From there, take the E or W light rail train just two stops, to the Empower Field at Mile High station. Follow the crowds to your desired stadium entrance.

If you are near Federal Boulevard, you can hop on the 31 bus, which will drop you right at the stadium at 17th & Federal. 

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, take the E or W light rail train just two stops, to the Empower Field at Mile High station. Follow the crowds to your desired stadium entrance.

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, take the E or W light rail train just two stops, to the Empower Field at Mile High station. Follow the crowds to your desired stadium entrance.

If you are near Federal Boulevard, you can hop on the 31 bus, which will drop you right at the stadium at 17th & Federal.

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, take the E or W light rail train just two stops, to the Empower Field at Mile High station. Follow the crowds to your desired stadium entrance.

From Golden or Lakewood, the W line train will take you where you need to go. Get off at either the Decatur/Federal station or the Empower Field at Mile High station, depending on which stadium entrance you’re aiming for. 

If you live on the west side of town near Colfax, you can take the 16 bus to the Decatur/Federal station, which is a short walk from the stadium.

If you’re coming from Littleton, Englewood, Sheridan or other points south of Denver:

Ride the D line train to the I-25 & Broadway stop; transfer there to the E line train, which will take you directly to the Empower Field at Mile High station. From there, follow the crowds on foot to your desired stadium entrance.

If you are near Federal Boulevard, you can take the 30 bus to Colfax and Federal, or the 31 bus, which will drop you right at the stadium at 17th & Federal.

If you’re coming from Centennial, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Parker, Glendale or other places southeast of Denver:

Hop on the E line, which will take you directly to the Empower Field at Mile High station. Or, take the H line train, transfer at the 10th & Osage station to the E line, and take that to the Empower Field at Mile High station. From there, follow the crowds on foot to your desired stadium entrance.

If you’re coming from Aurora, Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, Central Park, Northfield or other places east of downtown Denver:

Take the “A” train – the RTD A line, that is – which will bring you to Union Station. From there, take the E or W light rail train just two stops, to the Empower Field at Mile High station. Follow the crowds to your desired stadium entrance.

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 through downtown to the Decatur/Federal station, which is a short walk from the stadium. 

If you're coming from Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud or other places in northern Colorado:

Take the Bustang to Broncos special regional bus and arrive in style at the stadium. The North Line makes stops in downtown Fort Collins, Harmony, Centerra/Loveland, Berthoud and Firestone/Longmont. Departures are timed to kickoff and fares vary depending on where you get on and off.

Amenities on these coach-style buses include wifi, charging outlets, restrooms and bike racks.

If you're coming from Colorado Springs, Monument or other parts of El Paso County:

Take the Bustang to Broncos special regional bus and arrive in style at the stadium. The South Line makes stops in several places in Colorado Springs and in Monument. Departures are timed to kickoff and fares vary depending on where you get on and off.

Amenities on these coach-style buses include wifi, charging outlets, restrooms and bike racks.

All of 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 in the Denver metro area and Mile High Stadium, you can use RTD’s trip planner:

  • Enter “Empower Field at Migh High”/1701 Bryant St, Denver CO 80204 or simply “Broncos game” as your destination.
  • View the full RTD rail system map here.
  • To buy tickets and get real-time updates on bus and train arrival times, try RTD’s Next Ride app.
  • You can also call RTD for info at 303.299.6000.
Take a train, bus or bike to the Broncos game RTD | Used by permission
RTD bus in downtown Denver. RTD | Used by permission
A bike trail along a waterway in Denver, Colorado with large buildings in the background
A Denver bike trail agahran | CC-BY-2.0

Where do I find bike parking at the Broncos game?

Biking to the Broncos game is another great option. You’ll get some exercise and arrive right at the field without having to worry about parking. The stadium is conveniently accessible from the paved South Platte River bike trail, which you can connect to from trails such as Cherry Creek Trail, Lakewood Gulch Trail, Bear Creek Trail and Sand Creek Trail. Bring a good lock and park your bike on available bike racks at the stadium.

For info about protected bike lanes and other bicycle routes in Denver, check out the Denver Bike Map.

Other options for getting to the Broncos game

If you live nearby, of course the easiest way to get to the Broncos 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. If you’re taking a scooter, be sure to check out the map of stadium “scooter zones” ahead of time and note that scooters aren’t allowed on perimeter sidewalks on game days. 

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 Broncos 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. 

Let’s go Broncos!

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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.