We need more frequent transit service in the Denver metro area
The best way to get to the National Western Stock Show
Tips for how to take a train, bus or bike to the National Western Stock Show in Denver
The National Western Stock Show is one of the Mountain West’s premier events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to Denver’s National Western Complex each January. With livestock, rodeo, and horse show events as well as a western trade show and additional entertainment attractions, the Stock Show draws attendees from across the country and even around the world. Whether you’re coming from right nearby in downtown Denver or are visiting from out of state, there are several convenient options to help you get to the Stock Show without needing to drive and worry about parking.
The light rail train stops right at the National Western Complex
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) transit hub, Union Station is located just a short train ride away from the Stock Show grounds – 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. One of RTD’s newest light rail lines, the N line, will even drop you directly at the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station right near the Stock Show venue, the National Western Complex.
Where to park for the Denver stock show
While there are parking lots and shuttle buses near Denver’s National Western Complex near I-70 and Brighton Boulevard, finding and paying for a parking spot can be a stressful and costly experience. Taking a train or bus – including by parking at an RTD “park and ride” lot and then taking a bus or train into town – and walking, biking or scooting can be better ways to get to the National Western Stock Show.
Suggestions for which buses and trains to take to the National Western Stock Show
If you’re coming from Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton or other points north of Denver – including driving in from Wyoming:
Take the N line train directly to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station. If you’re coming from farther north like Fort Collins, Cheyenne or elsewhere, try parking at the Eastlake & 124th Park-and-Ride at the northern end of the N line.
Or, take the 7 bus to 47th & Washington, a 15 minute walk from the Stock Show grounds.
The 19 bus or the 120X express bus will drop you off at or right near Union Station. From there, take the N line train one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
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 N line train one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
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 N line train one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
If you’re coming from Denver’s Globeville or Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods:
If you’re in one of these Denver neighborhoods adjacent to the Stock Show grounds and it’s a weekday between 6am and 8pm, you may be able to catch a free ride with the Denver Connector Microtransit Program!
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 or W line train to Union Station. From Union Station, take the N line train one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
If you live on the west side of town near Colfax, you can take the 16 bus to the Colfax & Broadway stop, and then the 48 bus north from Civic Center to 47th & Brighton, right near the National Western Complex.
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:
Hop on the E line to Union Station. From there, transfer to the N line train and take it one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
Or, take the H line train to 16th & California in downtown Denver; walk a half block to the 15th St & Welton St – Z Stop, where you will catch the 48 bus in the direction of 60th & Dahlia. Get off at 47th & Brighton, right near the National Western Complex.
If you’re coming from Aurora, Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, Central Park, Northfield or other places east of downtown Denver – or coming in from Nebraska, Kansas or points farther east:
Take the A line train to Union Station. From Union Station, take the N line train one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
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 and then take the N line train one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
If you live on the east side of town near Colfax, you can also take the 15L bus to 15th St & Cleveland Place in downtown Denver; at the same stop, catch the 48 bus in the direction of 60th & Dahlia. Get off at 47th & Brighton, right near the National Western Complex.
If you’re in Downtown Denver:
If you're coming from outside the Denver Metro or from out of state:
Save yourself some hassle at the venue and park and take transit into town for the Stock Show! Depending on which direction you’re coming from, use this system map to locate a park-and-ride station on the light rail line on that side of Denver, park your vehicle, and take the train into downtown Denver. Many stations, including Eastlake & 124th on the N line and the Golden Station on the W line, even offer free parking. Find a list of free Park-n-rides here.
If your chosen light rail line takes you to the eastern side of downtown Denver, as opposed to Union Station, get off at 16th Street and then catch the 48 bus at one of the bus stops labelled “Z” on 15th street. Confirm the bus is headed in the direction of 60th & Dahlia. Get off at 47th & Brighton, right near the National Western Complex.
If your chosen light rail line takes you to Union Station, simply transfer to the N line train and take it one stop to the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station, a short walk or shuttle ride away from the event venue.
If you’re already on the N line , you’re in luck! Just hop off at the “48th & Brighton – National Western” station.
The routes suggested here should also be running and able to take you home at the end of the day — 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:
- Enter “National Western Stock Show” 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.
- Find info on fares & tickets here.
- RTD also has general info on how to ride.
- You can also call RTD for info at 303.299.6000.
How do I bike to the National Western Stock Show?
Biking to the Stock Show is another option. You’ll get some exercise and arrive right at the venue. The National Western Stock Show site is conveniently accessible from the paved South Platte River Trail, which you can connect to from other bike paths such as the Cherry Creek bike trail, Clear Creek trail, Bear Creek trail and others. While there are unfortunately no dedicated bike racks at the main National Western Complex, there are bike racks at the nearby CSU Spur campus. Bring a good lock and get there early for the best options.
For info about protected bike lanes and other bicycle routes in Denver, check out the Denver Bike Map. You can find some specific suggested routes here.
Why shouldn’t I drive to the National Western Stock Show?
There are other reasons to leave the car behind when you head to the Stock Show 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. During Stock Show season, cold temperatures and local weather patterns often result in unhealthy air and poor visibility when pollution from cars and trucks, industrial sources and wood-burning fires stagnates.
Traveling by public transit is also ten times safer per mile than traveling by car. By giving Coloradans more options for getting around, we can save money and cut air pollution at the same time.
However you get there, enjoy your visit to the National Western Stock Show!
We need more frequent transit service in the Denver metro area
We need the buses and trains in the Denver metro region to come more frequently and more reliably.
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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.
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