University town and outdoor recreation hub 45 miles northwest of the airport.

About Boulder

Boulder sits at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, framed by the iconic Flatirons—five massive tilted sandstone slabs that are Boulder\'s signature landmark and a world-class climbing destination. The Pearl Street Mall, a four-block pedestrian zone, is the town\'s cultural heart with street performers, independent bookstores, farm-to-table restaurants, and the Boulder Bookstore (one of the West\'s finest).

Boulder is consistently ranked among America\'s healthiest, most active, and most educated cities. The University of Colorado\'s beautiful campus anchors the south end of town. The Boulder Creek Path offers a continuous trail system from the mountains through town. Chautauqua Park, at the base of the Flatirons, provides trailheads for spectacular hiking. The town has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, with a focus on organic, locally sourced, and innovative cuisine. Tea houses, breweries (Avery, Upslope), and the Dushanbe Teahouse (gifted by Boulder\'s sister city in Tajikistan) add unique character.

Nearby Landmarks

The Flatirons Pearl Street Mall Chautauqua Park Boulder Creek University of Colorado campus

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $90-110
Time 55-80 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $70-90
Time 55-80 minutes

Level 5 transit center

Train (RTD A Line + Flatiron Flyer)

Cost $11
Time 90 minutes
Frequency Every 15-30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. A Line to Union Station (37 min). 2. Flatiron Flyer FF1 bus to Boulder (50 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $90-110 55-80 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $70-90 55-80 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $11 90 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last Flatiron Flyer bus from DEN to Boulder departs around 11:30 PM. After that, Uber/Lyft from DEN to Boulder costs approximately $65–95 (50–60 min at night). Boulder's Pearl Street restaurants close around 10:00 PM; some bars stay open until 2:00 AM. Late-night food options are limited.

Luggage Tips

The Flatiron Flyer bus has luggage racks and under-bus storage for the Boulder route. If renting a car, US-36 is a straightforward highway drive. Boulder accommodations range from hotels to vacation rentals—most are accessible by car. Pearl Street Mall lodging is walkable from the bus station.

Accessibility

Pearl Street Mall is flat, paved, and wheelchair accessible. Boulder Creek Path is paved and accessible throughout the town section. Chautauqua Park trails are natural terrain and not wheelchair accessible. RTD buses (including Flatiron Flyer) are all ADA accessible. The University of Colorado campus is accessible with some steep sections.