Getting To and Around Golden

Welcome to Golden: your basecamp between the mountains and the city! Getting here is easy, with major highways, light rail connections, and shuttles linking Golden to Denver and beyond. Once you’ve arrived, explore the town by bike, foot, or public transit that connects you to key spots around the city.

Getting Into Golden, Colorado

If you’re driving to Golden, whether from Denver or other parts of Colorado, five major highways connect directly to the city:

• I-70
• Highway 6
• Highway 58
• Highway 93
• C-470 

Visitors coming from Denver can take the RTD W Line, which runs from Denver Union Station to the Jefferson County Government Center in Golden. If you’re flying, the light rail also has a convenient stop at Denver Airport (DEN).

The RTD’s official website offers a comprehensive map of all routes, along with tips for planning your trip, fare details, and real-time service updates to help you navigate the Denver metro area and Golden with ease.

Getting Around Golden Without a Car

If you’re looking to skip the car, Golden makes it easy to get around sustainably! Public transportation, biking, and walking are all great ways to explore the city while keeping your carbon footprint low.

Regional Transportation District (RTD)

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates two city buses in Golden throughout the year:

• RTD Route 17: Goes through downtown Golden and connects visitors to the Oak Station W Line stop and Federal Center Station hub in Lakewood. 
• RTD Route GS: Connects Golden with Boulder and Lakewood, passing through the University of Colorado, the Colorado School of Mines, and Federal Center Station.

Ore Cart Shuttle 

The Ore Cart is a free shuttle that services the Colorado School of Mines and the greater Golden community. As of 2025, Ore Cart operates three routes:

• Silver Route: Connects the Colorado School of Mines campus with nearby neighborhoods and athletic facilities.
• Tungsten Route: Links the Jefferson County Government Center RTD Station with downtown Golden and the School of Mines.
• Gold Route: Serves northern Golden, connecting residential areas and commercial spots near 8th Street and Highway 58.

Up-to-date information on schedules and routes can be found on the Ore Cart website. 

FlexRide Shuttle Bus

FlexRide is a shuttle bus service operated by RTD. Riders can book a ride up to 30 days in advance, and FlexRide will pick you up at your chosen location and take you to your destination in the Golden area! Visit the FlexRide website for more information on scheduling a ride. 

Walking and Cycling: Downtown Golden

Once you’re in downtown Golden, the area is highly walkable. Shops, restaurants, attractions, and bars are all located within a short distance from each other.

If you’d like to explore Golden by bike, the city offers plenty of options with dedicated bike lanes and well-maintained trails. You’ll find routes that wind through downtown as well as paths that lead straight into the foothills. 

For more information on cycling in Golden, check out our bicycle resources here. Likewise, check out the City of Golden Trail & Bike Facility Map to start planning your next ride!

Parking and Road Info

If you’re visiting Golden by car, you’ll find plenty of parking options throughout downtown. The area offers a mix of free two-hour street parking, paid street spaces, and city-operated lots. In city lots, the first two hours are free, with a small hourly fee after that and a daily maximum of $10 (as of 2025).

Be sure to check nearby signs for specific time limits or restrictions before parking. For detailed maps and current rates, visit the City of Golden’s parking information page.