Denver Travel Essentials

Our Denver Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the USA. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Denver Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Denver, Colorado.

1. When is the best time to travel to Denver?

Denver has a semi-arid, continental climate, with average temperatures ranging from 30ºF in winter to 75ºF in summer.

1. Most rainfall occurs from April to August, with an average of 8-9 rainy days per month.
2. Snowfall can be expected between October and April.
3. July-August is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly. You can also expect extreme temperatures – sometimes far over 90ºF – and heavy downpours.
4. April-May and September-October are great times to visit, the weather is pleasant, you’ll avoid the peak season’s throngs, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable.

2. Denver basics

1. Languages: Primary:English; Secondary: Spanish
2. Plug types: A and B
3. Electricity: 120 V
4. Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
5. International dialing codes: +1 303 and +1 720
6. Emergency telephone number: 911

3. How to get to my hotel in Denver?

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is a very large airport which sits 18 miles northwest of the city center as the crow flies. It features a 6-storey single terminal building named Jeppesen Terminal. The building is separated into 2 terminals, East and West. There’s a great range of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach Downtown Denver:

1. A taxicab takes around 35-45 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found outside the central part of the terminal on the Level 4.
2. You can also use Uber and Lyft in Denver Airport. Each app provides you with the instruction to get to the pick-up area.
3. Shared-shuttle services are at hand to get you to the city center. They take around 40-50 minutes. You’ll find them on the Level 5, island 5, outside doors 505-507 (east side) and 510-512 (west side).
4. The A Line commuter train can take you to downtown’s Denver Union Station in around 40 minutes. The Denver Airport Station is located at the south end of the terminal.
5. The RTD bus takes around 60 minutes (have the exact amount ready when purchasing the ticket). The bus stop is at DEN Transit Center on the Level 1 of the terminal.
6. If you want to rental a car, take the free shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center located 2 miles of the terminal.

If you come by train to Denver

Union Station is a historical landmark located in the heart of Denver. Established in 1881, it’s today a major transportation hub in the city and a cool, trendy place to hang around. Served by Amtrak lines, it’s home to a lively dining and shopping scene. From here, you can get anywhere in the city by bus, light rail or taxi.

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4. How to get around Denver?

Travel tips

Downtown Denver covers a 1.5-sq mi area that can easily be explored on foot. You’ll find many landmarks and attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, 3 parks along the South Platte River, and the 16th Street Mall, just to name a few, within walking distance. The city center also hosts a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options. For longer journeys, a good choice of public and private transportation services is at hand. See below...

5. RTD bus and light rail

1. RTD (Regional Transportation District) is in charge of public transportation in Denver. It operates bus and light rail networks which cover the entire city.
2. Single ride tickets and single-day passes are available.
3. Tickets and passes can be purchased on board any bus, at RTD ticket vending machines, at sales outlets and participating King Soopers and Safeway stores. You can also download the RTD Mobile Ticketing app.

6. Taxi

1. Taxis can be hailed down on the street in Denver.
2. You can easily find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions and shopping areas.
3. You can also directly call popular companies such as Union Taxi (303-922-2222), OnCabs Denver (720-370-8466) or Central Car Service (303-866-0123), just to name a few.
4. Most taxis accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
5. It’s common to give a 15% tip to the taxi driver.
6. Uber, Lyft and local taxi apps can also be used to hail a taxi in Denver.

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7. Cycling around Denver with B-Cycle

1. B-Cycle is the name of Denver’s bike sharing scheme.
2. Just download the B-Cycle app or go to a docking station and purchase a 24-Hour Pass.
3. Once registered, just type your code into the keypad on any dock to unlock the bike.
4. You can use the bike at no extra cost for up to 30 minutes per ride during 24 hours.

8. What are the main annual events in Denver?

National Western Stock Show and Rodeo

1. What: Get ready for thrilling, spectacular shows at this annual event founded in 1906. From bareback riding to steer wrestling and from tie-down roping to bull riding, you’ll see at this extremely popular event all the classic rodeo contests as well as horse and cattle shows.
2. When: January
3. Where: National Western Complex

Cinco de Mayo Festival

1. What: This celebration of Latino culture features live music and dance shows, Chihuahua races, a taco-eating contest, a low-rider car show and much more. It’s free and great fun for the whole family.
2. When: May
3. Where: In many locations throughout Downtown Denver

Parade of Lights

1. What: The Parade of Lights is held in early December each year to celebrate the holiday season. The parade goes through highly decorated and illuminated streets in Downtown Denver. It features marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday carolers, and much more.
2. When: December
3. Where: Downtown Denver

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.