Boulder and Denver are two of Colorado’s most vibrant urban areas. They are located just 29 miles apart and are connected by several transportation options. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, it’s important to know how far Boulder is from Denver and how to get there.

According to Distance-Cities.com, the distance between Denver and Boulder is 24.19 miles in a northwest direction. If you are driving, the fastest route is via US-36 W, and the total driving distance is 29 miles. The halfway point is Broomfield, CO, and the two cities are in the same time zone (MDT).

There are several ways to travel between Boulder and Denver, including taking a bus, driving, or taking a taxi. According to Rome2rio, the cheapest option is to take the bus from Union Station Gate B17 to Broadway & Regent Dr Ff1, which costs between $1 and $6. Alternatively, you could take a taxi, which costs between $70 and $90, or drive yourself, which takes about 33 minutes and costs between $5 and $8.

Distance between Boulder and Denver

Boulder and Denver are two of Colorado’s most vibrant urban areas. They are located about 24 miles apart from each other. The distance between these two cities can be covered by driving or public transportation.

Driving Distance

The most common way to travel between Boulder and Denver is by car. The total driving distance from Boulder to Denver is approximately 29 miles, and it takes around 33 minutes to cover this distance. The fastest route is via US-36 E, which is a toll road. However, there are other alternate routes available as well.

It is important to note that the driving time between Boulder and Denver can vary depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, the travel time can increase significantly. It is advisable to check the traffic conditions before starting the journey.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is also a convenient way to travel between Boulder and Denver. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates several bus services between these two cities. The buses run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes around 42 minutes. The fare for a one-way trip is $1 to $6, depending on the distance traveled.

Another option for public transportation is taking a taxi. The taxi ride from Boulder to Denver takes around 30 minutes, and the fare ranges from $70 to $90.

It is important to note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the public transportation schedules and policies may change. It is advisable to check the latest updates before planning the trip.

Transportation MethodDistanceTravel TimeFare
Driving29 miles33 minutes$5 – $8 (without toll)
Public Transportation (Bus)24.5 miles42 minutes$1 – $6
Taxi28.3 miles30 minutes$70 – $90

Travel Time between Boulder and Denver

Driving Time

Driving is the most common way to travel between Boulder and Denver, as it is the quickest and most convenient option. The distance between the two cities is about 25 miles, and the driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions.

Traffic ConditionsDriving Time
Light Traffic25-35 minutes
Heavy Traffic45-60 minutes

It is important to note that rush hour traffic can significantly increase driving time, especially during weekdays from 7-9am and 4-6pm.

Public Transportation Time

For those who do not have access to a car or prefer not to drive, public transportation is also available between Boulder and Denver. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates buses that run between the two cities.

The bus ride takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The fare for a one-way trip is $5.00, and passengers can purchase tickets on the bus or through the RTD mobile app.

It is important to note that the bus schedule may vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Passengers should check the RTD website for the most up-to-date information on bus schedules and routes.

Factors Affecting Travel Time

Traffic Conditions

The travel time between Boulder and Denver can be affected by traffic conditions. Rush hour traffic can add significant time to the journey, especially during weekdays. During peak hours, the traffic can be heavy, and it can take longer to reach the destination. The travel time can vary depending on the day of the week, with weekends usually having less traffic. It is important to take into account the time of day when planning a trip to ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.

Time of Day

The time of day can also affect the travel time between Boulder and Denver. Rush hour traffic can cause delays during peak hours, especially during weekdays. The morning and evening rush hours can be particularly busy, and it is best to avoid traveling during these times if possible. The travel time can be shorter during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning.

Mode of Transportation

The mode of transportation can also affect the travel time between Boulder and Denver. Driving is the most common way to travel between the two cities, but it can be affected by traffic conditions. Taking public transportation, such as a bus or train, can sometimes be faster, especially during peak hours. It is important to consider the mode of transportation when planning a trip and to choose the option that is most convenient and efficient for the traveler.

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