Only a few days to go until SC17 in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you plan to get around once you arrive. In that light, we have collected some useful transportation insights.
Getting Downtown
Most attendees will arrive to Denver International Airport with its scenic mountain views and its stunning roofline reminding you of the close-by snow-capped mountain peaks. One of the fastest, least expensive, and most convenient ways to reach Downton is the new A Line from the airport to Denver Union Station.
A one-way trip is only $9 and it takes you roughly 35 minutes to get downtown. Not to forget that the A line is perfectly equipped for travelers: it offers overhead storage, luggage towers and even bicycle racks in case you need one. Get all the details about schedules and stops and more by clicking here.
Public Transportation
Denver’s Light Rail system (click to enlarge).
Denver takes great pride in its public transport system – and rightly so. Next to the recently opened A Line to and from the airport, the city offers a vast network of light rail, bus routes and shuttles.
Take for example the 16TH STREET SHUTTLE or as locals call it the Mall Ride. This free hybrid vehicle scoots up and down the 16-block tree-lined retail core of downtown Denver, which is home to hotels, restaurants, office buildings, residences and public spaces.
If you want to move outside of the inner-city districts, check out the Light Rail system. Hop on and off to nine rail lines that service 53 stations along Denver’s Southeast, Southwest, West, and East rail corridors.
They get you quickly to all the major hot spots like the Theatre District, Convention Center, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Pepsi Center, the 16th Street Mall, and Park Meadows Mall. Fares range between $2.60 (local) and $4.50 (regional) and bring you almost anywhere you want in Denver and around on a frequent basis.
Find details by clicking here.
Wheelchair/Disabled Accessibility
For those that are not quite as mobile, Denver is a very navigable city according to WheelchairTravel.org, the city [Denver] is extremely accessible for the disabled and users of wheelchairs. Visitors will feel comfortable in the city of Denver regardless of their disability due to the adaptations made and the efforts to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Visit their website for additional details, helpful links, and additional advice by clicking here.
Sharing is Caring: Public Bikes
You want a fresh, sporty start or need to stretch your legs after a long conference day? Ride the city on one of Denver B-Cycle bikes. It is an automated bike sharing system offering 700 bikes to be borrowed from 82 stations across the city. And don’t worry about safety: A web of hundreds of miles of dedicated bike paths weaves through Denver and its edges.
If you prefer somebody else to do the job for you, go for the rickshaws or bike-taxis you can easily find downtown. Just to give you two options: Mile High Pedicabs is the oldest one in town having started already back in 1988. Or take eTuk Ride, a 100% electric option.
Walk the city
Denver is an enjoyably walkable place. If you are on foot you can share the paths and parks that bikers use. Just stay on the right and watch out for the bikers. Every important city venue can be reached on foot.
City dwellers can also hoof it over the Millennium Bridge connecting the bustling 16th Street Mall with the relaxing Riverfront Park in the Central Platte Valley neighborhood.
If you are moving around the city, be certain to stow away your conference badge in a safe place. No need to broadcast that you are probably not a local.
