Trips to Denver
Denver, Colorado’s capital and the Mile High City, blends modern city energy with Old West charm. Near the Rocky Mountains, it offers easy access to outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and skiing. The city also features a vibrant arts scene, a thriving craft beer industry, and iconic attractions such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Whether serving as a stopover before your Canyon Spirit journey or as the focus of a full getaway, Denver provides everything needed for an unforgettable experience.
Getting To and From Denver
As a major North American city, Denver is easily accessed by air and rail, with Denver International Airport offering extensive domestic and international connections and Denver Union Station serving as a central rail hub. These transportation links make Denver a convenient arrival and departure point for regional travel and scenic rail journeys.
For more information on Canyon Spirit arrivals and departures, visit: Canyon Spirit
Guests arriving in Denver aboard the Canyon Spirit train will be dropped off at Denver Union Station, the city’s central transportation hub located in the heart of downtown. Union Station offers immediate access to a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and attractions, making it an ideal arrival point for continued travel or an extended stay in the city.
Upon arrival at Denver International Airport (DEN), travelers have two main options to reach Denver Union Station and downtown Denver. Travelers can take the A Line train directly to Denver Union Station. Departures run every 15 minutes between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and every 30 minutes outside those hours. The one-way fare is USD $10.50, with a travel time of approximately 37 minutes. The airport stop is located adjacent to the Westin Denver International Airport Hotel, and tickets are available to purchase onsite. The train is fully wheelchair accessible, with two wheelchair spaces per car.
Travelers may also prefer to take a taxi, taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Taxi pick-up locations are on Level 5, Island 1: outside doors 505, 507, and 511 on the east side, and doors 506, 510, and 512 on the west side. A flat fare of approximately USD $72 applies for all companies.
Private Transfers between Denver International Airport and downtown are also available by request.
The California Zephyr Train travels through Denver, arriving and departing from Denver Union Station. Schedules, fares, and arrival times vary based on the departure city and chosen service. Union Station provides easy access to downtown Denver, connections to local transportation, and amenities such as dining, shopping, and ticketing services, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city or continuing your journey by train, taxi, or shuttle.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is home to more than 10 major car rental companies, including Enterprise, Budget, National, Avis, Hertz, SIXT, and Alamo. Each company provides shuttle service from Island 4 on both the east and west sides, conveniently located near baggage claim and ground transportation. Shuttles transport passengers to the Transit Center, where vehicles can be picked up and rental procedures completed.
Guests departing Denver aboard the Canyon Spirit train can make their way to Denver Union Station, which serves as the primary departure point for the journey. Centrally located in downtown Denver, Union Station is easily reached from nearby hotels by foot, taxi, or rideshare, and is well connected to local transit options.
To reach Denver International Airport (DEN), travelers can choose a taxi, rideshare service such as Uber, or the A Line train. Taxis operate at a flat rate of USD $72, with dedicated pick-up and drop-off lanes on Wynkoop Street in addition to hotel pick-ups. It is recommended to book taxis or rideshares the night before departure, particularly during peak travel times, to guarantee availability.
The A Line train departs from Denver Union Station. Tickets are available at station vending machines or any RTD sales outlet, offering a convenient and reliable option for reaching the airport.
The California Zephyr Train travels through Denver, arriving and departing from Denver Union Station, with pricing and departure times varying by destination. Tickets can be purchased online through the Amtrak website or in person at the station, where staff can assist with reservations and travel information.
A SIXT Rent-a-Car is conveniently located inside Denver Union Station. Additional rental options, including Enterprise, Budget, and Avis, are available on Broadway, with Hertz nearby on Welton Street. All locations are within a 5- to 10-minute drive from the station, providing easy access for travelers arriving by train or continuing their journey by car.
Where to Eat in Denver
Denver features a dynamic dining scene that reflects the city’s diverse culture and creative spirit. From relaxed cafés and classic steakhouses to refined restaurants highlighting regional ingredients, the city offers a wide range of culinary experiences. Whether enjoying a casual meal between sightseeing or a polished dinner to end the day, Denver’s restaurants deliver variety, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere.
El Five, perched on the fifth floor Umatilla in LoHi, offers sweeping views of the downtown Denver skyline. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features bold, flavorful small plates from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. The understated, elegant space includes a large open-air patio, creating the perfect setting to enjoy Colorado evenings.
Sunday to Thursday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
At Jax Fish House, fresh and sustainable seafood are the priority. Seafood is sourced responsibly, working with trusted suppliers to ensure every dish is high-quality and environmentally conscious. Fresh fish is delivered daily, offering the best taste seven days a week.
Tuesday to Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Monday | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mercantile, located in Denver’s historic Union Station, offers a thoughtfully curated menu of seasonal American cuisine and modern interpretations of classic comfort foods. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and showcases the quality and craftsmanship of nearby farmers and producers, providing a dining experience that blends tradition with contemporary flavors.
Monday to Saturday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tavernetta offers a refined dining experience that blends elevated cuisine with thoughtfully curated wine. Known for its commitment to authentic hospitality and attentive service, the restaurant provides a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere.
Monday to Friday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday to Sunday | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ultreia, located in Denver’s Historic Union Station, offers a vibrant dining experience inspired by the shared-plate pintxos and tapas of Spain and Portugal. Guests can enjoy a variety of flavorful small plates in the building’s Great Hall, reflective of their culinary expertise and innovative approach.
Daily | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Urban Farmer Denver highlights the flavors and bounty of the region with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and simple, authentic preparations. The menu features carefully selected cuts of heritage-bred beef, alongside premium poultry and seafood, offering a dining experience that reflects the unique character of Denver.
Monday to Friday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover essential information for visiting Denver, from travel tips and transportation options to local attractions and practical guidance for a seamless and memorable experience.
Denver is a major rail hub in the western United States, with all passenger trains arriving at Denver Union Station in the downtown core. Travelers arriving by train benefit from direct access to hotels, dining, and local transportation, making Denver an easy city to reach without a car.
Denver sits at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, making it a natural gateway for scenic rail journeys through the region. Many travelers choose Denver as a starting point for a Rocky Mountain train ride because it combines urban amenities with immediate access to dramatic mountain landscapes.
Canyon Spirit train journeys that start or end at Union Station in Denver, and use centrally located transfer points near downtown accommodations. Guests typically stay near the station, allowing for smooth transfers between hotels and the train without long travel times.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver. Travelers can reach the city using taxis, rideshare services, or the A Line airport train, which provides direct service to Denver Union Station.
Two nights is ideal for most visitors, allowing time to explore the city highlights while keeping travel plans efficient. Travelers interested in museums, dining, or nearby Rocky Mountain excursions may choose to extend their stay.
Denver offers a wide range of attractions including historic neighborhoods, professional sports venues, museums, a vibrant downtown scene, and the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The city is also well positioned for day trips into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Denver pairs exceptionally well with a Canyon Spirit Denver to Moab or Salt Lake City train journey, offering an urban contrast before or after traveling through the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest. The combination allows travelers to experience both city culture and remote scenery in one itinerary.
Downtown Denver is highly walkable and supported by taxis, rideshare services, light rail lines, and rental car locations. Denver Union Station acts as the main transportation hub, connecting local and regional services.
Denver offers a wide selection of accommodations ranging from luxury downtown hotels to boutique properties near Denver Union Station. Staying centrally provides easy access to sightseeing, dining, and onward travel.
