RTD ART District Connect: A Sustainable Option to Get to the Show on Time

Imagine being driven to the theatre. Cars move out of your way, clearing a path for your early arrival. You’re dropped off in the heart of Denver’s dining scene for a pre-show dinner before walking over to the Arts Complex…no downtown parking required. You arrive to your show on time and perfectly relaxed.

That’s the beauty of the Regional Transportation District’s new ART District Connector, a 10-mile stretch of bus line that travels between seven primary RTD rail stations:

Alameda Station
7th & Santa Fe
Stout & 18th
Larimer & Downing
47th & Columbine
Colorado & 48th
40th & Colorado Station

According to RTD, “The new ART route connects some of Denver’s most visited cultural sites and operates at a 60-minute service frequency. The new route serves the Baker, Five Points, and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, connecting the Santa Fe Art District, Denver Theatre District, and RiNo Arts District.”

The ART route travels from 40th & Colorado to 425 South Cherokee Street, stopping at various intervals along the way including two spots close to downtown’s Denver Performing Arts Complex: 14th & Stout and 15th & Champa. Riders simply pull the cord when the locations are announced to indicate they would like to exit the bus.

The new service operates seven days a week including holidays. As of its launch in January 2025, the line runs Monday through Friday from 5:17am to 12:12am, Saturdays from 4:50am to 12:32am, and Sunday & holidays from 5:50am-11:32pm.

“Not only does RTD ART District Connect provide equitable access to a large radius of our community,” said DCPA President & CEO Janice Sinden, “it also aligns with one of the six goals of our strategic plan — to prioritize long-term sustainability. We are grateful to RTD for being responsive to feedback so that patrons, volunteers, and employees have public transportation options extending before and after the show.”

To plan your travel on RTD, use the Next Ride app for up-to-date schedules and planned service disruptions.

For more information on ART District Connect:

General
Schedule
Map