Fares
After more than a year of engagement with the community, RTD is pleased to introduce a simpler, more affordable, and more equitable fare system.New Low Fares
Effective January 1, 2024
RTD’s new fare system brings lower fares, a reduced number of fare zones, consolidated Discount fares, and decreased costs for 3-Hour, Day, and Monthly Passes. Travel to and from the Airport will be included in all Monthly and Discount Passes. We’ll also offer decreased costs for Access-a-Ride and introduce Access-a-Ride LiVE fares. The new fare system also expands access to the LiVE program, introduces a transit assistance grant program as well as a new Semester Pass for post-secondary students, and much more.
| Standard | Discount* | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Hour Pass | $2.75 | $1.35 |
| Day Pass | $5.50 | $2.70 |
| Airport | $10 | --- |
| Monthly Pass* | $88 | $27 |
| Access-a-Ride | Access-a-Ride LiVE (Effective March 2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | $4.50 | $2.25 |
| Airport | $19 | $9.50 |
*all Monthly Passes and Discount fares include travel to and from the Airport Fare Zone
Reduced Number of Fare Zones on Bus and Rail
One of the biggest changes coming is the consolidation of fare zones. The new fare system will have two fare zones, Local and Airport. By reducing the number of fare zones and removing the Regional fare, customers will pay a flat fare for all travel except for trips originating or ending at Denver International Airport. For more details on new fares and what it means for you, click here!
| Local | Regional | Airport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Hour Pass | $3 / $1.50* / n/a** / $1.80*** | $5.25 | $10.50 |
| Day Pass | $6 / $3* / n/a** / $3.60*** | $10.50 / $5.25* / n/a** / $6.30*** | Included |
| 10-Ride Ticket Book | $28 / $14*/ n/a** / $18*** | $50.50 / $25.25* / n/a** / $31.50** | Upgrade Required |
| Monthly Pass | $114 / $57* / n/a** | $200 / $99* / n/a** | Upgrade Required |
Legend: Full-fare / Discount fare* / Youth ride at no cost during Zero Fare for Youth pilot** / LiVE fare (if available)***
How to Purchase
Discount Programs and Fares
RTD’s Nonprofit Program
RTD's Nonprofit Program offers reduced fares to eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit or governmental community/social service organizations that provide assistance to low income and homeless individuals. To learn more about the program and how to apply, please contact RTD's Nonprofit Program Coordinator by email.
Discounted Fares
Additional Fare Information
Fare Policies
No Refunds
There are no refunds for purchases of any fare products. Fare media may carry an end-of-year expiration date; if so, they may be eligible for credit towards a new ticket book during a limited period.
Fare Evasion
It is against the law to use RTD services without paying the fare (C.R.S. § 42-4-1416(2) Failure to Present a Valid Transit Pass or Coupon). Failure to present a valid transit pass, ticket, transfer or coupon could result in a fine of up to $106.50 including court costs. Fare evasion is punishable under the Colorado traffic code and failure to pay may result in the loss of a person's driving privileges. Multiple fare citations will result in suspension from RTD services for a pre-determined amount of time.
Fare Upgrades
Upgrades
To get the most value and convenience customers are encouraged to use the MyRide mobile barcode or MyRide card to pay for fares. When using these forms of payment trips accumulate and fares are capped to ensure you never pay more than you should. 3-Hour Passes automatically convert to Day and Monthly Passes based on travel, and if you take a trip to a higher fare zone you'll only pay the difference.
If not using the MyRide barcode or card, customers are encouraged to purchase the Regional/Airport Day Pass rather than relying on upgrades for making multiple trips at different fare levels. However, customers may use an upgrade on a higher level of service.
Upgrade on a Regional Trip
Customers with a Local ticket, Local 3-Hour Pass, Local Day Pass or Local Monthly Pass may upgrade to a Regional 3-Hour Pass (full fare upgrade $2.25 / discount fare upgrade $1.10 / youth upgrade $0.70) when boarding a regional bus and paying for the upgrade in cash.
Upgrade on a Trip to or from Denver International Airport:
Customers with a Local 3-Hour Pass, Local Day Pass or Local Monthly Pass may pay for an airport upgrade (full fare upgrade $7.50 / discount fare upgrade $3.75 / youth upgrade $2.30) with cash on the bus to or from the airport; or purchase an airport upgrade ticket with cash, credit or debit at a ticket vending machine at a train station. Passengers with a Regional 3-Hour Pass may pay for an airport upgrade (full fare upgrade $5.25 / discount fare upgrade $2.65 / youth upgrade $1.60) in cash when boarding the bus.
Downgrades
In most cases the bus fare that you pay will correspond to the service level of the route (ie. Local, Regional, or Airport). However on Regional and Airport routes it is possible to take a partial trip that qualifies for a lower "downgraded" fare, depending on the route and where you board and depart. If you know your trip qualifies for a downgraded fare be sure to tell the driver before you pay your fare so that you get charged correctly.
Rail Fare Zones
The RTD rail system is divided into four fare zones: A, B, C, and Airport. Rail fares are based on how many fare zones you travel in during your trip. Travel in one or two zones is a Local fare, travel in three zones is a Regional fare, and any trip originating or ending in the Airport zone is an Airport fare. When determining the fare for a rail trip, fare zones are not counted twice if your trip takes you out of one zone and back into the same zone during a trip.
More Information
Passes & Ticket Books
Frequent riders and commuters can save time and money by pre-purchasing passes or ticket books
Learn more about Passes & Ticket BooksFare Evasion
RTD counts on revenue from passengers to provide and improve transit services. That’s why it’s important for all passengers to pay the full fare when riding buses and light rail.
Learn more about fare evasionMobile Ticketing
Use your mobile phone to scan and ride with RTD MyRide! RTD tickets and passes also available on the Uber and Transit apps.
Learn more about mobile ticketing