Bound: Inconspicuously peruse the back streets

Easy access to:

Basemar Shopping Center

CU Law school and nearby residence halls

30th and Baseline shops

Will Ville

30th Street Residences and Family Housing

Scott Carpenter Park, Pool, and Skate Park

CU Green House

Boulder Creek Pathway

Instaar

King Soopers shooping center

29th Street Mall and Movie Theatre

30th and Walnut Shopping Center

all 30th Street shops, offices, and restaurants

Target

Whole Foods Shopping Center

Diagonal Plaza with Safeway Shopping Center

From Bus Book 2008-2009

Just east of 28th street lies the quieter parallel, 30th street. Furnished with recreational parks and facilities, shops, restaurants and coffee shops, 30th street has plenty for you to do. Not only does the Bound cover 30th street in its entirety, this route has a loop on both the north and south ends. The north loop is ripe with helpful shopping places like Sports Authority and Safeway, while the south loop has restaurants, yoga and more shopping. Try your luck at eating the seven pound pizza at Beau Jo's on the south end of the Bound or buy your upcoming ski season passes at Christy Sports near Walnut and 30th. If you need to fulfill your board sport craving immediately, bring your skateboard on the Bound and get off at the Scott Carpenter Skate Park at 30th and Arapahoe. Access the Bound on Baseline just south of campus.

Catch the Bound any weekday of the year starting very early in the morning. This bus doesn't quit, because it runs late into the night every weekday. The Bound is conveniently hard to miss with trips up to six times per hour. The Bound operates on weekends and holidays, but keep in mind the service changes that take place on these days.

Bolt: Get to Boulder and get out of doors

Easy Access to:

Downtown Boulder

29th Street Mall

28th Street shops between Canyon and the Diagonal Hwy

Residence areas along the Diagonal

Cottonwood trailhead

Twin Peaks Mall

Ken Pratt Boulevard in Longmont

Downtown Longmont

The bus runs frequently Monday through Friday but only once an hour on weekends and holidays so plan your weekends accordingly. Know the version of Bolt bus your on to ensure you get to your destination.

From Bus Book 2008-2009

Feel like a hike? There are lots of hiking trails in and around Boulder. The Bolt route runs from downtown Boulder through downtown Longmont to the North side of town and back. Unlike the J, which also connects Boulder to Longmont, this bus runs more consistently through the week and weekend. If you live in Longmont, it’s easy to get over to Boulder for a day of fun in the mountains and relax on the way home. Connect to numerous routes at Boulder Station for easy access to buses that will take you further into the mountains or to surrounding cities. If you are headed to CU, the easiest way to get there is to walk, bike or ride the Hop up Folsom to campus, this leaves plenty of time to grab a coffee at Folsom Street Coffee Company or grab lunch at one of the surrounding local restaurants. The last bus usually leaves Boulder Station sometime around midnight so be sure to check the schedule. There is no route more reliable than the Bolt if you need to get from Longmont to Boulder. It runs all day from early in the morning to late at night with increasing frequency during peak hours during the week.

B/BX: From downtown to downtown

The B bus runs 3+ times an hour from 4:30 am to 7pm and then twice an hour there after Mondays through Fridays. It's sure to fit your schedule. It only runs twice an hour on Saturdays and once an hour on Sundays and holidays.

Be aware when looking at the schedule, there are three versions of this bus and the BX and BF have much more limited stops.

From Bus Book 2008-2009

The Colorado Rockies have gained popularity after a World Series bid. The Denver Broncos are trying to recreate the back-to-back Super Bowl wins of the Elway days, and the Colorado Avalanche have consistently been one of the best hockey teams in the league. What do these Colorado sports teams all have in common? Their arenas are accessible on RTD's B route from Boulder to Denver. If you're not the sports type, the B provides multiple other forms of entertainment in Denver like The Denver Art Museum, the 16th Street Mall and Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. But the B route doesn't stop in only two cities; Superior, Broomfield, Westminster and north Denver are along the way and each have their own noteworthy destinations. Catch the BX version of the B route if you're headed straight to Denver and you feel like shunning Broomfield and Westminster. B and BX buses start at the Boulder Transit Center just north of campus and have multiple stops adjacent to campus.

If you're headed from Boulder to Denver, service starts very early and runs all day until very late. Return trips from Denver to Boulder are also very frequent and take place all day. The B and BX are very active during rush hour times with up to seven trips per hour. The B is in service on weekends and holidays, just be aware that service is less frequent during these times.

AB SkyRide: The most convenient way to DIA

Easy Access to Airport from:

Downtown Boulder

the Hill

CU campus

Broadway from Downtown to Table Mesa

all US 36 bus stops

From Bus Book 2008-2009

Like Cat Stevens, the Boulder SkyRide has two names. Also known as the AB route, the SkyRide is RTD's specialized Denver International Airport bus. Students, faculty and staff equipped with a Buff One Card and an up-to-date RTD Student Bus Pass or Eco Pass can ride the AB SkyRide fare free. Compared to airport parking costs, this bus is a bonafide money saver. As the AB SkyRide heads to the airport, it stops all along Broadway including campus at 16th and Euclid. Additional stops include the park n' Rides at Table Mesa, and in Superior, Broomfield and Westminster. Make sure drivers see you as you're waiting for the AB SkyRide because you dont want to miss this bus. This airport route starts departing from Boulder before the sun rises. During the remainder of the day, the AB Skyride is frequently dependable, running once an hour for 14 hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Return trips from the airport to Boulder start very early and run every hour until late at night. Arrange for alternative transportation if your flight into DIA will be really late.

Like Cat Stevens, the Boulder SkyRide has two names. Also known as the AB route, the SkyRide is RTD's specialized Denver International Airport bus. Students, faculty and staff equipped with a Buff One Card and an up-to-date RTD Student Bus Pass or Eco Pass can ride the AB SkyRide fare free. Compared to airport parking costs, this bus is a bonafide money saver. As the AB SkyRide heads to the airport, it stops all along Broadway including campus at 16th and Euclid. Additional stops include the park n' Rides at Table Mesa, and in Superior, Broomfield and Westminster. Make sure drivers see you as you're waiting for the AB SkyRide because you dont want to miss this bus. This airport route starts departing from Boulder before the sun rises. During the remainder of the day, the AB Skyride is frequently dependable, running once an hour for 14 hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Return trips from the airport to Boulder start very early and run every hour until late at night. Arrange for alternative transportation if your flight into DIA will be really late.

Ponder your purchases on your way home from the mall

From Bus Book 2008-2009

Should I have bought this Italian leather wallet? Were these shoes overpriced? These are viable questions you may ask yourself while riding back to Louisville from Broomfield on the 228. In conjunction with the Dash, the 228 grants you access to Louisville's parks and recreation and Broomfield's shopping and dining. Take the Dash southeast from campus until McCaslin Blvd. in Louisville, where the Dash meets the 228. After transferring buses, the 228 will take you to the south entrance of the Flatirons Crossing Mall, where you can transfer on to the Zip shuttle that will take you to the rest of the mall. 

 

The 228 runs on weekends and most holidays, so don't forget that birthday like you did last year. The first 228 of the day departs Louisville for the early bird specials, while the last 228 departs the Broomfield park n' Ride around dinner time. Scheduled times vary on weekends so check the updated RTD schedules for exact times.

209: How does this long bus navigate these tight turns?

Easy Access to:

CU campus

Residential areas around Colorado and 30th, Aurora, and Mohawk streets

Meadows Shopping Center

The 209 fits nicely into the streets and schedules of East Boulder residents. Serving a majority of the neighborhoods between campus and Foothills Parkway, the 209 also cuts through the commercial area of South East Boulder. If that long hair is starting to bother you, feel free to catch the 209 to the Great Clips in the Meadows Shopping Center. For those of you working on your fitness, try the 209-serviced Flatirons Athletic Club on Thunderbird Road. If indoor fitness makes you claustrophobic, outdoor recreation is also available on the 209. Arrow Wood Park, Aurora 7 Park and the Admiral Arleigh a. Burke Park all lie on the east section of route 209 so tuck a Frisbee in that backpack of yours. What's more, the 209 always heads back west to campus.

Plan your 209 trips on weekdays, because this big bus needs its rest on the weekends. The 209 runs up to seven times per hour every weekday from early mornings until early evenings.

208: Become a titan of industry

Easy Access to:

Downtown Boulder

Broadway shops, offices, and neighborhoods between canyon and Iris

Boulder County Health and Social Services

Iris neighborhoods and shops between Broadway and 28th

Valmont neighborhoods, offices, and shops between 30th and 55th

Boulder County Jail

Boulder Creek Trail at 55th and Pearl

55th street shops and offices between Valmont and Arapahoe

Boulder County Workforce, Humane Society, and the Flatiron Industrial Park

Arapahoe and Conestoga shopping center

The 208 weaves through downtown, spreads its wings across scenic 55th street and picks up the hard workers in the Flatiron Industrial Park. On your way east, grub down at one of the many restaurants along this route such as the Spicy Pickle on Broadway or Abo's on 28th and Iris. Then pick up some sports gear for your next "ping pong" tournament at the Sports Authority on 28th street. Legal issues can be resolved at the Boulder County Jail on 55th street. If your record is clean, drop off your resume at one of the local companies in east Boulder accessible by the 208. To begin the experience described here, catch the 208 at the Boulder Transit Center on 14th and Walnut, just north of campus.

Heads up, the 208 takes a day off on Sundays. Any other day of the week, catch the 208 starting very early on weekdays and semi-early on Saturdays. The 208 makes two trips an hour until the early evening on weekdays. Service is cut back on Saturdays so check updated RTD schedules for exact times.

206: From the heart of downtown to the foot of the flatirons

Easy Access to:

Downtown Boulder

29th Street Mall

Whole Foods and Target area shops

Pearl Parkway between 28th and 55th

Flatiron Industrial Park

Residential areas between Arapahoe and Table Mesa just east of Foothills

Table Mesa neighborhoods between Fthills and Gillespie

South Boulder Shops and Offices

East and South Boulder Rec Center

Capped by breathtaking Flatiron views, the 206 covers a large amount of Boulder. Originating just north of campus at the Boulder Transit Center, the 206 heads east towards the Flatirons Industrial Park which is home to multiple local enterprises. On the way, this route passes the Folsom Street Coffee Company so riders can get their fix. Hungry? The 206 visits Wahoo's Fish Taco out east, or stay on board until you reach the Southern Sun Brewpub in South Boulder. Keep heading west on the 206 to get some after dinner exercise at the South Boulder Recreation Center which has disc golf, roller hockey, tennis and outdoor volleyball.

You can expect the 206 to operate for you on Mondays through Fridays starting before you're awake. The 206 averages about two trips per hour. Unfortunately, in the evenings and on weekends the 206 is out of the office.

205: Go from urban to rural to industrial all in one route.

Easy Access to:

Downtown Boulder

Boulder Library

West end of Boulder Creek Trail

Boulder Courthouse

Eben G Fine Park

28th Street Shops between Canyon and the Diagonal

rural Jay Road

Gunbarrel shops, businesses, and neighborhoods

From Bus Book 2008-2009

There are three branches for this service. Know the schedule for the branch you need because the times vary greatly. The 205C runs much less than the others. Otherwise it's a great route to work in your commuting routine because it runs frequently during the week, and twice an hour on Saturdays. Sundays and holidays are a little more limited.

See the Flatirons in all their glory on the 205 to Gunbarrel. Starting just north of campus at the Boulder Transit Center, the western tail of the 205 covers Canyon and 3rd street. Residents of this area can catch the 205 on its way east or stay on the bus after the Boulder Transit Center as the 205 heads west. The western tail of the 205 is perfect for outdoorsy readers because the route goes by the Boulder Public Library and the Boulder Creek Trail. Heading northeast, the 205 takes a happy little trip through the 28th street retail district before accelerating through north Boulder scenic areas. After crossing the Diagonal Highway, the 205 says goodbye to undeveloped land as it heads toward 63rd street in Gunbarrel. Gunbarrel has residential areas, shopping and big businesses such as Celestial Seasonings.

Starting in Gunbarrel during early morning hours, the 205 runs all day; four trips per hour during peak commuting times and two trips per hour during slower parts of the day. At the end of the day, the 205 has a late bedtime. This route also runs on weekends and holidays with limited service.

204: As Far North and South as You Can Get

Easy Access to:

North Boulder Shops

19th street Residential Neighborhoods

Downtown Boulder

CU campus

Moorehead Residential Neighborhoods

South Boulder Shops

Table Mesa Residential Neighborhoods

During rush hour many popular local buses like the Dash, Skip, and Hop are full with bikes and you cant ride on. This is definitely the route to take. It rarely fills it's bike slots and theres always sitting room. It covers the full 10 mile length of Boulder, it winds through residential neighborhoods of Boulder while connecting you to major points of interest. You can catch this route for just about anything. This route reaches the far south and north outskirts of Boulder while connecting homes, daycares and schools, neighborhoods, bike paths, the campus, and north, south, and downtown shops and restaurants.

This is a perfect bus for commuters, it runs every 15 minutes between 7am-10am and 2pm-5pm and every half hour otherwise on Monday-Friday. On weekends and holidays it runs a little less but it's still frequent enough to be extremely convienent.

Boulder is ten miles long and the 204 covers every one of them. Reach out and grasp Highway 36 to the north or flirt with Table Mesa and Broadway to the south. The 204 stops every four blocks in the Moorehead neighborhoods and cuts right through northeast Boulder residential areas without forgetting about campus in between. The southern half of the 204 route is great for dining at places like the South End Walnut Cafe, Beau Jo's and DP Dough. The 204 pauses its trek at the Boulder Transit Center, where riders can choose from the north or south bound sections of the route. Up north, the 204 delivers hungry riders to snack spots like Amante Coffee and a Rush smoothie joint.

Like Wall Street traders, the 204 is active all day. The route starts very early in the morning and runs into the night at an average of three times an hour. Service is cut back on weekends and holidays but the route is still in service during these times.

203/225: Follow the Leader, Then Break from the Pack

Easy Access to:
Lafayette Park and Ride
Lafayette Rec Center
Lafayette Public Library,
287 and Baseline shops,
random prairie dog fields
Waneka Lake trailhead
Louisville Baseline Residential neighborhoods
Dry Creek Trailhead
Bobolink Trailhead
Baseline Boulder neighborhoods east of Broadway

The 203/225 connects downtown Boulder to Lafayette through Baseline. Be sure to know which route your taking because the 203 only goes to 55th to turn around at the East Boulder Community Center. The 225 runs out to the Lafayette park and ride connecting Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette. The views when traveling east are spectacular, the open space with the Flat Irons and the rest of the front range are your panorama. Being chauffered by a bus driver is so much more pleasant and productive than having to deal with traffic congestion. You can reach downtown Lafayette and downtown Boulder shopping as well as many neighborhoods and a couple of trailheads on the way.

Theres a great story about a community noted on the map as Nyland Community. This community is very aware of their environmental and communal impact and worked very hard to get a bus stop and eco pass program for their community. Cheers and thanks to them for modeling community action implementing access to public transportation.

This bus only runs on the weekdays and is not available on weekends or holidays. But it's great for week day commuters because it runs 3 times an hour from 6am to 7 pm Mondays through Fridays.

From the Boulder Transit Station to Foothills Parkway, the 203 and the 225 follow the exact same route. While in Boulder, both routes stop frequently along Broadway and Baseline including campus, the Basemar Shopping Center, Williams Village and the Meadows Shopping Center. After crossing Manhattan Drive on Baseline, the 203 turns south towards the East Boulder Community Center while the 225 stays on Baseline and goes east to Lafayette. On the way to Lafayette, the 225 passes Dry Creek Trail Head, so don't forget your bike. Once in Lafayette, the 225 is surrounded by quaint dining and coffee shops.

Both routes begin service at the crack of dawn. Running up to four times an hour, you're sure to find a 203 or 225 that fits your schedule. Be mindful that late night service is cut back to one trip per hour. The 225 takes time off on weekends, but the 203 is still doing its thing on a less frequent schedule.