Commuting in Arvada: Public Transportation & Driving Tips [2023]

Arvada is a sprawling suburb that stretches from the outskirts of Denver to the base of the mountains. The city limits still have room for expansion, so new construction homes in Arvada are steadily being built. Most people who live in Arvada commute to somewhere else in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro area, so it's imperative for motorists to learn about the major roads and traffic patterns. Learning the way around Arvada and the surrounding area takes a bit of time. This guide to driving, public transportation, and commute times in the area will help anyone visiting or moving to Arvada.

Get to Know Your Major Roads

Here are some major roads in and around Arvada that commuters should get to know:

• Wadsworth Boulevard (State HWY 121): Wadsworth is a critical north-south street in the eastern part of the community. Most of the retail and shopping in Arvada is located along Wadsworth Boulevard. Wadsworth intersects with I-70 in the south part of Arvada and continues through Lakewood and Columbine.
• Kipling Parkway: Another north-south route that intersects I-70 and continues south through Lakewood.
• Sheridan Boulevard (State HWY 95): This north-south route crosses Interstates 76 and 70 as it bypasses Downtown Denver.
• Interstate 70: I-70 runs east-west along the southern borders of the Arvada city limits. This interstate continues past northern Denver to Aurora, CO. It also intersects with Interstate 25, which runs north-south through Downtown Denver.
• Interstate 76: I-76 merges with I-70 near Wadsworth Boulevard. This road heads northeast of Arvada and north of Denver.

What to Expect Driving at Different Times of Day

Rush hour in the area runs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with most congestion caused by commuters and those driving to and from schools in Arvada. Most commuters spend less than 34 minutes on their morning drive to work, but a crash or construction in the Denver area can stretch the rush hour commute to 60 minutes.

Three intersections in the area should be avoided during rush hour if possible:

• Interstate 70 at Interstate 25
• Interstate 70 at Interstate 270
• Interstate 25 at Interstate 76

The worst congestion in the entire area happens at these intersections, so taking back roads is a big help. An app with real-time updates on accidents, inclement weather, and construction can also be useful.

When it starts to snow each fall, roads near Arvada become congested due to accidents for the first few days. Outside of winter, roads in the Arvada-Denver area often undergo construction. These are two of the main things that can increase commute times here.

Parking in Arvada

Residential parking permits are required in Arvada, which are only applicable in the permitholder's neighborhood. Anyone who wants to ride the bus or train from Olde Town in Arvada must register their vehicle and park in the Olde Town Transit Hub. Residents can park in any open space in the Hub, while Parkopedia lists free and cheap parking spaces in Arvada.

Parking in Arvada is free in most cases, so long as the vehicle is not parked in the same space for more than two hours. Also, note that a vehicle must be moved more than 500 feet from the original space where it was parked, or it can still be ticketed.

Arvada Public Transportation

Some people don't want to deal with traffic or a daily commute, so they opt for public transportation instead. There are several options in Arvada, including RTD, the G Line, and various rideshare services.

RTD

RTD-Denver operates more than 100 bus routes and ten rail lines in the Metro area, including Arvada. There are also 96 Park-n-Ride locations throughout the region. The RTD bus system has north-south and east-west routes that travel locally, regionally, and to and from the airport. Discounts are available for bus passes for seniors (65+), disabled persons, and Medicare recipients.

RTD Fares:

• Local: $3.00
• Regional: $5.25
• Airport: $10.50

The RTD rail system connects Arvada to Union Station in Downtown Denver. From there, commuters can catch a connecting train daily to Lakewood, Boulder, Aurora, Littleton, Northglenn, or anywhere else in the region. It's a very efficient system that rivals the rail system in any other major metro area.

The RTD MyRide App is one of the most convenient ways to purchase fares. The app has a barcode that can be scanned on buses or trains, or users can obtain a MyRide card tied to their app. The card or the app's barcode works to pay the fare. This allows riders to pre-purchase fares or ticket books. Cash is also allowed, but it must be exact change.

Local RTD Fares & Ticket Books:

• Day Pass: $6.00
• 10-Ride Ticket Book: $28.00
• Monthly Pass: $114

Regional RTD Fares & Ticket Books:

• Day Pass: $10.50
• 10-Ride Ticket Book: $50.50
• Monthly Pass: $200

The G Line

The G Line is the main light rail line operated by RTD that runs through Arvada. There are three main stops in Arvada where residents can park their cars and ride the train. All fares for the G Line are listed above in the RTD section of this guide. The G Line is a speedy and efficient way to commute daily to work in the Aurora-Denver area—during rush hours, it can cut the daily commute in half.

The Arvada Ridge Station is located at 10189 West 53rd Avenue in Arvada. It has 200 parking spaces for cars and additional bike parking for those who pedal their way to the station. The trip from Arvada Ridge to Union Station in Downtown Denver takes about 20 minutes.

The Olde Town Hub is located at 7510 Grandview Avenue in historic Downtown Arvada. It has 600 parking spaces available, and the trip takes 17 minutes to Union Station. Many of the condos in Downtown Arvada are within walking distance of the Olde Town Hub.

The Gold Strike Station is located at 4790 West 60th Avenue in Arvada. There are 330 parking spaces available, and the trip takes 13 minutes to Union Station.

Rideshare Services

There is a luxury taxi service available in Arvada, and the full range of Uber and Lyft rideshare services are also here.

Arvada Taxi Service: Arvada Taxi is a luxury car and executive taxi service that operates in every city in the Metro area, including Arvada. They offer car and limo services, so people can get from their mountain view homes in Arvada to anywhere else in the region while riding in style.

Arvada Taxi Service Fare:

• Flat Rate Per Mile: $2.50

Uber and Lyft: Uber and Lyft are well-known nationwide rideshare services. Each service uses a corresponding mobile phone app. Just request a ride from a current location to somewhere else, and a driver will pick the commuter up.

Lyft Fares:

• Minimum Fare: $5.17
• Cost Per Mile: $0.85
• Cost Per Minute: $0.29

Uber Fares:

• Minimum Fare: $8.60
• Cost Per Mile: $0.84
• Cost Per Minute: $0.28

Commute Times from Arvada to Nearby Cities & Suburbs

Everyone wants to know the most efficient way to get from Arvada's best neighborhoods to nearby cities and suburbs. Here are ten destinations in the area, how long it typically takes to drive there, and whether there is a public transportation option for each location. Keep in mind that taking the train is generally slower, but it can be the best option when there is heavy snowfall in the Denver area.

Boulder

The easiest way to drive from Arvada to homes in Boulder is to take either Wadsworth Boulevard or Sheridan Boulevard north to State Highway 36, which heads straight into Boulder. Either route takes about 32 minutes during non-rush hour traffic or up to 55 minutes during the morning rush. An RTD bus route can take up to 1 hour and 45 minutes during rush hour, while the G line train makes the trip in an hour and 10 minutes after connecting at Union Station in Downtown Denver.

Denver

Driving from Olde Town Arvada to the city of Denver takes less than 20 minutes during non-rush hour traffic. The quickest route is to take Wadsworth Boulevard south and then get on I-70 East. Then, take I-25 South a short distance and get off the freeway at Park Avenue West. Park Avenue turns into 22nd Street, and then take a right on North Broadway to get the rest of the way to Downtown Denver.

During rush hour traffic, this drive can take up to 40 minutes, especially with congestion around the I-70 to I-25 interchange. The RTD bus takes about 50 minutes, but the G Line train from Olde Town to Union Station takes just 17 minutes.

Broomfield

Broomfield is a suburb located directly north of Arvada. It's about halfway between Denver and Boulder along State Highway 36. The fastest way to get to Broomfield from Olde Town Arvada is to take Wadsworth Boulevard north. The drive takes about 20 minutes during non-rush hour traffic, and during rush hour, it can take up to 35 minutes. Another option is to take Sheridan Boulevard north to State Highway 36, which adds about 5–10 minutes to the commute.

RTD bus route 76 connects directly from the Olde Town Arvada Hub to the city of Broomfield and takes about 58 minutes. Taking the G Line to Union Station and a connecting train back up to Broomfield takes about 90 minutes.

Longmont

The municipality of Longmont is about 26 miles directly north of Arvada. Heading northbound on Wadsworth Boulevard, the commute takes about 45 minutes during non-rush hour traffic. Another option is to get on I-25 north and head west on East Ken Pratt Boulevard into Longmont. Both options take the same amount of time, but the Wadsworth route is more scenic. During rush hour, the drive can take up to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

An RTD bus route with a transfer in Broomfield takes about 2 hours during the morning rush. The train connections from the G Line take almost 3 hours from Arvada to Longmont.

Golden

The city of Golden is directly southwest of Arvada. The 10-mile drive from Olde Town Arvada takes about 15 to 20 minutes during non-rush hour traffic. Just take Wadsworth Boulevard south and then I-70 west. Get off I-70 at the Golden Freeway (State Highway 58) and take that road directly into Golden. Even during rush hour, this route only takes about 20 minutes.

An RTD bus route arrives in the south part of town, near the Jefferson County Government Center. The bus route takes about 65 minutes, with one connection.

Superior

Superior, CO, is about 14 miles northwest of Arvada, along the Denver Boulder Turnpike. The fastest route to the city of Superior is taking Wadsworth north from Olde Town and then continuing on the Turnpike. The drive takes about 25 minutes during non-rush hour traffic and up to 40 minutes during rush hour.

An RTD bus route from Arvada, with a connection in Broomfield, takes about 67 minutes. Taking the G Line down to Union Station and then a connecting train back up to Superior takes about 90 minutes.

Westminster

The suburb of Westminster is about five miles directly northeast of Olde Town Arvada. Taking either the Wadsworth Bypass or Sheridan Boulevard north and then turning right on West 76th Avenue will get a commuter to Westminster in about 12 minutes during non-rush hour traffic. During the morning rush, the drive can take up to 18 minutes. It only takes about 30 minutes to bike from Arvada to Westminster.

Taking an RTD bus or a train-and-bus combination will still get a commuter to homes in Westminster, but it takes significantly more time because of stops and transfers.

Aurora

Aurora is the main city directly east of Denver, located about 19 miles from Arvada. The quickest route is to get on I-70 eastbound from Arvada. Then, take the I-225 bypass in east Denver down to Aurora. The drive typically takes around 25 minutes during non-rush traffic and up to 45 minutes during rush hour. Traffic gets congested where I-70 intersects with I-25.

Taking the G Line to the A Line takes an hour, but stops along the A Line are in the northern part of Aurora. Taking the RTD bus routes from Arvada to the mountain view homes in Aurora takes about two hours, with one or two transfers.

Lakewood

The city of Lakewood is about seven miles directly south of Arvada. Kipling Street, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Sheridan Boulevard are all north-south routes that run directly into Lakewood. The commute typically takes around 20 minutes during non-rush hour traffic and up to 35 minutes during rush hour. The Wadsworth Boulevard route can be biked in less than an hour.

Taking the RTD bus south from Olde Town Arvada takes about 45 minutes during rush hour and requires two transfers.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University, about 64 miles directly north of Arvada. The fastest route is to get on I-76 eastbound from Arvada and then take I-25 northbound the rest of the way. The drive takes about 65 minutes when the roads are clear. During rush hour, the commute can take as long as 85 minutes.

It's possible to get to the city of Fort Collins using RTD bus lines, but the trip takes more than 3 hours and 30 minutes, so it's not a viable option. Taking the G Line train to Union Station in Denver and taking the NORTH train line takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Other Helpful Things to Know

There's a 126-mile section of I-70 on which the state's traction law is in effect for nine months out of the year. If vehicles don't have 4WD, motorists must carry chains or winter tires. Violating the traction law during winter months can result in a $650 fine.

Many different people, vehicles, and critters can be on the roadways in Arvada and the surrounding areas. It's not uncommon to encounter wildlife crossing the road as motorists get closer to the mountains. Snow plows, bicyclists, and people horseback riding can be on or near the roadways frequently. Keep an eye out for others and drive cautiously.

Stay Safe & Have a Great Commute in Arvada, CO

The thing about commuting in and around the city is that even though there are plenty of drivers out enjoying all the things to do in Arvada, roads are still less congested than in other metro areas around the country. The most significant adjustment for newcomers to the area is learning to drive during snowy weather.