Denver Union Station is Denver's historic railway depot, first opened in 1881 and rebuilt after an 1894 fire, with the current Beaux-Arts main building completed in 1914. A roughly $54 million restoration completed between 2012 and 2014 turned it into a modern multimodal hub combining Amtrak intercity trains, RTD light rail and commuter rail (including the A Line to Denver International Airport), regional buses, and the boutique Crawford Hotel occupying the station's upper floors. As of 2026 it remains one of downtown Denver's signature landmarks and the anchor of the LoDo (Lower Downtown) historic district, with its free, restored Great Hall nicknamed "Denver's Living Room." Even travelers not catching a train can enjoy strolling the historic hall, the front plaza, and the surrounding red-brick warehouse district.
The 1914 Beaux-Arts station house with its granite facade and rooftop "UNION STATION" sign
The Great Hall, restored as a grand public lounge nicknamed "Denver's Living Room"
The Crawford Hotel occupying the station's upper floors, some rooms overlooking the Great Hall
The underground concourse combining an 8-track commuter rail platform with a 22-bay bus terminal
Wynkoop Street plaza in front of the station and the surrounding LoDo historic warehouse district
Good to know
SafetyPanhandling and homelessness have increased around the 16th Street Mall and downtown blocks near the station, especially after dark; use rideshare or transit rather than walking alone through quiet streets late at night.
SeasonDenver sits at roughly 5,280 ft (1,600 m) elevation, and visitors arriving from lower altitudes may feel headaches, fatigue, or mild dizziness on their first day; stay well hydrated and avoid overexertion right after arrival.
SeasonColorado weather can change abruptly within a single day — expect afternoon thunderstorms in summer and sudden snowfall in winter — so pack layers regardless of season.
RulesThe station building itself is free and open to the public, but the Crawford Hotel area and individual shops or restaurants may have their own access rules; follow posted signage and staff instructions.
RulesTrain tickets, including for the A Line to the airport, must be purchased and validated via the mobile app or platform ticket machines before boarding; fare evasion can result in a fine.
MannersRestaurants and bars in the station follow the US tipping norm of roughly 15–20%; check whether gratuity is already added to the bill before adding your own.
CautionBe wary of unofficial "tour guides" or unauthorized parking valets soliciting near the station and demanding inflated fees; use official RTD ticket counters or reputable rideshare apps instead.
Practical info
From Denver International Airport (DEN), the RTD A Line train reaches Union Station in about 35–40 minutes; drivers can use paid public parking garages near the station. The historic Great Hall itself is free to enter, but train, bus, and parking rates change periodically, so check the official RTD and Denver Union Station websites for current pricing before you go.
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