Since most visitors to Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs will probably be traveling between cities and also into surrounding areas, you will most likely want to rent a car. However, you can save a bit of cash by doing your downtown city exploring, which can be done quite conveniently using public transportation, at either the beginning or the end of your stay, and only renting a car when you plan to leave town.

Each of the individual city guides contain information on car rentals and public transportation.

By Plane

Although you can fly between Denver and Colorado Springs, it’s not nearly as economical as driving the 70 miles.

Some large airlines offer transatlantic or transpacific passengers special discount tickets under the name Visit USA, which allows mostly one-way travel from one U.S. destination to another at very low prices. Unavailable in the U.S., these discount tickets must be purchased abroad in conjunction with your international fare. This system is the easiest, fastest, cheapest way to see the country.

By Car

In Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, the most cost-effective way to travel is by car, but all three have pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly routes and at least decent public transportation.

When you're looking for a rental, shop around and visit sites like Orbitz, Hotwire.com, Travelocity, and Priceline.com, all of which offer competitive online car-rental rates. 

If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you may want to consider obtaining an international driver’s license.

By Train

Although you can catch an Amtrak train from Union Station in Denver, it’s not a particularly good method of travel between Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs--not until a light-rail build-out takes place in the next decade, at least. In Denver, existing light rail is useful for navigating certain attractions.

International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15, 30, or 45 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com). The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents. See Amtrak’s website for the cost of travel within the western, eastern, or northwestern United States. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available.

By Bus

Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it’s certainly not an option for everyone (particularly when Amtrak, which is far more luxurious, offers similar rates).

The Front Range Express (tel. 719/636-3739; www.frontrangeexpress.com) offered service between Colorado Springs and Denver at press time, but was threatened by potential upcoming budget cuts. Call or check the website for current information.

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) is the sole nationwide bus line. International visitors can obtain information about the Greyhound North American Discovery Pass. The pass, which offers unlimited travel and stopovers in the U.S. and Canada, can be obtained from foreign travel agents or through www.discoverypass.com.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.