Boulder is located on US 36 thirty miles northwest of Denver. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Denver International Airport, known here as DIA. We are committed to being as eco-friendly as possible, and to that effect we recommend carpooling or taking the bus to get to Boulder. Once in Boulder, you do not need a car to get around. We have an excellent bus system, and the festival will be within walking distance of all of downtown Boulder’s amenities.
By Car
- From the south, take I-25 to US-36 west to Boulder.
- From the east, exit I-70 onto I-25 north and then take US-36 to Boulder.
- From the north, take I-25 to Highway 52 west (right turn, go about 10 miles); it dead ends into Highway 119 at the local IBM plant, turn left and take 119 into Boulder.
- From the west, take US-6 exit (left exit) off I-70 just past Idaho Springs about 15 miles through Clear Creek Canyon, turn left at the traffic light at Highway 93 and continue about 15 miles into Boulder.
By Plane
Fly into DIA. From the airport you can take a bus, rent a car, or take a shuttle. Click here for a complete list of all transportation options.
Our favorite option is Denver’s bus system (the RTD). The RTD is convenient, economic, and good for the environment. Buses leave every half-hour to an hour depending on the time of day, and the buses run between 6:15 am and 11:15 pm. Trip time is about 90 minutes, and a great way to relax and take in the scenery. The final stop is downtown Boulder, and the one-way fare is $10.
Driving Instructions from DIA via I-225/I-70
- Upon leaving the terminal or the rental car area, look for signs marked “Airport Exit” and “To I-70 & I-225 via Peña Blvd.” Stay on Peña Blvd until it merges with I-70 westbound.
- Stay in the left or center lanes to avoid exiting onto I-225 and other cross streets, and continue westbound on I-70 for about 4 miles. Watch for the I-270 exit on the right, labeled “Westminster/Ft. Collins,” that comes at about 14 miles from DIA. It is also labeled Exit 279, “US-36 Boulder.”
- Take I-270 past Quebec, Vasquez, and York Streets, and past I-76 at 18 miles from DIA. Stay in the left lanes, until you pass under a “US-36 West/Boulder” sign at about 20 miles from DIA. (Do not exit to the right, towards Ft. Collins or Broadway.)
Directions from DIA via tollway (E-470/Northwest Parkway)
If you arrive during rush hour, for $12 you can take E-470 (www.expresstoll.com), the toll highway that runs along the eastern perimeter of the Denver metropolitan area.
- Exit the airport via Peña Boulevard to E-470 and turn right. E-470 will become the Northwest Parkway, which then becomes StorageTek Dr./S. 96th St.
- Merge onto U.S. Hwy. 36 West to Boulder. Stay on US-36 into Boulder.
Transportation Resources from DIA
Boulder Express: 888-457-4646 – www.boulderexpress.com
SuperShuttle: 800-258-3826 – www.supershuttle.com
RTD Bus Service: 303-299-6000 – www.RTD-Denver.com, look under SkyRide, Route AB, scroll down to AB Boulder – D.I.A. W-Bound.
Yellow Cab: 303-442-2277 – Approximately $75 one way from DIA. Takes about 1 hour.
