Menu

15 Best Light Rail Stations in Denver

Denver’s light rail stations serve different travel patterns, from downtown access at Union Station to south-metro trips, campus visits, and park-and-ride commuting. The best choice depends on where you are going and how you plan to continue the journey.

Compare rail connections, bus links, parking arrangements, walking distance, and the time needed for transfers. For popular destinations or planned outings, leave room to confirm service details before departing.

How this guide is ordered

This list of light rail stations in Denver comes from checking each business's expertise, its customer ratings and its contact information.

Certain businesses pay to appear in more visible positions.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

Compare 15 local options

Denver Union Station#1
What stands out
  • Historic architecture and modern train hall

  • Dining and shops inside

Denver Union Station

4.5895 reviews
Denver, CO 80202, United States
Best for
Downtown rail connectionsVisitors exploring Denver landmarks

Denver Union Station is a central train station and a landmark destination in the city. Its historic Beaux-Arts architecture sits alongside a modern open-air train hall, creating a distinctive setting for travelers, commuters, and visitors exploring downtown Denver.

Beyond transportation, the station includes places to eat and drink, shops, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Its organized layout makes rail connections easy to navigate, while the surrounding area places visitors near major downtown attractions.

Littleton / Downtown Station, Denver#2
What stands out
  • C and D line connections

Littleton / Downtown Station

4.470 reviews
Littleton, CO 80120, United States

Littleton / Downtown Station is a clean, convenient light rail stop serving the C and D lines. It offers a coffee shop nearby, though seating and weather shelter are limited.

The station is useful for reaching downtown Denver or Mineral, with street parking available a short walk away.

Theatre District - Convention Center Station, Denver#3
What stands out
  • Direct access to convention district

Theatre District - Convention Center Station

4.539 reviews
1325 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Theatre District - Convention Center Station is a light rail stop positioned for downtown events, performances, and convention visits. Its sheltered, shaded design is practical when waiting, while the distinctive lighting gives the station a more polished appearance than a basic platform.

Connections are straightforward, and the stop places riders close to the Convention Center and surrounding Theatre District attractions. It is a useful arrival point for visitors attending shows, conferences, or other central Denver activities.

Belleview Station, Denver#4

Belleview Station

4.363 reviews
Denver, CO 80237, United States

Belleview Station is a clean and visually distinctive light rail stop with pleasant scenery and an artistic tunnel made from recycled street reflectors. It provides a reliable route toward downtown, including E-line service, and works well for commuters traveling through the Denver area.

Seating is limited, and the elevator may not always be dependable, so riders should be prepared to use the stairs when necessary.

Littleton / Mineral Station, Denver#5
What stands out
  • Mountain and reservoir views

  • Free park-and-ride parking

Littleton / Mineral Station

4.277 reviews
Littleton, CO 80120, United States
Best for
Scenic south-metro rail trips

Littleton / Mineral Station is a well-maintained light rail stop with clean surroundings and expansive views toward the mountains and Chatfield Reservoir. The setting adds more visual appeal than a typical commuter platform, while the station remains practical for trips into Denver.

A free parking lot supports park-and-ride use. Riders planning a special rail outing should check current service conditions before traveling, as construction and line interruptions have affected access at times.

Englewood, Denver#6
What stands out
  • Civic Center and library nearby

Englewood

4.199 reviews
899 W Floyd Ave, Englewood, CO 80110, United States
Best for
Park-and-ride commutersRail and bus connections

Englewood Station offers light rail access with C and D line connections, nearby public art, and a large parking area. A pedestrian bridge leads toward the Civic Center and library, while bus connections add flexibility for reaching surrounding neighborhoods.

The station has covered areas for unpleasant weather and straightforward ticketing and arrival information. Riders using the parking facilities should allow extra time for the walk between the lots and platform.

Alameda Station, Denver#7
What stands out
  • Light rail and bus transfers

Alameda Station

4.168 reviews
Denver, CO 80223, United States

Alameda Station is a relaxed Denver light rail stop that also connects with local bus services. Its position makes transfers practical for riders building a longer trip, while views toward the mountains add interest during the wait.

Shelter and nearby shops are limited, so it is best understood as a functional connection point rather than a destination with extensive amenities.

University of Denver Station#8
What stands out
  • Covered garage near the campus

University of Denver Station

4.236 reviews
Denver, CO 80210, United States
Best for
University campus visitsPark-and-ride commuters

University of Denver Station is a convenient light rail stop across from the University of Denver campus, with H, E, and F line access. Covered seating and a large parking structure make it practical for students, campus visitors, and event attendees.

The station is especially useful for park-and-ride trips, with plentiful garage capacity and additional street parking nearby. Ticket machines are positioned closer to the garage than the waiting benches.

Garrison, Denver#9
What stands out
  • Low-traffic West Colfax stop

  • Well-lit commuter setting

Garrison

4.228 reviews
Lakewood, CO 80215, United States

Garrison is a straightforward, low-traffic light rail station serving West Colfax. The stop is well lit, positioned beside residential buildings, and provides a practical commute route without the bustle found at larger transit hubs.

There is no dedicated station parking, although nearby retail parking is available in the surrounding area. Its simple layout and generally smooth boarding process make it useful for local commuters and neighborhood access.

18th St / California Station, Denver#10

18th St / California Station

4.412 reviews
1776 California St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

18th St / California Station is a practical Denver light rail stop for bypassing downtown traffic and reaching central destinations without driving. It offers a straightforward transit option for commuters and visitors, particularly when downtown parking would be inconvenient or costly.

The stop is best viewed as a functional connection point, with the main advantage being direct access to the city’s rail network rather than extensive on-site amenities.

18th St / Stout Station, Denver#11
What stands out
  • Central courthouse-area location

18th St / Stout Station

4.030 reviews
1816 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

18th St / Stout Station is a Denver light rail stop in front of the courthouse, with lighter foot traffic than some downtown platforms. Its central location is convenient for local trips, although shelter from rain, wind, and other weather is limited.

Service reliability can vary, so it is best suited to straightforward journeys when a little flexibility is possible.

38th & Blake, Denver#12
What stands out
  • Airport and Union Station connection

  • Useful bus transfer point

38th & Blake

4.49 reviews
3737 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

38th & Blake is a Denver light rail station serving the rapidly developing RiNo area. It is especially useful for transfers to bus service and for catching the A train toward the airport or Union Station.

The surrounding commercial district is a few blocks south, while the station itself functions primarily as a practical transit connection within an evolving neighborhood.

Union Station, Denver#13
What stands out
  • Major downtown transit hub

Union Station

3.976 reviews
Denver, CO 80202, United States

Union Station is a major Denver light rail hub linking trains and buses with downtown travel. Its historic setting adds character, with coffee shops, food, and other destinations nearby.

The station also connects with Amtrak, making it a useful base for regional journeys as well as everyday transit.

Yale Station, Denver#14

Yale Station

3.936 reviews
Denver, CO 80222, United States

Yale Station is an open-air Denver light rail stop with a maintained setting and pleasant scenery. It offers a simple platform-based transit experience, though parts of the information signage may be less dependable.

The station is a straightforward choice for nearby rail trips rather than a destination with extensive amenities.

Southmoor Station, Denver#15
What stands out
  • Weather-sheltered rail access

Southmoor Station

3.935 reviews
Denver, CO 80237, United States

Southmoor Station is a large Denver light rail stop with a substantial parking area, bus connections, and access to southbound trains. A tunnel provides useful protection from strong wind and rain, while the platform and surrounding landscape are generally kept clean.

It is a practical starting point for commuters combining driving, bus travel, and rail service.

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest for
#1Denver Union Station 4.5895Downtown rail connections
#2Littleton / Downtown Station 4.470—
#3Theatre District - Convention Center Station 4.539—
#4Belleview Station 4.363—
#5Littleton / Mineral Station 4.277Scenic south-metro rail trips
#6Englewood 4.199Park-and-ride commuters
#7Alameda Station 4.168—
#8University of Denver Station 4.236University campus visits
#9Garrison 4.228—
#1018th St / California Station 4.412—
#1118th St / Stout Station 4.030—
#1238th & Blake 4.49—
#13Union Station 3.976—
#14Yale Station 3.936—
#15Southmoor Station 3.935—

Run a business?

Manage or add my business

Map of light rail stations in Denver

The listed stations do not come with a verified neighborhood grouping, so use the rail line and destination rather than an assumed local area to plan your trip. Union Station is especially useful for downtown connections and nearby landmarks. For southbound journeys, compare Littleton, Mineral, Belleview, Englewood, and Alameda based on your final destination. Check the walking route, transfer point, and parking needs before choosing the station closest to your starting point.

Services to compare

  • Downtown rail connectionsUse Union Station when your trip centers on downtown access, onward rail travel, or nearby Denver landmarks.
  • South-metro rail tripsChoose stations such as Littleton / Mineral or Littleton / Downtown for journeys toward the southern metro area.
  • Park-and-ride commutingConsider stations with park-and-ride use when you are combining a car trip with rail travel.
  • Rail and bus connectionsLook for a station that makes it easier to continue by bus after leaving the train.
  • University campus visitsUniversity of Denver Station can support trips focused on campus access and nearby appointments.
  • Landmark visitsStart with a downtown station when walking access to central attractions matters more than minimizing every transfer.

How to choose light rail stations in Denver

  1. Match the station to the endpointIdentify the final street, campus entrance, venue, or landmark first, then choose the station that leaves the shortest practical walk.
  2. Check the complete connectionMap the rail ride together with any bus transfer or walk instead of judging a station only by its train access.
  3. Allow for parking timeIf you are driving to rail, include time to enter the lot, find a space, and reach the platform before the departure you need.
  4. Plan for busy outingsFor landmark visits, campus events, or other scheduled activities, confirm departure options early and leave a buffer for transfers.
  5. Compare return convenienceCheck the last practical connection home and the evening walk from the arrival station, especially when your plans extend beyond daytime hours.

Frequently asked questions

Which station is most useful for downtown Denver?

Denver Union Station is the clearest starting point for downtown rail connections and visits to central landmarks. Your final destination may still make another station or a connecting bus more convenient, so check the last part of the route.

Which stations suit south-metro travel?

Littleton / Downtown, Littleton / Mineral, Belleview, Englewood, and Alameda can serve south-metro journeys. Choose among them by comparing the final walk, available connections, and whether you need to park before boarding.

Can I combine light rail with a bus?

Yes. Some trips are more convenient when rail handles the main distance and a bus completes the route. Check the transfer location and walking path so the connection works for your arrival time and destination.

Is a station near the University of Denver useful for campus visits?

University of Denver Station is specifically relevant to campus trips. Before traveling, identify the building or entrance you need, then allow for the walk from the platform rather than treating the station name as the final destination.

Related guides