Resources: Getting Around
Airport
Denver International Airport (DIA) serves the entire metropolitan area. If you need transportation to or from the airport, you have several options including skyRide and Super Shuttle. If you pay full student fees, you can take skyRide to the airport for $5 (and for free coming back to campus from DIA) with your Buff OneCard and current RTD sticker. Super Shuttle, a private transportation company, picks you up at your door and brings you right to the terminal.
Boulder
As a CU-Boulder student, you live in one of the most dynamic, progressive, and attractive small cities in the United States. With a large system of bike and pedestrian paths, and one of the best bus systems in the nation (free to students with your Buff OneCard), Boulder is an easy place to get around any time of year. The city is renowned for its natural beauty, high-tech businesses, cultural activities, and the CU-Boulder campus, drawing a variety of individuals to the area, including scientists, professionals, writers, artists, and over 30,000 students.
Buff OneCard
Your Buff OneCard is your key to all kinds of services and events here at CU. It is your official university identification and as a student or employee you are required to carry it with you whenever you are on campus. Your Buff OneCard should be presented upon the request of any university official.
CU NightRide
Any CU-Boulder student, staff, or faculty member may receive a free safe escort by vehicle to or from campus and throughout Boulder city limits. CU NightRide is based out of the UMC at the UMC reception desk on the second floor. Campus escorts are provided by a micro-minivan and are usually available within five minutes. Rides are available by heading to the CU NightRide dispatch desk in the UMC or from any location by calling the number above.
umc.colorado.edu/cunightride | 303-492-SAFE (7233)
Parking on Campus
If you plan to park frequently on campus, consider buying a parking permit. A lot will be assigned according to your living arrangement. Permits must be purchased online and a pick-up location is announced for each semester. Campus parking meters are intended for short-term use.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Excellent downhill ski areas are a relatively short distance from Boulder. National forest and park service lands are open to cross-country skiers wherever there’s snow. Maps of national forest and park locations are available at retail stores specializing in mountain sports. Wherever you go, be alert to snow and weather conditions. Remember that storms might approach quickly during the winter, and the State Patrol might require chains or adequate snow tires for traveling on mountain roads. Drive and ski carefully!
Student Identification
The Buff OneCard is your official CU-Boulder student ID to be used for your entire career at CU-Boulder. The card is required as official verification of eligibility for many student privileges, including access to residence hall buildings, the Student Recreation Center, all campus libraries, Wardenburg Health Center, dining halls, tickets for athletics events, free use of RTD buses, and more. If you lose your card or believe it has been stolen call 303-492-1212 immediately to have the card deactivated. This prevents others from using it.
Transportation
"Boulder is by far one of the easiest places to get around without a car—especially during your freshman year of college."
Buses
You don't need to park it—and all you need is your Buff OneCard to ride for free! Most buses run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours on weekdays and weekends, but schedules do vary.