Bustang to Estes returning for 2023 season

Denver – Tourists, hikers and cyclists have another option to travel from the Denver/Boulder area to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) this summer with the resumption of Bustang to Estes service on Saturday, May 27.

Bustang to Estes will make two roundtrips on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays between Denver’s Union Station, Estes Park and RMNP. The service continues through Sunday, Oct. 1.

Passengers disembarking in Estes Park can catch the town’s free trolley to access a variety of locations in town. Passengers using the service for access into RMNP will travel to the Park & Ride Transit Hub on Bear Lake Road. From there, they can transfer to the in-park shuttles with stops on the Bear Lake Road corridor.

Please Note: Bustang’s only stop in RMNP is the Park & Ride transit hub. Passengers headed there are reminded to be prepared with food and water prior to arriving in Estes Park. No food services are available at the Estes Park Visitors Center or at the Park & Ride. In addition, a valid RMNP entrance pass is required to enter the park ($15 for an individual pass/$30 for two or more riders). However, passengers do not need to purchase a Timed Entry Reservation Permit.

"Bustang has enjoyed providing seasonal service to Estes Park since 2019 and we appreciate our partnerships with the local communities,” said Kay Kelly, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s chief of innovative mobility. “We are excited to continue this popular service again this summer as we work to attract even more travelers into public transit options, which can alleviate traffic congestion and emissions in one of Colorado's most beautiful landscapes."

A roundtrip ticket is $15 per person with (discounts available for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and students). To purchase tickets for Bustang to Estes and a RMNP pass, please visit ridebustang.com.

Estes Park Bustang Schedule (may vary depending on weather and road conditions)

*Pickup only / **Drop off only

“We couldn’t be more excited with Bustang services returning to Estes Park this summer," said Estes Park Mayor Wendy Koenig. "If you're a local heading to the Denver area, or a guest visiting Estes, Bustang is a great way to beat the stress of traffic, avoid buying more gas, and it allows you to enjoy a smooth trip."

Ace Express Coaches of Golden operates Bustang to Estes for CDOT.

Statements of Support

Visit Estes Park Senior Destination Development Manager Dana Paiement

• "Visit Estes Park is proud to support Bustang to provide a sustainable, accessible mode of transportation for guests traveling to Estes Park. It reduces the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions caused by vehicles traveling to Estes Park. It also provides an affordable and accessible option for those who do not have their own vehicle."

Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy

• "Boulder County is pleased to support the Bustang bus service as a travel option to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park for the summer and fall 2023 season. Increasing the use of public transportation and providing alternatives to driving supports Boulder County’s transportation, sustainability, and equity goals. We are happy to be participating in this program again this season and we encourage residents and visitors to use this service."

Town of Lyons Mayor Hollie Rogin

• "The Town of Lyons supports Bustang as a great public transportation alternative for getting visitors up to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park during the busy summer season. This public transportation option aligns with Lyons’ sustainability goals and efforts to continue to explore ways to lower our carbon footprint and emissions. Bustang is a great way for domestic and international travelers to experience and see one of our greatest national parks without the stress of route finding or navigating. This type of transportation improvement also helps to improve the guest experience, and it can strengthen our local economy of independently owned businesses. All the best and continued success from the Town of Lyons."

City and County of Broomfield Mayor Guyleen Castriotta

• "The City and County of Broomfield are pleased to support CDOT's Bustang to Estes Park's new transit stop at US 36 & Broomfield Station as an affordable, low-stress way to visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. Broomfield applauds CDOT's efforts to provide reliable mobility options, improve air quality, and increase equity in access to transportation for all."

Park Superintendent Darla Sidles

• "Rocky Mountain National Park is pleased to partner once again with CDOT this summer. Bustang to Estes provides visitors in Denver and on the Colorado Front Range with additional affordable transportation options and more opportunities to visit and explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park."