Bustang Outrider launches new connection to Denver International Airport

News Release

Dec. 13, 2024 - Colorado - CDOT’s first airport stop enhances traveler connectivity to and from northeast Colorado

Bustang Outrider lanza nueva conexión al Aeropuerto Internacional de Denver en español

Denver — Residents in northeastern Colorado now have another option to get to and from Denver International Airport (DEN). A new stop on the Bustang Outrider Sterling route is now providing passenger service to DEN, the first Denver airport stop for the Colorado Department of Transportation and its Bustang services.

Today, representatives from CDOT, DEN, the Northeast Colorado Association of Local Governments, elected officials and other community members celebrated the start of service and the new transit option for those flying in and out of Denver.

“The new stop at DEN fills a transportation gap for more than 400,000 northeast Colorado residents,” said Paul DesRocher, director of CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail. "We’re excited about this partnership and that we can now provide an alternative way to travel to and from the airport.”

The Sterling to Denver route runs Monday through Friday and stops at Gate 1 of the DEN Hotel Transit Center, near the RTD’s A Line train and other bus stops and has quick access to the main terminal. The Outrider arrives at the airport at 9:35 a.m. and departs to Sterling at 3:07 p.m.

“As DEN prepares to serve 100 million annual passengers within the next several years, increasing options for convenient and affordable transit access to and from the airport is a priority. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome CDOT’s Bustang Outrider," said Jim Starling, DEN’s chief construction and infrastructure officer. “The addition of this new service represents an important new connection for residents of the Eastern Plains and moves DEN closer to our goals of reducing solo-drive trips to the airport and of creating a better journey for passengers, employees and other Peña Boulevard users."

Outrider bus at Gate 1 at the DIA Transit Center
Outrider bus at Gate 1 at the DIA Transit Center

Passenger stops for the Sterling-Denver route include:

  • Logan County Courthouse (Sterling)
  • East Morgan County Library (Brush)
  • Morgan Community College (Fort Morgan)
  • Northeast Colorado Health Department (Fort Morgan)
  • I-76 Wiggins Rest Area (route splits at Wiggins-alternates between Greeley and Denver)
  • Keenesburg Town Hall
  • Denver International Airport
  • Denver Union Station

One-way trip prices along the route:

  • Logan County Courthouse to DEN: $20
  • East Morgan County Library to DEN: $14
  • Morgan Community College to DEN: $12
  • Northeast Colorado Health Department to DEN: $12
  • CDOT Rest Area (Wiggins) to DEN: $10
  • Keenesburg Town Hall to DEN: $5
  • DEN to Denver Union Station: $2

Seniors (65 years and older), children 2 to 11 and persons with disabilities can ride the bus for half price. Children younger than 2 years old and caretakers for individuals with disabilities ride free.

Bus amenities include USB ports, power outlets, Wi-Fi, bike racks and wheelchair lifts.

"Outrider's new airport stop is a valuable resource for residents of Sterling and allows northeast Coloradans to catch a flight without worrying about parking or driving," said Kevin Blankenship, city manager of Sterling. "This is an exciting service for the residents of Sterling."

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About Bustang Outrider

Outrider provides alternative transportation for travel between rural communities and the state’s larger cities and towns. It includes collaborations with local transit agencies to ensure Coloradans get reliable bus service, convenient connections and consistent fares. Outrider currently serves eight routes: Alamosa — Pueblo, Trinidad — Pueblo, Craig — Denver, Crested Butte — Denver, Durango — Grand Junction, Lamar — Colorado Springs, Telluride — Grand Junction, and Sterling —Greeley/Sterling — Denver.

Visit RideOutrider.com for Bustang Outrider routes, maps, schedules, ticket purchasing and more. Follow service alerts on X and Facebook @RideOutrider, and on Instagram @RideBustang. Riders can purchase tickets through the Bustang Outrider mobile app that is available to download from Google Play and the App Store or pay when boarding the bus using cash only (exact change is required). Passengers can purchase tickets on all buses from each Park-n-Ride that Bustang Outrider serves. To sign up for Outrider text alerts, visit RideBustang.com/Text-Outrider or text “OUTRIDER” to 833-711-0252.

About DEN

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!