Bustang to Estes returning for Year Five
News Release
Denver — Visitors to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have another option to travel from the Denver/Boulder area this summer with the resumption of Bustang to Estes service, beginning on Saturday, May 25 and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Bustang to Estes will make two roundtrips on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays (Memorial Day and Labor Day) between Denver Union Station, Estes Park, and RMNP.
A special weekday service will be offered on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day, which is also a free entrance day in the National Parks. This year, Bustang to Estes service corresponds with two additional National Parks free days: Saturday, August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act) and Saturday, September 28 (National Public Lands Day).
"Summer is the perfect time to explore Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, two of the most popular areas for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts in our state,” said Paul DesRocher, director of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Transit and Rail. “Our successful partnership with the surrounding communities—entering its fifth year—helps improve access to the town and the park, helps alleviate congestion, parking concerns and lower emissions, and provides support for a positive visitor experience.”
Each Bustang to Estes coach is equipped with a restroom, bike racks, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports, as well as storage under the coach for gear—perfect for cyclists, climbers, and day hikers.
Passengers disembarking in Estes Park can catch the town’s free trolley to access a variety of locations in town. Those using the service for access into RMNP will travel to the Park & Ride Transit Hub on Bear Lake Road via the Bustang bus. 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 Visitor 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.
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 www.ridebustang.com.
Schedule (may vary depending on weather and road conditions)
| Westbound Route | Run 200 | Run 202 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Union Station, Bus Concourse Gate B4* | 7 a.m. | 8 a.m. |
| US 36 & Sheridan Station (Gate D), Westminster* | 7:20 a.m. | 8:20 a.m. |
| US 36 & Broomfield Station (Gate R), Broomfield* | 7:30 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. |
| US 36 & McCaslin Station (Gate D), Superior* | 7:45 a.m. | 8:45 a.m. |
| Pearl & Junction (Gate S3), Boulder* | 8:05 a.m. | 9:05 a.m. |
| Park-n-Ride, US 36 & Park St. (Far side), Lyons* | 8:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. |
| Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave** | 9:05 a.m. | 10:05 a.m. |
| RMNP Stop, Park & Ride Transit Hub** | 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. |
*Pickup only **Drop off only
| Eastbound Route | Run 201 | Run 203 |
|---|---|---|
| RMNP Stop, Park & Ride Transit Hub* | 3:15 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. |
| Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave* | 4 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Park-n-Ride, US 36 & Park St. (Near side), Lyons** | 4:30 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
| Pearl & Junction (Gate S4), Boulder** | 4:55 p.m. | 5:55 p.m. |
| US 36 & McCaslin Station (Gate A), Superior** | 5:15 p.m. | 6:15 p.m. |
| US 36 & Broomfield Station (Gate P), Broomfield** | 5:30 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| US 36 & Sheridan Station (Gate C)** | 5:40 p.m. | 6:40 p.m. |
| Denver Union Station, Bus Concourse Gate B4** | 6 p.m. | 7 p.m. |
*Pickup only **Drop off only
The Mayor of the Town of Estes Park, Gary Hall, said, "The return of the Bustang to Estes service signals the start of the summer season in the Town of Estes Park! Our mission-aligned partnership with CDOT helps us advance our transit goals to enhance the experience of accessing downtown for both locals and visitors. It helps us improve the multimodal transportation options to provide convenient alternatives for those who choose not to drive and park and identify cost-effective options to meet future parking and access needs in a way that promotes continued economic vitality for the Town. Welcome back, Bustang!"
Ace Express Coaches of Golden operates Bustang to Estes for CDOT.
Additional media information: https://bit.ly/bustangmediakit
Statements of Support
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.
Visit Estes Park, Senior Destination Development Manager Dana Paiement
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 season. Increasing the use of public transportation and providing alternatives to driving supports Boulder County’s transportation, climate, sustainability, and equity goals. The addition of new Bustang stops at U.S. 36 & McCaslin in Louisville and Boulder Junction at Depot Square Station in Boulder make Bustang an even more convenient option for Boulder County riders. We are happy to be participating in this program and we encourage residents and visitors to use this service.
Boulder County, County Commissioner Claire Levy
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.
Town of Lyons, Mayor Hollie Rogin
The City and County of Broomfield is pleased to support CDOT's Bustang to Estes Park's 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.
City and County of Broomfield, Mayor Guyleen Castriotta
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 additional affordable transportation options and more opportunities to visit and explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Park Superintendent Gary Ingram
Town of Superior 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 2024 season. Increasing the use of public transportation and providing sustainable transportation alternatives that are both equitable and affordable to Superior residents supports the Town’s transportation and sustainability goals. We are happy to be participating in this program and encourage residents and visitors to use this service.
Town of Superior
