How to get to Populus from Denver International Airport (DEN)

From Denver International Airport (DEN) take the RTD A Line train to Union Station (about 35–40 minutes), then walk roughly 15 minutes or take a short rideshare/bus to 240 14th St to reach Populus. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare from DEN goes directly to Populus in about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
In this guide
Fastest budget option: RTD A Line + walk or short transfer
Board the RTD A Line at Denver International Airport for Union Station downtown. The hotel notes the A Line as a convenient connection between DEN and downtown.
From Union Station you can walk or take a local bus/short rideshare to 240 14th St. Walking from Union Station to Populus is feasible for most travelers but includes urban sidewalks and crossings.
- A Line from DEN to Union Station: about 35–40 minutes (trains run frequently during the day; overnight service is less frequent).
- From Union Station to Populus on foot: plan roughly 10–20 minutes depending on pace and exact route.
- Day-pass / A Line fares vary; the train is commonly cited as the most economical airport–downtown option.
| Leg | Typical time |
|---|---|
| DEN → Union Station (A Line) | ~35–40 min |
| Union Station → Populus (walk) | ~10–20 min |
Door-to-door: Rideshare or Taxi from DEN
A rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi picks you up at DEN and drops you at Populus (240 14th St). Travel time is typically 25–40 minutes depending on traffic, and it is faster than the train but costs more.
If you have heavy luggage or arrive late, rideshare or taxi is a straightforward choice because Populus has a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage is available.
- Recommended for travelers with heavy bags or complex connections.
- Expect variable pricing depending on time of day and demand.
- There is no hotel airport shuttle available from Populus.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast, door-to-door | Higher cost than train |
| Good for late arrivals and groups | Traffic can add time (especially to/from west-side venues) |

Renting a car and parking at Populus
Populus was intentionally built without onsite self-parking. If you rent a car you should plan to use public parking garages or the hotel's 24-hour valet service.
Valet is available 24 hours with in/out access; the property publishes standard and overnight rates for valet parking.
- Populus has no onsite self-parking.
- 24-hour valet parking is offered by the hotel for a surcharge (in/out access available).
- Valet rate tiers and overnight surcharges are set by the hotel; verify current rates with the property before arrival.
| Parking option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hotel valet | 24-hour service with in/out access; rates published by hotel |
| Public garages | Use nearby downtown public garages — availability and pricing vary by location and event |
From Union Station: walking, light rail and buses
Union Station is the main transit hub after the A Line. From there you can walk, take a short bus, or use a brief rideshare to reach Populus at 240 14th St.
Populus is in the Civic Center / Capitol Hill area, a short walk from Union Station and convenient to multiple RTD bus lines if you prefer not to walk.
- Walking provides a direct downtown route; expect urban sidewalks and crossing signals.
- Local RTD buses stop near Civic Center and 16th Street — check current routes and schedules for the exact connection.
- Rideshare from Union Station to Populus is quick and often cheaper than from the airport because of the short distance.
| Option | Typical time from Union Station |
|---|---|
| Walk | ~10–20 minutes |
| Local bus or light rail + short walk | Variable — check RTD schedules |
| Rideshare/taxi | ~5–10 minutes |

Arrival and check-in notes for Populus
Populus check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is until 11:00 AM. The guest checking in must be at least 21 years old and must present a photo ID and a credit card at arrival.
The hotel offers complimentary high-speed WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes (access included with the daily Destination Amenity fee), and luggage storage if you arrive before check-in.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; late check-in can be arranged through the property when needed.
- Minimum age to check in: 21 (ID and credit card required).
- Destination Amenity fee applies to most bookings and includes WiFi, a $15 daily Pasque credit, fitness center access, and other listed benefits.
| What to bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID and credit card | Required at check-in |
| Reservation confirmation | Helps speed up check-in |
| Phone with ride-hailing app | Useful for short transfers from Union Station or airport pickup |

Where Populus sits in downtown Denver
Populus is at 240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202, directly across from Civic Center Park and within easy walking distance of the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, the Colorado Convention Center and the Colorado State Capitol.
The hotel’s central location makes it a practical base for downtown meetings, museum visits, and walks to Larimer Square or the 16th Street Mall.
- Address: 240 14th St, Denver, Colorado, 80202, US.
- Nearby landmarks: Civic Center Park (across the street), Denver Art Museum (~5-minute walk), Colorado Convention Center (~7-minute walk).
- Coors Field (Rockies) is walkable from the hotel (around a 25-minute walk).
| Nearby place | Approximate walk time from Populus |
|---|---|
| Civic Center Park | ~2 minutes |
| Denver Art Museum | ~6–11 minutes |
| Colorado Convention Center | ~7 minutes |
Quick practical tips for arrival
If you arrive outside A Line hours, or prefer a door-to-door trip, use rideshare or a taxi from DEN. The hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours and can help with arrival needs.
Confirm any special requests (early check-in, valet, pet arrangements) with Populus before arrival; the property accepts major credit cards and does not accept cash at check-in.
- No airport shuttle is offered by Populus — plan transfers in advance.
- If you’re traveling with a dog, Populus accepts dogs with a required cleaning fee; service animals are exempt.
- For meetings or events, Populus has Level 2 meeting rooms and rooftop venues; contact the hotel for logistics when arriving with a group.
| Need | Action |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Ask front desk on arrival |
| Early arrival before 4:00 PM | Use luggage storage; request early check-in with the hotel |
| Public transit info | Check RTD schedules or FlyDenver A Line details online |


