Getting around downtown Denver from Populus
Populus sits at 240 14th St, across from Civic Center Park, making downtown Denver attractions easily reachable on foot. For airport transfers use the RTD A Line to Union Station plus a short taxi/rideshare, or take a 25–40 minute rideshare directly; local buses, light rail, and walking are the most convenient ways to get around downtown.
In this guide
From Denver International Airport (DEN)
The RTD A Line train runs between DEN and Union Station in downtown Denver; from Union Station you can take a short taxi, rideshare, or local bus to Populus. The A Line trip takes about 37 minutes according to RTD schedules.
Rideshare or taxi from DEN to Populus is faster door-to-door in many cases and typically takes about 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Populus does not offer an airport shuttle.
- RTD A Line to Union Station — then taxi/rideshare or local bus to Populus
- Direct rideshare/taxi to Populus — roughly 25–40 minutes by car
- No airport shuttle is provided by Populus
| Option | Typical time |
|---|---|
| RTD A Line + short transfer | ≈ 45–60 minutes total |
| Rideshare or taxi | ≈ 25–40 minutes |
Walking and nearby cultural attractions
Populus fronts Civic Center Park, about a 1–2 minute walk, and is within an easy walk of the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum. The Denver Art Museum is typically a 6–11 minute walk from the hotel.
Other nearby walking destinations include the Colorado State Capitol, Denver Mint, the Colorado Convention Center, and Larimer Square. Downtown distances are short; most central attractions are within about a 10–20 minute walk.
- Civic Center Park — across the street (1–2 minute walk)
- Denver Art Museum — roughly 6–11 minute walk
- Clyfford Still Museum — about a 6 minute walk
- Colorado Convention Center — roughly a 7 minute walk
| Attraction | Approx. walk time from Populus |
|---|---|
| Civic Center Park | 1–2 minutes |
| Denver Art Museum | 6–11 minutes |
| Colorado Convention Center | ≈ 7 minutes |
Local public transit and buses
Populus is near Civic Center bus stops and other RTD bus routes that serve downtown. The property encourages use of public transit and walking; the Civic Center bus hub is roughly a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Light rail and bus connections at Union Station expand travel options across the Denver region; combine transit with short taxi or rideshare legs when needed for direct access to the hotel.
- Civic Center bus hub — about a 5-minute walk
- Union Station transfers — use RTD light rail and buses for regional trips
- Public transit is usually the most economical option for downtown travel
| Transit node | What it serves |
|---|---|
| Civic Center (nearby) | Multiple downtown RTD bus routes |
| Union Station | RTD A Line from DEN + regional light rail and buses |
Rideshare, taxis and parking/valet
Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are a convenient way to reach Populus and to get around downtown, especially late at night or when traveling with luggage. Street-level drop-off is available at the hotel entrance.
Populus was intentionally built without onsite self-parking; 24-hour valet parking with in/out access is available for a surcharge. Check current valet rates and oversized-vehicle pricing with hotel staff at arrival.
- Rideshare/taxi — best for door-to-door downtown travel
- 24-hour valet parking available for a surcharge (no self-parking onsite)
- Ask the front desk for current valet rates and oversized-vehicle fees
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Direct drop-off and pickup at hotel |
| Valet Parking | Available 24 hours; charged separately (ask front desk) |
Getting to Coors Field, Union Station, and Red Rocks
Coors Field is a walkable option from Populus for game days — walking time is roughly 25 minutes depending on pace. Union Station is within easy walking distance or a short rideshare ride.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park are west of downtown in Morrison. Driving or a rideshare is the most direct option; transit routes require transfers (train to Union Station then light rail/bus) and can take substantially longer.
- Coors Field — about a 25-minute walk
- Union Station — short walk or quick rideshare
- Red Rocks — best reached by car or rideshare; transit requires transfers and more time
| Destination | Recommended transport |
|---|---|
| Coors Field | Walk (≈ 25 minutes) or rideshare |
| Union Station | Walk or short rideshare |
| Red Rocks | Rideshare or drive (transit requires transfers) |
Navigating Populus and using hotel services
When you arrive use the 24-hour front desk for check-in (starting at 4:00 PM) and ask staff about transit connections or local bus stops. Populus offers complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the property and a 24-hour fitness center included with the Destination Amenity fee.
If you need museum access, the Destination Amenity includes up to two tickets to the Clyfford Still Museum; ask the front desk for details. For dining, Pasque, Stellar Jay, and Little Owl Coffee are on-site—reservations are recommended at Pasque and Stellar Jay.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; check-out is by 11:00 AM
- Destination Amenity fee includes WiFi, fitness access, a $15 Pasque credit, and museum tickets
- On-site dining: Pasque (ground floor), Stellar Jay (rooftop), Little Owl Coffee (lobby)
| Hotel service | Where/how |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Open 24 hours; Peloton bikes included with amenity fee |
| Dining | Pasque (GF), Stellar Jay (roof), Little Owl Coffee (lobby) |
| Museum tickets | Ask front desk for Clyfford Still Museum tickets included with amenity fee |
