One-way Bustang fares to Colorado Springs often sit around $12
Bustang is Colorado’s state-run intercity coach network linking Denver Union Station with Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and the I‑70 mountain corridor, but it does not drive into Denver International Airport. From Jeppesen Terminal, you first ride RTD’s A Line train about 37 minutes to Union Station, then transfer to a Bustang coach from there.
Most Bustang routes run a few times per day, with stronger frequency on weekday rush hours and thinner options on weekends; for example, the South Line between Denver and Colorado Springs typically has multiple morning and late‑afternoon departures but long gaps midday. Schedules follow commuter patterns, not flight banks, so misaligned arrival times at Union Station are normal if you don’t time your flight and train carefully.
Coaches are modern MCI-style buses with a restroom on board, USB outlets at many seats, and underfloor luggage bays that can handle full‑size suitcases and ski bags. Riders on Reddit mention that luggage space feels tight on winter Fridays and Sundays when half the coach carries ski gear, so expect slower boarding and more shuffling of bags on peak snow days.
From DEN, the usual path is: A Line from Denver Airport Station to Union Station, then Bustang from gate B4 or another assigned bay in the underground bus concourse—check the digital boards and the purple Bustang branding. Figure roughly one hour from airport to Union Station, including the walk from Jeppesen Terminal to the train, plus another 1–2 hours on the coach depending on route and traffic.
Regulars on r/denver tell people to build at least 45–60 minutes between scheduled A Line arrival and Bustang departure at Union Station, especially in winter or on Sunday evenings. If you miss your slot, the next coach might not leave for several hours, and same‑day private shuttles to Colorado Springs or the mountains can easily run $60–$100 per person compared to Bustang’s much lower fares.
Watch for crowding and occasional standees on Friday and Sunday runs toward Colorado Springs and along the I‑70 mountain corridor, particularly on powder days; some trips hit near capacity even though seats are not reserved by number. Budget travelers often pair Bustang with a local bus or a pre‑arranged pickup at places like Tejon/Nevada in Colorado Springs or Frisco Station instead of paying for last‑mile taxis.
Tip: Lock in your Bustang schedule first, then pick a flight that lands at DEN at least 3–4 hours before your coach time to cover deplaning, bags, the A Line ride, and a buffer for delays.