Union Station

At a Glance

  • Denver’s Union Station is part of RTD’s 2004 voter-approved FasTracks plan to expand transit service across the Denver metro region.
  • As the intermodal hub for the region, Union Station integrates RTD’s light rail and commuter rail lines, Amtrak rail service, regional buses, taxis, shuttles, and bicycle and pedestrian access. This includes an eight-track commuter rail station; a 22-bay underground bus facility; and relocation of the Union Station Light Rail Station near the freight rail Consolidated Main Line.
  • The Free MetroRide complements the 16th Street Free MallRide as another way to move people between Union Station and Civic Center to provide easy, convenient bus and rail connections.
  • The Union Station historic building was renovated into a boutique hotel, restaurants and retail establishments while maintaining the character of the Great Train Hall.

Project Overview

  • 2001: RTD purchased the site in accordance with a jointly funded Intergovernmental Agreement among RTD, the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
  • 2002: The Union Station project team was established to develop a master plan, rezone the site for Transit Oriented Development and produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This master plan serves as the blueprint for redeveloping and preserving Denver's historic Union Station and the 19.85 acres of surrounding land.
  • 2006: The Union Station Neighborhood Company, a joint venture of Continuum Partners LLC/East West Partners, was selected as the master developer team.
  • 2008: The Denver Union Station Project Authority was created to manage the redevelopment project. The Federal Transit Administration signed the Record of Decision for the EIS.
  • 2009: Kiewit Western Co. was selected as the design-build contractor for the transit project.
  • 2010: Construction at Union Station began.
  • 2011: The new light rail station opened at the west end of Union Station.
  • 2012: RTD awarded a contract to Union Station Alliance to redevelop the historic Union Station building.
  • 2014: Grand-opening ceremonies for the Union Station Bus Concourse were held on May 9. Service began out of the new bus concourse and Market Street Station closed permanently on May 11.
  • 2016: Commuter rail opened in 2016 with service to Denver International Airport via the University of Colorado A Line.

See the Union Station Bus Concourse