With only about 7,000 full-time residents, Aspen is the definition of a small town. We are small in size, too. Our downtown is about six blocks. If you have the time, you can walk from the east end to the west end in about 15 minutes and from the Silver Queen Gondola to the Benedict Music Tent in about 20. We pride ourselves on car-free transportation, and make it easy for every visitor and local in Aspen to ditch the keys.
Local Transportation & Parking
Explore some of our many transportation options available in Aspen below, it's a hassle-free, safe and earth-friendly way to get around. Our goal is to preserve Aspen's character by keeping traffic congestion and pollution at a minimum.
Even Aspen has traffic woes. Getting in and out of town during traditional rush hours, (morning/afternoon commute, and summer lunch time 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) may have you waiting along Main Street. Should you choose to drive, parking at our downtown garage or on the streets of Aspen is easy. Be prepared and plan ahead!
RFTA Busses
The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) represents an unparalleled community commitment to public transportation in the Roaring Fork Valley.
- RFTA offers frequent, clean and FREE transportation to and from the airport, downtown, Woody Creek, the Intercept Lot and Snowmass Village.
- The main bus terminal at Rubey Park is located on Durant Street in downtown Aspen. Here you will find schedules and additional busses to downvalley locations.
- RFTA operates the free skier shuttles to all of the area ski mountains in the winter.
- RFTA offers a guided tour bus to the Maroon Bells during the summer.
- RFTA monthly and seasonal passes are available, offering discounted rates for frequent riders between fare zones.
- ACRA Members receive further discounts (5%) on bus passes as part of their benefits package.
- RFTA Zone Passes now include a free WE-Cycle season pass, see information on bike sharing below.
- Schedules, Fares, and Maps: 970.925.8484, http://www.rfta.com/
Bike Paths & Rio Grande Trail
The City of Aspen is a bike-friendly community, with many trails and pedestrian bikeways available to facilitate parking your car and enjoying the freedom associated with bike travel.
- Home of the Rio Grande Trail, a 44 mile stretch of continuous trail between Aspen & Glenwood Springs as well as a system of trails connecting Aspen and Snowmass Village and Woody Creek.
- Utilize the Pitkin Outside Map to plot the best commuter route options.
Park & Ride
Park for free at the Park & Ride lots in each location listed below, and catch a RFTA bus to Aspen.
- Brush Creek Intercept lot (Snowmass)
- Basalt
- El Jebel
- Carbondale
- Glenwood Springs
Try VelociRFTA- Fast, Fun, Frequent service utilizing Bus Rapid Transit.
Downtowner - Free Shuttle
The Downtowner is another transportation option to consider when trying to get around Aspen.
- Free door-to-door service within service area
- Service from 8 am – 11 pm during winter & summer seasons
- Electric vehicles with heaters and ski racks during winter season
- Tips appreciated, but not required
HOW TO USE:
- Download the Downtowner app to your android or apple device.
- Use the app to request a ride during service hours.
- After your ride, you will have the opportunity to rate your driver and provide a tip.
CURRENT SERVICE AREA BOUNDARIES:
- 7th Street to the west
- River to the east
- River to the north
- Aspen Mountain to the south
WE-CYCLE – Community Supported Bike Share
WE-Cycle is Aspen's commuter bike share program. These bicycles are meant for short, frequent, point-to-point trips between bus stops, businesses, restaurants, events, lodges, and residences.
- The first 30 minutes of each checkout is included in the cost of the pass, while longer rides are charged overtime fees.
- Extended rides are an additional $4 for the first half hour past 30 minutes and $8 for each subsequent half hour after 60 minutes.
- Your pass allows for unlimited bike checkouts.
- The clock resets when your bike re-docks.
- All RFTA Seasonal Zone Passes include a FREE WE-Cycle Season Pass.
- There are 20 WE-Cycle stations in Aspen – locations can be found at www.we-cycle.org
Ride the bus to town & use WE-Cycle around town.
Carpool
Carpools of two or more can use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes along Highway 82. It’s like having your own private lane!
Park for free! Carpools of two or more adults may pick up a daily carpool permit at the Parking Information Kiosk located at the Brush Creek Park & Ride, allowing for free parking in designated carpool or residential spaces in Aspen.
Car Share
"Yes, but I need a car for errands in town…."
Join Car to Go – which provides its members with all the perks of car ownership but none of the hassles. Members share a fleet of all hybrid vehicles, dramatically reducing their costs.
- Gas, maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance are all included!
- Car-to-Go is perfect for those who use public transportation, bike, walk or carpool for some trips.
- More information: 970.920.5066
Electric Vehicles
While we encourage you to walk, bike, take public transit, and carpool before using a personal vehicle, when driving a car is required, EVs are the best option to support Aspen’s environmental sustainability. This is especially true when EVs are charged on a low-carbon electric grid, such as the 100% renewably sourced Aspen Electric.
The City of Aspen provides access to free EV charging stations and resources to keep and maintain electric vehicles.
Rebates are available for the purchase of level ll and lll electric vehicle chargers.
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