Train from Cheyenne to Denver — Routes, Schedules & Best Travel Options
Complete guide for traveling from Cheyenne, WY to Denver, CO — airport shuttle, bus, drive times, and what to know about the current state of rail on this route. Whether you're heading to downtown Denver or Denver International Airport, this page has you covered.
Cheyenne to Denver — Route Overview
The Cheyenne to Denver route is a short regional trip that works best as a practical ground-transport journey. For most travelers, the main decision is not whether the route is possible, but which option fits the trip purpose best. If the destination is downtown Denver, the journey is usually a straightforward drive. If the destination is Denver International Airport (DEN), that changes both the timing and the transport choice significantly.
The city-to-city drive is roughly 100 to 102 miles and typically takes about 1 hour 33–35 minutes in normal conditions. For airport travelers, the distance to DEN is about 106–108 miles, and Groome Transportation's Cheyenne-to-DEN shuttle schedules show trips of about 2 hours 10 minutes with 8 daily departures.
| Route Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Driving distance (downtown) | ~102 miles, ~1h 35m |
| Driving distance (DEN Airport) | ~106–108 miles, ~1h 38m |
| Airport shuttle | ~2h 10m on Groome Transportation (8 daily departures) |
| Shuttle fare | From $59 one way (designated stops); from $74 (home pickup) |
| Bus to Denver | Greyhound — from $19.98, ~1h 50m, 2 daily rides |
| Direct train available? | No current direct Cheyenne–Denver passenger rail service |
| Rail after Denver | Denver Union Station is an active Amtrak stop (California Zephyr and more) |
| Best fit | Airport transfers, business trips, weekend travel, family pickups, short regional visits |
Many travelers search for a "Cheyenne to Denver train" — and that makes sense as a planning instinct. The honest answer is that no current direct passenger rail timetable exists for this corridor. Denver is rail-connected through Union Station, but the Front Range Passenger Rail project (which would eventually reach Wyoming) is still in the future-planning phase. The best live options today are shuttle, bus, and driving.
The Key Planning Question
Before comparing options, ask yourself one thing: Is your real destination downtown Denver or Denver International Airport? That single answer changes almost everything — from which service is most useful, to how much to budget, to how early you need to leave Cheyenne.
Cheyenne to Denver Schedule — What's Actually Running
For travelers searching for a train from Cheyenne to Denver, the most important thing to understand upfront is that the clearest published schedules on this corridor are for airport shuttle and bus, not for a direct passenger train. Denver Union Station is an active Amtrak stop served by the California Zephyr, but Cheyenne does not currently function as a simple direct rail departure city for Denver.
| Search Intent | Current Reality | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne to Denver train | No clear direct daily passenger rail timetable currently published | Use bus or shuttle as the practical no-drive option |
| Train into Denver | Denver Union Station is an active Amtrak hub (California Zephyr) | Reach Denver first, then connect onward by rail |
| Cheyenne to DEN transfer | Groome shuttle runs 8 daily departures — clearly published | This is the strongest no-drive airport option on this route |
| Same-day no-drive trip | Greyhound bus runs 2 daily rides, ~1h 50m | Bus is more practical than rail on this corridor right now |
Groome Transportation — Cheyenne to DEN Shuttle Schedule
For airport travelers, Groome Transportation currently offers 8 daily departures from Cheyenne to Denver International Airport. The published departure times provide excellent coverage across the day and night:
This spread — including very early and late options — makes shuttle especially useful for early morning flights and late arrivals. Groome also runs 8 return departures from DEN to Cheyenne.
Bus Schedule — Greyhound Cheyenne to Denver
Greyhound currently runs 2 daily rides on the Cheyenne to Denver route. The trip covers about 98 miles and the quickest published journey is about 1 hour 50 minutes. This is the most practical city-to-city no-drive option for travelers heading to downtown Denver rather than the airport.
The Front Range Passenger Rail project envisions future rail service along Colorado's I-25 corridor, with a long-term vision that eventually extends toward Wyoming. However, official sources describe this as planned and proposed — not a live timetable travelers can use today. For current travel, bus and shuttle are the realistic rail alternatives.
How Long Is the Trip from Cheyenne to Denver?
This is a short regional corridor, which is why road-based timing sets the real benchmark for travelers. The key distinction is whether you are heading to downtown Denver or Denver International Airport — those are different endpoints with different distances and timing patterns.
| Travel Measure | To Downtown Denver | To Denver Int'l Airport (DEN) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving distance | ~102 miles | ~106–108 miles |
| Straight-line distance | ~97 miles | ~90 miles (CYS to DEN) |
| Typical drive time | ~1h 35m | ~1h 38m |
| Greyhound bus | ~1h 50m (fastest published) | Not the main benchmark |
| Groome shuttle | Not the main benchmark | ~2h 10m (published schedule) |
How Far Is Cheyenne from Denver?
Cheyenne and Denver are just over 100 driving miles apart. Most travelers can think of it as a little over 1 hour of highway driving. The straight-line distance is about 97 miles, but road distance is the more useful planning number because this route is almost always completed by road.
Even on a short corridor, the final duration changes with endpoint. An airport trip includes terminal access time, check-in buffer, and pickup zone logistics — not just the road miles. DEN's official ground transportation pages confirm that shared-ride shuttles pick up at Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 5, which adds structure but also navigational overhead for first-time airport travelers.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel from Cheyenne to Denver?
Because there is no current direct passenger train fare on this route, the strongest live price signals come from airport shuttle, bus, and regional flights. Here is how the options compare:
| Transport Option | Current Price Signal | Best Use Case | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle (Groome) | From $59 (designated stops) · From $74 (home pickup) | Denver International Airport transfers | Slower than driving; pickup depends on location type |
| Bus (Greyhound) | From $19.98 | Budget no-drive city-to-city travel | Only 2 daily rides; city endpoint only |
| Flight (United) | Featured roundtrip from $111–$143 in displayed months | Connecting travel or airline mileage trips | Airport process on a 100-mile route rarely makes sense |
| Driving | Varies — fuel + parking costs | Flexibility, groups, direct downtown access | Parking at DEN can reach $45–$160+/day |
| Direct train | No current direct fare available | Not a live option on this corridor today | Plan Denver as your rail hub for onward travel |
Airport Parking vs Shuttle — The Real Cost Comparison
For airport travelers, the smarter comparison is not shuttle vs bus — it is shuttle vs driving + DEN parking. Denver International Airport's official parking information lists options ranging from free to over $160/day, with Premium Reserved Parking at $45/day. For a 2–3 day trip, shuttle pricing at $59 one way can quickly look more attractive than assumed.
Check whether your shuttle departure is from a designated hotel stop or Warren AFB ($59) rather than home pickup ($74+). Travelers who can walk or rideshare to a designated stop save meaningfully on the same trip. Groome lists multiple Cheyenne-area pickup points — confirm your exact type before booking.
What Transport Services Run from Cheyenne to Denver?
This route is different from a classic rail corridor because travelers are not choosing between several train products. The live service mix is airport shuttle, intercity bus, driving, and regional flights — with Denver Union Station serving as an onward rail hub once you reach Denver itself.
| Service Type | What It Is | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle (Groome) | Shared-ride shuttle between Cheyenne and DEN | Airport travelers, solo travelers, parking avoiders | 8 daily departures, DEN-focused routing, designated pickup patterns |
| Intercity Bus (Greyhound) | Scheduled road transport, ~98 miles | Budget-conscious, no-drive city-to-city trips | 2 daily rides, ~1h 50m, fares from $19.98 |
| Self-Drive | Personal vehicle via I-25 | Maximum flexibility, families, direct downtown access | Fastest practical option; ~1h 35m to downtown |
| Regional Flight (United) | Short air connection between CYS and DEN | Connecting travelers, airline itinerary trips | ~42 min airborne; full airport process makes total time longer |
| Rail via Denver | Amtrak from Denver Union Station for onward travel | Travelers continuing beyond Denver | Denver is the rail hub — reach it by road first, then connect by train |
Greyhound's Cheyenne–Denver service includes free Wi-Fi and power sockets onboard, making the 1h 50m bus ride reasonably productive for work or entertainment. For downtown-bound budget travelers, this is the most practical live public transport option on the corridor right now.
Best Travel Option from Cheyenne to Denver by Traveler Type
On this route, the best option comes down to one question: are you going to downtown Denver, Denver International Airport, or beyond Denver? The answers point to very different services.
| Traveler Type | Best Option | Why It Fits | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport traveler | Groome Shuttle | Built around DEN transfers, 8 daily departures, no parking hassle | Usually slower than driving; confirm pickup location type |
| Budget traveler | Greyhound Bus | Lowest visible public fare from $19.98; city-to-city direct | Only 2 daily rides; ends in downtown, not at DEN |
| Family / small group | Self-Drive | Easiest luggage handling, flexible timing, shared vehicle cost | Parking costs at DEN can add up quickly |
| Business traveler | Drive or Shuttle | Drive fastest for downtown meetings; shuttle removes airport logistics | Choose based on downtown vs DEN endpoint |
| Last-minute traveler | Self-Drive | No schedule constraints; leave when ready | Handle parking and route timing independently |
| Non-driver | Bus (downtown) or Shuttle (DEN) | Both have clearly published live schedules | Choice depends entirely on downtown vs airport destination |
| Rail-oriented traveler | Road first, rail from Denver | Denver Union Station is the rail hub for onward travel | No simple direct Cheyenne–Denver train today |
| Flight connection traveler | Flight or Shuttle to DEN | Works best if Denver is not your final destination | Airport time outweighs speed on a 100-mile route |
What the Cheyenne to Denver Journey Is Like
The Cheyenne to Denver trip usually feels less like a major intercity transfer and more like a practical regional run. It is short enough that many travelers think of it as a single smooth push rather than a multi-stage journey. The experience differs significantly depending on your endpoint and chosen transport.
Step 1 — Leaving Cheyenne
Most trips begin with one clear choice: heading to central Denver, or heading to DEN. For shuttle users, Groome's service starts from home pickup, designated Cheyenne hotel stops, or Warren AFB — confirm your exact pickup type before the day of travel. For bus travelers, the Greyhound stop in Cheyenne is at 3306 W College Dr (Cheyenne/Sinclair). Note that Greyhound identifies this as a stop — not a full ticket sales point — so purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended.
Step 2 — On the Road
The drive via I-25 is direct and straightforward. For most travelers, it is a single uninterrupted stretch without route complexity. Traffic near Fort Collins and the northern Denver metro is the main variable — allow a small buffer if traveling during morning or evening commute windows. Bus travelers will follow a similar road-based path with fixed departure and arrival timing.
Step 3 — Arriving in Denver or at DEN
Downtown Denver arrivals are usually simple — once the city portion begins, the trip is effectively done. Greyhound arrives near Denver Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St), which gives immediate access to the RTD light rail, bus, and the broader Denver transit network.
DEN Airport arrivals require more airport-focused thinking. Groome's shuttle drops off at DEN, and the terminal pickup point for Groome return trips is the East Side of the Main Terminal, outside Doors 515 and 517. DEN also connects to downtown Denver via the RTD A Line train (about 37 minutes to Denver Union Station), which makes the airport useful as both an endpoint and a transit connection point.
When returning from DEN to Cheyenne via Groome, the pickup is East Side of the Main Terminal, Doors 515 and 517. Groome recommends arriving at this pickup point 10–15 minutes before departure. This detail is easy to miss if you assume airport shuttles use a generic curbside pickup — knowing the exact doors saves stress at the terminal.
Practical Ways to Keep Cheyenne to Denver Travel Costs Down
Key Departure and Arrival Points on This Route
This route works differently from a classic rail journey. Rather than one station at each end, travelers use a mix of pickup points, bus stops, and major transit hubs. Here are the most important locations to know.
Comparing All Travel Options from Cheyenne to Denver
On this route, the best option depends heavily on trip purpose — not on one universally "best" mode. Here is how the live options compare across the most relevant dimensions.
| Mode | Typical Time | Current Fare Signal | Best For | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Drive | ~1h 35m downtown · ~1h 38m DEN | Fuel + parking (variable) | Flexibility, groups, direct city access | DEN parking costs can be significant |
| 🚌 Bus (Greyhound) | ~1h 50m to downtown | From $19.98 | Budget no-drive travelers, downtown trips | 2 daily rides; ends downtown, not at DEN |
| 🚐 Shuttle (Groome) | ~2h 10m to DEN | From $59 (stops) · $74+ (home) | Airport travelers, DEN-focused trips | Slower than driving; structured pickup locations |
| ✈️ Flight (United) | ~42 min airborne + full airport process | Featured RT from $111–$143 | Connecting itineraries, airline-based trips | Airport overhead makes this rarely fastest or cheapest |
| 🚂 Train | No current direct Cheyenne–Denver service | No current fare to quote | Onward travel from Denver Union Station | Plan as a Denver-onward connection, not a first leg |
Bottom line: Driving is fastest and most flexible. Bus is the clearest low-cost public option for downtown. Shuttle is purpose-built for DEN airport transfers. Flying makes sense primarily for connecting itineraries. Rail matters only after you reach Denver — not as the first leg from Cheyenne under current service conditions.
Date-wise Travel Planning Calendar
For this route, date planning is mostly about matching the date to the trip purpose. Groome's shuttle schedule is consistent across days. Greyhound runs 2 daily rides. Driving remains the most flexible option regardless of date. Here is how different day types tend to affect the best choice:
| Date / Day Type | Best Option to Check First | Best For | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (Mon–Thu) | Bus or Drive for downtown; Shuttle for DEN | Business trips, meetings, standard travel | Both Greyhound and Groome run full schedules — choose by endpoint |
| Friday | Shuttle first for DEN; Drive for flexibility | Weekend trips and airport departures | Build in extra airport buffer before weekend demand peaks |
| Saturday | Drive or shuttle depending on endpoint | Weekend leisure travel | Good day to compare airport access vs city-center plans |
| Sunday | Shuttle first for DEN return | Return airport trips | Sunday return timing matters more if the airport is your real endpoint |
| Early morning flights | Groome shuttle — departs 1:55 AM or 3:55 AM | Very early DEN check-in | The 1:55 AM and 3:55 AM Groome departures exist specifically for this |
| Late departures | Groome shuttle — departs 6:55 PM or 8:55 PM | Evening flights, late pickups | Compare with driving if late-night parking is reasonable for your situation |
Travelers often search for "train for [date] from Cheyenne to Denver" — treat that as a planning-intent signal. On this corridor, the honest answer starts with bus, shuttle, or driving depending on the date's trip purpose, and moves to Denver rail only if the journey continues beyond the city. Always verify current shuttle and bus schedules on the day of booking, as published departure times may occasionally shift.
Exploring Cheyenne Before Your Departure
Cheyenne is Wyoming's capital with a strong Western heritage identity, rodeo culture, museums, and a compact small-city pace that is easy for visitors to navigate. Visit Cheyenne positions the city as a Wild West destination with insider guides, arts, events, and attractions. It works well as a short stop before heading south to Denver.
| Season | Weather Feel | Travel Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar – May) | Cool and variable, 6,063 ft elevation | Milder weather emerging; check road conditions early in season |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Warm, nearly 250 sunny days/year | Best season — Cheyenne Frontier Days (July) is the signature event |
| Autumn (Sep – Nov) | Cool and comfortable | Second-best season for road trips and local exploration |
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | Cold; High Plains winds | Weather can shift fast — give extra drive-time buffer if heading to Denver in winter |
Top Things to Do in Cheyenne
- Cheyenne Frontier Days: One of the largest outdoor rodeos and Western events in the world — held annually in late July. If your trip aligns, this is the defining Cheyenne experience.
- Wyoming State Capitol: A restored Beaux-Arts landmark in the heart of downtown — easy to combine with a short walking tour.
- Cheyenne Depot Museum: Strong for travelers interested in railroad history — especially fitting given the train-route context of this journey.
- Big Boy Steam Locomotive: One of the largest steam locomotives ever built, on display in Holliday Park — a must for rail and history enthusiasts.
- Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: A peaceful outdoor space well-suited for a pre-departure morning walk.
- Terry Bison Ranch: A working ranch south of Cheyenne with bison viewing, wagon rides, and Western food — good for families and groups.
Arriving in Denver — The Mile High City
Denver is positioned by Visit Denver as a city where urban life, culture, neighborhoods, and outdoor access all come together. With around 300 days of sunshine annually, it works as both a destination and a launch point for wider Colorado exploration. For Cheyenne travelers, Denver arrival usually means central city access or airport connectivity for continuing travel.
| Season | Denver Travel Feel |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar – May) | World-class museums, live events, outdoor activities as weather warms — strong for first visits |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Peak outdoor season; concerts, food festivals, outdoor markets, and mountain access |
| Autumn (Sep – Oct) | Comfortable temperatures, fall foliage, Rockies baseball, sports events |
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | Ski access via I-70 mountain corridor; city remains active with indoor attractions and dining |
Top Things to Do in Denver After Arrival
- Union Station & surrounding RiNo/LoDo area: The best starting point for first-time visitors — walkable streets, excellent food, rooftop bars, and easy transit connections in one place.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: A world-class family attraction in City Park — strong for all ages and easily a half-day visit.
- Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance: In City Park alongside the museum — convenient pairing for a full-day family outing.
- Larimer Square: Historic block with restaurants, boutiques, and Denver's most iconic dining-and-nightlife strip.
- City Park and Confluence Park: Outdoor green spaces that give Denver its urban-meets-outdoors character even without leaving the city.
- Mountain day trips: Denver is 1 hour from Rocky Mountain National Park and major ski resorts — making it the ideal launch point for wider Colorado exploration.
Denver Union Station is the city's intermodal hub — connecting Amtrak, RTD light rail, buses, taxis, shuttles, and bike access in one place. From Union Station, the RTD A Line reaches DEN in about 37 minutes. Most central Denver attractions are reachable by a short rail or bus connection, or a walkable distance from the Union Station core.
What Travelers Say About the Cheyenne to Denver Route
Public traveler feedback on this corridor suggests that most people care about three things: reaching the right endpoint, keeping timing predictable, and choosing between lower cost and lower friction. The route consistently rewards travelers who match their transport mode to their actual trip purpose.
| Travel Mode | What Travelers Tend to Like | What Travelers Find Less Convenient |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle to DEN | Predictable airport-focused schedule, multiple daily departures, no parking stress | Longer total trip than driving; fixed pickup patterns |
| Greyhound Bus | Low fare, onboard Wi-Fi and power, simple city-to-city option | Comfort and service consistency can vary by trip; only 2 daily rides |
| Self-Drive | Fastest overall, easiest for luggage and groups, full departure flexibility | Parking and DEN airport costs can reduce the value advantage |
| Rail after Denver | Union Station is a strong hub once in Denver | Not a practical first leg from Cheyenne today |
Video overview covering the I-25 corridor drive, Cheyenne departure points, shuttle options, and Denver arrival logistics.
A recurring theme from airport shuttle users: the ability to take an earlier shuttle when space is available adds meaningful flexibility to the DEN experience. For travelers with some departure flexibility, arriving at the Groome pickup point slightly early and asking about earlier availability is worth trying — especially if your flight has buffer time and you want extra margin at the terminal.