Bustang to Estes Returns Memorial Day Weekend
News Release
Denver – Bustang to Estes is resuming service for its sixth season over Memorial Day Weekend, providing a relaxing, affordable travel alternative to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).
Beginning on Saturday, May 24, and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 28, Bustang to Estes will make two roundtrips on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Denver Union Station, Estes Park, and RMNP. The service includes several stops along the US 36 corridor (please refer to the schedule below).
This season, Bustang to Estes will offer special service on the following weekdays:
- Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day
- Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth National Independence Day, which is also a free entrance day into RMNP
- Friday, July 4 - Independence Day
- Monday, September 1 - Labor Day
“Bustang to Estes provides travelers a reliable and comfortable option to one of the state’s busiest recreational and tourist areas,” said Paul DesRocher, director of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Transit and Rail. “The service also helps take vehicles off the road, eases congestion and parking demands, and makes our roads safer on weekends and holidays.”
Each coach is equipped with a restroom, bike racks, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports, as well as storage under the coach for gear—perfect for cyclists, families with strollers, and day hikers.
"I encourage everyone to take advantage of Bustang service this summer,” said Town of Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall. “Skip the hassle of driving and enjoy the scenic journey to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park."
“Rocky Mountain National Park is pleased to partner once again with CDOT this summer,” said Park Superintendent Gary Ingram. “Bustang to Estes provides visitors in Denver and on the Colorado Front Range additional transportation options and more opportunities to visit and explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.”
Connectivity Options
- Estes Park: Passengers disembarking in Estes Park can catch the town’s free trolley to access a variety of locations in town.
- RMNP: To access RMNP, passengers will travel to the Park & Ride Transit Hub on Bear Lake Road via Bustang—this is the only Bustang stop in RMNP. From there, they can transfer to the in-park shuttles with stops on the Bear Lake Road corridor. A valid RMNP Entrance Pass is required to enter the park ($15 for an individual pass/$30 for two or more riders). Passengers do NOT need to purchase a Timed Entry Reservation Permit.
A roundtrip ticket is $15 per person with discounts available for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and students. To purchase tickets for Bustang to Estes and a RMNP pass, please visit ridebustang.com.
Westbound Schedule
Schedule may vary depending on weather and road conditions
| Westbound | Run 200 | Run 202 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Union Station, Bus Concourse Gate B4 - Pickup only | 7 a.m. | 8 a.m. |
| US 36 & Sheridan Station (Gate D), Westminster - Pickup only | 7:20 a.m. | 8:20 a.m. |
| US 36 & Broomfield Station (Gate R), Broomfield - Pickup only | 7:30 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. |
| US 36 & McCaslin Station (Gate D), Superior - Pickup only | 7:45 a.m. | 8:45 a.m. |
| Pearl & Junction (Gate S3), Boulder - Pickup only | 8:05 a.m. | 9:05 a.m. |
| Park-n-Ride, US 36 & Park Street (Far side), Lyons - Pickup only | 8:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. |
| Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. - Drop off only | 9:05 a.m. | 10:05 a.m. |
| RMNP Stop, Park & Ride Transit Hub - Drop off only | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. |
Eastbound Schedule
Schedule may vary depending on weather and road conditions
| Eastbound | Run 201 | Run 203 |
|---|---|---|
| RMNP Stop, Park & Ride Transit Hub - Pickup only | 3:15 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. |
| Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. - Pickup only | 4:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Park-n-Ride, US 36 & Park Street (Near side), Lyons - Drop off only | 4:30 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
| Pearl & Junction (Gate S4), Boulder - Drop off only | 4:55 p.m. | 5:55 p.m. |
| US 36 & McCaslin Station (Gate A), Superior - Drop off only | 5:15 p.m. | 6:15 p.m. |
| US 36 & Broomfield Station (Gate P), Broomfield - Drop off only | 5:30 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| US 36 & Sheridan Station (Gate C) - Drop off only | 5:40 p.m. | 6:40 p.m. |
| Denver Union Station, Bus Concourse Gate B4 - Drop off only | 6:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. |
Ace Express Coaches of Golden operates Bustang to Estes for CDOT.
