How to get to Limelight Boulder from Denver International (DEN) and nearby airports
From Denver International Airport (DEN) the simplest ways to reach Limelight Boulder (1295 University Ave) are a 40–45 minute drive by rental car or rideshare, or an RTD AB1 airport bus to Boulder with a short walk to the hotel. Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) is the closest general-aviation field (about 11–13 miles); car or taxi are the usual options from BJC.
In this guide
- Overview — where Limelight Boulder is located
- From Denver International Airport (DEN): driving or rental car
- From DEN: rideshare, taxis, and private transfers
- From DEN: public transit (RTD AB1 airport bus)
- From Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC) and other nearby airports
- Arriving at Limelight Boulder: check-in, luggage, and local connections
- Room types and where to tell your driver to stop
Overview — where Limelight Boulder is located
Limelight Boulder sits on University Hill at 1295 University Ave, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus edge and a short walk to Pearl Street Mall and the Boulder Creek Path.
The hotel address and front-desk contact for BookResorts agents are listed as 1295 University Ave, Boulder, Colorado and +1 (888) 605-1350 respectively for arrival questions and transfer coordination.
- Neighborhood: University Hill, steps from CU Boulder
- Walkable to: Pearl Street Mall, Folsom Field, Fox Theatre
- Hotel highlights relevant to arrivals: rooftop heated pool and hot tub, in-town shuttle, covered parking managed by the university
| Nearby landmark | Approx. walk |
|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder | 1 minute |
| Pearl Street Mall | 13–15 minutes |
| Boulder Creek Path | Short walk |
From Denver International Airport (DEN): driving or rental car
Driving from DEN typically takes about 40–45 minutes depending on traffic. Common routings use E-470 and US-36 northwest toward Boulder, then follow local exits (Baseline/Broadway) to University Avenue.
If you rent a car at DEN, remember Limelight Boulder’s parking is in a garage managed by the University of Colorado Boulder: you must register your vehicle’s license plate at check-in and parking is subject to height restrictions.
- Typical driving time: about 40–45 minutes (varies with traffic)
- Parking: covered self-parking or valet for a surcharge; license plate required at check-in
- Hotel front desk can store luggage if you arrive before 3:00 PM (check-in time)
| Parking option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Covered self-parking | Fee applies; register plate at check-in |
| Valet parking | Fee applies; register plate at check-in |
From DEN: rideshare, taxis, and private transfers
Rideshare and taxis provide door-to-door service from DEN to Limelight Boulder. Typical rideshare travel times are about 45 minutes and published estimates list fares in the neighborhood of $75–$80 one way; actual prices vary by demand and routing.
The hotel concierge can help arrange private car service or recommend transfer companies. Limelight Boulder does not run a scheduled airport shuttle, though a complimentary in-town shuttle operates within a one-mile radius for local trips once you arrive.
- Rideshare/taxi time: ~45 minutes from DEN
- Estimated rideshare fare: ~$75–$80 one way (subject to surge pricing)
- Hotel concierge can arrange private transfers on request
| Option | Good for |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / taxi | Direct door-to-door convenience |
| Private transfer | Larger groups or scheduled pickup |
From DEN: public transit (RTD AB1 airport bus)
RTD’s AB1 airport bus connects Denver International Airport to Boulder. The AB1 stops at Broadway & University, which is just outside the hotel, making it a low-cost option to reach Limelight Boulder.
RTD schedules and fares can change; check current timetables before travel. The AB1 route requires transferring between the airport terminal’s transit center and the bus; plan extra time for connections and luggage handling.
- Route: DEN → RTD AB1 → Broadway & University (near the hotel)
- Cost: consult RTD for current fare; the airport-to-Boulder service is a budget alternative to rideshare
- Benefits: predictable travel time when traffic is heavy; short walk to the hotel from the AB1 stop
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Buy RTD pass in advance | Speeds boarding at the airport transit center |
| Travel light or use luggage carts | AB1 buses have limited space for large luggage |
| Confirm stop listed as Broadway & University | That stop places you a short walk from the hotel entrance |
From Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC) and other nearby airports
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) in Broomfield is the closest general-aviation airport to Boulder (about 11–13 miles). From BJC most travelers use a rental car, taxi, or on-demand car service to reach the hotel.
Other nearby major-airport options are limited; Denver International (DEN) remains the principal commercial airport for most visitors to Boulder. If you’re flying private, confirm ground transportation with your operator or the hotel concierge.
- BJC to Limelight Boulder: typical drive by car or taxi (distance noted above)
- Private aviation: BJC is the preferred field for many private flights into the Boulder area
- Hotel concierge can advise or arrange a car service from BJC
| Airport | Typical ground option |
|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC) | Rental car, taxi, or car service |
| Denver Intl (DEN) | Rideshare, rental car, RTD AB1, private transfer |
Arriving at Limelight Boulder: check-in, luggage, and local connections
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Guests arriving early or departing later may leave luggage at the Front Desk and use hotel amenities while waiting; early check-in/late check-out are not guaranteed and may incur charges.
The hotel offers a complimentary in-town shuttle within a one-mile radius and complimentary cruiser bikes for short trips around University Hill and downtown. For longer trips, rideshare and taxis are readily available outside the hotel.
- Check-in: 3:00 PM; Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Luggage storage available at Front Desk
- In-town shuttle operates within ~1 mile; bikes are complimentary with the amenity package
| Service | How to access |
|---|---|
| In-town shuttle | Included with hotel amenity package; ask Front Desk |
| Cruiser bikes | Available as part of the Destination Amenity Fee package |
| In-room spa (Soothe) | Book via Front Desk or concierge |
Room types and where to tell your driver to stop
Limelight Boulder’s official room names include Room (Flatiron Bunk), Suite (Alumni), Room, 1 King Bed (Flatiron), Room, 2 Queen Beds (Flatiron), Suite (Boulder), Suite, 1 Bedroom (Aspen), Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Limelight), Room, 1 King Bed (Campus), and Room, 2 Queen Beds (Campus). When you give directions to a taxi or driver, use the hotel address: 1295 University Ave.
The hotel entrance faces University Avenue at the corner of Broadway; drivers familiar with University Hill and CU Boulder will usually drop guests near the main lobby curb.
- Give drivers the address: 1295 University Ave, Boulder, CO 80302
- If you need assistance with luggage, notify the driver or call the Front Desk on arrival
- Request the in-town shuttle or valet info at check-in if you plan to park or move between nearby venues
| Common arrival instruction | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Drop at 1295 University Ave (main lobby) | Closest drop-off to Front Desk and elevators |
| Mention 'University Hill / CU Boulder' | Helps drivers locate the hotel quickly |
| Ask for valet or self-parking directions | Parking is in a university-managed garage with plate registration |
