It’s Thursday, and what a great Thursday it is! The ‘Train to the Plane’, ‘Denver’s Gateway to the World’, officially opens tomorrow! We couldn’t be more excited about this great accomplishment that RTD and the public/private partners achieved.
Today we will be focusing on two things: the Denver Airport station and the final details for this weekend. Let’s start with the Denver Airport Station. As you probably know, it is incredibly hard to access the station at Denver International Airport because of location, security, and the fact that it’s under construction with a single access point.
RTD has some great photos on their Flickr featuring this station; I recommend checking these out. Or, if you are in for a surprise, wait until tomorrow and see it for yourself. So what do I have to offer? When I was flying out in February, the plaza was open and I was able to get some night photos.
The Denver Airport Station features a brilliant glass canopy which you can look down on from above.
Once you get off the train and go up to the main level, you have two options: Enter the airport or hang out on the plaza where there will be various activities and events. The plaza is quite a spectacular sight in person, especially with the new hotel above.
That wraps up our countdown! Now for some final details.
This Weekend
Here is how this weekend is going to work:
Tomorrow, April 22nd – The grand opening ceremony will take place at the Denver Airport station at 10 am. After that, at 12 pm, the first trains will start running on normal 15 minute intervals. Rides will be free from 12-9 pm
Saturday, April 23rd – Free rides on RTD’s entire rail system will be offered from 5 am – 10 pm. There will be station parties at each of the stations along the A-Line for the public to enjoy from 10 am-2 pm.
This is a once in a lifetime event for Denver, so we hope to see you there!
The Colorado Rail Passenger Association will celebrate the Airport train opening and discuss other passenger train developments at our meeting Saturday morning. Please join us at the Oxford Hotel, a block from Union Station. Registration and deluxe continental breakfast starts at 8:00 am. We will have an announcement about the possible revival of the ski train. Also featured are speakers involved in passenger train revival in the Midwest, including Ed Ellis whose company runs the Hoosier State for Indiana.
I’ve had a tough time finding out details about the parking lot at the last stop before DIA at 61st & Pena….
Will it open today?
Is it for DIA employees or the public or both?
What are the rates?
Any more information would be appreciated. -John