Downtown/Light Rail Safety and Reliability

Question

I am a 49 year old female flying into Denver Sunday, June 18 at noon and need to fill 8 hours time until the rest of my travel companions arrive. I was thinking of taking the light rail to a union station and then exploring downtown, then the rest of my group would meet me there around 8pm after they fly in and get the car rental.

I read some of the light rail reviews on here and the reviewers make it sound really bad. Unsafe and unreliable.

Looking for feedback on:

1. Recent experience with light rail from airport to downtown. Solo female.

2. What about safety downtown on a Sunday afternoon into evening? I will need to find luggage storage and then will probably head to get lunch, see the area.

Thank you!

Answer

The Denver Airport (DEN) to downtown light rail service is operated by the RTD A Line. It is generally considered safe and reliable, especially during daytime hours. The trip from the airport to Union Station takes about 37–40 minutes, with trains running approximately every 15–30 minutes depending on the time of day. As a solo female traveler during Sunday afternoon, many visitors and locals report that the experience is straightforward, though normal precautions should be observed.

Recent experiences from travelers suggest:

Trains are usually on schedule, with occasional minor delays, but nothing severe compared to major city transit systems.
The stations are well-marked, and the A Line runs directly into Union Station, which is a major hub with staff and security present.
Airport security staff are present, and Denver police patrol the trains and platforms, contributing to a safer environment.

Regarding safety downtown Denver on a Sunday afternoon into the evening:

Downtown Denver is generally safe, especially in the core areas around Union Station, 16th Street Mall, LoDo (Lower Downtown), and Larimer Square. Sunday afternoons are usually quiet and suitable for walking, shopping, and casual exploration.
Exercise usual urban precautions: stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid poorly lit alleys or deserted streets after dark.
Finding luggage storage options is possible. Union Station offers lockers and luggage storage services, and some downtown hotels and tourist centers may also provide short-term storage for a fee.

For your afternoon itinerary:

Arrive at Union Station, store luggage, and explore nearby areas like the 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, and LoDo for lunch and sightseeing.
Several restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops are available for a midday meal or snack, and outdoor seating is common in nice weather.
Allow enough time to return to Union Station by evening to meet your travel companions, keeping in mind that trains continue to run into the late evening but may be less frequent after 8–9pm.

In summary, the light rail from DEN to downtown is a convenient and generally safe option for solo travelers during daytime. Downtown Denver is well-patrolled and lively during Sunday afternoons, and using luggage storage at Union Station makes exploring easy. Standard city precautions apply, but overall this plan should allow you to enjoy a few hours of sightseeing and dining before your group arrives.