Life at Denver's transit hub awaits

Union Station anchors Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) Historic District inside a restored 1914 rail depot that now doubles as the region's transit hub. The Crawford Hotel occupies the building's upper floors above the Great Hall, and the Dairy Block development next door gathers restaurants, shops, and a boutique hotel inside a former dairy processing plant. Mercantile Dining and Provision and Stoic and Genuine serve inside the depot itself, and Tattered Cover keeps a bookstore location just off the Great Hall for residents who prefer browsing shelves over screens.

Public art and historic architecture give Union Station a distinct creative identity alongside its dining and transit functions. The Denver Milk Market inside Dairy Block gathers ten local food concepts under one roof, and the LoDo District, a registered neighborhood organization, works to protect the area's brick warehouse architecture while supporting new development nearby. Commons Park sits along the South Platte River a short distance north, giving residents close access to outdoor recreation, and the Auraria Campus brings three higher education institutions within reach on the district's western edge.

Transportation and accessibility

On the move

Public transportation

Denver Union Station itself functions as the RTD system's central Union Station Transit Center, where seven rail lines and a 22 bay underground bus concourse converge. The 16th Street FreeRide begins right at the station, running to Wade Blank Civic Center Station at no fare with buses arriving every 4 to 12 minutes.

Airports

Denver International Airport (DEN) sits roughly 25 miles east of Union Station, a major hub for United Airlines and Southwest with nonstop domestic and international routes. RTD's A Line commuter rail departs directly from Denver Union Station to the airport in about 37 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes for most of the day.

Cars and driving

Union Station sits close to the junction of Interstate 25 and Interstate 70, putting the wider Front Range within easy reach in most directions. Surrounding suburbs typically sit 15 to 30 minutes away by car depending on traffic, and several parking garages within the district serve residents and visitors who choose to drive rather than rely on transit.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Veo bikes and scooters are available throughout the district for short trips without the need of a vehicle, and wide sidewalks connect Denver Union Station to Dairy Block and surrounding blocks. Commons Park offers a paved riverfront path along the South Platte River, a close-by option for cycling and dog walking.

Industry and job market

Your next job awaits

Union Station's transformation from freight rail yards into a mixed use district has created a distinct job market centered on transit, hospitality, and technology. Amtrak bases onboard and station crew directly out of the depot, while The Triangle Building across from the station houses office tenants steps from the transit hub itself. Restaurants, hotels, and food halls throughout the district add further depth in leisure and hospitality employment.

Transportation and warehousing

Amtrak crews operating the California Zephyr and other routes are based directly out of Denver Union Station, supporting conductor, engineer, and station service roles.

Leisure and hospitality

The Crawford Hotel and the restaurants, bars, and food hall inside Dairy Block generate steady demand for hospitality and food service positions throughout the district.

Technology services

The Triangle Building, a LEED certified office tower directly across from the station, has drawn technology and media tenants seeking space at the heart of the transit hub.

Business services

Office space within The Triangle Building and other nearby towers supports consulting, coworking, and administrative tenants located within a short distance of the station.

Real estate and construction

The district's ongoing redevelopment from former rail yards into housing, office, and retail space continues to generate construction and property management positions throughout the area.

Education

Education for every age

Denver Public Schools serves Union Station as part of Colorado's largest school district. The district posted an 81.9% four-year graduation rate for its class of 2025, a record high and its fourth consecutive year of gains, according to district and state data. The Auraria Campus sits within a short distance on downtown's western edge, shared by Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver, giving residents direct access to degree and certificate programs close to home.

Things to do

Out and about

Union Station's dining and entertainment scene centers on the restored Great Hall and the Dairy Block development next door, with the Denver Milk Market food hall drawing a steady crowd throughout the day. Commons Park adds a close-by riverfront green space, and Tattered Cover rounds out the district with a historic bookstore location.

Our top picks

Denver Union Station

This restored 1914 transit hall pairs a working RTD and Amtrak station with restaurants, shops, and a boutique hotel inside its Great Hall. Recurring markets and seasonal events fill the plaza throughout the year, drawing a steady stream of visitors day and night.

The Crawford Hotel

This boutique hotel occupies the upper floors of the historic depot, with rooms lining the Great Hall below. Art Deco furnishings and a design inspired by the golden age of rail travel give the property a distinct sense of place inside the station itself.

Dairy Block

This mixed use development fills a former dairy processing plant with restaurants, shops, a distillery, and a boutique hotel arranged around a central alley just off Union Station. Rotating public art installations and regular events keep the alleyway active throughout the year, day and night.

Denver Milk Market

This food hall inside Dairy Block gathers ten local concepts under one roof, from wood fired pizza to fresh pasta and craft cocktails. A central bar and communal seating anchor the space, with trivia nights and other weekly programming rounding out the calendar.

Mercantile Dining and Provision

James Beard award winning chef Alex Seidel's restaurant inside Union Station serves seasonal American cuisine sourced from local farmers, producers, and purveyors. The space shifts from a casual daytime cafe to an immersive evening dining experience built around seasonal, shared plates.

Stoic and Genuine

This multi coastal seafood house and oyster bar inside Union Station flies in fresh catch from both coasts daily. A raw bar and open kitchen anchor the dining room, drawing a steady crowd for happy hour, weeknight dinners, and weekend celebrations alike.

Tattered Cover

This independent bookstore, a Denver institution since 1971, operates a location inside Union Station across from Snooze restaurant. A large, well curated selection of new and used titles fills the historic space, alongside regular author events and community programming throughout the year.

Commons Park

This riverfront park along the South Platte River offers open lawns, a paved path, and skyline views a short distance from the station. Denver Parks and Recreation hosts seasonal community programming and admissions based events across the park throughout the year, drawing steady crowds.