What You’ll Spend on Transit in Highlands Ranch
For those considering a move to Highlands Ranch or current residents looking to optimize their budget, understanding public transportation costs in Highlands Ranch is key. As of 2025, a standard one-way bus fare in Highlands Ranch is $2.50, while a 30-day unlimited bus pass typically costs around $99 per month.
Light rail fares are slightly higher, with a one-way ticket priced at $3.00 on average. A monthly pass for light rail comes in at $115. Of course, your total monthly transit costs will depend on your specific commuting needs and frequency of use.
By comparison, the average cost of owning and operating a car in Highlands Ranch is estimated at $650 per month, including car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance. For many, public transit can provide significant savings, even before factoring in parking costs and the value of a less stressful commute.
Transit Options Available
Highlands Ranch is served by two main public transportation providers: the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Douglas County Transit. RTD operates an extensive network of bus routes and light rail lines that connect Highlands Ranch to Denver and the surrounding metro area.
Key transit options in Highlands Ranch include:
- Local and express bus routes with service to major employment centers, Park-n-Rides, and shopping districts
- The C and D light rail lines, which run along I-25 and offer connections to Littleton, Englewood, and downtown Denver
- Access-a-Ride paratransit service for riders with disabilities
- Call-n-Ride, an on-demand curb-to-curb shuttle service within select Highlands Ranch zones
Fares are consistent across RTD services, with discounts available for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities. Douglas County Transit provides additional local bus routes within Highlands Ranch, with fares starting at $1.50 per ride.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture of what you might spend on transit each month, let’s look at a few common commuting scenarios for Highlands Ranch residents:
| Commuting Scenario | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 5-day per week bus commuter | $99 (monthly pass) |
| Weekend-only light rail user (8 round trips) | $48 |
| Daily light rail commuter | $115 (monthly pass) |
🏆 Winner: For most Highlands Ranch commuters, an RTD monthly bus pass offers the best value at $99 per month for unlimited rides.
Of course, your costs may be lower if you qualify for discounted fares or if your employer offers a transit subsidy. And for occasional riders, purchasing single-ride tickets or a 10-pack of tickets may be more economical than a monthly pass.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Highlands Ranch?
For many Highlands Ranch residents, public transportation can be a cost-effective alternative to driving. The average commute time by bus in Highlands Ranch is around 35 minutes, compared to 25 minutes by car. However, those numbers don’t account for traffic congestion or the time spent parking and walking to your destination.
Light rail commuters from Highlands Ranch to downtown Denver can expect a travel time of about 45 minutes, which may be faster than driving during peak rush hour. And with service running every 15 minutes on most routes, RTD offers a reliable and convenient option for car-free commuting.
When you factor in the costs of car ownership, including parking (which can run $150+ per month in Denver), gas, and maintenance, taking public transit can mean significant savings for Highlands Ranch households. Plus, you’ll avoid the stress of driving and have more time to read, work, or relax during your commute.
Ways to Save on Transit
There are several ways to reduce your public transportation costs in Highlands Ranch:
- Take advantage of discounted fares for students, seniors (65+), and individuals with disabilities
- Check if your employer participates in RTD’s EcoPass program, which provides unlimited transit passes to employees, often at a reduced cost
- Purchase a Neighborhood EcoPass through your local homeowners association or apartment complex
- Load your transit pass onto a MyRide card for faster boarding and easy online account management
By combining these cost-saving strategies with a bit of planning, you can make public transit an even more affordable option for getting around Highlands Ranch and the Denver area.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Highlands Ranch?
For most trips within Highlands Ranch, local bus routes offer the lowest cost per ride at $2.50 one-way. If you’re a frequent rider, an RTD monthly pass can bring your per-trip costs down even further.
Are there monthly transit passes available in Highlands Ranch?
Yes, RTD offers several monthly pass options for Highlands Ranch riders, including local and regional bus passes ($99-$200) and light rail passes ($115). Discounted passes are available for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
RTD buses and light rail trains serving Highlands Ranch are generally reliable, with on-time performance averaging over 90%. However, service may be impacted by traffic, weather, or maintenance issues. For the most predictable commute, consider riding light rail or an express bus route with dedicated lanes.
Getting Around Smarter in Highlands Ranch
As you can see, public transportation in Highlands Ranch is a cost-effective and convenient option for many residents. Whether you’re commuting to work in Denver, running errands around town, or exploring the metro area on weekends, RTD and Douglas County Transit offer affordable and reliable service.
Of course, the decision between public transit and driving will depend on your unique needs and budget considerations. But with fares starting at just $2.50 per ride and monthly passes offering even greater value, it’s worth exploring how transit can fit into your lifestyle and financial goals.