Whether you walk, use a wheelchair or other mobility device, ride a bike, take the bus or drive, CU Boulder offers a variety of transportation options to help you get where you need to go. 

From getting to class and exploring downtown Boulder to running errands and meeting up with friends, here are some of the easiest ways to travel around campus and the community. 

Navigate campus 

Many destinations on campus are within a short distance of one another, making it easy to travel between classes by walking or using a mobility device. Use the CU Boulder campus map to find buildings, routes and other campus destinations. 

Ride a bike or e-bike 

Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly communities in the country, with hundreds of miles of bike paths and dedicated lanes. Riding a bike or e-bike is an easy way to get around campus and beyond.  

Bringing your own bike? Register it with the Environmental Center to access free bike maintenance assistance and improve the chances of recovering it if it is lost or stolen. Protect your bike by locking it to a designated bike rack with a U-lock. If you currently use a cable lock, visit one of the campus bike stations to exchange it for a free U-lock while supplies last. 

Don’t have a bike? Your free Boulder BCycle membership gives you access to electric bikes throughout Boulder, making it easy to travel without owning your own bike.  

If you have never learned to ride, the Environmental Center also offers free bike lessons. Email bicycle@colorado.edu to schedule a lesson. 

Take the bus for free 

Your Buff OneCard gives you access to several convenient transportation options throughout Boulder and beyond.  

Buff Bus provides free service around campus, connecting central campus with Williams Village, Bear Creek and east campus. No pass is required.  

RTD buses and trains are included with your Buff OneCard, giving you access to routes throughout Boulder, Denver and even Denver International Airport.  

Planning a winter adventure? The CU Ski Bus offers transportation to the mountains during ski season.   

Download the Transit app to track Buff Bus, RTD and HOP routes in real time, find nearby BCycle stations and receive service alerts. 

Use scooters and skateboards 

Scooters and skateboards are another convenient way to travel around campus. Lime e-scooters are available throughout Boulder and on campus using the Lime app. 

Keep in mind that electric scooters and electric skateboards are not allowed inside campus buildings or residence halls. Be sure to follow campus riding and parking guidelines when using shared or personal scooters. 

Travel safely at night 

If you need a ride after dark, CU NightRide provides free rides for students, faculty and staff within Boulder city limits. 

Simply download the CU NightRide app to request a ride when you need one. 

Bring a car, motorcycle or scooter 

Many students find they can get around Boulder without bringing a personal vehicle, but if you choose to bring one, Parking & Transportation Services offers several parking options. 

Students can purchase an annual parking permit, pay daily or use short-term visitor parking throughout campus. Parking is limited, so planning ahead can help you find the option that works best for your schedule. If you drive occasionally, download the ParkMobile app to pay for short-term parking. 

Motorcycles, mopeds and sit-down scooters may be driven on city streets but are not permitted on campus sidewalks or multi-use paths. Motorcycle parking permits are required to park in designated motorcycle spaces on campus. 

Borrow a car when you need one 

If you do not bring a vehicle to campus, you can still access one when you need it. CU Boulder students receive discounts and waived fees through Colorado CarShare and Zipcar, making it easy to run errands, take weekend trips or travel outside Boulder without owning a car. 

Find transportation resources 

Want transportation updates throughout the year? Subscribe to Parking & Transportation Services' Be Mobile newsletter for construction updates, commuting tips, transportation news and campus travel information. 

If you need accessible transportation or parking accommodations, CU Boulder also offers ADA-accessible transportation resources and parking information to help you get around safely and confidently.