How to Get to Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos Games

Planning how to get to Empower Field at Mile High is one of the most important parts of putting together a smooth Denver Broncos trip. Empower Field at Mile High sits just west of downtown Denver across the South Platte River, which gives the venue a layout that is unusually accessible for an NFL stadium and still rewards careful Denver Broncos planning around traffic, parking permits, and post-game logistics. Most Denver Broncos fans coming in from out of town quickly realize that the Denver geography is part of what shapes the day, and it pays to think the trip through before kickoff arrives.

Empower Field at Mile High is located at 1701 Bryant Street in Denver, roughly a mile from the heart of downtown Denver by light rail or by car along Speer Boulevard and 17th Avenue. Unlike stadiums tucked deep into city cores or pushed far out into suburban office parks, this Denver venue sits close enough to downtown Denver hotels to reach in 15 minutes by transit and far enough from highway congestion to support large parking footprints around the building. Routes like I-25, I-70, and US-6 all funnel directly into the Empower Field parking area, so Denver Broncos drivers from across Colorado, Wyoming, and western Kansas tend to handle the trip without any of the multi-hour gridlock that dogs other markets.

Denver Broncos travel choices also depend heavily on where fans choose to stay in Denver. A hotel on the 16th Street Mall or in LoDo puts you within easy reach of Empower Field at Mile High by light rail and connects naturally with the RTD network on Denver Broncos game day. A hotel near Denver International Airport or out in the Denver Tech Center means you are leaning on parking, rideshare, or longer transit transfers to get into Empower Field at Mile High, which changes how early you need to leave and how flexible you can be after the game. Picking the right combination of Denver hotel and transportation is often what makes the difference between a relaxed Denver Broncos game day and a frustrating one. For Denver Broncos fans who would rather skip that planning entirely, Denver Broncos travel packages bundle hotel, tickets, and Empower Field logistics into one organized trip.

The goal here is not just getting to Empower Field at Mile High, but doing it in a way that protects the rest of the Denver visit. A Denver Broncos weekend usually involves Coors Field, the 16th Street Mall, RiNo brewery hopping, and trips up into the foothills, and how you handle the Denver Broncos game day portion of that trip directly affects everything else. The Denver options for Denver Broncos fans are all reasonable, but each has tradeoffs, and the right choice depends on hotel location, kickoff time, and how much flexibility you want before and after the Denver Broncos game.

Flying to Denver for a Broncos Game: Airport Information

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary point of entry for Denver Broncos travel and sits roughly 25 miles northeast of Empower Field at Mile High and about 24 miles from downtown Denver. The drive between the airport and downtown Denver takes 35 to 45 minutes outside of rush hour, which is longer than most NFL airport-to-stadium runs but still manageable when planned well. DEN is the only major commercial airport serving Denver, so almost every fan flying in for a Denver Broncos game lands there.

DEN is one of the busiest airports in the world, handled around 82 million passengers in 2024, and offers nonstop service to over 215 destinations across the United States and internationally. United uses Denver as a major hub, Southwest runs a heavy operation out of DEN, and American, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, and Spirit all run regular routes through Denver. That depth of service makes Denver one of the easier NFL cities to fly into for a Denver Broncos weekend, with direct flights from cities like Toronto, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, and Vancouver giving Denver Broncos travelers strong same-day arrival options.

There is no realistic secondary commercial airport for a Denver Broncos trip. Colorado Springs (COS) is more than 70 miles south, and Cheyenne Regional (CYS) in Wyoming is about 100 miles north, so neither makes practical sense unless flight prices are dramatically different or schedules force a detour. DEN is effectively the only airport that supports a normal Denver Broncos weekend trip, which is why most Denver Broncos travel plans start there by default.

For most Denver Broncos travel plans, DEN is the right starting point. The 25-mile gap between the airport and Empower Field gives Denver Broncos fans flexibility to land in the morning, drop bags at a downtown Denver hotel, and still have several hours before kickoff. The RTD A Line commuter rail makes it possible to skip the rental car entirely, running between DEN and Union Station in downtown Denver in 37 minutes, where Denver Broncos fans can transfer directly to the light rail line that serves Empower Field. The same proximity makes it easy to fly out of Denver the morning after a Sunday Denver Broncos game without rushing through traffic, which matters for Denver Broncos fans tying the trip to a longer Colorado visit.

Driving and Parking at Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos Games

Driving is the most common way Denver Broncos fans get to Empower Field at Mile High, and the building was designed around large-scale Denver Broncos game day parking. The Empower Field at Mile High complex includes a ring of official lots labeled from A through L plus several lettered overflow areas, sitting on both the north and south sides of the stadium between I-25 and Federal Boulevard. The closest highway exits are Exit 210B for 17th Avenue and Exit 211 for Park Avenue West off I-25, both of which feed directly into the Empower Field parking area but become congested in the hour before kickoff for a Denver Broncos game.

Empower Field at Mile High is a fully cashless facility, which is the single most important detail for fans who plan to drive in. Lot A on the north side of the building is the premium tailgating lot at $40 to $60 per game and tends to fill earliest with longtime Denver Broncos season ticket holders. Lots B, C, D, and E on the south side run $30 to $50 per game with faster exit access onto I-25 south. Lot C opens 6 hours before kickoff and sells a small number of first-come spaces at $55 each by credit card only, a Denver Broncos tailgating tradition that dates back to the original Mile High era. Lot A also offers a discounted carpool rate of $45 for vehicles with four or more passengers, which is one of the cheapest official options for groups attending Denver Broncos games.

Tailgating is permitted in nearly every official lot and is part of what makes a Denver Broncos game in Denver feel different from other NFL stops. Lots open 4 to 4.5 hours before kickoff, the food culture leans into Colorado green chile, smoked meats, and craft beer from the local Denver scene, and Lot C carries the heaviest concentration of Denver Broncos tailgaters thanks to its early 6-hour opening. Pre-purchasing a parking permit through the Denver Broncos site and adding it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before arrival is the cleanest way to clear the gate quickly, since card lanes move significantly faster than the paper-permit lanes.

Exit strategy matters more at Empower Field at Mile High than at most NFL venues because the lots feed back through a small number of ramps onto I-25. Lots typically take 45 to 75 minutes to clear after a Denver Broncos game, with the heaviest backup hitting the 17th Avenue and Park Avenue ramps. Fans who want a faster departure either stay in the lot for an extra 30 minutes after the final whistle or pick parking on the south side of the complex that routes onto I-25 south rather than fighting traffic back through downtown Denver. Both strategies cut significant time off the post-game drive.

Driving still offers the most flexibility for Denver Broncos travel plans that extend beyond Empower Field at Mile High. Day trips to Boulder, Red Rocks, Estes Park, or up I-70 to ski country all become realistic if a vehicle is part of the Denver Broncos trip. For visiting Denver Broncos fans who plan to do anything beyond the stadium and the 16th Street Mall, having a car parked at the Denver hotel is almost always a better fit than relying on rideshare for everything Denver has to offer.

Public Transit to Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos Games

Public transit is one of the strongest reasons to skip parking entirely for a Denver Broncos game, in part because RTD operates a dedicated light rail station named Empower Field at Mile High Station directly at the building. That single detail changes the math for a lot of visiting Denver Broncos fans, since it eliminates the post-game I-25 traffic and turns the trip back to a downtown Denver hotel into a 5 to 10 minute ride. RTD runs the regional bus and light rail network across Denver and operates the A Line commuter rail that connects DEN airport to Union Station downtown.

The Empower Field at Mile High Station and the Decatur-Federal Station both provide direct light rail access to the stadium, with the C, E, and W lines all converging in the area. Denver Broncos fans staying downtown can board at Union Station, the 16th Street Mall stations, or any platform along the C or E lines and reach the stadium in under 15 minutes. The Pepsi Center / Ball Arena Elitch Gardens Station is a 5-minute walk from the north gates of Empower Field, which gives Denver Broncos fans a useful alternate platform when post-game crowds at the main station get heavy.

For Denver Broncos fans flying in, the airport-to-stadium connection through public transit is unusually clean. The RTD A Line runs every 15 minutes between DEN and Union Station for $10.50 one way, and from Union Station the W Line light rail continues directly to Empower Field at Mile High Station. The total trip from baggage claim at DEN to the stadium gates runs about 70 minutes, which compares well to driving plus parking when factoring in lot lines and walk-in time. Day passes covering both the A Line and the light rail run $10 to $12 and are the most cost-effective way to handle a Denver Broncos game day without a rental car.

Public transit works best for Denver Broncos fans whose hotel location aligns with the downtown Denver light rail network. A room on the 16th Street Mall, in LoDo, or near Union Station puts you within easy reach of the C and E lines and the free MallRide shuttle that runs the length of 16th Street. A hotel out in the Denver Tech Center or near DEN does not connect cleanly to the same light rail line that serves the stadium, so Denver Broncos fans in those areas almost always rely on rideshare or driving instead.

Rideshare to Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos Games

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Denver and are one of the most popular ways for Denver Broncos fans to reach Empower Field at Mile High, especially for fans staying in downtown Denver who want to avoid parking entirely. Empower Field has a designated rideshare drop-off zone at the northeast corner of the building near Gate 5 on Mile High Stadium Circle, which keeps drivers out of the heaviest pedestrian traffic and routes them in and out without crossing the main parking lots. Drop-off zones are clearly signed on Denver Broncos game days and tend to flow well before kickoff.

Arrival by rideshare is straightforward in most cases. Entering the official Empower Field at Mile High address of 1701 Bryant Street in the Uber or Lyft app routes drivers to the correct drop-off zone automatically, and most local Denver drivers know the Denver Broncos game day routing well after years of NFL games and concerts. Pickup times before kickoff are typically reliable as long as Denver Broncos fans request a ride at least 30 to 45 minutes before they want to be inside the building.

Post-game rideshare demand changes the picture quickly. Surge pricing on Uber and Lyft routinely doubles or triples within the first 20 minutes after a Denver Broncos game ends, especially when the result is close or the weather is cold. The official rideshare pickup zone is located 15 minutes east of the stadium at 5th and Walnut Street near the Ball Arena rideshare lot, and walking to that zone is one of the most effective ways to avoid the worst of the surge. The other workaround is to walk further into LoDo and request a ride from there, which avoids the demand spike entirely and routes drivers from a much wider Denver pool of vehicles. Either move often saves $20 to $40 per ride.

Rideshare works best for Denver Broncos trips that prioritize simplicity over flexibility. A Denver Broncos fan staying at a 16th Street Mall hotel who only plans to attend the game and then return to the room is well served by Uber or Lyft, especially with a small adjustment for the post-game walk. A Denver Broncos fan who wants to bounce from Empower Field at Mile High straight to dinner in RiNo or up to a brewery in Five Points will get more value out of having a car or a planned hotel-to-restaurant route through the RTD light rail system in Denver.

Did You Know: Empower Field at Mile High

Empower Field at Mile High opened on September 10, 2001 as Invesco Field at Mile High, replacing the original Mile High Stadium that had stood next door since 1948 as the historic home of the Denver Broncos. Construction cost roughly $400 million and was funded through a combination of public bonds backed by a Denver-area sales tax and private contributions from the team. The first NFL game played there featured the Denver Broncos hosting the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, a game that was postponed from its original date due to the September 11 attacks earlier that week. The "at Mile High" portion of the venue name was preserved by contractual agreement to honor the original stadium and the Denver elevation that gives the city its nickname.

The naming history of the venue has been unusually busy. Invesco Field at Mile High held the rights from 2001 through 2011, the building became Sports Authority Field at Mile High from 2011 through 2018, then briefly carried the placeholder name Broncos Stadium at Mile High in 2019 after Sports Authority went bankrupt, before Empower Retirement signed a 21-year naming rights deal that runs through 2040. Beyond Denver Broncos games, Empower Field at Mile High hosts the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown college football game between Colorado and Colorado State, large-scale concerts from artists like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, and Coldplay, and select international soccer matches when the schedule allows.

The geography of the building is a key part of the Denver Broncos fan experience. Empower Field at Mile High sits on the west bank of the South Platte River, directly opposite downtown Denver, which gives it walkable access to LoDo via the 19th Street pedestrian bridge and easy light rail access from the 16th Street Mall. That position also gives the complex enough surrounding land for the full lettered ring of parking lots, a deep tailgating tradition, and direct routing onto I-25 in both directions. Empower Field at Mile High seats 76,125 fans, sits at an elevation of 5,280 feet that has earned the building its visiting-team reputation, and remains one of the loudest open-air NFL stadiums in regular use through 2026 and beyond.

Plan Your Denver Broncos Trip With Elite Sports Tours

At Elite Sports Tours, planning how to get to Empower Field at Mile High is built into the structure of the Denver Broncos trip from the beginning. Hotel location, arrival timing, walkability, transit access, and parking strategy all affect how smooth a Denver Broncos weekend feels once you land in Denver. Instead of leaving those decisions to the last minute, we help travelers line up the pieces in a way that reduces friction and protects the quality of the overall Denver Broncos trip.

This matters most for out-of-town Denver Broncos visitors who are flying into DEN, checking into a Denver hotel, and trying to judge whether public transit, rideshare, or parking is the better fit for their schedule. The right choice depends on where you stay in Denver, when you arrive, and how much flexibility you want before and after kickoff. When those details are planned properly, the entire Denver Broncos experience feels easier and more controlled, and the Empower Field portion of the weekend stops competing for attention with everything else Denver offers.

For Denver Broncos fans looking to simplify the entire process, Denver Broncos travel packages combine game tickets, hotel accommodations in optimal Denver locations, and a structured approach to getting to Empower Field at Mile High. This removes uncertainty and allows you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

Denver Broncos Transportation FAQ

What is the best way to get to Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos games?

For Denver Broncos fans staying in downtown Denver, RTD light rail to Empower Field at Mile High Station is the cleanest option for most kickoff times. The C, E, and W lines all serve the area, the trip from Union Station takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the post-game ride avoids the I-25 backup entirely. For Denver Broncos fans staying farther out, a pre-purchased parking pass for one of the official lots A through L is usually the cleanest fit.

How much is parking at Empower Field at Mile High?

Lot A on the north side runs $40 to $60 per Denver Broncos game and is the premium tailgating lot. Lots B, C, D, and E on the south side run $30 to $50. Lot C also sells limited first-come spaces at $55 by credit card only, and Lot A offers a $45 carpool rate for vehicles with four or more passengers. Empower Field at Mile High is a fully cashless facility, so all parking transactions require a card or pre-purchased permit.

Is there public transit to Empower Field at Mile High?

Yes. RTD operates the Empower Field at Mile High Station directly at the venue, served by the C, E, and W light rail lines. The Decatur-Federal Station and the Ball Arena / Elitch Gardens Station also sit within easy walking distance of the stadium gates. Denver Broncos fans flying into DEN can ride the A Line to Union Station and transfer to the W Line, reaching the stadium in about 70 minutes from baggage claim.

Can you take Uber or Lyft to Empower Field at Mile High?

Yes. Both Uber and Lyft operate in Denver, and Empower Field has a designated rideshare drop-off zone at the northeast corner of the building near Gate 5 on Mile High Stadium Circle. The official post-game pickup zone is at 5th and Walnut Street near Ball Arena, about a 15-minute walk east of the stadium, which is the standard way Denver Broncos fans avoid the worst of the post-game surge pricing.

How early should you arrive at Empower Field at Mile High?

Most Denver Broncos fans arrive 90 minutes to two hours before kickoff to clear the security gates without stress and to spend time in the parking lots, where tailgating opens 4 to 4.5 hours before the Denver Broncos game and Lot C opens 6 hours out. Driving fans should add 20 to 30 minutes during divisional and primetime games when traffic on I-25 and the 17th Avenue ramp runs heaviest in Denver.

Explore More Denver Broncos Travel Guides

Want to make the most of your NFL road trip? Be sure to check out these related guides for a seamless and memorable experience:

• Denver Broncos Travel Guide for Fans: Build a complete Denver Broncos travel plan with insights on timing, location, and how to structure your trip around a game.
• Best Hotels Near Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos Games: The full hotel breakdown near the venue for travelers with tickets and Denver Broncos Travel Packages.
• How to Get to Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos Games: Driving routes, parking, walking access, and RTD light-rail timing for Empower Field at Mile High.
• Best Seats and Ticket Options at Denver Broncos Games: Section-by-section seat analysis and tickets guide at Empower Field at Mile High.
• Where the Denver Broncos Stay on the Road: Get insider information on where Denver stays when they’re on the road and how you can book accommodations close to the action.‍
• Denver Broncos Stadium Tours at Empower Field at Mile High: Take an insider’s look at Empower Field at Mile High with exclusive tours and fan experiences.‍
• Denver Broncos Travel Packages: Browse all current Denver Broncos Travel Packages with tickets and accommodations from Elite Sports Tours.

Editorial Note & Travel Expertise

This guide is based on real-world experience planning Denver Broncos travel and helping fans navigate Empower Field at Mile High across different types of trips. Every recommendation reflects how transportation, parking, and arrival timing actually work when attending Denver Broncos games in Denver, not just general directions or surface-level advice. Empower Field at Mile High is one of the more transit-friendly stadiums in the NFL when approached with a plan, especially given its dedicated light rail station and walkable proximity to downtown Denver, but the way you organize your arrival still has a direct impact on how smooth your Denver day feels.

Denver Broncos travel often involves more than just getting to Empower Field at Mile High. Hotel location, flight timing into DEN, and transportation choices all connect, and small decisions can change how efficiently you move through Denver throughout the day. The goal of this guide is to provide practical, accurate information so you can build a plan that fits your schedule, avoids unnecessary delays, and allows you to focus on the Denver Broncos experience once you arrive in Denver.

Travel Information Disclaimer

Transportation routes, parking availability, and transit schedules for Empower Field at Mile High can change based on game-day operations, city planning, and Denver Broncos demand. Parking prices, lot access, and shuttle availability may vary depending on the Denver Broncos schedule and attendance levels.

Public transit services, including RTD light rail and the A Line commuter rail, may adjust frequency or timing based on Denver Broncos game schedules. Rideshare availability and wait times can fluctuate significantly before and after games in Denver depending on demand. Travelers should confirm current transportation details, parking options, and timing closer to their travel date to ensure the most accurate planning around Empower Field at Mile High.

Updated April 2026