Are you weighing a move to Lakewood and wondering what your daily trip to Downtown Denver or the Denver Tech Center will feel like? You are not alone. Commutes here vary by time of day, neighborhood, and mode, so a little planning goes a long way. In this guide, you’ll learn your best options by corridor, how to combine transit and driving, and smart ways to test routes before you choose a home. Let’s dive in.
Lakewood commute overview
Lakewood sits west of central Denver and northwest of the DTC. Most commutes run east to Downtown or southeast to the DTC. You can drive, ride light rail or bus, or mix Park-n-Ride with transit. Travel times depend heavily on peak hours, events, construction, and winter weather.
Inbound trips to Downtown are busiest in the morning, with the reverse in the evening. Routes toward the DTC follow similar peaks tied to office schedules. Rail is generally more predictable during congestion, while buses and cars are more sensitive to traffic conditions.
Transit choices that work
Light rail on the west corridor
Lakewood is connected to Downtown Denver by RTD’s west corridor light rail. For many commuters, rail offers a more consistent trip when highways are slow. Stations often have adjacent parking or feeder bus service, which makes drive-to-rail a popular pattern. If your destination is the DTC, expect to make a transfer since the DTC sits on different light rail corridors.
Buses and express routes
Regular and express bus routes serve Lakewood neighborhoods, including peak-period commuter trips. Express buses use limited stops to speed up travel to Downtown or regional hubs. Buses can be very convenient from corridors that are not near rail, but they are still affected by roadway traffic.
Park-n-Ride strategies
If you are beyond walking distance to a station, Park-n-Ride can be a time-saver. Many Lakewood commuters drive to a nearby lot, park, then take light rail or an express bus the rest of the way. Always check station rules for parking availability, time limits, or permits.
Bike plus transit
Lakewood’s growing network of trails and bike lanes makes bike-to-rail a realistic option from some neighborhoods. You might ride to a station, lock your bike, and continue by train. If you plan to bring a bike onboard, review light rail bike policies and be mindful of peak-hour crowding.
Driving routes and traffic
To Downtown Denver
Key east-west corridors include West 6th Avenue (US-6) and West Colfax Avenue, with Wadsworth Boulevard providing north-south access to I-70, I-25, and city streets. Many drivers use 6th Avenue or Colfax to reach Downtown surface streets. Morning inbound and evening outbound are the heaviest windows, so allow extra buffer time.
To the DTC
Trips to the DTC often use C-470 to connect with I-25, depending on your starting point in Lakewood. Some drivers take arterials to reach I-25 closer to the DTC. Which route is best depends on your exact neighborhood and the time you leave, so test both a surface-street path and a freeway option.
Managed lanes and tolls
Sections of major corridors in the Denver area include express or toll lanes with variable pricing. Rules and availability can change, so review current guidance before you count on them. If you plan to use managed lanes, include toll costs in your monthly commute budget.
Neighborhood starting points
East Lakewood
If you live near the Denver border, you have a shorter path to Downtown by car, bike, or transit. Some blocks are close enough to reach stations or frequent bus routes without driving. Best options include light rail if you are near a station, express buses, or a bike plus rail trip.
Belmar and central Lakewood
Around Belmar and the 6th Avenue corridor, you are well-positioned for multiple route choices. Many commuters drive 6th Avenue or Wadsworth to Downtown. You can also use a feeder bus or park at a nearby station for a rail ride to the city center.
West Lakewood and Green Mountain
These areas trade a quieter suburban feel for a longer trip east. You will have quick access to C-470 and I-70 for regional connections. For Downtown, you may drive east or park at a station and ride; for the DTC, C-470 plus I-25 is a common pattern.
North Lakewood and Edgewater area
Bordering Denver near Sheridan and Edgewater puts you close to city streets and some frequent bus corridors. Downtown is a short drive or bike ride for many residents. Shorter rail or bus trips can also work well from here.
Peak-hour strategies
- Test both your morning and evening commute from any home you are considering. Do it at your real start and end times.
- If your employer offers flexible hours or remote days, shift your schedule to avoid the peak.
- Combine modes when it helps: drive to a Park-n-Ride, then take light rail or an express bus for the most congested segment.
- Build in extra time during winter storms, major events, and construction.
Costs and planning tools
- Transit fares: RTD offers local and regional fares, day passes, and monthly passes. Check current fare types and rules before you ride.
- Parking: Downtown parking is typically paid. Station lots may be free in some locations or require permits or time limits. Verify each lot’s policies.
- Tolls: If you plan to use managed lanes, factor in variable tolls based on time and corridor.
- Planning tools: Use the RTD trip planner and system map, CDOT real-time traffic pages, and apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Check routes during peak periods, not just at midday.
How I help you choose
Your commute should support your life, not control it. When we tour homes, I help you identify the right corridor for your destination, map Park-n-Ride access, and compare realistic route options. I also encourage clients to test-drive their top two routes at peak hours before writing an offer. The goal is simple: a home you love and a commute you can live with.
If you want a step-by-step plan tailored to your schedule and destination, let’s connect. I’ll align your home search with the commute patterns that fit your day.
Ready to find the right Lakewood home with the right commute? Reach out to Brandon Kass Real Estate powered by RE/MAX and let’s build your strategy.
FAQs
What is the most reliable way from Lakewood to Downtown Denver during rush hour?
- Light rail on the west corridor is typically more predictable than driving when highways are congested, especially during peak periods.
How should Lakewood commuters reach the DTC efficiently?
- Many drivers use C-470 to I-25, but the best route depends on your exact starting point and time of day, so test both freeway and surface-street options.
Does Lakewood offer Park-n-Ride options for transit riders?
- Yes, several stations and lots support drive-to-rail or express-bus trips, but always verify each location’s parking rules and availability.
Can I combine biking with transit for a Lakewood commute?
- Yes, bike-to-rail can work from some neighborhoods; check bike parking at stations and light rail bike policies for peak hours.
How do I estimate my monthly commute costs from Lakewood?
- Add up RTD fares or gas, parking, and any tolls for managed lanes, then compare across the options you plan to use most often.
