What's the best way to get around Fort Collins, CO?
Easy terrain, a trail system and dedicated lanes have made biking a popular mode of transportation within the city. A robust bike-share program has helped too, as has support from local businesses. For example, New Belgium Brewing gifts a custom bike to each employee after one year of service.
Parking and driving around the city is not hard, and the Transfort bus service is generally effective. The Old Town area features a large parking garage, and surrounding gathering spots have plenty of surface and lot space. One problem for residents during local commuting is the frequent crossing of trains through major junctions downtown. This can cause backups that usually last for 15 minutes but can stretch for hours if there are problems with the engines.
While many residents commute an hour each way to Denver, Boulder and other nearby communities for work, they increasingly find themselves trapped in gridlock – especially along the Interstate 25 corridor. Some mass transit options do exist, mostly in the form of ride-share and buses, but many are at capacity. The state and communities along the corridor, including Fort Collins, are working to address this issue through construction and planning.
Denver International Airport is just over an hour away, and much of the Front Range traffic to and around it can be bypassed by toll road.
Getting to and from Colorado’s famed ski resorts in the winter is a challenge, no matter where you live in the state. From Fort Collins, you should expect to spend at least three hours door to door with heavy traffic and shifting weather conditions. A train to the slopes leaves regularly from Denver but books up well in advance.