Most folks think of Durango, Colorado, and picture winding mountain roads, historic downtown streets, and maybe a steam train puffing along the Animas River. What doesn’t always come to mind is just how easy it is to get around town and beyond without a car. Whether you’re here for a few days or a week, Durango’s public transit system makes it simple to explore, save a little money, and take life at a slower pace.
Durango Transit
Durango Transit operates a fleet of 18 vehicles covering up to 175 miles each day, including fixed-route trolleys, minibuses, microtransit, and paratransit service. Their mission is simple: provide a safe, convenient, affordable, and accessible way for people to move around town. Public transit here isn’t just practical; it keeps the community running. It supports local business, social equity, environmental sustainability, and quality of life for everyone in the region.
For those wanting to get out and enjoy Durango’s outdoors, DuranGO! is a new microtransit service that takes riders straight to trailheads, river put-ins, Lake Nighthorse, and city parks for just $2 a ride. Running daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, it’s also a safe way to get home after a night out. You request your ride on the DuranGO! app, first-come, first-served, and if you bring a bike, tube, paddleboard, or a well-behaved leashed dog, they’ll do their best to accommodate. The service was funded through a CDOT grant to ease parking congestion at popular spots and expand access to areas not served by fixed-route buses. One side of your trip must start or end at a recreational resource, while the other can be anywhere in the service zone.
Bus Fare Information
Riding the bus is easy on the wallet. Adult fares are just $1 per trip, seniors and people with disabilities pay 50 cents, and kids five and under ride free. Passes are available daily, weekly, or monthly, with discounted options for veterans. Durango Transit accepts exact change onboard, and passes can be purchased at the Transit Center at 250 West Eighth Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Road Runner Transit
Outside the city limits, Road Runner Transit connects Ignacio, Bayfield, and Durango with routes that help folks get to work, school, medical appointments, and shopping. The buses are funded by state and local grants, with support from municipal and county governments. Routes operate Monday through Friday, and passengers are advised to be at stops five minutes early. There’s also a shuttle service to the Durango-La Plata County Airport by reservation, and door-to-door rides and on-demand dial-a-ride service are available for towns like Ignacio and Bayfield. Fares vary from $1 for a single stop within town to $8 for door-to-door rides or connections to Bustang Outrider, with punch passes and monthly unlimited options available.
Getting to the Mountains
It’s worth noting that Purgatory Resort does not yet have a public transit connection from Durango. They do, however, offer on-demand private shuttles to safely get skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers up the mountain.
Why Ride Transit in Durango
Using public transit in Durango isn’t just practical—it’s responsible. Fewer cars on the road mean cleaner air, safer streets, and less congestion downtown. It’s a way to see the city like a local, take in the sights, and maybe stumble across a corner of town you’d have missed behind the wheel.
Whether you’re in Durango for a weekend, a week, or longer, the transit system makes exploring the city and surrounding areas simple, affordable, and safe. Between the fixed-route buses, DuranGO! Bustang Outrider, and Road Runner Transit, you can leave the car parked and let the wheels do the work for you.
