The long-awaited, 23-mile installment of the Regional Transportation District’s FasTracks program is officially up and running. The rail line, which runs from Denver’s Union Station to Denver International Airport in just 37 minutes (and, notably, with zero traffic), serves communities in both areas as well as those along I-70.

The route is named after the University of Colorado as part of a five-year, $5 million corporate sponsorship between the school and RTD. There are eight stations overall (six with parking), and trains are expected to run every 15 minutes. The train, which travels up to 79 mph and features overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks, can accommodate up to 170 people with two wheelchair spaces per car. University of Colorado spokesman Ken McConnellogue says that they anticipate nearly 10 million riders annually.

Ready to ride the new commuter rail? Here are a few more questions you’ll want answered before you go:

Where can I leave my car?

The six Park-n-Ride locations that offer parking provide 4,329 parking spaces total. It will be free to park for the first 90 days at all stops except Central Park and 40th Avenue & Airport Blvd/Gateway Park. Riders park free for the first 24-hour period, after which a $2 daily fee applies for vehicles registered within RTD boundaries.

Boarding at Union Station? You can park in Lot B, but it might be best to use a light rail route to connect to the A Line.

How much does it cost?

After Saturday, the fare is $9 one-way from any stop to the airport. A day pass is also $9. Regular tickets are valid for three hours, while round-trip and Day Passes are good for 12 hours. You cannot use other RTD passes to board the A Line.

Passengers can purchase their tickets through vending machines at each station. Pay with cash or card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted).

What’s the nearest stop to me?

The train stops at:

  • Platform 1 at Union Station (connects with E, C, and W light rails)
  • 38th and Blake St. | 3737 Blake St.
  • 40th and Colorado | 4220 Garfield St.
  • Central Park | 8175 E. Smith Rd.
  • Peoria | 11501 E. 33rd Ave., Aurora
  • 40th Ave & Airport Blvd – Gateway Park | 3900 North Salida St., Aurora
  • 61st & Peña | 6045 N. Richfield St.
  • Denver Airport Station

Bonus: Several stations will feature public art, thanks to RTD’s Art-n-Transit program.

I live too far west to use this train—will it ever expand?

The A Line stops at Denver, but commuters should look out for the B Line to Westminster, which set to open this summer. The G Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge and R Line from Peoria to Lincoln will begin service before year’s end. All three will connect riders from the western suburbs to the A Line.

Where exactly will the train drop me off at DIA?

Travelers get off the A Line train just an escalator ride away from the south entrance security lines at DIA. Another escalator will put you at check-in.

Bonus: Check out the city’s own map app—which helps you determine your greenest commute, among other perks—here.

(Learn more about riding the commuter rail system from RTD)

The new University of Colorado A Line train. —Photos by Jordyn Siemens
Denver officials, including Senator Michael Bennet (far left) and Mayor Michael B. Hancock (second from the left) cut the ribbon to officially open the new rail line
The A Line takes off from Union Station platform 1
The University of Colorado A line runs from Union Station to DIA in 37 minutes
Residents can ride the train for free on April 22 and 23