Your guide to using the bus

The CSU bus station

If you own a vehicle, you’ve likely weighed the pros and cons of bringing it to college. At Colorado State, we work hard to make alternative transportation options convenient and low-cost. The bus system is one that many students prefer — in fact, 1 out of 3 Rams use it as their primary mode of transportation.

Here are the major factors to understand as you consider this transportation option.

Access

The CSU bus station is located inside the Lory Student Center.

It’s easy to catch a bus from campus, thanks to our Campus Transit Center. Located outside of the Lory Student Center, you can catch buses that will take you all over town.

The MAX — a popular route that runs north and south a block from College Avenue, the city’s main street — offers multiple pickup sites on the east side of campus. And if you’re heading to Denver, the Bustang will pick you up across from Parmelee Hall.

Bringing your bike along isn’t a hassle, either. All Fort Collins buses come equipped with bike racks on the front. The MAX also allows up to four bikes onboard.

Cost

CSU students ride for free with their student ID

The bus is one of the most cost-effective transportation options at CSU. As a student, you can ride all Fort Collins buses for free, and there is no limit on the number of rides. Just present your student ID to get the free fare.

If you’re looking to get to the airport or head south to Denver, regular fees will apply.

Availability

Brochures of popular student-utilized routes.

It’s important to check bus route schedules and decide if they fit your needs. If you’re planning to ride in the evening and/or weekends, reviewing times is especially important.

Most Fort Collins routes run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Popular student routes like the MAX, Route 2, and Route 3 also run evenings and weekends.

The Gold Route is specifically designed for late-night weekends. If you live near campus and you’re planning to spend a night in Old Town, it’s a great transportation option.

Routes

Getting around campus: Around the Horn

Around the Horn on the Oval.

Around the Horn is a convenient way to get to class. It runs from Moby Arena to the Vet Teaching Hospital six days a week, with stops throughout campus.

North and south Fort Collins: The MAX

A MAX bus stop on the east side of campus.

The MAX is a popular bus route among students and faculty/staff. It runs six days a week north to south along Mason Street throughout Fort Collins. With stops in Old Town, near grocery stores, restaurants, and the mall, it’s a great option for errands and weekend fun.

There are park-and ride-locations along the route, making it a convenient option for students living off-campus.

Foothills campus: Route 33

Route 33 at the Campus Transit Center.

The Equine Center, Atmospheric Science Center, and Engineering Research Center are just a few of the many facilities located at our Foothills Campus. Route 33 will get you there.

It picks up several times an hour from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year.

West of campus: Routes 2 and 3

A route 3 bus arrives at the CSU campus station.

Routes 2 and 3 will take you west of campus. Catch Route 3 to head to King Soopers and grab groceries. Catch Route 2 to get to City Park and the Elizabeth Street Business District.

If you’re planning to be out late, the Gold Route runs through some of these areas until almost 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Denver: The Bustang

The Bustang spot near the CSU Rec Center.

Getting to Denver is no problem thanks to the Bustang. The pickup spot is the Fort Collins Downtown Transit Center and drop-off is in downtown Denver’s Central Station, with a stop in Loveland along the I-25 corridor. Fares run about $10 per way.

Airport: Groome Transportation

A private shuttle stop near Allison Hall on campus.

Groome Transportation is a DIA (Denver International Airport) shuttle with a pickup location at the CSU Transit Center. It runs early morning to late night seven days a week.

Standard fare is around $40 one way. A home address pickup and drop-off may be available at an increased rate.

Windsor and Greeley: Poudre Express

Bus with Windsor-Greeley destination

This commuter bus line connects Fort Collins, Windsor, and Greeley. The Poudre Express offers free Wi-Fi so you can relax, read, watch, and study while you ride.

The route operates multiple morning, afternoon, and evening runs on weekdays, making seven stops in Windsor, Greeley, and Fort Collins. The route is free for CSU students with a Ram Card.

More ways to get around (minus a car).

Take a look at all of your options.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

Jill Baylis

Jill was a staff member in the Office of Admissions until 2019 when she moved to Denver. As a first-generation college student, she focused on simplifying the college admissions process and helping future Rams find community on campus.