The Front Range Passenger Rail District is constructing a passenger rail line to connect Denver and Fort Collins by 2029 [1].
The project aims to reduce highway congestion and support regional economic growth by providing a high-capacity commuter rail option along Colorado’s Front Range [2, 3].
Working in partnership with BNSF Railway and Colorado state officials, the district has secured a 25-year access agreement with BNSF [3]. The planned service will include three daily round trips between the two cities [3].
The route begins at Denver Union Station and travels northward through Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Thornton, and Loveland [2, 4]. The line terminates in Fort Collins, where a station is planned near the Drake MAX bus stop [1, 4].
While some reports indicate that specific site evaluations for the Fort Collins stop are ongoing, the project remains focused on integrating the rail line with existing transit hubs [1, 5]. The construction timeline is set to ensure service begins in 2029 [1, 6].
This rail corridor is designed to link several major municipalities in the region, creating a streamlined transit artery for commuters and travelers alike [2].
“Service is slated to begin in 2029.”
The establishment of this rail corridor represents a significant shift in Colorado's transportation infrastructure, moving away from highway reliance toward integrated regional transit. By linking the northern Front Range cities to Denver, the project could alter residential and commercial development patterns along the route.
