Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by Lija Scheiman, CEO, leading the TaxiBambino Content Audit Team
Denver International (DEN) is a long way out on the plains, about 23 miles from downtown by rail. For many visitors, the trip continues up I-70 into the mountains. That's where Colorado's child seat rules and its winter Traction Law both come into play. Here's what applies from the moment you land.
Colorado's child seat law
Under C.R.S. 42-4-236:
Child | Required |
Under 1 year and under 20 lb | Rear-facing seat, in a rear seat |
1 to under 4 years, 20 to 40 lb | Rear-facing or forward-facing restraint |
Under 8 | A child restraint used according to the manufacturer's instructions (booster seats included) |
8 to 15 | Seat belt or child restraint |
Who is exempt
The law exempts vehicles carrying passengers for hire by licensed common or contract carriers, and luxury limousines. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are not named in the exemption. Either way, no taxi or app ride at DEN is required to provide a seat for your child.
Fines
An improperly restrained child is a class B traffic infraction, with a minimum fine of $82 according to CDOT. The fine can be waived if you show proof of buying or renting a child seat.
Leaving DEN
Taxi flat rates
Denver Airport publishes flat taxi fares from the airport, including the airport access fee:
Zone | Flat rate |
Downtown Denver | $72.04 |
Denver Tech Center | $80.04 |
Boulder | $115.04 |
Taxis pick up at Level 5, Island 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal, outside Doors 505, 507 and 511 (east) and 506, 510 and 512 (west). Uber and Lyft use Island 5 on the same level.
A Line train
The RTD A Line reaches Union Station in about 37 minutes, every 15 minutes during the day. The adult fare is $10 each way, and RTD's Zero Fare for Youth programme lets everyone 19 and under ride free.
What Denver families booked with us
In the past 12 months, families completed 31 Denver transfers through TaxiBambino:
Our Denver bookings, last 12 months | |
Typical price (median) | €139 |
Middle half of bookings | €115 to €160 |
Groups of 4 or more | 26% |
Booked within 2 days of travel | 71% |
Busiest months | June, May, August |
Denver is a summer destination for our families: June, May and August were the busiest months, and seven in ten booked within two days of flying.
Heading to the mountains
The Traction Law
From 1 September to 31 May, Colorado's Traction Law can apply on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison. When it's in force, vehicles need tyres with at least 3/16-inch tread rated for winter, all-weather or mud and snow (M+S), or chains or an approved traction device. The fine is $50 plus a $17 surcharge. If you're driving a rental car into the mountains in winter, check its tyres before you leave the airport.
Altitude
Denver is the Mile High City, at 5,280 ft, and the ski resorts are far higher. Give small children plenty of water and an easy first day.
Denver with children
Denver Zoo: in City Park, with more than 4,300 animals.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science: next to the zoo, with a Discovery Zone for younger children, a planetarium and an IMAX theatre.
Children's Museum of Denver: free on the first Tuesday of each month from 4 to 8 pm, with a climbing "mountain" about three and a half storeys high.
Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge: dramatic rock formations west of the city, with dinosaur tracks nearby.
Rocky Mountain National Park: the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is about 76 miles from the airport.
Choosing a seat
Rear-facing seat: under 1 and under 20 lb, and longer if the seat allows.
Forward-facing harness seat: toddlers 20 to 40 lb.
Booster: older children under 8.
All seats we arrange meet US federal standard FMVSS 213. For bigger families, see our vehicle fleet.
Travelling on? See our guides for Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Chicago airports. Browse all our car seat options or every city on our destinations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Denver Airport to downtown?
The airport's flat rate to downtown Denver is $72.04, including the airport access fee.
Do kids ride free on the A Line from Denver Airport?
Yes. Under RTD's Zero Fare for Youth programme, everyone 19 and under rides free.
Are taxis exempt from Colorado's car seat law?
Colorado exempts vehicles carrying passengers for hire by licensed common or contract carriers. Rideshare isn't named, and no taxi or app ride is required to provide a seat.
What is the Colorado Traction Law?
From 1 September to 31 May, vehicles on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison may need adequate winter tyres, chains or a traction device when the law is in force.
Where do taxis pick up at Denver Airport?
At Level 5, Island 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal. Rideshare uses Island 5.
Travel Safely with TaxiBambino
Knowing the law is one thing; having the right seat ready when you land is another. TaxiBambino.com connects families with certified child-seat taxis and airport transfers in Denver and 150+ destinations worldwide. Infant seats, forward-facing seats and boosters for all ages, booked in advance so nothing is left to chance on arrival.
About this page
TaxiBambino, a service of Avaren Group AB (org. nr 559536-5247), Nacka, Sweden, arranges family airport transfers with child seats fitted in advance through vetted local partners. Contact: [email protected].
Sources: C.R.S. 42-4-236 · CDOT: Click It or Ticket enforcement · CDOT: Traction Law requirements · Denver Airport: taxis · Denver Airport: ride share · RTD: Zero Fare for Youth · NPS: Rocky Mountain distances
This page is reviewed and updated regularly. For the most current official rules, always check your destination country's government transport authority.