Can you visit Fort Collins without a car? Yes! The city is eminently walkable and bikeable—in fact, we’re one of just five towns in the nation to be designated as a Platinum Level Bike-Friendly Community! And if you want to travel a little farther, public transit and rideshares are readily available. So, leave the keys behind and get ready to explore with this car-free itinerary.
First things first: You need to get here. Denver International Airport is about 60 miles away; Groome Transportation and Landline offer regular shuttles between the airport and various locations across the city. Uber and Lyft are also available as transportation options.
If you’re hanging out in Denver, you can hop on the Bustang, which travels between Denver Union Station and the central Fort Collins Downtown Transit Center (and takes just over an hour).
Easy Ways to Get Around Town
You made it! Drop your bags at one of Fort Collins’ hotels and get ready to head out and explore. The city, particularly Downtown (known as Old Town), is easy to navigate on foot. Our relatively flat terrain, plentiful bike lanes and myriad trails also make it a welcoming place for even beginner bikers to get around on two wheels.
Local outfitters also offer bike rentals, and Spin’s e-bike and e-scooter share programs provide another convenient way to get around (just download the app to rent). Finally, the regional bus system—Max Bus Rapid Transit—traverses much of the city and its outskirts.
A Sample 2-Day Car-Free Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Walkable Old Town
Old Town is the heart of Fort Collins. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the district's historic streets, admiring the restored historical buildings that once inspired Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A., shopping at local and specialty boutiques, visiting cultural sites, and eating at one of the more than 100 restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.
Start the day with a coffee and pastry in hand from Bowerbird or Mugs Coffee Lounge and then amble down the alleyways to discover surprising art installations and explore the area’s murals. Then, enjoy a break from the sun or snow—depending on when you’re visiting—by popping into some of the dozen-plus art galleries, the contemporary-leaning Museum of Art, or only-in-FoCo Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture. The interactive Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a bit further, but still just a 10-or-so-minute walk from downtown.
Old Town Square is also a hub of activity, often hosting free concerts and some of Fort Collins’ signature events, including April’s FoCoMX and Taste of Fort Collins in September. In between, enjoy a beer at CooperSmith's Old Town Brewpub, all-day breakfast at Ginger and Baker, sandwiches at Choice City, artisan sweets from Nuance Chocolate and golden-hour views and cocktails at Sunset Lounge.
Day 2: Bike Trails & Outdoor Exploration
It’s time to explore the many outdoor pursuits that make people fall in love with Fort Collins. Local spots like Drake Cycles and Fort Collins Day Tours rent bikes, which you can take to explore the 285-plus miles of biking trails that pepper the city, whether you prefer road, mountain or gravel routes. The scenic Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are only five miles away, and the region is also home to more than 50 natural areas, which open up access to around 100 miles of foothills trails.
If you want a little guidance, join an e-bike tour with Ride Colorado or opt for mountain biking with Front Range Ride Guides. Themed, self-guided routes are also available and will take you to see some of the most popular local breweries or intriguing historic homes.
Horsetooth Reservoir is a favorite spot for warm-weather recreation in Fort Collins. You can pedal your way there or get a short lift from a rideshare service. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, biking and more are all available once you reach the reservoir. The site is open year-round, with rental options available through Inlet Bay Marina and Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
For more water-based fun, the Cache la Poudre River (Colorado’s only nationally designated “Wild & Scenic” River) flows right downtown and is a favorite for tubing, fishing and kayaking.
Need more inspiration for planning your own adventure? Watch how one Coloradan made the most of a car-free day in Fort Collins.
Where to Stay for a Car-Free Trip
For your home base, you’ll want to choose somewhere adjacent to Old Town or the Colorado State University (CSU) campus, so you’ll be centrally located and have quick access to transit and trails. There are a handful of boutique hotels downtown, including the longstanding Armstrong Hotel, which provides bikes for guests, and the music-inspired Elizabeth Hotel.
The Buxton (and its indoor pool) is a new addition between Old Town and CSU, and the Hilton Fort Collins is conveniently located adjacent to the campus.
Tips for Visiting Fort Collins Without a Car
If you’re kicking your wheels to the curb, follow these four tips for making the most of your time in Fort Collins:
- Be open to how you get around. By combining walking and public transit, you open up your options and make accessing anywhere in or near town a breeze.
- Bikes offer even more flexibility because safe bike lanes are prevalent and well-connected.
- Stay in a central location like Old Town or near campus so you can easily walk or bike to your destination(s) of choice.
- If you’re planning to attend an event or know there’s a site you have to visit, confirm the location beforehand so you can stay nearby and/or plan your route.
From historic streets to scenic trails and waterways, Fort Collins offers plenty to explore without a car. Now it's time to map out your own adventure and start planning your visit.
