Sundance in Boulder Without a Car: Airport, Venues and Meals

Getting from Denver airport to Boulder

Take RTD route AB1. It runs from Denver International Airport to the Downtown Boulder Transit Station at 14th and Walnut, which puts you a short walk from Pearl Street and the Boulder Theater.

The adult Airport Day Pass costs $10 and covers the whole RTD system for the service day, airport included. The HOP circulator will run fare-free during the festival, so you shouldn't need anything else once you're in Boulder. Check the RTD app for the exact departure time before you head to the stop, and leave extra buffer on the way back for your flight.

Which venues you can walk between

The festival venues sit within about 2 miles of each other, and most of that footprint is walkable. Most venues have no parking of their own, so a car won't help you much anyway.

Cluster your screenings by area to keep walks short.

Using the HOP and the Chautauqua bus

Boulder's HOP circulator will run fare-free during the festival and reaches many venues.

A new RTD route is in development to carry people to Chautauqua Park and the newly winterized Chautauqua Auditorium. Check the City of Boulder's Sundance transportation page for its start date and stops before you book a Chautauqua screening.

Winter weather and what to wear

Plan on cold evenings.

Wear layers, a hat and gloves for the lines, and boots with real grip. The brick pavers on Pearl Street can hold black ice. Use the HOP for evening trips instead of walking in the cold.

Where to eat between screenings

Most of these spots are on or near Pearl Street, so you can eat and get back in line quickly. Single-film tickets go on sale January 8, so build your meals around the showtimes you land.

Counter-service places are the safest bet on a tight schedule.

• Avanti Food and Beverage BoulderMulti-vendor food hall right on Pearl; fast lunch with options for everyone.
• OZO Coffee RoastersQuick downtown espresso close to the mall and Boulder Theater.
• Boxcar Coffee | Pearl Cafe and BakeryCounter-service coffee and pastries; you can be back out in half an hour.
• Zoe Ma Ma BoulderHand-pulled noodles at the counter, steps from Pearl Street screening crowds.
• Illegal Pete's on The HillOpen-late burritos for after an evening film.
• Süti & Co.Calm bakery for an early cardamom bun before a morning screening.

One splurge and one outdoor break

If you want a single big dinner, Frasca is a Michelin-starred option in Boulder. Reservations open 30 days ahead, so set a reminder about a month before your dinner date.

For fresh air between films, For fresh air between films, a short Meadow Trail walk at Chautauqua under the Flatirons is a gentle option. Skip it if it's icy, and warm up afterward at the Chautauqua Dining Hall.

• Frasca | Food & WineMichelin-starred Friulian dinner for one memorable night out.
• Chautauqua ParkShort, gentle walk with Flatirons views near the Chautauqua venue.
• Chautauqua Dining HallHot chocolate on a porch with mountain views.

Putting it together

Passes and packages went on sale October 15, 2026, and single-film tickets open January 8, 2027. Base yourself near Pearl Street, and group each day's screenings by area. Our day-by-day plan keeps each day to one neighborhood. For more to do nearby, see the Pearl Street Mall page or our Boulder guide.