How to use the light rail ticket vending machine
The ticket vending machine (TVM) display screen guides you through your ticket purchase. You can choose to view instructions in either English or Spanish by pressing the audio buttons. TVMs will give you the option to push the appropriate button below your selection or touch-screen your selection.

Step 1: Make a ticket selection.

Purchase tickets

Quick ticket: One regular fare to central and downtown Denver stations. You will be issued a one-way regular ticket.

skyRide, zone receipt and upgrade:

• skyRide - Select the station where you will board skyRide to DIA.
• Zone receipt - Select this when traveling to an adjacent light rail fare zone not indicated on your monthly pass. Zone receipt are valid only when accompanied by a monthly pass and are not valid on buses. A zone receipt is valid all day and must be retained for same-day return travel.
  Zone receipts must be obtained at stations in zone B on the C and D lines and at stations in zones B and C on the E, F and H lines.
• Upgrade - Choose this selection when you travel in more zones than indicated on your existing ticket or pass. This allows you to upgrade to a regular or discounted ticket or pass that you have already purchased and pay the difference in fare.

Discount pass users also use this button when upgrading a ticket.

All light rail tickets and bus transfers are pre-validated with that day's date and time. You cannot purchase tickets from a TVM for use on another day.

RTD passes and 10-Ride Ticketbooks are not available for purchase at TVMs.

10-Ride Ticketbook tickets must be validated at light rail stations before boarding. 10-Ride Ticketbooks apply to the following light rail fare zones- Local: 1-2 adjacent zones, Express: 3 adjacent zones, Regional: 4 zones.

Prior to boarding, locate the ticket validator. Ticket validator machines are thin, stainless steel machines. Insert your ticket into the machine. The actual date, time and station location will be printed on your ticket.

Step 2: Select your destination.

Step 3: Select ticket type.

You will have the option of choosing regular or discount and a one-way or round-trip ticket.

Round-trip tickets: If you're attending a special event using light rail, you may want to purchase a round-trip ticket at your initial boarding station so you don't have to purchase a return ticket after the event.

Special Event Services: During major special events and sporting events, RTD may offer increased service on select light rail lines, depending on anticipated attendance. Please be aware that the trains may be at capacity before and after these events. Special ticket windows may also be in service at select light rail stations for special events. In addition to increased light rail service, RTD offers BroncosRide (all games) and RockiesRide (select games) direct bus service from several metro area park-n-Rides.

Discount fares: Discount fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities. Medicare recipients and students in elementary, middle and high school, ages 6-19. Proof of eligibility is required when boarding. For seniors or individuals with disabilities a Special Discount Card may be obtained by calling 303.299.2667 Active duty members of the U.S. military currently ride for free on all RTD services.

Step 4: Select quantity of tickets.
The TVM automatically displays your purchase price on the screen. Children age 5 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult (limit three children per adult).

Step 5: Pay amount shown on screen.
The screen will show the type of ticket selected and the amount due. Insert bills, coins or RTD 25¢ tokens in the money slots. The TVM will not accept RTD $1.00 tokens, pennies or bills larger than $20.00.

Step 6: Take your ticket and change.
Your ticket and change are dispensed at the bottom of the TVM. Change will only be given in coins.