Colorado Springs Travel Guide

Although Colorado Springs has public transportation, most visitors prefer to drive. Parking and roads are good, and some of the best attractions, such as the Garden of the Gods, are accessible only by car (or foot or bike for the truly ambitious).

By Car

The American Automobile Association (AAA) maintains an office in Colorado Springs at 3525 N. Carefree Circle (tel. 800/283-5222 or 719/591-2222; www.aaa.com), open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

Car Rentals -- Car-rental agencies in Colorado Springs, some of which have offices in or near downtown as well as at the airport, include Advantage (tel. 800/777-5500 or 719/574-1144), Alamo (tel. 800/462-5366 or 719/574-8579), Avis (tel. 800/831-2847 or 719/596-2751), Budget (tel. 800/527-7000 or 719/473-6535), Enterprise (tel. 800/736-8222 or 719/636-3900), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131 or 719/596-1863), National (tel. 800/227-7368 or 719/596-1519), and Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389 or 719/390-9800).

Parking -- Most downtown streets have parking meters; the rate is 25¢ for a half-hour. Look for city-run parking lots, which charge 25¢ per half-hour and also offer day rates. Outside of downtown, free parking is generally available on side streets.

By Bus

Mountain Metropolitan Transit (tel. 719/385-7433; www.springsgov.com) provides city bus service. Buses operate Monday through Friday from 5:10am to 10:40pm, Saturday from 5:30am to 10:45pm, and Sunday from 7:30am to 5:35pm, except major holidays. Fares on in-city routes are $1.25 for adults; 95¢ students; 60¢ for children 6 to 11, seniors, and passengers with disabilities; and free for children under 6. There is also a free downtown shuttle and free seasonal trolley service in Manitou Springs. Bus schedules can be obtained at terminals, city libraries, and the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.

By Taxi

Call Yellow Cab (tel. 719/634-5000) for taxi service.

On Foot

Each of the main sections of town can easily be explored without a vehicle. It's fun, for instance, to wander the winding streets of Manitou Springs or explore the Old Colorado City "strip." Between neighborhoods, however, distances are considerable. Unless you're particularly fit, it's wise to drive or take a bus or taxi.