Lakewood, Colorado, sits immediately adjacent to the western boundary of Denver and is one of the metropolitan area’s largest suburbs. The two cities share constant commuter, commercial, and recreational movement across their borders. Understanding the distance and time required to traverse this stretch is important for residents, commuters, and visitors.
Measuring the Distance and Time
The distance between downtown Denver and eastern Lakewood measures around 7.5 to 8 miles by road. Under ideal conditions, the drive can be completed in approximately 10 to 12 minutes. This serves as the baseline for travel planning between the two centers.
The actual travel duration is subject to significant variability based on the specific origin and destination points within each city. The most substantial factor affecting travel time is the daily traffic congestion common to the metropolitan area.
During peak rush hour periods, the average travel time often extends to 25 or 30 minutes, or longer depending on accidents or heavy volume. A journey that takes 12 minutes during off-peak hours could demand three to four times that duration during the morning or afternoon commute. Consequently, the realistic expectation for the cross-city trip ranges from 10 minutes to over 45 minutes.
Driving Routes and Public Transit
Automobile travel between Denver and Lakewood primarily relies on a few major controlled-access routes. The US-6 (Sixth Avenue Freeway) acts as the most direct corridor, cutting across the center of Lakewood and providing a high-speed connection into western Denver.
Another option for drivers is Interstate 70, which runs north of Lakewood and provides access to the western suburbs. The choice between US-6 and I-70 depends heavily on the destination within Lakewood and the prevailing traffic conditions.
For public transportation, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers several options, most notably the W Line light rail. This line connects Denver’s Union Station to the Jefferson County Government Center, making multiple stops within Lakewood, including the Oak Station and Federal Center Station. A trip on the W Line from Union Station to a central Lakewood stop usually takes about 27 to 31 minutes, offering a predictable travel time independent of road traffic.
In addition to the light rail, various RTD bus routes also link the two cities, often offering more localized stops. A typical bus trip takes between 27 and 36 minutes, depending on the route’s path and the number of intermediate stops. These transit services provide alternatives to driving and help distribute the daily commuter load.