Hi Friends... I’m home, unpacked, and still a little amazed at how smoothly this all worked out. I have a few adventures I still need to write about, but I wanted this to be my next post within this series so I could share one of my new favorite ways to get to the airport.
Now that I have the Frontier Go Wild pass I’ve been experimenting with how to get to the airport from home that doesn’t involve long-term parking rates, expensive shuttles or asking someone to commit to a full airport run through traffic.
This trip confirmed that the Bustang North + A Line combo is not just possible, it’s practical, affordable, and surprisingly easy if you plan ahead. Here’s how it went.
Using Mobile Apps for Easy Transportation
For my own research trips and live travel days, I rely on mobile transportation apps to get around, they make navigating unfamiliar cities much easier.
At most bus stops, there are scannable QR codes that connect you directly to the appropriate transit app, showing routes, schedules, and real-time updates. If you prefer to be prepared, you can also download the app in advance before you travel.
Using apps removes the guesswork and makes public transportation feel far more approachable, especially if you don’t want to rent a car or rely on rideshares. It’s a simple, low-stress way to get from point A to point B.
I do depend on a ride to and from the bus stop, but there are backups. Uber or Lyft is always an option, and when I mapped it out, I also had the choice to take the bus to within a half mile of my house. That route involved a two-hour wait, so it wasn’t ideal but it existed.
Worst case, I could have drug my luggage down the block. Just the thought makes me laugh, I don’t need perfection, I need feasibility and a little bit of convenience.
The Bustang North Route runs on a limited schedule, so timing matters. From the Centerra hub which is closest to my house, it’s about a .2 – .3 mile walk to the bus stop. You're right next to I-25, it’s breezy and loud up there, but manageable and the bus was on time.
Once on the bus, it’s a completely different experience. Comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, charging at the seat, super easy.
Union Station to the Train
Bustang drops you at the lower level of Union Station. From there, it’s just an escalator up and a short walk outside to the train platform. The train arrived within minutes.
The A-train drops you off right at the south entrance of the Westin at Denver International Airport. Even though everything lined up well, I’d still plan extra time. Travel is unpredictable now, and this route gives you less flexibility than having your own vehicle.
The Plane Ticket That Changed the Plan
I bought my plane ticket a month in advance using my Discount Den membership with Frontier Airlines.
I paid with my Frontier credit card, which gave me:
A free checked bag
Seat selection
Upgrade seat options available within 4 hours of flight
When I was researching and planning this cruise, flights were consistently around $150. Then suddenly, a $53 round-trip fare popped up.
It included a 16-hour layover in Las Vegas.
View from my room at the Flamingo
The dates worked. The price was right. And I already knew how to handle Vegas. So I booked the flight, then I booked the cruise! It all alligned perfectly.
I get comped rooms at the Flamingo, and after an adventure in October with my daughter, I already knew how to take the bus from the airport to the hotel. That turned the layover into a non-issue, though in all of my flights, I don't think I've ever left the airport during a layover, it wasn't a problem at all with a well packed backpack. Next time I need to add more snacks.
Coming Home: Choosing the Easier Exit
On the way home, I chose the Harmony Transfer hub instead of Centerra. The fare was $1.50 more, but it was easier for my daughter to pick me up there. I like this stop better, the walking distance was minimal. If the weather is bad or you’re tired or carrying luggage, it’s worth it.
My daughter pulled in right in front of the bus as we arrived. If I’d had to wait, it’s a safe area with places to sit. Again, options.
Weather and Recovery
This was a December trip, and the weather heading out and coming home was mid-60s. That’s not typical for Denver, but it worked perfectly for me.
What was typical was the recovery. It took me about a day and a half to decompress. I had a headache my first full day home, didn’t eat much, and realized what I missed most from the cruise ship:
There was no one cooking for me, and then it was Christmas!
I'm now planning a birthday cruise in September!
Our cruise ship, the Carnival Panorama in Long Beach
Why This Route Matters
This trip worked because I:
Planned early
Used senior rates where available
Took advantage of airline discount fares
Knew my backup plans
Accepted that sometimes convenience costs a little more
I also knew I had options. Uber or Lyft is usually available, and I could have waited for the bus that comes closer to home, I would’ve been within about half a mile. That route came with a two-hour wait, so I didn’t use it, but it existed.
I knew I could get a ride if I needed one. As it turned out, my ride arrived with perfect timing anyway. I intend to keep using routes like this for as long as I can.
Next, I’ll write more about our cruise to Cabo and a yet to be tried, low-cost transportation way from LAX to the port, especially for people who are comfortable navigating public transit and able-bodied enough to manage their luggage.
Packing light helps more than people realize. This isn’t about pushing limits, it’s about knowing your options and choosing what works.
Go wild when the timings right - Vicki
Go Wild Locals
Want to connect with other adventurous travelers? Join my Go Wild Locals Facebook group where we share inspiration, quick tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.
✨ Bonus Tip: Always know your second-best transit option. Google Maps makes this easy, you may never need it, but the confidence in knowing your options is worth it.
