Denver Airport Transportation Guide
Everything you need to know about getting from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver and beyond. Compare prices, travel times, and options.
25 mi
DEN to Downtown
$10.50
A-Line Train
37 min
Train Time
6 Options
Transport Modes
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the fifth-busiest airport in the United States and the gateway to Colorado for millions of visitors each year. Located 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver, getting from DEN to your hotel, event, or destination requires a bit of planning.
The good news: Denver has more transportation options from the airport than most US cities. From a direct train line to rideshare pickup zones to car rental centers, here's every way to get from DEN to Denver.
RTD A-Line Train (Best Value)
$10.50
One-way fare
37 minutes
To Union Station
8 stops
DEN to Union Station
The RTD University of Colorado A-Line is Denver's direct airport-to-downtown rail connection. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak. The station is located on Level 1 of the Westin Hotel connected to the Jeppesen Terminal. Follow signs for "Train to the City" after exiting baggage claim.
The A-Line terminates at Denver Union Station in LoDo, where you can connect to light rail, bus routes, free MetroRide shuttles, and rideshare services to reach your final destination.
View RTD Light Rail MapRideshare (Uber & Lyft)
$35-55
Standard fare
30-45 min
To downtown
Level 5
Pickup location
Uber and Lyft pick up passengers on Level 5 (the open-air rooftop) of the Jeppesen Terminal parking garage at DEN. Follow signs for "Rideshare" after baggage claim. During peak times there can be a 10-15 minute wait for a driver.
Pro tip: Request your ride before heading to Level 5. Surge pricing is common during Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons, holidays, and late-night arrivals. Compare both Uber and Lyft before booking — prices can differ by $10-20 during surges.
Car Rental
DEN has a massive rental car facility connected to the terminal via a free train (separate from the A-Line). All major rental companies operate here: Hertz, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Dollar, and Alamo. The facility is open 24/7.
For a more flexible and often cheaper option, consider Turo — a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace where you can rent directly from local Denver hosts. Many Turo hosts offer airport delivery at DEN.
FlixBus (Regional Connections)
If you're heading beyond Denver — to Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, or the ski resorts — FlixBus offers affordable intercity bus service from Denver Union Station. Take the A-Line from DEN to Union Station, then connect to FlixBus.
Fares start as low as $5-15 for nearby cities. Book in advance online for the best prices. FlixBus also runs direct service to Vail, Breckenridge, and other mountain towns during ski season.
Shuttle Services
Airport shuttles operate from the Ground Transportation level of DEN. Shared-ride shuttles like Green Ride and SuperShuttle cost $20-35 per person to downtown Denver, while private shuttles run $50-80 for the vehicle.
Many downtown hotels offer complimentary shuttle service. Check with your hotel before your trip — you may have a free ride waiting. Shuttle pickups are at Island 5 on Level 5 of the terminal.
Drive Yourself & Parking
If you're driving to DEN, there are multiple parking options ranging from $8-25/day. The Pikes Peak shuttle lot is the cheapest at $8/day with a free shuttle to the terminal. The Jeppesen Terminal garage is the most convenient at $25/day, with a covered walkway to the terminal.
From DEN to downtown: Take Peña Boulevard south to I-70 West. Follow I-70 to I-25 South, then exit at 20th Street for LoDo/Union Station or Colfax Avenue for Capitol Hill. The drive is 25 miles and takes 30-45 minutes without traffic.
Parking downtown: Use SpotHero to reserve discounted parking in advance. Downtown Denver parking garages typically cost $15-30/day, but SpotHero often has spots for $10-15/day.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTD A-Line | $10.50 | 37 min | Budget travelers, downtown hotels |
| Uber/Lyft | $35-55 | 30-45 min | Door-to-door convenience |
| Rental Car | $40-80/day | 30-45 min | Mountain trips, flexibility |
| Shared Shuttle | $20-35 | 45-75 min | Groups, hotel drop-off |
| FlixBus | $5-15 | Varies | Boulder, CO Springs, ski towns |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Denver Airport to downtown?
The RTD A-Line commuter train is the cheapest option at $10.50 one-way. It runs from DEN to Union Station in downtown Denver in about 37 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes during peak hours. You can purchase tickets at the station kiosks or through the RTD mobile app.
How much does an Uber or Lyft cost from DEN to downtown Denver?
A standard Uber or Lyft ride from Denver International Airport to downtown typically costs $35-55, depending on demand and time of day. During surge pricing (Friday evenings, holidays, after midnight), fares can reach $60-80. The ride takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Is there a shuttle from Denver Airport to downtown hotels?
Yes. Several shuttle services operate between DEN and downtown Denver hotels, including SuperShuttle and Green Ride. Shared shuttles cost $20-35 per person, while private shuttles run $50-80. Many downtown hotels also offer complimentary airport shuttles — check with your hotel before booking.
How far is Denver International Airport from downtown Denver?
Denver International Airport is approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown Denver. The drive takes 30-45 minutes via I-70 or Peña Boulevard, depending on traffic. Rush hour traffic (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) can add 15-30 minutes to the trip.
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