Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the most distinctive airports in the world, recognizable by its tent-like peaked roof visible from miles away on the eastern plains. Located 23 miles east of downtown Denver along I-70, it is the largest airport in the United States by land area and the fifth-busiest by passenger traffic. Fortunately, the University of Colorado A Line commuter rail gives DEN one of the most direct public transit connections of any major US airport.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
The airport has three concourses (A, B, and C) connected to the main terminal via an underground automated train (the Automated Guideway Transit system). All baggage claim and Ground Transportation is in the main terminal building. International arrivals clear US Customs in the main terminal before proceeding to baggage claim.
RTD University of Colorado A Line (Commuter Rail)
The most convenient transit option by far is the RTD A Line, which runs directly from the airport station (located in the main terminal, east end) to Denver Union Station in Lower Downtown (LoDo).
Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $10.50 per trip. Purchase tickets at machines in the terminal station or use the RTD mobile app.
Journey time: Approximately 37 minutes non-stop to Denver Union Station.
From Union Station, you can connect to the RTD light rail network, the free 16th Street Mall Shuttle, Amtrak, and numerous bus routes to reach virtually any Denver neighborhood.
Service runs approximately every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak. First trains run around 4:30am; last trains around midnight. Check the RTD schedule for Sunday departures, which have reduced frequency.
Taxi
Licensed taxis depart from the Ground Transportation level of the main terminal. The taxi pickup area is clearly signed and managed by airport staff who direct passengers to available cabs.
Typical fares (as of 2026):
- Downtown Denver / LoDo: approximately $55–$75
- Cherry Creek: approximately $60–$80
- Denver Tech Center (DTC): approximately $55–$75
- Boulder: approximately $90–$120
Fares are metered. Budget for tip (15–20%) and occasional highway surcharges. I-70 eastbound toward the airport can be congested on Friday evenings; the return journey on Sunday afternoon is typically the worst for traffic.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Rideshare pickup at DEN is from the East Transportation Center (ETC), located outside the main terminal on the east side. Follow signs for rideshare - it is approximately a 3-5 minute walk from the baggage claim level through the terminal.
Typical fares to downtown Denver (as of 2026):
- UberX / Lyft: approximately $35–$60 off-peak
- Surge pricing during ski season weekends (December through March, particularly Friday evenings) and after Broncos, Nuggets, or Rockies games can push fares to $80–$120
Pre-booking with an estimate before your flight lands helps avoid surge.
Private Transfer
For guaranteed fixed-price transfers with flight monitoring, private cars from DEN to downtown Denver typically run approximately $70–$100 for a standard sedan as of 2026. For groups or SUV requests, budget approximately $90–$130. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] (Kiwitaxi), [/go/transfers-usa-gettransfer] (GetTransfer), or [/go/welcome-pickups-usa] (Welcome Pickups).
Private transfers are especially popular during ski season when DEN is extremely busy and taxi queue times can extend to 30–45 minutes after peak afternoon arrivals.
Shared Shuttle
Shared van shuttles operate between DEN and hotels across the Denver metro area. Companies like GO Airport Shuttle offer door-to-door service for approximately $25–$40 per person. Journey times vary as shuttles make multiple stops - allow 60–90 minutes for a shared shuttle to downtown.
Comparing Your Options
| Method | Cost (approx.) | Journey time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTD A Line | $10.50 | 37 min | Most reliable; runs ~4:30am–midnight |
| Taxi | $55–$75 + tip | 40–60 min | Traffic on I-70 is the variable |
| Rideshare | $35–$60 | 40–60 min | Surge pricing in ski season |
| Private transfer | $70–$100 | 40–60 min | Fixed rate, no queue |
| Shared shuttle | $25–$40/person | 60–90 min | Multiple stops; slower |
Costs and times as of 2026. I-70 congestion particularly affects Friday and Sunday transfers during ski season.
Tips for Smooth Denver Airport Transfers
The A Line is the default choice for most visitors. At $10.50 and 37 minutes, it beats any road option in both price and reliability. The only exception is if you are carrying very heavy luggage, arriving very late (after midnight), or heading to a location not easily served by transit from Union Station.
Ski season demand is extreme. If you arrive at DEN on a Saturday in January or February, expect 30–45 minute taxi queues and significant rideshare surge pricing. Pre-booking a private transfer or taking the A Line are your best bets.
The terminal is large - allow time. DEN’s main terminal is enormous. From Concourse C (the furthest), the underground train to the terminal adds approximately 10 minutes before you even reach baggage claim.
International arrivals need extra time. US Customs at DEN can take 30–60 minutes on busy international arrival banks (midday and early evening). Factor this in before booking a connecting domestic flight at DEN.
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