Denver International Airport sits about 23 miles from downtown, so how you choose to travel between the two can shape your first impression of the city. From the speedy A Line commuter train to flat rate taxis, Uber and Lyft, shared shuttles and private cars, each option has its own balance of cost, convenience and comfort. This guide breaks down the main ways to get from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver, with realistic prices, timing considerations and tips for different types of travelers.
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The Basics: Distance, Time and What to Expect
Denver International Airport (often called DIA or DEN) is around 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver. In light traffic, a car can cover the distance in roughly 30 to 35 minutes. In rush hour or during winter storms the same journey can easily stretch to 45 minutes or more, regardless of whether you travel by taxi, rideshare or private transfer.
The A Line commuter train, operated by Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), connects the airport to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes of scheduled travel time. Trains run on a dedicated rail corridor that is mostly unaffected by highway congestion, which makes the train one of the most predictable options, especially at busy times of day.
Costs vary widely depending on how quickly you want to arrive and how much door to door convenience you require. A one way train ticket is roughly the cost of an inexpensive lunch, while a flat rate taxi into downtown is closer to the price of a mid range restaurant meal for two. Rideshare and private transfers fall in between or above, depending on vehicle type and time of day.
Most visitors heading for downtown will end their trip around Union Station, LoDo, the Central Business District, the Convention Center area or the 16th Street Mall. Keep in mind that even once you reach Union Station you may still need a short walk, hotel shuttle, RTD light rail connection or a brief rideshare hop to your final address.
The A Line Train: Fast, Frequent and Budget Friendly
For many travelers, the A Line train is the easiest way to get from Denver International Airport to downtown. The train departs from the Transit Center on Level 1 of the main terminal, adjacent to the Westin Denver International Airport Hotel. The station is indoors and connected by clear signage, elevators and escalators, so you do not need to leave the terminal complex to board.
A one way airport fare on RTD from Denver International Airport to Union Station is typically around the low double digits per person and covers the full airport zone fare. You can buy tickets from machines on the platform using cards or cash, or via the RTD mobile app. The fare structure can change, but it is consistently positioned as a good value compared with road options.
Trains usually run every 15 minutes during much of the day and every 30 minutes in early mornings and late evenings. Travel time from the airport to Denver Union Station is about 37 minutes under normal conditions. Even allowing 10 to 15 minutes to walk from your gate, collect luggage and reach the platform, many travelers are downtown within an hour of stepping off the plane.
The A Line works especially well if you are staying near Union Station, LoDo or the 16th Street Mall. For example, guests at hotels like The Crawford Hotel at Union Station or large business hotels near the Convention Center often ride the train to Union Station and then either walk or take a short Uber or light rail connection. With light luggage, the walk from Union Station to hotels near 16th Street Mall typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes along well lit streets.
Taxi: Simple Flat Rates and Door to Door Ease
Denver International Airport offers a straightforward taxi system with marked taxi stands outside the terminal. Drivers queue in a controlled area, and airport staff typically organize passengers into cabs, which keeps the process smooth even at busy times. For downtown trips, taxis use a flat rate system that includes the airport access fee, so you know your approximate fare before you leave.
The published flat rate from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver is a bit over 70 dollars one way, including the airport access fee. This covers the broad downtown zone around central Denver. Tipping is customary in the United States, so many travelers round the total up to somewhere in the high 70s or low 80s depending on service and traffic conditions.
In light traffic, a taxi ride from the airport to downtown usually takes about 35 minutes. At peak rush hours along Interstate 70 and Peña Boulevard, it can take significantly longer, but your fare will not change because of the flat rate. This makes a taxi a good choice if you value predictability of cost and do not want to track a meter in heavy congestion.
Taxis are especially convenient if you have heavy luggage, children, mobility challenges or are arriving late at night and would prefer to be driven directly to your hotel entrance. For instance, a family staying at a downtown property like the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center might find the curb to curb taxi ride worth the extra cost after a long flight, especially if they are moving multiple large suitcases and strollers.
Uber and Lyft: Flexible but Variable in Price
Uber and Lyft both operate extensively at Denver International Airport. The airport has dedicated rideshare pickup areas that are clearly signed, but you do need to follow directions in the app carefully, as different services and vehicle types can use slightly different pickup zones around the terminal.
Pricing for rideshare from the airport to downtown Denver varies significantly by time of day, day of week and demand. In off peak periods you might see standard UberX or Lyft rides quoted somewhere in the 40 to 60 dollar range to central downtown, while in peak evening periods, during major conventions, concerts or snowstorms, surge pricing can push the cost closer to or even above the taxi flat rate. Larger vehicle types such as UberXL or Lyft XL for groups and extra luggage will cost more.
Travel time by rideshare is similar to a taxi, typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Unlike taxis, there is no fixed flat rate, so your fare is locked in at the time you confirm the booking in the app. Many travelers open both Uber and Lyft to compare live prices, then choose the cheaper or faster arriving car.
Rideshare is often a good option for couples or small groups who want door to door service but are comfortable with app based pickups and some price variability. For example, two friends arriving on a mid afternoon flight might choose an UberX into downtown that costs only slightly more than two train tickets, valuing the convenience of being dropped right at a boutique hotel in the RiNo district without changing from train to rideshare at Union Station.
Shared Shuttles and Hotel Shuttles: Best for Groups and Budget Travelers
Several companies run shared shuttle services between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver hotels. These services typically operate on fixed schedules or run shuttles that depart once a minimum number of passengers have boarded. You usually share the vehicle with other travelers heading to different hotels in the same general area.
Pricing for shared shuttles often falls between the A Line train and a private ride. A one way fare to a downtown hotel can be roughly on par with a couple of train tickets, sometimes a bit more, but you gain the advantage of door to door service without paying full taxi or rideshare rates. This can be particularly economical for solo travelers whose hotel is not within easy walking distance of Union Station.
Some airport area hotels near Tower Road, as well as a limited number of downtown conference hotels during major events, provide their own shuttle buses to and from the airport. For instance, airport corridor hotels like certain Embassy Suites or Marriott properties commonly run 24 hour shuttles between their lobbies and the airport terminals. These shuttles, however, generally serve the hotel cluster near the airport, not downtown, so they are more relevant if you have an overnight stopover before heading into the city the next day.
If you are booking a conference or package that mentions an airport shuttle, check carefully whether the shuttle goes directly between Denver International Airport and your downtown hotel, or whether it only connects the airport with a park and ride or nearby property. During large conventions some organizers arrange special shuttles from the airport to designated downtown hotels with fixed schedules, which can be a comfortable mid priced alternative.
Private Transfers and Car Services: Comfort and Certainty at a Price
Private transfer companies and black car services operate at Denver International Airport for travelers who prefer a prearranged ride with a professional driver. These services usually require advance booking and can range from sedans and SUVs to larger vans for groups. Drivers meet you at a designated pickup point or, in some premium services, inside the terminal.
Pricing for private transfers from the airport to downtown Denver varies by vehicle class and company but typically starts above standard rideshare and taxi rates. A basic private sedan might cost in the low hundreds of dollars one way, with SUVs and larger vehicles higher. In return, you get a fixed up front price, a named driver, and often extras such as real time flight tracking, meet and greet assistance and help with luggage.
Private transfers appeal to business travelers on tight schedules, families who want the reassurance of a confirmed car after a long international flight, and groups splitting the cost across several people. For example, a group of six colleagues attending a downtown conference might reserve a private SUV or van, accepting a higher total fare in exchange for having everyone travel together directly from the airport arrivals hall to their central hotel with no wait at the taxi stand or rideshare area.
One advantage of private services in Denver is predictability during bad weather. Winter storms can slow all road traffic, but having a reserved vehicle and driver can reduce stress compared with watching prices surge on rideshare apps or waiting in longer taxi queues. Many services monitor flight delays and adjust pickup times automatically, which helps if your arrival time shifts late at night.
Luggage, Accessibility and Safety Considerations
Your choice of transport from Denver International Airport to downtown should also reflect how much luggage you have and your mobility needs. The A Line train is designed to handle typical travel bags, with open spaces near doors where you can stand with a suitcase. However, in busy periods the train can fill up, and balancing multiple large bags in the aisle may feel cumbersome.
Travelers with heavy or numerous bags often find taxis, rideshares or private transfers more convenient, since drivers help load luggage into the trunk and you do not need to navigate escalators or elevators with suitcases. For example, a family returning from a ski trip with skis, boots and large duffels will usually be more comfortable in a minivan taxi or SUV rideshare than on a crowded train, especially in snowy conditions.
Accessibility is reasonably good across all main options, but details matter. The A Line has level boarding for wheelchairs and strollers at designated doors, and Union Station offers elevators between the platforms and the main hall. Taxis and rideshares can accommodate folding wheelchairs, and some operators provide wheelchair accessible vehicles if requested in advance. Private car services can be a good choice for travelers who need extra assistance getting from baggage claim to the vehicle and then to the hotel door.
In terms of safety, Denver’s official airport transport options are well regulated. The airport maintains clear signage to licensed taxis, the A Line station and authorized shuttle pickup points. It is wise to avoid unsolicited offers of rides from drivers approaching you inside the terminal or at the curb. Instead, follow signs to the official taxi queue, confirm your rideshare in the app and ensure the vehicle’s license plate matches the one displayed on your phone before getting in.
Which Option Is Best for You? Scenarios by Traveler Type
For budget conscious solo travelers and couples, the A Line train is usually the best value. A pair of travelers paying roughly the cost of two airport fares can reach Union Station quickly and then either walk or take a short in town rideshare to their hotel. This works especially well if they are staying at or near properties like The Oxford Hotel, The Maven at Dairy Block or other LoDo area hotels within a few blocks of the station.
Business travelers on tight schedules often balance time and convenience. If their hotel is close to Union Station, such as a business friendly property in the Central Business District, the train followed by a short walk may be just as quick door to door as a taxi in peak traffic. If they are arriving late at night, carrying presentation materials or simply want to maximize ease, a taxi or prebooked private car direct to the hotel lobby can feel worth the extra cost.
Families with young children, travelers with mobility limitations or those carrying bulky sports gear may be happiest in a taxi, Uber, Lyft or private SUV. For example, parents arriving with a toddler, a car seat, two checked bags and a stroller might prefer to step straight into a taxi at the curb. The flat rate into downtown simplifies budgeting, and there is no need to lift gear onto a train or manage transfers at Union Station.
Groups of three or more adults should compare the cost of multiple train tickets with a single rideshare or shared shuttle. A group of four friends heading downtown for a weekend, staying at a mid range hotel a mile from Union Station, may find that splitting an UberX or UberXL is close in price to four A Line tickets. In that case, paying slightly more for a direct drop off at their hotel could be a sensible trade off, especially if they arrive late in the evening.
The Takeaway
Getting from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver is relatively straightforward, but the best option depends on your budget, luggage, mobility needs and schedule. The A Line train stands out as the most predictable and budget friendly choice, delivering you from the airport terminal to Denver Union Station in around 37 minutes for a modest fare. It is an especially strong option for solo travelers, couples and anyone staying near downtown’s core.
Taxis offer an easy flat rate and reliable door to door convenience, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide flexibility and potentially lower prices in off peak times, and shared shuttles and private transfers fill the gap for travelers who want specific service levels or are traveling in groups. By considering when you arrive, where you are staying and how much you are carrying, you can choose the airport transfer that makes the first leg of your Denver visit smooth and stress free.
FAQ
Q1. What is the cheapest way to get from Denver International Airport to downtown?
The A Line commuter train is usually the cheapest option, with a single airport fare to Denver Union Station that is significantly lower than taxi or private car prices.
Q2. How long does the A Line train take from the airport to downtown Denver?
The A Line takes about 37 minutes from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station, not including time to walk from your gate and any onward connection.
Q3. Where do I catch the A Line train at Denver International Airport?
The A Line departs from the Transit Center on Level 1 of the main terminal, next to the Westin Denver International Airport Hotel, and is reachable by elevators and escalators.
Q4. How much is a taxi from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver?
Taxis operate on a published flat rate to downtown, generally a bit above 70 dollars one way including the airport access fee, with tipping extra at your discretion.
Q5. Is Uber or Lyft cheaper than a taxi from Denver airport to downtown?
Prices for Uber and Lyft vary by demand and time of day. In off peak times they can be cheaper than a taxi, but during busy periods they may cost the same or more.
Q6. Is it safe to take the train from Denver airport at night?
The A Line is a regular public transit service used by many airport passengers. Stations and trains are monitored, but as in any city, it is sensible to stay aware of your surroundings.
Q7. What if my hotel is not within walking distance of Union Station?
You can take the A Line to Union Station and then use a short Uber, Lyft, taxi or light rail ride to reach hotels farther away, which is still often cheaper than a direct car from the airport.
Q8. Do downtown Denver hotels offer free airport shuttles?
Most downtown hotels do not run their own free airport shuttles. Airport shuttles are more common at hotels near the airport along Tower Road and surrounding areas.
Q9. Which option is best if I have a lot of luggage or ski gear?
If you have several large bags or skis, a taxi, rideshare SUV or private transfer is usually more comfortable than the train, since you avoid moving heavy items on and off rail cars.
Q10. How far in advance should I book a private transfer from Denver airport?
It is wise to book at least a few days in advance, and earlier during peak ski season, major conventions or holidays, so you can secure your preferred pickup time and vehicle type.