Denver International Airport (DIA), with its iconic peaked roof, might feel a bit removed from the city center upon arrival. While it’s true that DIA sits roughly 25 miles from downtown Denver, reaching your final destination is straightforward with a variety of transportation options available. Whether you prioritize speed, budget, or convenience, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best Transportation From Denver Airport To Downtown Denver.
Public Transportation: The A Line and Buses
For an efficient and cost-effective journey, Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers excellent public transportation options. The A Line commuter train is arguably the most popular and practical method to travel between Denver Airport and downtown.
The A Line Train: This dedicated train line provides a direct 37-minute ride from Denver Airport to Denver Union Station, located in the heart of downtown. Trains run frequently, departing every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. A one-way ticket costs $10.50, and tickets can be easily purchased at vending machines located at each station or through the convenient RTD Mobile Tickets app.
To access the A Line, simply follow signs within the airport to the Transit Center, situated on the ground level, just outside the Westin hotel and accessible from the south end of the terminal.
The A Line serves eight stations in total, connecting the airport with various points in Denver:
- Denver International Airport
- 61st and Peña Boulevard
- 40th Avenue and Airport Boulevard
- Peoria
- Central Park
- 40th and Colorado Boulevard
- 38th and Blake Street
- Denver Union Station
For travelers considering driving to the airport in the future, several A Line stations outside of the airport, such as 61st and Peña, Central Park, and 38th and Blake, offer overnight parking at more economical rates than airport parking facilities. These “park and ride” options are ideal for saving on parking fees.
RTD Buses: In addition to the A Line, several RTD bus routes also serve Denver Airport’s Transit Center. Routes AB, AT, 104L, 145X, and 169L provide connections to various parts of the Denver metro area. Furthermore, the Bustang bus service, also accessible at the Transit Center, offers transportation to destinations across the state of Colorado, making DIA a central hub for regional travel. For detailed schedules and route information, consult the RTD website or app.
Driving: Navigate to Downtown Denver by Car
Driving from Denver Airport to downtown is a straightforward option, especially if you prefer having your own vehicle or are renting a car. The most direct route involves utilizing a few key roadways.
Upon exiting the airport, follow signs for Peña Boulevard. Merge onto Interstate 70 (I-70) West and continue until you reach the interchange with Interstate 25 (I-25) South. Take I-25 South, which will lead you directly towards the downtown Denver area.
If you are being picked up by someone, passenger pick-up is located on Level 4 of both the East and West Terminals. Ensure your driver follows the “Arrivals” signage to reach the designated pick-up zones.
For those driving and parking at DIA, the airport provides numerous parking options. Some parking facilities are within walking distance of the terminal, while others require a short shuttle ride. These shuttle services operate from the DEN Transit Center. Real-time parking availability updates, crucial for navigating potentially full lots, can be found on the Denver Airport’s official website.
Car rental services are conveniently located at DIA. Shuttle services to all ten major car rental companies operate from Level 5, Island 4, on both the east and west sides of the terminal.
Passengers await their rideshare at Denver International Airport on Island 5. Rideshares offer a convenient and direct transportation option from Denver Airport to downtown.
Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft to Downtown
Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber offer a readily available and often convenient option for transportation from Denver Airport to downtown Denver. Pickup for rideshare services is located on Level 5, Island 5 of the terminal.
To utilize rideshare, follow signs for “Ground Transportation” upon arrival and exit the terminal through doors 506-510 (West Terminal) or 507-511 (East Terminal), both located on Level 5 near baggage claim. Proceed to Island 5 to meet your driver.
It is advisable to request your ride only after you have collected your luggage and are ready to proceed to the pick-up area on Level 5. This ensures a smoother pickup process and avoids potential wait times.
Taxi Services: Flat Rates to Downtown and Beyond
Taxis provide another direct transportation option from Denver Airport to downtown and other areas within the Denver metro region. Denver Airport utilizes a zone system for taxi fares, offering flat rates for travel to key areas, including downtown. These flat rates are all-inclusive, covering any applicable fees.
- Downtown (Zone A): $56.03
- Denver Tech Center (Zone B): $62.03
- Boulder (Zone C): $89.03
- Tower Road (Zone D): $29.03
- Broomfield and Louisville Area: $71.03 (Yellow Cab only)
For destinations outside these zones, taxi fares are calculated based on a meter.
Taxi pickup and drop-off at Jeppesen Terminal is situated on Level 5, Island 1, accessible via doors 505, 507, and 511 (East side) and doors 506, 510, and 512 (West side).
Cycling: An Adventurous Option (For Some)
While perhaps less conventional for most travelers arriving at DIA, cycling is technically an option. Bike racks are available on both the east and west sides of the Transit Center and at the north end of the arrivals road.
It’s more common for cyclists to utilize public transit and bring their bikes along, rather than cycling the entire distance to or from the airport.
Peña Boulevard, the main road to DIA, is designated as a bike route. However, due to its highway-like conditions, it presents a significant challenge for cyclists and is generally considered more of a novelty ride than a practical commuting route.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Transportation
Reaching downtown Denver from Denver International Airport offers several viable options. Public transportation, particularly the A Line train, stands out for its speed and cost-effectiveness. Driving provides flexibility, while rideshares and taxis offer door-to-door convenience. Consider your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences when selecting the best transportation method for your journey from Denver Airport to downtown.
