If you're flying out of Denver International Airport, the "park and fly" method is the most practical option for the majority of travelers. Here's everything you need to know for 2026.
What Is Park and Fly?
Park and fly simply means driving your own vehicle to the airport area, parking at a designated lot (either on-airport or at an off-airport facility), and taking a shuttle or walking to the terminal. When you return, you take the shuttle back to your car and drive home.
In Denver, "park and fly" most commonly refers to using one of the off-airport lots that ring DIA — facilities like Canopy Airport Parking, ParkDIA, WallyPark, Park2Jet, and Fine Airport Parking. These lots provide free 24-hour shuttle service to DEN's main terminal and charge $9–$15/day, well below on-airport rates.
Why Park and Fly Beats the Alternatives
Denver travelers have several ways to get to the airport:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): A round trip from central Denver to DIA costs $50–$80+ depending on surge pricing and tip. For a week-long trip, park-and-fly at $9–$11/day ($63–$77) is comparable — and you don't have to wait for a driver upon return.
- A-Line Train (RTD): $10.50 each way ($21 round trip) from Union Station. The A-Line is the most economical option for travelers coming from downtown. However, it doesn't work well for travelers coming from suburbs, those with heavy bags, or anyone arriving outside service hours.
- Being Dropped Off: Free if someone is available, but relies on another person's schedule and adds a burden on others.
- Park and Fly: Your car is waiting when you return (no driver needed, no train schedule), costs $9–$11/day at off-airport lots, and runs 24/7 including overnight arrivals.
For most travelers — especially those in the suburbs, those with families, or anyone returning from a late-night flight — park and fly is the most practical and often the most cost-effective option.
How to Park and Fly at DIA: Step by Step
- Book your space in advance. Choose a lot and reserve online for the lowest rate. Most off-airport lots offer a confirmation email with your reservation details.
- Drive to the lot. Most off-airport lots are located within 1–3 miles of DEN along Peña Boulevard and nearby access roads. GPS navigation to the lot address is reliable.
- Check in. Show your reservation confirmation at the lot entrance. This typically takes 5 minutes or less.
- Park your car. Staff may assist with covered or valet options; for open-air, you self-park in an assigned row.
- Take the shuttle. Shuttles depart regularly (every 10–20 minutes at most lots). The ride to DEN's terminal takes 8–15 minutes.
- Catch your flight. The shuttle drops you at the terminal departure level.
- Return: When you land, call the lot or follow their pickup instructions. Most have a designated pickup zone at baggage claim or ground transportation. The shuttle returns you to the lot, you collect your car and drive home.
Best Park-and-Fly Lots Near DEN (2026)
- Canopy Airport Parking — Best value: from $9/day open-air, EV charging available
- ParkDIA — Best reliability: 7,500 spaces, never sells out, from $11/day
- Park2Jet Denver — Competitive rates from $9.99/day with covered options
- WallyPark DEN — Premium covered option from $15/day
- Fine Airport Parking — Budget-friendly from ~$10/day
Park and Fly Cost Summary
For a 7-day trip using an off-airport open-air lot at $10/day average, total parking cost is $70. For a 14-day trip: $140. Compare that to a round-trip Uber at $60–$80 (which you'd take regardless of trip length) or the A-Line train at $21 round trip (but inconvenient from most Denver suburbs).
Join the Windy Parking waitlist to compare every park-and-fly lot near DEN for your exact travel dates — and get 25% off your first booking.