Denver Airport Short-Term Parking Rate Table
The DIA Covered Garage is the primary short-term parking option at Denver Airport. It sits adjacent to the terminal — walk directly to check-in without a shuttle. Here's exactly what you'll pay at each stay duration:
| Stay Duration | DIA Covered Garage | Off-Airport Lot (daily) | Better Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | Free | N/A ($9+ daily min) | DIA Covered Garage |
| 1 hour | $6 | $9-$15 min | DIA Covered Garage |
| 2 hours | $12 | $9-$15 min | DIA Covered Garage |
| 3 hours | $18 | $9-$15 min | DIA Covered Garage |
| 4 hours | $24 | $9-$15/day | Tie (close call) |
| 5 hours | $28 (capped) | $9-$15/day | Off-airport lot |
| 6 hours | $28 (capped) | $9-$15/day | Off-airport lot |
| 12 hours | $28 (capped) | $9-$15/day | Off-airport lot |
| 24 hours (1 day) | $28 | $9-$15 | Off-airport lot |
| 2 days | $56 | $18-$30 | Off-airport lot |
| 7 days | $196 | $63-$105 | Off-airport lot (saves $91-$133) |
Short-Term vs Long-Term Parking at Denver Airport
The key decision point is around 4–5 hours. For visits under 4 hours, the DIA Covered Garage at $6/hr is almost always the best option — no shuttle wait, direct terminal access, first 30 minutes free. For visits beyond 5 hours (where the $28/day cap kicks in), off-airport lots are cheaper.
- Under 30 minutes: Use the DIA Covered Garage — it's free and you can walk to the terminal.
- 30 minutes to 4 hours: DIA Covered Garage at $6/hr is most convenient for short stays with direct terminal access.
- 4 to 24 hours: DIA Covered Garage caps at $28/day. Off-airport lots at $9–$15/day are cheaper but require a 10–20 minute shuttle.
- 2+ days: Off-airport lots are significantly cheaper. A 7-day trip saves $91–$133 over the DIA Covered Garage.
Denver Airport Cell Phone Lot — Free Waiting Area
DIA has a designated cell phone lot where pickup drivers can wait for free while their passenger's flight lands. The cell phone lot is located near the terminal and is clearly signed on the approach road. Here's how to use it:
- Pull into the cell phone lot (free, no time limit for reasonable waits).
- Wait in your car until your passenger texts or calls to say they've collected their bags.
- Drive to the arrivals pick-up lane outside baggage claim.
- Pick up your passenger within the time allowed in the pick-up zone (typically 5–10 minutes).
The cell phone lot is significantly better than circling the airport or paying for short-term parking while you wait.
DIA Short-Term Parking: All Options Compared
| Option | Rate | Terminal Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIA Covered Garage | $6/hr (first 30 min free, $28 cap) | Walk to terminal | Short stays under 4 hrs |
| DIA Cell Phone Lot | Free (waiting only) | Drive to arrivals when ready | Waiting for pickup |
| DIA Valet | $40+/day | Terminal curbside | Premium convenience |
| Off-airport lots | $9-$15/day | Shuttle 10-20 min | Stays 5+ hours or multi-day |
| DIA Economy Lot | $13/day | A Line rail (10 min) | Full-day stays, walk-in |
Tips for Denver Airport Short-Term Parking
- Quick pickups: Use the cell phone lot (free) and drive to arrivals when your passenger is ready. Avoid the Covered Garage unless your passenger needs help with luggage inside the terminal.
- Drop-offs: Use the terminal curbside drop-off lanes. They're free but you cannot park and wait. If you want to walk your passenger in, use the DIA Covered Garage for the first 30 free minutes.
- Multi-hour stays: If you're waiting for a delayed flight (2–4 hours), the Covered Garage at $6/hr is convenient. For 5+ hour waits, head to an off-airport lot.
- Bring payment — The DIA Covered Garage accepts credit cards at automated exit kiosks. No need for cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is short-term parking at Denver Airport?
The DIA Covered Garage charges $6/hour for short-term parking, with the first 30 minutes free. The rate caps at $28/day. For stays under 3–4 hours, the Covered Garage is the most convenient and cost-effective option at DIA.
Is there free short-term parking at DIA?
Yes — the first 30 minutes in the DIA Covered Garage are free. The cell phone lot is also free for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. After 30 minutes in the garage, the rate is $6/hour.