RTD A Line train — fastest way from DIA to downtown
The University of Colorado A Line commuter rail is the undisputed champion for getting from Denver International Airport to downtown. Here's what you need to know:
- Travel time: Exactly 37 minutes, non-stop from DIA to Denver Union Station — no traffic, no delays from weather on I-70
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours (roughly 5am–10pm weekdays); every 30 minutes off-peak and on weekends
- Fare: $10.50 one-way. No discount for credit cards — same price as cash
- Buy your ticket BEFORE you board: Purchase at kiosks on the platform inside DIA. Riding without a valid ticket carries a fine of up to $100 — inspectors board at stations along the route
- Luggage: Dedicated luggage racks at the ends of each car; no size restrictions on bags
- Where to board at DIA: Follow signs for "Train to Denver" or "RTD A Line" — the platform is on Level 1, accessible via escalators near Jeppesen Terminal baggage claim
- Arrives at: Denver Union Station (17th & Wynkoop), the hub of downtown's transit network — Uber, bus, and light rail all connect here
For most travelers, the A Line is the right call. It's the cheapest option besides walking, the most predictable in terms of timing, and the arrival point (Union Station) puts you in the heart of LoDo.
Shuttle services from DIA to downtown Denver
Shared van shuttles like GO Airport Shuttle (formerly SuperShuttle) offer door-to-door service between DIA and downtown hotels and addresses. Key details:
- Cost: Approximately $25–$35 per person to downtown Denver addresses
- Travel time: 45–75 minutes depending on how many stops the driver makes — you may be the 3rd or 4th drop-off
- Book in advance: Reservation required; walk-up availability is unreliable. Book online or via the app at least a day before your flight
- Best for: Solo travelers with heavy bags who want door-to-door drop-off at a hotel; often cheaper than Uber for single riders
- Pickup at DIA: Lower level of Jeppesen Terminal, in the transportation center — follow "Hotel Shuttles & Vans" signs
If you're traveling with two or more people, Uber or Lyft usually beats a shuttle on both price and time. The shuttle is primarily a value proposition for solo travelers going to a central downtown hotel.
Uber & Lyft from DIA to downtown
Rideshare is fast and convenient, but it's the option most subject to price swings. Here's what to expect:
- Typical fare: $35–$55 for UberX or Lyft to downtown Denver under normal conditions
- Surge pricing: During peak times, holidays, afternoon storms, or Broncos/concert nights, fares can jump to $70–$90 or higher — check both apps and take the cheaper one
- Travel time: 30–45 minutes in normal traffic; 45–60+ minutes during I-70 congestion
- Pickup location: Level 5 of the Westin DIA hotel parking garage — follow signs inside the terminal for "Rideshare" or "TNCs". Do not wait outside baggage claim — drivers cannot stop there
- UberXL / larger vehicles: $55–$80+ for groups needing extra luggage space
- Pro tip: If surge is active on both apps, consider taking the A Line to Union Station and grabbing an Uber from there to your final destination — the short downtown ride may be $10–$15 even with surge
Driving from DIA to downtown Denver
If you're renting a car or being picked up by someone driving, here's the route and what to expect:
- Route: Exit DIA on Peña Boulevard heading west → merge onto I-70 West → take I-25 South OR exit at 20th Street for LoDo/downtown core
- Distance: 26 miles
- Off-peak time: ~35 minutes (early morning, late evening)
- Rush hour: 45–60 minutes; Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings can be worse — I-70 between I-225 and downtown is one of Colorado's most congested corridors
- Tolls: No tolls on the standard I-70 route; Express Lanes on I-70 near the tunnel cost $1–$10 depending on congestion
- Parking downtown: Surface lots and garages range from $10–$25/day; street meters run $2–$4/hr in the core
Driving makes the most sense if you have a rental car, are staying outside downtown, or are traveling with a large group where rideshare cost becomes prohibitive.
Hotel shuttles from DIA
Many downtown Denver hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles — but the details matter:
- Wait time: Typically 20–40 minutes after you call the hotel to confirm your arrival. Some hotels run on a fixed schedule (every 30–60 min) rather than on-demand
- Who qualifies: Most hotels restrict free shuttle service to guests staying at least one night — call ahead to confirm before you land
- Pickup: Lower level of Jeppesen Terminal, transportation center — follow signs for "Hotel Shuttles"
- Coverage: Not all downtown hotels offer shuttles — chain hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton) are more likely to have them than boutique properties
- Cost: Free for eligible guests; tip the driver $3–$5 per person as a courtesy
If your hotel offers a free shuttle, it's almost always the best deal — even accounting for the wait. Call ahead rather than assuming.
Driving to DIA? Don't forget parking
If you're doing the reverse trip — driving yourself to DIA for a flight — parking cost matters a lot. DIA's on-airport Economy lot charges $10/day, but off-airport parking near DIA starts at just $9/day and includes a free shuttle to the terminal.
On a 7-day trip, the difference between the best off-airport rate and DIA's covered garage can be $50–$100. Windy Parking compares all the off-airport lots near DEN so you can book the best available rate for your exact dates — spaces fill up fast around holidays and peak summer weekends.
Cost and time comparison: DIA to downtown Denver
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTD A Line train | 37 min | $10.50/person | Cheapest, most reliable; every 15 min peak |
| Shared shuttle | 45–75 min | $25–$35/person | Door-to-door; reserve in advance |
| Uber / Lyft | 30–45 min | $35–$55 (surge: $70–$90+) | Pickup Level 5 Westin garage; prices vary |
| Driving (own car) | 35–60 min | Gas + $10–$25/day parking | Peña Blvd → I-70 W; rush hour unpredictable |
| Hotel shuttle | 45–75 min (incl. wait) | Free (guests only) | Call hotel on landing; not all hotels offer |
Times and costs are approximate and vary by traffic, time of day, and demand. Rideshare fares are subject to surge pricing.