What is airside employee parking?
"Airside" at DIA refers to the secure side of the airport beyond the TSA checkpoint — gates, ramps, taxiways, and back-of-house spaces only accessible with a valid badge. Airside employee parking refers to the parking lots designated for staff who work in airside areas and need quick, secure access to the terminal employee entrances.
These lots are distinct from public parking (Economy, garage, valet). They are gated by badge, monitored 24/7, and connected to the terminal by dedicated employee shuttles. Employees do not pay the daily public rate — they pay a discounted monthly fee, typically via payroll deduction handled by their employer.
Who needs an airside parking pass?
- Airline employees — pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, ramp.
- TSA officers and supervisors.
- Ground service providers — Swissport, Menzies, Worldwide Flight Services, etc.
- Concessionaire staff — restaurant, retail, lounge workers airside of security.
- Airport maintenance, custodial, and facilities staff.
- Federal agency personnel — CBP, FAA, FBI on-site.
- Contractor employees with regular airside access.
How to enroll in DIA employee parking
- Complete employer onboarding and background check.
- Visit the DIA badge office for fingerprinting and badge issuance.
- Once badged, your employer's HR typically initiates parking enrollment.
- If self-enrolling, visit the DIA Parking office with your active badge.
- Complete the enrollment form, select payment method (payroll deduction or direct billing).
- Receive your gate access credential — typically linked to your existing DIA badge or a separate parking card.
- Pick up an employee shuttle map and shift-time guide.
Employee shuttle service
DIA operates a dedicated employee shuttle 24/7. Frequency:
- Shift change peaks (5–8am, 2–5pm, 10pm–1am): every 10–15 minutes.
- Mid-day: every 20–25 minutes.
- Overnight: every 25–30 minutes.
- Shuttle stops at multiple employee entrances around the terminal complex; route maps are provided at enrollment.
- Average shuttle-plus-walking time from employee lot to your work station: 15–25 minutes — factor this into your shift arrival planning.
For shuttle-specific details, see our DIA Employee Shuttle page.
Cost — discounted employee rates
Exact monthly rates vary by employer agreement and lot assignment. As a rule of thumb, DIA employee parking is dramatically below public rates — a fraction of what the public pays for Economy ($10/day = ~$300/month). Discuss specifics with your employer's HR team or the DIA Parking office. Most rates include the shuttle service at no extra charge.
Alternatives to airside employee parking
- RTD A-Line commuter rail — Union Station to DIA in 37 minutes. Many employees with downtown-side commutes ride the A-Line and skip parking entirely.
- 61st & Peña Lot — $8/day public lot accessible via RTD A-Line; useful for occasional days when employees haven't enrolled or are on temporary assignment. See our 61st & Peña lot guide.
- Carpool — many shift workers split rides with coworkers.
- Off-airport long-term — generally not cost-effective vs official employee parking, but available as backup.
Frequently asked questions
Can family members use my employee parking credential?
No. The credential is tied to the badged employee. Misuse can result in suspension or revocation of badge privileges.
What happens if I lose my employee badge?
Report it immediately to your employer's security officer and to the DIA badge office. A replacement is issued for a fee. Your parking access is restored once the new badge is linked.
Are the employee lots covered?
Most employee lots are open-air. Some have limited covered sections; assignment is generally seniority-based and varies by employer agreement.
Can I park in employee parking during off-duty hours?
Generally yes, with active badge and current enrollment. Check your specific lot's rules — some have time restrictions or require advance notice for personal-use stays.