Who can ride
The DIA employee shuttle is for badged airport staff only — it's not a public service. Eligible riders include:
- Airline employees (pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, ramp).
- TSA officers.
- Ground service personnel (Swissport, Menzies, etc.).
- DIA-employed maintenance, custodial, and facilities staff.
- Concessionaire workers (airside restaurants, retail, lounges).
- Federal agency personnel based at DIA (CBP, FAA, etc.).
- Authorized contractors with regular airside access.
Schedule & frequency
| Period | Frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 5–8am | Every 10–15 min | Morning shift change peak |
| 8am–12pm | Every 20–25 min | Lower demand |
| 12–2pm | Every 15–20 min | Mid-day shift change |
| 2–5pm | Every 10–15 min | Afternoon shift change peak |
| 5–10pm | Every 15–20 min | Evening operations |
| 10pm–1am | Every 10–15 min | Late shift change peak |
| 1–5am | Every 25–30 min | Overnight (continuous service) |
Frequencies approximate; actual schedule varies with operational demand. Confirm at the DIA Parking office.
Routes & stops
The DIA employee shuttle network connects multiple employee parking lots with multiple terminal access points. Typical routing:
- Shuttles loop through each employee lot with multiple in-lot stops.
- Routes terminate at designated employee entrances on the Jeppesen Terminal (different entrances for different concourse access).
- Some routes connect directly to concourse employee access (A, B, C).
- Route maps and schedules are distributed at enrollment and posted at the DIA Parking office.
Badge access
Your DIA-issued badge is your ticket. Boarding rules:
- Active SIDA or sterile-area badge required.
- Badges may be scanned or visually verified by the operator.
- Expired badges are not accepted; renew through the DIA badge office.
- Lost badges must be reported immediately and replaced before access is restored.
- Misuse (lending to another person, etc.) can result in badge revocation.
Tips for new DIA employees
- Plan a 25–30 minute buffer between parking and clock-in for your first week — you'll learn the route and timing quickly.
- Carry your badge visibly at all times on airport property.
- Use the shuttle stop closest to your assigned concourse to minimize walk-time inside the terminal.
- Coordinate with coworkers on similar shifts to share carpool or shuttle awareness.
- For occasional days when you can't use employee parking, consider the public 61st & Peña lot at $8/day via RTD A-Line.
Alternatives to the employee shuttle
- RTD A-Line — for employees with downtown-side commutes; 37 min Union Station to DIA.
- Carpool — shift-share rides with coworkers.
- Rideshare/taxi — for shift conflicts when employee parking isn't enrolled yet.
- Bicycle — bicycle racks exist at some employee entrances; limited utility given DIA's rural location.
Frequently asked questions
Is the employee shuttle free?
Yes — service is included with active employee parking enrollment at no extra cost.
Can I bring carry-on items on the shuttle?
Yes — typical work bags, lunch coolers, uniforms, and similar items are fine. Avoid large bulky items that interfere with other passengers.
What if I miss the last shuttle of my shift?
Service is 24/7 — there is no "last shuttle." However, overnight frequency drops to every 25–30 minutes; plan accordingly.
Can I ride the shuttle off-duty?
Generally yes with an active badge. Some employer-specific rules may restrict off-duty use; check with your employer.