DIA Park & Ride Options — Compared
| Option | Parking Cost | Transit to DIA | Transit Fare | Total Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peña Station (61st & Peña) | ~$0–$5/day | A Line (~5 min) | $10.50/trip | ~$10.50–$15.50/day |
| DIA Economy Lot (61st & Peña) | $8/day | A Line (~5 min) | Included | $8/day |
| RTD downtown park-and-ride lots | $2–$5/day | A Line via Union Station (~47 min) | $10.50/trip | ~$12.50–$15.50/day |
| Off-airport lot (e.g., Canopy) | $9–$15/day | Free shuttle (~15 min) | Included | $9–$15/day |
| Uber/Lyft to DIA | N/A | ~25–50 min from Denver | $40–$80 round trip | $40–$80/trip |
Peña Station Park & Ride — The Primary DIA Park-and-Ride Option
Peña Station (officially the 61st & Peña Station on RTD's A Line) is located just one stop before Denver International Airport. The A Line train runs from here to the DIA terminal in approximately 5 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes from approximately 3am to midnight, with reduced service overnight.
Parking near Peña Station: The DIA Economy Lot is located at 61st Ave & Peña Blvd and costs $8/day(effective May 14, 2025, via RTD A-Line) — A Line access to the terminal is included. There is also some surface parking near the station itself at lower or no cost for short stays. The one-way A Line fare from Peña Station to DIA is $10.50.
RTD A Line: Connecting Denver to DIA by Rail
The A Line (University of Colorado A Line) commuter rail runs from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport in 37 minutes. Key stations with parking:
- Denver Union Station — No parking at the station itself, but connected to downtown Denver and multiple RTD bus/rail lines. RTD park-and-ride lots are available at other nearby locations.
- 38th & Blake Station — Near RiNo/Five Points, limited parking.
- 40th & Colorado Station — Park-and-ride lot available, connecting to A Line.
- Central Park Station — Park-and-ride lot, connects to A Line, approximately 20 min from DIA.
- Peña Station (61st & Peña) — Closest park-and-ride to DIA on the A Line, 5 min from the terminal.
Park-and-Ride vs Off-Airport Lot: Which Is Better for DIA?
Park-and-ride via the A Line is best for: solo travelers who live near an RTD station, people who prefer train travel, and those who want to avoid driving to DIA directly.
Off-airport lots are better for: travelers with significant luggage, families, anyone not near an RTD station, and trips where the total cost comparison favors driving (off-airport lots start at $9/day all-in, while A Line park-and-ride costs $10.50+ per trip each way).
For a 5-day trip: off-airport lot at Canopy = $45 total. A Line park-and-ride at $10.50 each way = $21 in rail fares + $0–$65 parking = comparable or more expensive for multi-day stays once round-trip fares are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a park and ride to Denver Airport?
Yes. Peña Station on RTD's A Line is the main park-and-ride option to DIA — park near the station and take the 5-minute train to the terminal. RTD also operates park-and-ride lots at other A Line stations throughout Denver.
Can I park at Pena Station and take the train to DIA?
Yes. The DIA Economy Lot at 61st & Peña Blvd costs $8/day (effective May 14, 2025) with direct A Line rail access (every 15 min, 5 min to DIA terminal). It's the closest park-and-ride option to Denver Airport. Source: flydenver.com