What Is Free at Denver Airport Parking?
| Option | Free Duration | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIA Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Up to 2 hours (free) | 61st Ave east of terminal | Waiting for arriving passengers |
| DIA Covered Garage — first 30 min | First 30 minutes (free) | On-airport, terminal access | Quick drop-offs and pickups |
| DIA Valet first 30 min | First 30 min (free) | On-airport | Premium quick drop-off |
The DIA Cell Phone Waiting Lot — Free for Up to 2 Hours
The DIA Cell Phone Waiting Lot is the main free parking option at Denver Airport. It is located on 61st Avenue east of the terminal, near the Peña Boulevard intersection. The lot is open 24/7 and is free for up to 2 hours.
The cell phone lot is designed for drivers picking up arriving passengers. Here's how it works:
- Drive to the cell phone lot on 61st Ave and park — it's free while you wait.
- Track your passenger's flight on the DIA flight tracker or by text.
- Wait until your passenger has landed, deplaned, and collected their luggage.
- When they're ready at the curb, drive to the terminal arrivals level (Level 5, east or west side).
- Pick them up — the full sequence avoids the $6/hr Covered Garage charge during wait time.
If your wait exceeds 2 hours (e.g., a significantly delayed flight), you can leave and re-enter the cell phone lot to reset the free timer, or switch to the DIA Economy Lot at $13/day.
First 30 Minutes Free in the DIA Covered Garage
DIA's on-airport Covered Garage offers the first 30 minutes free — useful for quick passenger drop-offs before a flight, or quick pickups from the arrivals curb. After 30 minutes, the rate is $6/hr. For anything longer than a 30-minute stop, the Covered Garage becomes expensive quickly.
No Free Long-Term Parking at DIA
There is no free long-term or overnight parking at Denver International Airport. All overnight options are paid. The cheapest overnight options are the off-airport lots: Canopy Airport Parking from $9/day and Park2Jet from $9.99/day.
If you want to avoid parking costs entirely, the A Line commuter rail from Denver Union Station to DIA costs $10.50 one-way. You can also park free at a park-and-ride lot connected to the A Line and take the train to DIA — a cost-effective option for solo travelers.
Cheapest Paid Alternatives to Free Parking at DIA
If you need more than 2 hours, here are the cheapest paid options ranked by daily cost:
- Canopy Airport Parking — ~$9/day, free 24/7 shuttle. Best value for any overnight stay.
- Park2Jet Denver — ~$9.99/day, shuttle every 10 minutes.
- Fine Airport Parking — ~$10/day, free shuttle.
- ParkDIA — ~$11/day, 7,500 spaces, free shuttle. Best for peak travel dates.
- DIA Economy Lot (61st & Peña) — $13/day, no reservation needed, A Line rail to terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any free parking at Denver Airport?
Yes — the DIA Cell Phone Waiting Lot is free for up to 2 hours (for picking up arriving passengers). DIA's Covered Garage is free for the first 30 minutes. There is no free long-term or overnight parking at DIA.
Where is the DIA cell phone waiting lot?
The DIA cell phone waiting lot is on 61st Avenue east of the terminal, near Peña Boulevard. It is free for up to 2 hours, open 24/7, and is the designated waiting area for drivers picking up arriving passengers.