What Is the Longs Peak Lot at DIA?
Longs Peak is one of DIA's two official economy shuttle lots, operated directly by Denver International Airport. Sitting on the north side of the airport campus, it serves as the mirror lot to Pikes Peak, which occupies the south side. Both lots offer the same $10/day rate and identical free shuttle service — but their locations make one or the other more convenient depending on which direction you approach from Peña Boulevard.
Like Pikes Peak, Longs Peak is a large open-air surface lot — no garage structure. It accommodates thousands of vehicles and is staffed during peak periods. The DIA shuttle runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it viable for early-morning departures and late-night returns.
Longs Peak Parking Rates 2026
The rate is a simple flat $10 per day — no hourly option, no surge pricing. Payment is handled at the automated exit kiosk when you leave. Credit cards, debit cards, and most mobile payment apps are accepted. No cash is required.
| Rate Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Daily flat rate | $10/day | Per calendar day |
| Shuttle service | Free | Every 7–10 min, 24 hrs |
| Hourly rate | N/A | Daily rate only |
| Covered parking | Not available | Open-air lot |
| Advance reservation | Not required | First-come, first-served |
How to Get to the Longs Peak Lot
From I-70 or I-225, take Peña Boulevard toward Denver International Airport. Watch for Economy Parking or Longs Peak Lotsigns as you approach the airport campus — the turnoff is on the north side of the roadway, before the main terminal loop.
- Stay on Peña Boulevard past the initial airport signs and watch for the north-side economy lot turnoff.
- Follow brown and white economy parking directional signs.
- Enter at the automated gate and take a ticket — you'll need it when you exit.
- Park in any open numbered spot. Take a photo of your row and space number before boarding the shuttle.
The Longs Peak Shuttle Experience
Shuttle stops are marked with yellow DIA economy parking signs throughout the lot. The bus runs on a continuous loop and arrives every 7–10 minutes. The ride to the Jeppesen Terminal takes approximately 5–8 minutes, putting total transit time — walk to stop, wait, ride, and walk into the terminal — at around 15–25 minutes.
On return, go to Level 5 (Ground Transportation) of the Jeppesen Terminal. Look for the economy lot shuttle pick-up area and signs for Longs Peak. The shuttle brings you directly back to your parked section.
Longs Peak vs. All DIA Parking Options
Here's how Longs Peak compares to every major parking option at and near DIA in 2026.
| Lot / Option | Rate/Day | Transport | Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longs Peak (DIA) | $10 | Shuttle, 7–10 min | No | North-side economy |
| Pikes Peak (DIA) | $10 | Shuttle, 7–10 min | No | South-side economy |
| 61st & Peña (DIA) | $8 | A-Line train only | No | Cheapest on-airport; train only |
| Terminal Garage E/W | $35/day max | Walk to terminal | Yes | Best for short trips |
| Short-Term Garage | $168/day max | $7/hr | Yes | Hourly; very expensive daily |
| Premium Reserve | $45 | Walk/priority | Yes | Guaranteed reserved spot |
| Canopy Airport Parking | $6.95–9 | Shuttle, off-airport | Open-air + covered | Lowest price |
| Park2Jet Denver | $9.99 | Shuttle, ~10 min | No | Competitive with Longs Peak |
| Fine Airport Parking | $10 | Shuttle | No | Same price, off-airport |
| ParkDIA | $11–22 | Shuttle | Both options | Slightly pricier |
| WallyPark DEN | $15 | Shuttle, 5–10 min | Yes | Fastest off-airport shuttle |
Longs Peak vs. Pikes Peak — Side by Side
Travelers often search specifically for one or the other, but the practical differences are minimal. Here's the direct comparison:
- Rate: Both $10/day. Identical.
- Shuttle frequency: Both every 7–10 minutes. Identical.
- Coverage: Both are open-air surface lots. Identical.
- Location: Longs Peak is north; Pikes Peak is south. This is the only real difference.
- Capacity: Both are large; during peak periods, signs will route you to whichever has availability.
If you're coming from the north (Aurora, Thornton, Brighton), you may find Longs Peak easier to reach. If you're coming from Denver proper, either is fine.
Multi-Day Cost Comparison at Longs Peak
Planning a longer trip? Here's how Longs Peak stacks up against the Terminal Garage and top off-airport lots over common trip durations:
| Lot | 3 Days | 7 Days | 14 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canopy (open-air) | $21–27 | $49–63 | $97–126 |
| Longs Peak / Pikes Peak | $30 | $70 | $140 |
| Park2Jet | $29.97 | $69.93 | $139.86 |
| 61st & Peña | $24 | $56 | $112 |
| Terminal Garage E/W | $105 | $245 | $490 |
| Premium Reserve | $135 | $315 | $630 |
Tips for a Smooth Experience at Longs Peak
- Note your exact spot — Photograph the row and number sign before boarding the shuttle. On a busy return day, all rows look alike and you will need that photo.
- Keep your entry ticket safe — You will need it to exit. Store it in your wallet or passport holder, not loose in a bag.
- Weather awareness — Longs Peak is uncovered. Colorado hail season (May–August) can damage vehicles. Check the forecast before your trip and consider a covered option if large hail is predicted.
- Peak period timing — Arrive 10–15 minutes earlier than normal during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer peak weeks. Economy lots can fill temporarily, causing short delays at the entrance.
- Shuttle timing on return — The shuttle runs 24 hours. Even on a midnight arrival, you won't wait longer than 10 minutes at the Level 5 Ground Transportation pickup area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Longs Peak parking lot at DIA?
Longs Peak is on the north side of Denver International Airport, off Peña Boulevard. Follow economy parking signs before reaching the main terminal roadway loop. It is a large open-air surface lot with free shuttle service running to the Jeppesen Terminal.
How much does Longs Peak parking at DIA cost?
Longs Peak costs $10 per day in 2026. The rate is flat — no hourly option. The shuttle is free. No advance reservation is required; payment is made at the automated exit kiosk.
What is the difference between Longs Peak and Pikes Peak at DIA?
Both lots charge $10/day with free shuttles every 7–10 minutes. The only difference is location: Longs Peak is on the north side and Pikes Peak is on the south side. Choose based on your approach direction.
Does Longs Peak have covered parking?
No — Longs Peak is an uncovered open-air surface lot. If you need covered parking at the airport, the Terminal Garage (East or West) offers covered structures at $35/day. Off-airport covered options include Canopy Airport Parking.