Best parking near Denver Union Station
The Union Station neighborhood (also known as LoDo's western edge and the Central Platte Valley) has several good parking options within walking distance of the station:
| Lot / Garage | Distance | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Millennium Bridge Garage (1601 Wewatta) | 2 min walk | $15–$25 | $160–$200 |
| Lower Downtown Parking (1601 Wewatta area) | 3 min walk | $14–$22 | $150–$185 |
| Dairy Block Garage (1800 Wazee St) | 5 min walk | $12–$20 | $140–$175 |
| Surface lots (Little Raven / Wewatta) | 5–8 min walk | $10–$18 | $120–$150 |
| Metered street parking (17th St, Wewatta) | 1–3 min walk | $2–3/hr | N/A |
Rates are approximate. Pre-book on SpotHero or ParkWhiz for guaranteed spots and often lower rates than drive-up pricing.
Free parking near Union Station
Truly free parking near Denver Union Station is limited but not impossible:
- Sunday meters: All metered street parking near Union Station is free on Sundays — including spots on 17th Street, Wewatta, and the surrounding LoDo blocks.
- Federal holidays: Meters are free on all nine federal holidays citywide.
- Evening street parking: Meter enforcement typically ends at 8pm (some blocks at 10pm), so evening arrivals can often find free street parking within a 5-minute walk.
- RTD commuter options: RTD has periodically offered connected transit parking for A Line passengers — check RTD's current website for transit-linked park-and-ride options.
How to take the A Line to DIA from Union Station
The RTD A Line (University of Colorado A Line) departs from the east side of Denver Union Station's main terminal building. Here's exactly how to use it:
- Enter Union Station from the main Wynkoop Street entrance or the side Wewatta entrance
- Walk through the Great Hall toward the east end of the building
- The A Line platform is in the covered transit concourse — clearly signed
- Purchase a ticket at the kiosks ($10.50 one-way) or use the RTD MyRide app
- Board any westbound train labeled "Denver International Airport"
- Ride 37 minutes to the DIA terminal — the train arrives directly inside the airport
Schedule: A Line trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours (roughly 5am–9am and 3pm–7pm) and every 30 minutes off-peak. First train departs around 3am; last train around midnight. Check the RTD website or app for the current schedule on your travel day.
Park near Union Station + fly from DIA — is it worth it?
The honest cost comparison for a typical 7-day trip:
- Park near Union Station: $17/day × 7 days = $119 parking + $10.50 × 2 A Line fares = $140 total
- Off-airport DIA lot: $10/day × 7 days = $70 (shuttle included)
- DIA Economy Garage: $28/day × 7 days = $196
Parking downtown and taking the A Line is typically more expensive than off-airport DIA lots but cheaper than DIA's own garages. It makes the most sense if you:
- Live or work in LoDo and find Union Station significantly easier to reach than the airport
- Want to avoid I-70 traffic and the stress of driving to DIA
- Are traveling with carry-on only and don't need to check bags at the curb
- Plan to have dinner or drinks in LoDo before a late flight
For budget-conscious travelers who just want the cheapest option, an off-airport DIA lot is usually the better call. Compare all options at Windy Parking before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best parking near Denver Union Station?
The best parking near Denver Union Station includes the Denver Millennium Bridge Garage at 1601 Wewatta Street, the Dairy Block parking garage on Blake Street, and several surface lots along Wewatta and Little Raven Streets. Pre-book on SpotHero for the best guaranteed rates.
How much does it cost to park near Union Station Denver?
Parking near Denver Union Station costs $14–$25/day for structured garages and $10–$18/day for nearby surface lots. Monthly rates in the immediate Union Station area run $140–$200/month for covered garages. Metered street parking on adjacent blocks costs $2–$3/hr (free on Sundays and federal holidays).
How do I take the A Line from Union Station to DIA?
The RTD A Line platform is on the east side of Denver Union Station's terminal building. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak, from approximately 3am to midnight. The trip takes 37 minutes. One-way fare is $10.50. Purchase tickets at platform kiosks or through the RTD MyRide app.
Is there free parking at Denver Union Station?
There is no permanent free parking at Denver Union Station itself. However, metered street parking on adjacent blocks is free on Sundays and federal holidays. RTD has previously offered validated transit-connected parking for A Line passengers — check RTD's current website for the latest options.
Is it worth it to park near Union Station and fly from DIA?
It depends on your situation. For a 7-day trip: parking near Union Station at $17/day = $119, plus $21 round-trip A Line fare = $140 total. Off-airport DIA lots average $9–$12/day = $63–$84 for 7 days. Parking downtown and taking the train costs more but is convenient for LoDo residents or people departing from the office.