Denver Airport (DEN) – Getting to the City from America's Most Remote Major Airport

Denver International Airport sits about 40 km (25 miles) northeast of downtown Denver — it is one of the most distant major airports from its city center in the United States. The A Line commuter rail runs directly from the airport to Union Station (downtown) in 37 minutes. Any RTD trip to or from the airport uses the Airport Day Pass, $10.00 (RTD fare structure, 2026) — and because it is a day pass, it also covers your onward RTD bus or light rail trips for the rest of that service day. Fares are revised periodically, so check RTD's current fare page before you travel.

Taxis from DEN to downtown are not metered: the Colorado Public Utilities Commission sets a maximum flat fare between the airport and downtown, and the driver may charge less but not more. Ask for the flat rate before you set off. Uber, Lyft and pre-booked transfers all price above the train.

The A Line is the clear value option — fast, predictable, and cheap. For groups, late-night arrivals, or anyone with heavy luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer makes more sense.

DEN is a massive airport with a distinctive white-peaked roof visible from miles away. It has three concourses (A, B, and C) connected to the main terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) by an underground train. After landing, you take the airport train to the main terminal, collect your bags, and head to ground transportation.

The main terminal is well-signed. The A Line train station is on Level 1 (ground level), accessible by escalators from the baggage claim area. Follow signs for "Rail" or "Train to Denver."

The taxi and rideshare pickup is on Level 5 (the upper level of the transit center), also clearly signed from baggage claim. The walk from baggage claim to either option takes about 5–10 minutes.

DEN handles a high volume of passengers, but the terminal is modern and navigation is straightforward.

The A Line (University of Colorado A Line) is a commuter rail service operated by RTD. Trains run every 15 minutes during the day and take exactly 37 minutes to reach Union Station. From Union Station, you can walk to LoDo (Lower Downtown) or transfer to light rail, bus, or rideshare for other Denver neighborhoods — and the same $10.00 Airport Day Pass covers those onward RTD trips for the rest of the day, so there is no second fare to pay.

The SkyRide buses run from DEN to a handful of park-n-rides around the metro (Boulder, Arapahoe, Aurora and others). They take the same $10.00 Airport Day Pass as the train — SkyRide is not a cheaper alternative to the A Line, just a different set of destinations.

Taxis from DEN to downtown are flat-rated, not metered. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission publishes a maximum flat fare for airport trips to each of four zones — downtown Denver, the Denver Tech Center, Boulder and Tower Road. A company may file a lower rate but cannot exceed the PUC maximum, and DEN's own access fee may be added. Ask the starter or the driver for the flat rate to your zone before you get in; the PUC rate sheet at puc.colorado.gov is the authority.

Uber and Lyft have a designated pickup on Level 5, Island 5 of the transit center. Fares fluctuate with demand — during ski season weekends and holidays, surge pricing can push rides above the taxi flat rate. The app quotes you before you commit, so compare it against the flat fare.

Because the Airport Day Pass is a day pass valid across the whole RTD system, a destination "beyond downtown" does not cost you a second fare — take the A Line to Union Station and continue on light rail or bus on the same pass.

For ski resort transfers, dedicated shuttle operators (Epic Mountain Express and similar) sell per-person seats and are usually cheaper than chartering a whole vehicle. Prices move with the season and the resort, so quote your own dates on the operator's site rather than trusting a published range.

Road travel times are relatively consistent because most of the route is the E-470 tollway or I-70/I-25, which rarely has severe congestion except during rush hour or major weather events.

The A Line runs until approximately 1:30 AM on weekdays and weekends, with reduced frequency after 10 PM (every 30 minutes instead of 15). If your flight lands before midnight, you can still catch the train.

After the A Line stops running, your options are:

• Taxis: Available 24/7 at the terminal, same metered fares
• Uber/Lyft: Available but with longer wait times (10–20 minutes) and potential surge pricing
• Pre-booked transfer: Your driver waits regardless of time

DEN is isolated — there is nothing around the airport except prairie. If your ride falls through late at night, alternatives are limited. For very late arrivals (after 1 AM), having a confirmed ride is important.

The A Line allows luggage but does not have dedicated storage areas — you hold your bags or place them in the aisle. With multiple large suitcases, this can be awkward, especially during busy periods.

For families with children, the A Line is manageable if you are traveling light. The train has space for strollers, and kids enjoy the ride. However, if you have car seats, ski equipment, or more than 3–4 large bags, a taxi or transfer is more practical.

Child car seats are not provided by taxis at DEN. Rideshare car-seat options exist but are unreliable. A pre-booked transfer can provide a child seat on request — specify when booking.

For ski trips, the luggage factor is significant. Ski bags, boot bags, and personal luggage for a family quickly exceed what fits in a standard taxi. Book an SUV or van transfer sized for your gear, or arrange a dedicated ski resort shuttle — either way, confirm the vehicle and the price when you book rather than on the curb.

A Line train: Head to Level 1 of the transit center, accessible from the main terminal via escalators near baggage claim. The platform is clearly signed. Buy tickets at the machines on the platform or use the RTD app.

Taxis: Go to Level 5, Island 1 of the transit center. The taxi line is organized and staffed. Wait times are typically 5–15 minutes.

Uber/Lyft: Go to Level 5, Island 5 of the transit center. The app directs you to the exact pickup spot. A staffed holding area helps coordinate pickups.

Pre-booked transfer: Drivers typically meet you in the main terminal near baggage claim or at a designated curb spot on Level 5. Your confirmation will specify the exact meeting point and driver details.

Take the A Line if: you are heading to downtown Denver, traveling with manageable luggage, and want the best combination of speed and value. At $10.00 — a day pass that also covers your onward RTD trips — it cannot be beaten on price.

Take a taxi if: you are in a group of 3–4 splitting one flat fare, have moderate luggage, or prefer the simplicity of walking up to a stand.

Book a private transfer if: you are traveling with a family, have heavy luggage (especially ski gear), need a child seat, or are heading to a destination beyond downtown.

Use Uber/Lyft if: you want flexibility and are traveling during off-peak times when fares are lower.

The 40 km distance from DEN to downtown means the price difference between options is significant — much more than at a close-in airport. For a solo traveller the A Line is far and away the cheapest way in. For a group of three or four splitting one flat taxi fare, the per-person cost closes right up on the train — worth doing the arithmetic at the stand once you know the flat rate.