How Much Does It Cost to Get from Denver Airport to the City?

Denver airport's 40 km distance from downtown means transport costs are higher than at most US airports. The A Line train is the clear budget winner, but road-based options have their place for groups and families.

Price breakdown by transport and destination

| Destination | A Line train (USD) | Taxi (USD) | Uber/Lyft (USD) | Private transfer (USD) | |-------------|-------------------|-----------|-----------------|----------------------| | Union Station / LoDo | $10.50 | $55–$65 | $35–$55 | $75–$100 | | Capitol Hill | $10.50 + $3 transfer | $55–$70 | $35–$55 | $75–$105 | | Cherry Creek | $10.50 + $3 transfer | $60–$75 | $40–$60 | $80–$110 | | Tech Center (DTC) | $10.50 + $6 transfer | $65–$85 | $45–$70 | $90–$120 | | Boulder | N/A (bus from Union Stn) | $90–$120 | $70–$100 | $110–$150 |

All prices in USD. For EUR, multiply by approximately 0.92.

The A Line — best value by far

At $10.50 (EUR 9.70), the A Line saves you $45–$55 compared to a taxi for the same downtown destination. The 37-minute ride is also faster than driving during rush hour. You can buy tickets from machines at the platform (cash or card) or through the RTD mobile app.

From Union Station, free transfers to RTD light rail and bus lines are available within a time window, extending your reach across Denver for minimal extra cost.

Taxi fare structure

Denver taxis use meters. The fare includes:

• $3.50 airport surcharge
• $2.50 initial meter drop
• $2.50 per mile
• Approximately $0.40 per minute of waiting (in traffic)

The highway route to downtown is mostly toll road (E-470 to I-70 or Pena Blvd to I-70 to I-25), and tolls are included in the metered fare — you are not charged extra. A typical downtown ride totals $55–$65 (EUR 51–60) plus a 15–20% tip.

Rideshare pricing patterns

Uber and Lyft fares from DEN follow predictable patterns:

• Quiet weekday: $35–$45
• Normal demand: $40–$55
• Ski season weekend / holiday surge: $55–$80+

Check the app before committing. During high-surge periods (Friday afternoons in ski season, major events), a taxi can actually be cheaper than a rideshare.

When is a private transfer worth it?

At $75–$120, a private transfer costs 40–80% more than a taxi. The value is in guaranteed pricing (no surge), flight tracking, child seat availability, and the option to book a larger vehicle. For a family of four with luggage, a single transfer in an SUV is often cheaper than two separate taxis and far more convenient than the train with bags.

For ski resort destinations, compare transfer prices with dedicated ski shuttles (Colorado Mountain Express, Epic Mountain Express) which run $50–$80 per person — often better value for individuals or couples, while private transfers are better for groups.