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 | RTD rail/bus | Taxi | Uber/Lyft | Private transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Station / LoDo | $10.00 Airport Day Pass | PUC flat fare (downtown zone) | App quote | Quoted at booking |
| Capitol Hill | $10.00 Airport Day Pass (onward trip included) | PUC flat fare (downtown zone) | App quote | Quoted at booking |
| Cherry Creek | $10.00 Airport Day Pass (onward trip included) | Metered beyond the flat-fare zones | App quote | Quoted at booking |
| Tech Center (DTC) | $10.00 Airport Day Pass (onward trip included) | PUC flat fare (Tech Center zone) | App quote | Quoted at booking |
| Boulder | $10.00 Airport Day Pass on SkyRide AB | PUC flat fare (Boulder zone) | App quote | Quoted at booking |
Fixed-price private transfer
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The A Line — best value by far
RTD charges a single $10.00 Airport Day Pass for any trip to or from the airport, on the A Line or on a SkyRide bus (RTD fare structure, 2026). It is the cheapest way into town by a wide margin, and the 37-minute ride is faster than driving during rush hour. Buy it from the machines at the platform (cash or card) or through the RTD mobile app.
The important detail most guides miss: it is a day pass, not a single ride. Once you reach Union Station, your onward RTD light rail and bus trips for the rest of that service day are already paid for — you do not buy a second ticket to reach Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek or the Tech Center.
RTD revises fares periodically, so confirm the current price on rtd-denver.com before you travel.
Taxi fare structure
This is the part that surprises people: taxi trips between DEN and downtown are not metered. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission sets a maximum flat fare between the airport and each of four zones — downtown Denver, the Denver Tech Center, Boulder and Tower Road. A taxi company can file a lower rate but may not charge above the PUC maximum, and on a flat-rated trip it may not add mileage or waiting-time charges. DEN's own access fee may be added on top.
Ask the starter or the driver for the flat rate to your zone before you get in, and check the current maximums on the PUC rate sheet at puc.colorado.gov. Destinations outside those four zones revert to the metered rate. Tolls on the E-470 / Pena Blvd route are covered by the fare. A 15–20% tip is customary on top.
Rideshare pricing patterns
Uber and Lyft quote you a fare in the app before you book, so you never have to guess. What is worth knowing is the shape of it: fares are lowest on quiet weekdays and highest on ski-season weekends, holidays and event nights, when surge can push a rideshare above the taxi flat fare. Check the app against the flat rate before committing.
When is a private transfer worth it?
A private transfer costs more than a taxi. The value is in fixed 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 SUV transfer can beat two separate taxis and is far easier than the train with bags. Prices are quoted at booking — get one for your own dates and vehicle size.
For ski resort destinations, compare a private transfer against dedicated ski shuttles (Epic Mountain Express and similar), which sell per-person seats — usually better value for individuals or couples, while a private vehicle wins for groups.