Denver International Airport is approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver. The drive commonly takes 25 to 35 minutes in lighter traffic, but the complete trip can take longer once pickup time, luggage and downtown traffic are included. The RTD A Line provides a predictable 37-minute train ride to Union Station.
The right choice depends on your downtown destination, arrival time, luggage and number of passengers. A solo traveller staying near Union Station may find the train practical. A family with several bags or a business group travelling directly to a hotel may benefit from reserved transportation.
Which DEN Transportation Option Fits Your Trip?
RTD A Line
- Cost: $10 Airport Day Pass
- Travel time: Approximately 37 minutes to Union Station
- Additional time: Walking, local transit or another ride may be required
- Best for: Solo travellers and passengers staying near Union Station
Taxi
- Cost: $72.04 flat rate to downtown Denver
- Travel time: Usually 25 to 35 minutes after pickup
- Additional time: Traffic can affect the final arrival time
- Best for: Passengers who want direct transportation without an advance reservation
Rideshare
- Cost: Dynamic pricing, commonly between $35 and $85
- Travel time: Pickup wait plus approximately 25 to 35 minutes on the road
- Additional time: Driver availability and airport demand can affect the wait
- Best for: One or two passengers comfortable booking through an app
Rental Car
- Cost: Daily rental fee, fuel and parking
- Travel time: Includes the shuttle ride to the rental facility and vehicle collection
- Additional time: Rental paperwork and downtown parking should be considered
- Best for: Travellers planning to drive outside central Denver
Hotel Shuttle
- Cost: Often included with an eligible hotel reservation
- Travel time: Depends on the hotel schedule and number of stops
- Additional time: Service hours and advance booking requirements vary
- Best for: Guests staying at participating airport-area hotels
Prearranged Car Service
- Cost: Quoted before the trip
- Travel time: Direct airport pickup and door-to-door transportation
- Additional time: The vehicle is arranged around the passenger’s arrival details
- Best for: Families, executives and travellers who prefer a scheduled ride
Group Transportation
- Best for: Conferences, corporate events and larger parties
- Cost: Quoted according to the vehicle, passenger count and itinerary
- Travel time: Coordinated around the group’s arrival schedule
- Additional time: Multiple flight arrivals may require separate pickup windows
Fares, schedules and app-based prices can change. Check current rates before your trip.
RTD A Line to Union Station
The RTD A Line travels directly between DEN and Denver Union Station in approximately 37 minutes. The Airport Day Pass costs $10 and includes continued travel on eligible RTD services for the rest of the day. Trains generally run every 15 minutes during busier periods and every 30 minutes during early morning and evening service.
The airport station is at the DEN Transit Center on Level 1. Passengers can follow the signs for “Train to Denver” from baggage claim.
The A Line is a strong choice for one passenger with manageable luggage and a hotel or meeting near Union Station. It can also help travellers avoid road traffic.
The 37-minute ride only covers the train portion of the trip. A hotel in the Central Business District, Capitol Hill or another downtown neighbourhood may require a walk, local transit connection, taxi or rideshare from Union Station. Snow, heavy luggage and late-night arrival can make that final section less convenient.
Taking a Taxi from DEN
Airport taxis provide direct transportation without an advance reservation. DEN currently lists a flat fare of $72.04 from the airport to its downtown Denver zone. Additional drop-offs may result in extra charges, and destinations outside the flat-rate zone use metered pricing.
A taxi works well when a passenger wants to collect their luggage and leave without arranging transportation ahead of time. It also provides door-to-door service, which avoids a second connection from Union Station.
Availability is generally straightforward, but the passenger does not choose the assigned vehicle in advance. Larger luggage loads, child seat needs and groups may require additional planning.
Using Uber or Lyft
Rideshare pricing changes according to demand, traffic and driver availability. RTD estimated airport rideshare prices at approximately $35 to $85 in April 2026. This range can rise during major events, storms and high-demand arrival periods.
Uber and Lyft pickups are located on Level 5, Island 5, on both the East and West sides of the terminal. Passengers should request the vehicle after collecting their luggage and confirm the correct side before leaving the building.
Rideshare can make sense for flexible travellers with limited luggage. The main variables are price, vehicle size, driver availability and pickup time. A cancelled ride or incorrect terminal side may require another request.
Passengers travelling with young children should review the selected platform’s current car seat options before arrival. Standard rideshare vehicles do not automatically arrive with a child seat.
Renting a Car at Denver Airport
A rental car provides flexibility for a trip that includes destinations outside downtown Denver. It may be practical for visits to several suburbs, mountain communities or locations with limited transportation access.
More than 10 rental car companies serve DEN. Their facilities require a complimentary shuttle from Level 5, Island 4. The shuttle ride, rental paperwork and vehicle collection should be added to the total travel time.
A rental car is usually less useful for a short stay centred entirely in downtown Denver. Daily parking fees, hotel parking, fuel and traffic add to the advertised rental rate. The driver also needs to navigate immediately after a flight.
Can You Take a Hotel Shuttle Downtown?
Most hotel shuttles listed by DEN serve properties located within 10 miles of the airport. They are designed mainly for airport-area hotel guests, including travellers with long layovers and unexpected overnight stays. More than 40 nearby hotels currently provide some form of shuttle service.
A complimentary hotel shuttle should not be assumed for a downtown reservation. Contact the hotel directly and confirm its service area, operating hours, pickup island and reservation requirements.
Scheduled shuttles may also wait for other passengers or make several hotel stops. This can increase the total travel time.
Prearranged Denver Airport Car Service
A prearranged car service provides a scheduled vehicle, direct transportation and a known contact if the arrival changes. The reservation can account for the passenger count, luggage, destination and requested vehicle type before the flight.
Car Service of Denver monitors flight status and provides 24-hour customer support. After collecting their luggage, passengers meet the vehicle outside Door 506 on Terminal West or Door 511 on Terminal East. The chauffeur travels directly to the requested downtown hotel, office, residence or venue.
This option can be practical for:
- Business travellers who need a quiet, private ride
- Families carrying several bags
- Passengers arriving late at night
- Travellers who need a specific vehicle size
- Guests with several downtown stops
- Clients who want pickup support after a flight change
A private ride can also provide enough space to take a business call or review meeting materials during the trip. Child seat requests and other specific requirements should be discussed before booking.
Group Transportation from DEN
Separate taxis or rideshare vehicles can become difficult to coordinate once a group is divided between baggage claim, pickup islands and several drivers.
Reserved group transportation keeps the passengers, luggage and destination under one itinerary. Car Service of Denver has sedans, SUVs, vans, limousines, minibuses and buses. Transportation can be arranged for a small business team or an event group of up to 300 people.
The organizer should provide flight numbers, passenger totals, luggage estimates and a primary contact. Groups arriving on several flights may need more than one pickup window.
Look Beyond the Advertised Fare
The lowest listed fare may not produce the lowest total cost or shortest complete trip.
Consider the full route before choosing:
Final destination: The A Line ends at Union Station. Another connection may be required.
Luggage: Large bags, skis, equipment and strollers can make walking and transfers difficult.
Passenger count: A train fare is charged per traveller. A direct vehicle may become more competitive when several people travel together.
Arrival time: Late-night service, driver availability and hotel shuttle hours can affect the decision.
Weather: Snow, rain and extreme temperatures can make outdoor waits and downtown walking less comfortable.
Schedule changes: A reserved transportation company provides a direct contact who can help adjust the pickup after an itinerary change.
Choosing the Best Route to Downtown Denver
Choose the RTD A Line for an economical and predictable trip to Union Station. A taxi offers a direct ride without advance planning. Rideshare provides app-based convenience with variable pricing. A rental car is most useful when downtown is only one part of a wider Colorado itinerary.
Prearranged Denver airport transportation is suited to travellers who need a specific vehicle, direct hotel service or help coordinating passengers and luggage. Group transportation provides the same structure on a larger scale.
Get a Private Airport Transportation Quote
Car Service of Denver provides direct transportation between Denver International Airport and downtown hotels, offices, residences and event venues.
Send your flight details, passenger count, luggage requirements and destination to receive a private airport transportation quote. Reservations are available for sedans, SUVs, vans, limousines, minibuses and buses.