How To Get From The Denver Airport To Downtown (By A Local)
Whether you are traveling solo or with a group of ten, I review the best options for how to get from the Denver airport to downtown.
ANSWER: The best way to get from the Denver Airport to downtown is with the Denver Airport Rail and rideshare with Uber or Lyft.
Although the Denver Airport Rail is the cheapest option, rideshare offers more flexibility, taking you anywhere in the city.
Keep reading as I review the best transportation options for getting to and from the airport to downtown Denver.
Denver Airport Rail – Cheapest Method To Downtown Denver
The cheapest option for transportation from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver is using the Denver Airport Rail which is part of Denver’s public transportation line. The Denver Airport Rail is called the A Line and only runs from Denver International Airport to Union Station in downtown Denver.
At only $10.50 per ticket, the Denver Airport Rail is the most affordable option to travel from the Denver airport to downtown.
The Denver Airport Rail runs 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and leaves every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the early morning or late evening
The whole trip takes roughly 37 minutes to run the twenty three mile stretch making six stops between the airport and downtown Denver.
On the rail, store your luggage either above the seats or at the luggage towers found at each end of the train car.
After reaching Denver’s Union Station, travelers can use other public transit like the light rail, buses, Amtrak rail service, taxis, rideshare, free 16th Street Mall shuttle (MallRide), and free downtown MetroRide buses to reach most major hotels downtown or their final destinations.
If you are in a rush, the Denver Airport Rail, maybe the fastest option as it doesn’t need to slow down due to traffic on the major highways.
How to Purchase Denver Airport Rail Tickets
To Purchase your Denver Airport Rail tickets opt for the Mobile Ticketing option with Denver’s RTD MyRide App which connects you to other public transportation options as well.
If you want the old school way, purchase tickets at the rail line platform ticket vending machines, inside Denver International Airport, Union Station, or any RTD sales outlet.
My preferred transportation method for getting from the Denver airport to downtown is by using rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.
Most rideshares cost roughly $30-$60 and will pick you up from the Denver airport and drop you off at any location in the city. No need to navigate from Union Station and use other public transportation.
For the cheapest fare, download both apps because you may see drastic price differences based on the time of day and driver availability on both platforms.
I am totally unbiased here and use both options wherever I travel. I’ve personally seen $15 price differences between Uber and Lyft traveling from the Denver airport to downtown, so I always make sure to have both at the ready.
Taxis – Best Option If Uber and Lyft Are Too Expensive
Sometimes the surge is so high with Uber and Lyft, getting to downtown Denver can cost nearly $70. Here comes the classic taxi service to the rescue.
Taxis going from the Denver airport to downtown Denver operate on a flat rate system of $56, giving travelers a reliable option if there aren’t any rideshare drivers, especially when traveling at odd times of the day or night.
If you are feeling more adventurous, try to find someone else heading downtown and split the cab fare for extra savings. Despite the thriving rideshare popularity, taxis are still a viable option at a consistent price.
Shuttle Services – Best Transportation To Downtown Denver For Large Groups
If you are traveling with a large group of people, eight or more people, hiring a private shuttle service is the way to save the most money. For a larger group, most shuttle services make you reserve a whole van which will pick you up from the airport and take you anywhere in the city.
Shuttle services range from $350-$450 for a full service 10-14 passenger van. If you are traveling with ten people, that’s roughly $35-$45 per person and you can keep everyone together for the whole trip.
In my opinion, if you are traveling with seven or fewer people, you are better off getting two Ubers instead of a shuttle for maximum cost and convenience savings.
Shuttles make the perfect option if your large group traveled with large baggage like skis, snowboards, and extra luggage. Most vans and shuttles will accommodate extra large items making it the perfect option if you plan on spending the winter in Denver.
Rental Car – Best Option To Explore Denver And The Mountains
If your travels to Denver include plenty of bouncing around the city and the state, then using a rental car is the best option. By traveling outside of downtown Denver, you can explore everything the city has to offer plus enjoy the amazing mountain towns and Rocky Mountain excursions.
The costs of Uber will begin to add up and using public transportation to venture outside the city will eat into your time heavily. So, if you plan on exploring more of Denver and the surrounding area, pick up your rental car from the Denver airport.
The pickup process is super easy and something my wife and I have done before. You are best to reserve your rental car online and choose from any of the major rental car companies.
Once you land and are in the main terminal at the Denver airport, find the rental car counter. From there, they will confirm your reservation and direct you to the shuttle which will take you about a mile away from the airport to the rental car area. Then, you will pick up your car and be on your way to wonderful adventures in Colorado.
Final Thoughts On How To Get From The Denver Airport To Downtown
Denver International Airport is constantly growing with thousands of passengers passing through its doors daily. For the best trip to Denver, knowing how to get from the Denver airport to downtown will make your whole experience better.
With the options above, I think using rideshare or the Denver Airport Rail are the best options for most people adding the most convenience while saving the most money.
Depending on your needs, you may need a taxi, shuttle service, or a rental car to help you enjoy the Mile High City. No matter what option you pick, stay adventurous and eat something delicious while exploring Denver, Colorado.
Related Articles About Traveling To Denver, Colorado
Winter In Denver | Tips For Snow Season In Denver (By A Local)
BEST Brunch In Denver: 8 BEST Brunch Spots In Denver, CO
Chris Kretzer has traveled the world visiting over 35 countries and eating his way through every city. With his wife Tiarra, they explore different food cultures and create food guides, podcasts, and travel articles helping everyone experience the world through food.