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DEN

Denver International Airport

Denver, United States

Where to start
RTD A Line (University of Colorado A Line)

For downtown Denver, take the RTD A Line train from the Transit Center on Level 1 — a fixed 37-minute ride to Union Station, every 15 minutes, traffic-proof. For door-to-door, rideshare and taxis pick up on Level 5 at designated islands (taxi at Island 1, metered with a flat downtown rate). Follow the in-terminal signs and your app's pin — DEN's levels confuse first-timers.

Ride Options

RTD A Line (University of Colorado A Line)

transit

Fastest, most reliable route to downtown Denver — fixed time regardless of traffic

AvailabilityEvery 15 minutes; runs from very early until around midnight
Pickup NoteTransit Center, Level 1, beneath the Westin — follow "Train to Downtown / RTD" signs. Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

Door-to-door to downtown Denver, Boulder, or the suburbs

AvailabilityCommonly available; surges during ski season and events
Pickup NoteLevel 5 rideshare islands — follow the in-app pin and "Rideshare" signs; confirm Terminal East vs West.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Lyft

rideshare

Alternative rideshare — same Level 5 islands as Uber

AvailabilityCommonly available
Pickup NoteSame Level 5 rideshare islands as Uber — follow the app pin.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Licensed Taxi

taxi

No-app option with a flat downtown rate

AvailabilityAvailable 24/7
Pickup NoteLevel 5, Island 1. Metered, with a flat rate to downtown.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer

Private Transfer

Fixed-rate pre-booked door-to-door transfer

AvailabilityAvailable at Denver — book via SIXT app or website
Pickup NoteDriver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, up to 60 min free waiting.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft pick up on Level 5 at designated rideshare islands (commonly Island 5, with marked doors on both Terminal East and West sides). DEN's level numbering confuses people — follow the in-terminal "Ground Transportation / Rideshare" signs and your app's exact pin rather than memorizing a level.

Taxi

Taxis stage on Level 5, Island 1 — metered, with a flat rate to downtown. Available 24/7, no booking needed.

Shuttle

Hotel, resort, and rental-car shuttles use Level 5, Island 4, at marked doors. Mountain-resort shuttles (Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge) also depart from the ground-transport level.

Transit

The RTD A Line train runs from the Transit Center on Level 1 (beneath the Westin) to Denver Union Station downtown in about 37 minutes, every 15 minutes — traffic-proof. Follow "Train to Downtown / RTD" signs.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked car services and meet-and-greet drivers wait in the arrivals area with a name sign — useful for late-night arrivals after the A Line stops.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • DEN is about 23 miles from downtown — farther than most US airports. Budget the full 37-minute train ride or a 30–45 minute drive.
  • The RTD A Line reaches Union Station in a fixed 37 minutes regardless of traffic — the best option for downtown and anywhere on the rail network.
  • Rideshare and taxis pick up on Level 5, not at a single curb — meet your driver at the exact door the app shows you; DEN's multi-level layout genuinely confuses first-timers.
  • Active 2026 Level 5 crosswalk/construction work can redirect ground-transport passengers between Terminal West and East — follow live signage and confirm East vs West in your app.
  • The A Line stops running around midnight; late-night arrivals need rideshare or a taxi, and surge spikes during ski season and big games.

Tarmyq local tip

DEN is about 23 miles out — farther than you'd expect. If you're going downtown, the A Line's fixed 37-minute time beats gambling on rush-hour traffic or ski-season surge pricing.