Quick Answer
The best overall way for most travelers is the University of Colorado A Line train to Union Station, then a short bus or rideshare. The fastest way is a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taking 35-50 minutes for $55-$80. The cheapest way is the A Line + RTD Bus combo, costing as little as $10.50-$13.50 per person but taking 60-75 minutes.
Option 1: A Line Train & Public Bus (Best Value)
This is the recommended budget-friendly and efficient method, combining Denver's modern commuter rail with the city's bus network.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Walk to the DEN Transit Center: Follow signs from baggage claim to the Transit Center, located between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel. It's an 8-10 minute walk or a short ride on the automated pedestrian bridge.
- Board the University of Colorado A Line: Trains depart every 15-30 minutes from approximately 3:15 AM to 1:00 AM. The ride to Denver Union Station takes exactly 37 minutes and offers free WiFi, power outlets, and luggage racks. Purchase tickets at the station kiosks or via the RTD MyRide app.
- Transfer at Union Station: Upon arrival, proceed to the underground Bus Concourse.
- Best Bus Route: Take the Route 83L (Cherry Creek-Lowry) heading east. It runs frequently and stops along 1st Ave and Milwaukee St in the heart of Cherry Creek. Travel time is about 15-20 minutes.
- Alternative: For locations near the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, use Route 83 (Cherry Creek).
Key Details & Tips:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cost (One Way) | A Line: $10.50 (Airport Fare Zone). Bus: $3.00 local fare. Transfer Discount: Free bus transfer within 3 hours using the same MyRide ticket/card. Total: $10.50 - $13.50. |
| Total Time | 60 to 75 minutes (Train: 37 min + Walk/Transfer: 10 min + Bus: 15-20 min). |
| Frequency & Hours | A Line: Every 15-30 mins, 3:15 AM - 1:00 AM. Bus 83L: Every 15-30 mins, 5 AM - midnight. |
| Luggage | A Line has ample luggage space. Buses have limited space; manageable for one suitcase per person. |
| Best For | Budget travelers, solo travelers, those without heavy luggage, and visitors comfortable with public transit. |
Pro Tip: If you have more than one suitcase or are traveling in a group of 3+, consider taking the A Line to Union Station and then splitting a short Uber/Lyft ride (approx. $10-$15) to Cherry Creek. This splits the difference between cost and convenience perfectly.
Option 3: Shared Ride & Private Shuttles
Shuttles offer a middle ground between public transit and private cars, ideal for solo travelers or small groups seeking door-to-door service at a lower cost than a taxi.
Types of Shuttles:
- Shared Ride Vans (e.g., SuperShuttle, Express Shuttle): You share the van with other passengers going to different destinations. Prices range from $30 to $45 per person one-way. You must book in advance online. Travel time can be 60-90 minutes depending on the number of stops.
- Private Shuttles & Vans: Companies like Denver Airport Transportation offer dedicated vehicles for your party. Cost for a sedan to Cherry Creek is around $80-$100, similar to a premium taxi but often with fixed, pre-paid pricing. Ideal for families or groups.
- Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels in Cherry Creek offer complimentary airport shuttles. Always confirm this service directly with your hotel before arrival.
Analysis: For a solo traveler, a shared shuttle saves $20-$40 versus a taxi. However, the time penalty for multiple stops can be significant. For a group of 4, a private shuttle may offer better value and immediacy than two Ubers.
Option 4: Rental Car at Denver Airport
Renting a car at DEN is only recommended if you plan extensive travel outside Denver during your stay.
Pros & Cons:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Maximum flexibility for day trips (Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder, Red Rocks). | Expensive: Daily rental + gas + mandatory parking fees at most Cherry Creek hotels ($25-$45/night). |
| Convenient for large families or lots of gear. | Traffic and navigation in an unfamiliar city can be stressful. |
| All rental car companies are located at the Denver Airport Car Rental Center, accessible via a free, frequent shuttle from the terminal. | Cherry Creek is very walkable and has good local bus service; a car is often unnecessary for exploring the neighborhood. |
Our Recommendation:
Unless your itinerary requires it, skip the rental car for a Cherry Creek-focused trip. Use public transit/rideshare for airport transfers and within Denver. For a single day trip, consider booking a guided tour or a one-day car rental from a local agency in Cherry Creek, which may be more economical.
Cost & Time Comparison: Denver Airport to Cherry Creek
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Travel Time | Convenience / Key Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Line Train + Bus (83L) | $10.50 - $13.50 | 60 - 75 min | Great value, involves one transfer, schedule-dependent. | Budget travelers, light packers. |
| A Line Train + Rideshare | $25 - $30 (per group) | 50 - 65 min | Optimal blend of cost, speed, and door-to-door convenience. | Pairs & small groups, those with luggage. |
| Shared Shuttle Van | $30 - $45 (per person) | 60 - 90 min | Door-to-door, requires advance booking, multiple stops. | Solo travelers, those avoiding public transit. |
| Taxi / UberX / Lyft | $55 - $80 | 35 - 50 min | Fastest & most convenient, door-to-door, price fluctuates. | Families, groups, anyone prioritizing speed/convenience. |
| Private Shuttle | $80 - $100+ | 35 - 50 min | Fixed price, dedicated vehicle, professional service. | Business travel, families, groups seeking premium service. |
| Rental Car | $40 - $80/day + parking + gas | 35 - 50 min | Total freedom, but high total cost for just airport transfer. | Travelers with extensive plans outside Denver. |
Note: All times are estimates excluding flight arrival/waiting time. Costs are subject to change.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for the DEN to Cherry Creek Journey
- Download Essential Apps: Before you land, download the RTD MyRide app for train/bus tickets and maps, and have Uber/Lyft ready to go.
- Navigating Union Station: The transfer from the A Line platform to the Bus Concourse is well-signed but can be busy. Allow a 10-minute buffer for your first time.
- Consider Luggage Forwarding: If you have bulky ski equipment or excess bags heading to a mountain resort later, services like Luggage Forward can ship them directly, making your airport transfer much easier.
- Peak Season & Events: During major conferences, holidays, or summer weekends, rideshare surge pricing can be extreme, and shuttles/bookings fill up. Book shared services in advance and consider the A Line as a reliable, fixed-cost backbone of your trip.
- Accessibility: All A Line trains and platforms, as well as RTD buses, are ADA accessible. For door-to-door accessible service, RTD Access-a-Ride must be booked 24 hours in advance, or use an accessible taxi/rideshare option.
- First/Last Train Check: Always verify the last A Line departure time (around 1:00 AM) on the RTD website if you have a late flight.
FAQs: Denver Airport to Cherry Creek Transportation
Is there a direct train from Denver Airport to Cherry Creek?
No, there is no single direct train. The most efficient public transit route involves taking the University of Colorado A Line commuter train from the airport to Union Station in downtown Denver, followed by a short bus ride (Route 83L) or a rideshare/taxi to reach Cherry Creek. The total journey typically takes 60-75 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from DEN to Cherry Creek?
The cheapest option is the combination of the A Line train and public bus. The A Line fare is $10.50 for a one-way ticket. Transferring to an RTD bus (like Route 83L) costs an additional $3.00 or is free within a 3-hour window if you use the same MyRide card or mobile ticket. Total cost can be as low as $10.50-$13.50 per person.
How much is a taxi or Uber from Denver Airport to Cherry Creek?
A taxi, Uber, or Lyft from Denver Airport (DEN) to Cherry Creek typically costs between $55 and $80, depending on traffic, time of day, and the specific service level (e.g., UberX vs. Uber Black). The ride takes approximately 35-50 minutes. This is the most expensive but most direct and convenient door-to-door option.
What is the fastest way to get to Cherry Creek from the airport?
The fastest way during normal traffic conditions is by taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taking 35-50 minutes door-to-door. If traffic is heavy, the A Line train to Union Station (37 minutes guaranteed) followed by a short rideshare or taxi ride (10-15 minutes) can be more reliable and comparable in total time.
How do I get to Cherry Creek from the airport late at night or very early in the morning?
The A Line train operates from approximately 3:15 AM to 1:00 AM. For flights arriving outside these hours, your only public transit option is the SkyRide bus service (Route AF). However, for direct and safe transport at odd hours, pre-booking a shuttle service like SuperShuttle or taking a taxi/rideshare is strongly recommended.
Is it easy to travel from DEN to Cherry Creek with lots of luggage or children?
While the A Line train has luggage space, managing multiple bags and children on a train-to-bus transfer can be challenging. For families or travelers with significant luggage, the convenience of a taxi, rideshare, or private shuttle directly from baggage claim to your hotel in Cherry Creek is worth the extra cost for reduced stress.
Are there shared shuttle vans from Denver Airport to Cherry Creek?
Yes, shared ride shuttle services like SuperShuttle Denver and other providers offer door-to-door service. Prices are typically $30-$45 per person. It's slower than a private car as it makes multiple stops, but it's more affordable than a taxi for solo travelers. Advance online booking is advised.
Should I rent a car at Denver Airport for staying in Cherry Creek?
It depends on your plans. Cherry Creek is a walkable neighborhood with good local bus access. If you only plan to explore Denver, a car is unnecessary and parking can be expensive. If you plan extensive day trips to the Rockies, Red Rocks, or beyond, renting a car at DEN is convenient. Compare rental + parking costs against using rideshares for occasional trips.