Quick Answer
The best way to get from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown Denver hotels for most travelers is the A Line Commuter Rail (operated by RTD). It takes about 37 minutes, costs only $10.50 one-way, and arrives at the centrally located Denver Union Station, from where you can easily walk, take a short taxi, or use public transit to your final hotel. For direct door-to-door service, shared shuttle vans or rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are the most convenient, though more expensive.
The A Line Commuter Rail: The Best Public Transit Option
The University of Colorado A Line is a dedicated commuter rail service connecting Denver Airport's (DEN) Terminal Station (located under the Westin Hotel, accessible via elevator/train from the terminal) directly to Denver Union Station (DUS) in the heart of LoDo (Lower Downtown). It's managed by the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
Why it's the top recommendation: It's fast, affordable, reliable, and avoids traffic. Union Station is a major hub, connecting you to hotels, light rail, buses, and bike shares.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Time | Approximately 37 minutes from DEN to Union Station. Trains depart every 15-30 minutes from ~3:15 AM to ~1:15 AM. |
| One-Way Fare | $10.50 (Airport Fare Zone). Tickets are valid for the entire RTD system for 3 hours after purchase. |
| Where to Buy Tickets | Use the RTD ticket machines at the Terminal Station (cash/credit). Or, use the RTD MyRide mobile app for convenience. |
| Luggage Space | Ample overhead racks and dedicated luggage areas in each car. No extra fees for bags. |
| Final Stretch to Hotel | From Union Station, most downtown hotels are within a 10-20 minute walk or a 5-minute, ~$8-12 taxi/rideshare ride. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the A Line
- From Baggage Claim: Follow signs for "Transit Center" and "Train to City". Take the escalator/elevator down to the underground Platform Level.
- Purchase Ticket: Buy a ticket at the vending machines or via the MyRide app before boarding. Fare inspection is common; fines for riding without a ticket are steep ($75+).
- Board the Train: Ensure you board a train bound for "Union Station". The route has 7 intermediate stops, but you don't need to transfer.
- At Union Station: Disembark and use the station's wayfinding signs or a map app to navigate to your hotel's street exit.
Shared Shuttles & Private Vans: Door-to-Door Convenience
Shared-ride shuttle vans provide a balance between cost and direct service to your hotel's doorstep. Companies like SuperShuttle (by Groundlink) and Go Airport Shuttle operate at DEN.
What to Expect with a Shared Shuttle
- Booking: Pre-booking online is highly recommended and often cheaper. You can also book at the counter in the terminal (Level 5, island 2).
- Cost: $25-$40 per person one-way to downtown. Slightly cheaper for additional passengers in the same party. Travel Time: 45-75 minutes, depending on the number of stops to drop off other passengers at other hotels. This can be unpredictable.
- Pickup/Drop-off: The shuttle will pick you up outside Level 5, Doors 507-511 (East Side) or Doors 504-508 (West Side).
- Luggage: Standard baggage is included. Oversized items (skis, bikes) may incur a fee.
Private Van Service
For groups of 4-10, a pre-booked private van can be cost-effective and faster than a shared shuttle. Companies like Colorado Mountain Express (CME) offer this service. Prices start around $120-$180 per van (not per person) for a downtown trip, making it a great value for families or groups.
Public & Regional Buses: The Budget Choice
For the most budget-conscious traveler, RTD's public bus system offers the cheapest connection, albeit with more transfers and longer travel time.
The SkyRide Bus Services (RTD)
The Route AF (Airport-Federal Center) and Route 169 (Airport-Longmont) are two main bus routes serving the airport. You will need to transfer to the light rail or another bus to reach downtown.
- Sample Route (Cheapest): Take Route AF from the DEN Transit Center to the Federal Center Station (approx. 45 min). Transfer to the W Line Light Rail towards Union Station (approx. 25 min).
- Total Cost: Standard RTD local fare of $3.00 (for a 3-hour pass). This is significantly cheaper than the A Line's airport fare.
- Total Time: 70-90 minutes+, highly variable based on transfer wait times.
- Best For: Extreme budget travelers with minimal luggage and plenty of time. Not recommended for first-time visitors or those with heavy bags.
Regional buses (e.g., Bustang) serve other Colorado cities and are not practical for a downtown Denver transfer.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare the core metrics of each transportation method from Denver Airport to a central downtown hotel.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Line Train | ~37 min | $10.50 | Fast, reliable, affordable, scenic, no traffic. | Not door-to-door; requires walk/taxi from Union Station. | Most travelers (Best Value) |
| Shared Shuttle Van | 45-75 min | $25-$40 | Door-to-door, fixed price, good for solo travelers. | Unpredictable time due to multiple stops. | Solo travelers/couples wanting direct service. |
| Public Bus + Transfer | 70-90 min+ | $3.00 | Cheapest option. | Multiple transfers, long travel time, cumbersome with luggage. | Extreme budget travelers with time and minimal luggage. |
| Uber / Lyft | 35-50 min | $35-$70+ | Direct, door-to-door, convenient app. | Expensive, surge pricing, price volatility. | Groups of 3-4, late-night arrivals, convenience seekers. |
| Taxi | 35-50 min | $55-$75 | Direct, 24/7 availability, no app needed. | Most expensive standard option, meter can be stressful. | Those without smartphone apps or during peak app surge. |
| Private Van | 40-55 min | $120-$180 (per van) | Direct, private, fixed price for group. | High upfront cost for solo travelers. | Families or groups of 4+. |
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Beyond the schedules and fares, here are practical insights from frequent travelers to make your journey smoother.
General Airport & Arrival Tips
- Free Hotel Shuttles: Some downtown hotels offer free airport shuttles. Always check with your hotel directly before your trip. Pickup is typically on Level 5, Island 3.
- Navigating DEN: The airport is vast. After baggage claim, go up to Level 5 (Departures) to access most ground transportation. Clear signage is everywhere.
- Wi-Fi & Connectivity: DEN offers free Wi-Fi. Download your ride-hailing app or the RTD MyRide app before you land if you haven't already.
Luggage & Comfort Tips
- Heavy Luggage? The A Line is still a great choice, but be prepared for a walk from Union Station. If you have multiple heavy bags, a shuttle or rideshare might be worth the extra cost for door-to-door ease.
- Altitude & Hydration: Denver is at a high altitude (5,280 ft). Carry water, especially if you're walking to your hotel from Union Station.
Timing & Crowd Warnings
- Rush Hour (Weekdays 7-9 AM, 4-6 PM): Road traffic into downtown can be heavy, adding 15-30 minutes to shuttle, taxi, or rideshare trips. The A Line train remains unaffected by road congestion.
- Major Events & Holidays: During conventions, Broncos games, or holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas), expect longer waits for rideshares/taxis and surge pricing. Book shuttles in advance. The train will be busier but more reliable.
FAQs: Getting from Denver Airport to Downtown
Is there a direct train from Denver Airport to Downtown?
Yes. The RTD A Line train provides a direct, non-stop rail service from Denver Airport's Terminal Station to Denver Union Station in Lower Downtown (LoDo). No transfers are required.
What is the cheapest way to get from DEN to Downtown Denver?
The absolute cheapest way is using the RTD public bus system (e.g., Route AF + transfer) for a standard $3.00 fare. However, the best value combining low cost, speed, and ease is the A Line train at $10.50.
How do I get from Denver Airport to my hotel at night (after 1 AM)?
The A Line train does not run between approximately 1:15 AM and 3:15 AM. For late-night arrivals, your only options are taxis (available 24/7), rideshares (Uber/Lyft) (availability may vary), or a pre-booked private shuttle/van. Some hotel shuttles may also run on request.
Is the Denver airport train (A Line) running?
The A Line has been in continuous operation since 2016. For real-time service alerts and schedules, always check the official RTD Service Alerts page before your trip.
Is Uber or Lyft cheaper than a taxi from DEN?
It depends on demand. During off-peak hours with no surge pricing, UberX/Lyft Standard is often $10-$20 cheaper than a metered taxi. During peak times or events, surge pricing can make rideshares more expensive than a taxi. It's wise to check both apps and compare before exiting the terminal.
Where exactly is the train station at Denver Airport?
The Denver Airport Station is located underneath the Westin Denver International Airport hotel. From the main terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) baggage claim level, follow signs for "Transit Center" and "Train to City". You will take an elevator or escalator down to the platform level.
Is the A Line train good for families with kids and lots of luggage?
Yes, it is a good option. The train has dedicated luggage areas and is spacious. The challenge is the final walk/taxi from Union Station to your hotel with all the bags. For families with very young children or excessive luggage, a shared shuttle or private van providing door-to-door service might reduce stress, despite the higher cost.
Can I use a credit card to buy an A Line train ticket?
Yes. The ticket vending machines at the station accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover) as well as cash. The RTD MyRide mobile app also allows for ticket purchase directly on your phone using a credit card.