How to Get from Denver Airport to the Denver Tech Center
Looking to get to the Denver Tech Center from Denver Airport? When it comes to traveling between these two points, there are several transportation options. You can drive, take rideshare services, use a taxi, or take public transit. This guide will discuss your options in detail, plus the pros and cons for each.
Denver Tech Center (also known as DTC) is one of the largest business districts in the Denver metro area, located along the I-25 corridor southeast of Denver. The area is particularly popular with business travelers due to its concentration of corporate headquarters and conference facilities.
So, how do you get to Denver Tech Center from Denver Airport? It’s quite straightforward, and there are several ways to make the journey.
Know Before You Go
Distance from Denver Airport to Denver Tech Center
Denver Tech Center is approximately 26 miles from Denver International Airport, and it’ll take you about 30-35 minutes to drive there under normal traffic conditions.
This is a straightforward highway drive that takes you south through Denver’s metro area. The route follows major interstates and is well-maintained year-round, though traffic can be heavy during rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
The drive follows primarily I-70 West and I-25 South, making it one of the more direct routes to any Denver-area destination.
Traffic Considerations
Before choosing your transportation method, consider that Denver Tech Center is located along the busy I-25 corridor, which means:
- Rush hour delays: Morning and evening commutes can significantly extend travel time
- I-25 construction: Ongoing highway projects may cause delays
- Business district traffic: High concentration of business travelers during weekday peak hours
- Best travel times: Early morning (before 7 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM) for fastest trips
Transportation Option 1: Rent a Car and Drive
Suitable for: Business travelers needing flexibility for multiple meetings or exploring Denver
How to Book: Rentalcars.com with Denver Airport set as the pickup location
Renting a car at DEN and driving to Denver Tech Center gives you complete freedom during your business stay. You take a short shuttle to the rental car lot, pick up your rental, and you’re off.
The drive will take you about 30-35 minutes from Denver Airport without stops or heavy traffic. Add about 45 minutes to account for the time between landing and picking up your car.
The Route
Primary Route (Recommended):
- Take Peña Boulevard west from the airport
- Merge onto I-70 West toward Denver
- Take I-225 South toward Aurora
- Exit at Belleview Avenue or other DTC area exits
- Follow local roads to your destination
This route is the most direct and takes you straight to the Denver Tech Center area.
Important Considerations
Parking: Most Denver Tech Center hotels charge $15-30+ per night for parking. Many office buildings offer visitor parking, though rates vary.
Rental Car Pickup: All rental car companies are located off-site. Unlike some airports where you can walk directly to rental counters, all car rental agencies at DEN are located at a consolidated facility that’s about 5-7 minutes away from the main terminal. You’ll need to take a free shuttle to get there.
Costs and Vehicle Recommendations
A standard car is adequate unless snow is expected during your stay in Denver. You’ll still want an AWD or 4WD drive car to get around more easily.
Expect to pay around $40-80+ per day depending on the season and vehicle type.
Having a rental car is ideal if you plan to attend multiple meetings around the metro area, or if you want the flexibility to explore Denver during your stay.
Pros
- Complete freedom for business meetings and appointments
- Cost-effective for longer stays or multiple daily trips
- Easy to navigate between DTC locations
- No waiting for other transportation
- Direct highway route with minimal city driving
Cons
- Parking fees add up quickly
- I-25 traffic can be unpredictable
- Not ideal if you’re staying exclusively in DTC
- Airport rental pickup adds time to your journey
For more information on renting a car, check out my guide on How to Rent a Car at Denver Airport.
Transportation Option 2: Rideshare Apps
Suitable for: Most business travelers wanting convenience and reasonable cost
How to Book: Uber app or Lyft app
You can take an Uber or Lyft from Denver International Airport to Denver Tech Center easily. This is one of the most popular options for business travelers.
Estimated costs typically range from $50-70 for the 26-mile journey. The trip takes about 34 minutes under normal conditions.
How It Works
Open the Uber or Lyft app once you’ve collected your luggage. You can schedule trips in advance on the Uber app from Denver Airport anywhere from 2 hours to 90 days in advance, which is perfect for business travelers wanting guaranteed transportation.
Pickup Location
Both Uber and Lyft pick up from Level 5 (the same level as baggage claim) on the east and west sides of the terminal. Look for the designated rideshare pickup areas – they’re clearly marked and easy to find.
Pros
- Door-to-door service to your exact hotel or meeting location
- Upfront pricing so you know exactly what you’ll pay
- Easy to book through familiar apps
- No parking fees or navigation hassles
- Professional service suitable for business travel
Cons
- Prices can surge during peak business travel times
- Potential wait times during busy periods
- Return trip requires separate booking
- Limited vehicle options for large groups
See related: How to Pick up an Uber or Lyft at Denver Airport.
Transportation Option 3: Taxi
Suitable for: Business travelers preferring traditional transportation without apps
How to Book: Available at designated taxi stands
Taxis are readily available at Denver Airport and are a popular choice for business travelers.
Cost: $70 – $90
Travel Time: 30-35 minutes plus pickup time
Pickup Location
Taxis are available at designated taxi stands on Level 5 of the terminal (same level as baggage claim). Look for the ground transportation signs.
Pros
- No app required
- Professional drivers familiar with business district
- Fixed meter rates
- Available 24/7
- Suitable for expense reimbursement
Cons
- More expensive than rideshare
- Potential wait times during peak periods
- Prices can vary with traffic (meter-based)
Transportation Option 4: Public Transit
Suitable for: Budget-conscious travelers with time to spare
How to Book: RTD mobile app or ticket machines
RTD public transit can get you to Denver Tech Center, though it requires a transfer and takes significantly longer than other options.
Cost: $10.50 for a day pass
Travel Time: 60-75 minutes with connections
The Route
Getting to DTC via public transit requires one transfer:
- Take the A-Line train from Denver Airport to Peoria Station (about 20 minutes)
- Transfer to the R-Line light rail toward Lincoln Station
- Take the R-Line to Belleview Station (about 25 minutes)
- Belleview Station is the primary station serving Denver Tech Center
Belleview station is a light rail station in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is served by the E and R Lines, operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), and was opened on November 17, 2006. This is the primary station serving the Denver Technological Center.
From Belleview Station
The Denver Marriott Tech Center is a five minute walk from Belleview Station. When you arrive at the station, walk toward E. Union Ave. and use the south elevator. Cross over I-25 and the hotel will be on your right. Other DTC hotels and businesses are within walking distance or a short rideshare trip from the station.
Ticket Options
Mobile ticketing is the easiest way to buy tickets. The convenient app allows you to connect to other RTD resources for trip planning. Tickets can also be purchased on rail line platforms at ticket vending machines.
Pros
- Most economical option
- Direct light rail connection to DTC
- Environmentally friendly
- No parking hassles
- Good option for regular commuters
Cons
- Longest travel time
- Requires one transfer and navigation
- Not ideal with heavy luggage
- Less convenient for tight business schedules
Insider Tips for Your Journey
Best Times to Travel
Fastest: Early morning (before 7 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM)
Busiest: Weekday mornings and evenings during business travel peak times
Rush Hour: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for quickest trips on I-25
If Your Flight is Delayed
Most transportation options are available on-demand, so delays typically aren’t a problem. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft can be requested once you land, regardless of timing. Taxis are always available at the airport. Most rental car lots at Denver operate 24/7, but check with your individual operator if you’re significantly delayed. Public transit runs on a set schedule, so you can catch the next available train.
Weather Considerations
Denver weather can change quickly, but Denver Tech Center is accessible via well-maintained highways year-round. Winter storms may affect all transportation options, but major routes like I-70 and I-225 are prioritized for snow removal.
Money-Saving Tips
- Book rental cars in advance for better business rates
- Many DTC hotels offer airport shuttle services – check when booking
- Consider rideshare for single trips, rental cars for multiple-day business stays
- RTD day passes work for return trips if using public transit
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Denver Airport to Denver Tech Center is straightforward, with multiple reliable transportation options suited for business travel.
For business travelers needing flexibility, renting a car provides the best value. For single trips, rideshare offers convenient door-to-door service. Taxis work well for traditional business travel, while public transit provides an economical option for budget-conscious travelers.
Whatever option you choose, you’ll arrive in one of Denver’s premier business districts. Safe travels and successful meetings!
Travel times and prices are estimates and may vary based on traffic, weather, and other factors. Always check current schedules and rates before traveling.
