How to Get from Denver Airport to Greeley (Options, Routes, Costs & More)

Planning a trip to Greeley and wondering how to get there from Denver International Airport? While Greeley may not have the same name recognition as some of Colorado’s mountain destinations, this vibrant university town has plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re heading to the University of Northern Colorado, attending an event, or exploring northern Colorado, this guide will walk you through all your transportation options from DEN to Greeley.

Greeley is located about 57 miles from Denver Airport, making it a manageable journey by various transportation methods. The trip typically takes around 61 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions, though this can vary depending on the time of day and weather.

Home to the University of Northern Colorado and known for its agricultural heritage, Greeley offers a unique blend of college town energy and western charm. The city has grown significantly in recent years and serves as a gateway to exploring northern Colorado’s attractions, from the Cache la Poudre River to the nearby Rocky Mountain foothills.

Your Transportation Options at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of your main options for getting from Denver Airport to Greeley:

• Rental Car – Maximum flexibility for exploring the area
• Shuttle – Premium shuttle service with luxury amenities and multiple daily trips
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Convenient but can be expensive for the distance
• Public Transportation – Budget-friendly but requires transfers and takes longer

Let me break down each option in detail so you can choose what works best for your trip.

Rental Car – For Maximum Flexibility

Renting a car gives you complete control over your schedule and the ability to explore northern Colorado at your own pace.

How it works: All rental car companies at DEN are located at a consolidated facility about 5-7 minutes away from the main terminal. You’ll need to take a free shuttle to get there. From the rental facility, it’s a straightforward drive north to Greeley. You can read my complete guide to renting a car at Denver Airport here.

Driving Route: Take Peña Boulevard to I-76 West, then merge onto US-85 North toward Greeley. The route is mostly highway driving with no mountain passes to navigate.

Cost: Rental rates vary widely based on vehicle type, season, and how far in advance you book. Expect to pay at least $40-80 per day for a standard car, plus gas and parking fees.

Pros:

• Complete flexibility over your schedule
• Freedom to explore northern Colorado and nearby attractions
• Often the most cost-effective option for longer stays
• Easy, straightforward drive with no mountain passes
• Convenient for business travelers with multiple meetings

Cons:

• Costs can add up with gas, insurance, and parking fees
• You have to navigate traffic and parking yourself
• Winter driving conditions can be challenging

Best for: Travelers planning to explore the area, staying for several days, or those who prefer having their own transportation.

How to book: My favorite way to book is through Rentalcars.com, with Denver Airport set as the pickup location. There you’ll be able to compare prices across all major rental companies at Denver Airport.

Hot tip: While renting a car from DEN is definitely the most convenient option, it’s also the most expensive rental car option. Consider taking the airport train to downtown Denver and picking up a rental car from downtown if you want to save money and don’t mind the extra time. Read about other ways to save money on a rental car here.

Landline Shuttle – The Premium Option

Landline operates 11 roundtrips daily from Greeley to Denver International Airport on luxury shuttles equipped with reclining leather seats, free Wi-Fi, in-seat power to charge personal devices, tray tables, and cup holders. This is hands-down the most comfortable public transportation option.

How it works: The Greeley shuttle location is in the parking lot on the southwest side of the Hampton Inn and Suites at 2350 W. 29th St. Riders can park free in the lot’s designated Landline customer parking section.

Cost: Adult fares are $35 for the first passenger and $15 for each additional adult on the same reservation. Children 12 years old and younger ride for free.

Pros:

• Luxury amenities make the journey comfortable
• Multiple daily departures provide flexibility
• Free parking at the pickup location
• No need to navigate Denver traffic yourself
• Environmental friendly – reduces carbon footprint by up to 95%

Cons:

• Fixed schedule may not align perfectly with your flight times
• Need to get to the Hampton Inn pickup location
• More expensive than some other options for solo travelers

Best for: Travelers who want a comfortable, hassle-free experience and don’t mind paying a bit more for premium service.

How to book: Visit landline.com or call their reservation line to book your shuttle. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel times.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Convenient but Costly

Uber and Lyft operate at Denver Airport and can transport you to Greeley. The average price for this trip is $91 and takes about 61 minutes.

How it works: If you’ve requested rides through the Lyft or Uber apps, exit the terminal through Doors 506–510 (west side) and 507–511 (east side) on Level 5 near baggage claim and proceed to Island 5 to meet your driver.

Read my complete guide to catching an Uber or Lyft at DEN here.

Cost: The average price is around $91, though prices vary based on time of day and demand. During peak times or bad weather, surge pricing can make this significantly more expensive.

Pros:

• Available 24/7 with no advance booking required
• Door-to-door service
• No need to navigate or park
• Can often get a ride within minutes

Cons:

• Can be very expensive, especially with surge pricing
• The main challenge is finding drivers willing to make the long trip to Greeley. Availability may be limited, especially during peak travel times or bad weather
• Price can fluctuate dramatically based on demand
• No guaranteed availability for the return trip

Best for: Solo travelers who need immediate transportation and don’t mind paying premium prices, or when other options aren’t available.

How to book: Download the Uber or Lyft app and request a ride directly. No advance booking required, though you can schedule rides up to 90 days in advance if needed.

Public Transportation – The Budget Option

While there’s no direct bus from Denver Airport to Greeley, you can get there using a combination of RTD services with transfers.

How it works: Take the A-Line train from Denver Airport to Union Station ($10), then catch a bus from Denver to Greeley. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Cost: This is the cheapest option at around $12 total when you combine the train fare and bus ticket.

Pros:

• Most affordable option available
• The A-Line train runs 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Environmentally friendly
• No driving or parking hassles

Cons:

• Takes the longest time of all options
• Requires transfers and coordination between different transit systems
• Limited luggage space
• Less comfortable for longer journeys
• Schedule constraints may not work with all flight times

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers with flexible schedules who don’t mind a longer journey.

How to book: Purchase your A-Line train ticket at DEN using ticket machines, the RTD mobile app, or at Union Station. Bus tickets to Greeley can be purchased through the respective bus company websites or at the stations.

Driving Routes & Traffic Considerations

If you choose to rent a car or get a rideshare, here’s what to expect on the drive:

Main Route: Take Peña Boulevard west from the airport, merge onto I-76 West, then take US-85 North to Greeley. This is about 57 miles of mostly highway driving.

Traffic Tips: Traffic can be an issue, especially during busy seasons. You can mitigate this by avoiding weekends and mid-day travel times. Rush hour traffic (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) can add significant time to your journey.

Weather Considerations: Winter weather can impact driving conditions, especially between November and March. If you’re not comfortable driving in snow, consider the shuttle options instead.

Making Your Decision

Choose Rental Car if: You plan to explore the area, stay for multiple days, or prefer having your own transportation. It’s also the most economical for longer trips and provides maximum flexibility.

Choose Landline Shuttle if: You want a comfortable, premium experience with luxury amenities and don’t mind paying extra for the convenience.

Choose Rideshare if: You need immediate transportation, are traveling light, and budget isn’t your primary concern.

Choose Public Transportation if: You’re on a tight budget and have plenty of time for the journey.

Booking Tips

• Book in advance for shuttle services, especially during peak travel seasons or university events
• Check your flight schedule against shuttle departure times to ensure good connections
• Consider your luggage – some options are better for travelers with lots of gear
• Factor in total costs including parking, gas, and potential surge pricing

Getting Around Greeley

Once you arrive in Greeley, the city is fairly compact and walkable, especially around the University of Northern Colorado campus and downtown area. The city also has a local transit system called GET (Greeley-Evans Transit) if you need to get around without a car.

Whatever transportation option you choose, you’ll find Greeley to be a welcoming destination with its own unique character. From the university atmosphere to the agricultural heritage and growing arts scene, there’s plenty to discover in this northern Colorado gem. Enjoy your visit to Greeley!