The Complete Guide to Parking at Denver Airport: Every Option Explained
Flying out of Denver International Airport and not sure where to park? You’re not alone. With over 10 lots and garages ranging from $8 to over $160 per day, DEN offers plenty of options – but figuring out which one works best for your trip can be overwhelming.
This guide breaks down every parking option at Denver Airport so you can make the right choice for your budget, trip length, and convenience needs. No marketing fluff, just the practical information you need to decide where to leave your car.
Know Before You Go
Here are the essential details that can influence your parking strategy before you even leave home.
Check Availability First: Parking fills up, especially during peak travel times. Check real-time availability here or call the parking hotline at (303) 342-7275. Electronic signs on Peña Boulevard also show current availability as you drive in.
Reservations Generally Not Required: Most Denver Airport parking lots operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations needed. The exception is Premium Reserved Parking, which requires advance booking.
Construction Alert: The West Garage and West Economy Lot currently have reduced capacity due to ongoing construction. Plan extra time and consider alternatives if you typically park on the west side.
Payment Options: All lots accept major credit cards. Cash is only accepted at specific kiosks on Level 5 of the terminal (West doors 506-508, East doors 507-509).
Recent Rate Changes: DEN increased parking rates in May 2025 due to rising operational costs, though they reduced Premium Reserved pricing to make it more competitive.
No Hidden Fees: True to DEN’s “we like simple” philosophy, published rates are exactly what you’ll pay – no surprise taxes or additional fees at checkout.
One Terminal Building: Despite “East” and “West” designations, DEN is one large terminal. The sides just refer to which airline check-in counters you’re closest to. If you’re not checking bags, either side works fine.
East vs. West Orientation: The lots look identical, so here’s how to tell which side you’re on: If you see the mountains (Front Range) on one side and the airport on the other, you’re in West. If you see plains on one side and the airport on the other, you’re in East.
Security Status Matters: Your TSA PreCheck and CLEAR status can influence your parking choice. If you have PreCheck and CLEAR and want maximum efficiency, park in the West Garage – it’s closest to West Security, which tends to move faster with these services. For more information, read my Denver Airport Security Guide here.
On-Site Parking Options
These parking options are located on Denver Airport property, though “on-site” doesn’t necessarily mean you can walk directly from your car to the terminal – some require shuttle service.
East & West Garages: Maximum Convenience
Location: Attached directly to Jeppesen Terminal (East and West sides)
Rates: $30 per day, $7 per hour
How to Book: Just drive up – no reservations needed
The parking garages attached directly to the terminal offer the ultimate in convenience. You’ll park and walk straight into Jeppesen Terminal without any shuttles or weather exposure.
Important Note: The “East” and “West” designations refer to which airline check-in counters you’re closest to, not separate terminals. If you’re traveling with just a mobile boarding pass and carry-on (no bag check needed), it doesn’t matter which side you park on – you can easily walk to any gate from either garage.
Pro Tip: If you have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, the West Garage puts you closest to West Security, which tends to be more efficient for travelers with these services.
Pros:
- Covered parking protects your car from Colorado weather
- Closest possible parking to the terminal
- No shuttle dependency – walk directly to check-in
- Available 24/7 with good lighting and security
Cons:
- Most expensive on-site option at $30/day
- Can fill up during peak travel times
- 8-foot height clearance limit
- Premium pricing for the convenience
Best For: Short trips (1-3 days), bad weather conditions, early morning flights, travelers prioritizing convenience over cost, business trips where time matters more than money.
Premium Reserved Parking: Guaranteed Spots
Location: Reserved sections within the East and West Garages
Rates: $45 per day
How to Book: Online at go.lazparking.com/flydenver/park (must book 24+ hours in advance)
Premium Reserved is DEN’s newest option, letting you guarantee a covered parking spot in the garages before you arrive.
Pros:
- Guaranteed parking during peak times
- Covered garage protection
- Skip the stress of searching for spots
- Automatic payment processing
Cons:
- Must book at least 24 hours ahead
- Higher cost than standard garage parking
- Less flexibility for spontaneous travel
- Limited availability during major holidays
Best For: Holiday travel, peak summer/winter seasons, business travelers who need certainty, anyone who values peace of mind over flexibility.
East & West Economy Lots: The Middle Ground
Location: East Economy adjacent to East Garage, West Economy adjacent to West Garage
Rates: $18/day (first 3 days), $16/day (4+ days), $6/hour
How to Book: Drive up – no reservations needed
The Economy Lots offer a compromise between garage convenience and shuttle lot savings, with tiered pricing that gets cheaper the longer you stay.
Important Note: Like the garages, “East” and “West” refer to proximity to different airline check-in areas. If you’re not checking bags, either lot works equally well since you’ll enter the same terminal building.
Pros:
- Mid-range pricing with long-trip discounts
- Tiered pricing saves money on 4+ day trips
- Walkable distance to terminal
- No height restrictions for larger vehicles
Cons:
- Outdoor parking exposed to weather
- Shuttles are unreliable – plan to walk regardless of conditions
- Walking can be challenging in rain, snow, or extreme heat
- West lot currently has reduced capacity
Best For: 4+ day trips where tiered pricing kicks in, moderate budgets, good weather conditions, travelers comfortable walking 10-15 minutes to the terminal.
Pikes Peak & Mt. Elbert Shuttle Lots: Budget Champions
Location: Pikes Peak Lot east of terminal, Mt. Elbert Lot south of terminal
Rates: $8 per day (no hourly rate available)
How to Book: Drive up – no reservations needed
These remote lots offer the cheapest on-site parking at DEN, but you’ll need to factor in shuttle time and reliability.
Pros:
- Cheapest on-site option at just $8/day
- Great for extended trips and tight budgets
- Shuttle service provided (though expect 7-10 minute frequency)
- No vehicle size restrictions
Cons:
- Furthest from terminal (30+ minutes total travel time)
- Completely dependent on shuttle service
- Outdoor parking with full weather exposure
- Early morning shuttle waits can add stress
Best For: Week-long or longer trips, travelers on tight budgets, situations where saving money matters more than convenience, extended international travel.
Valet Parking at the Westin: Premium Service
Location: The Westin Denver International Airport, connected to terminal via skybridge
Rates: $59/day for non-hotel guests ($54 for hotel guests), drops to $35/day after 5th day
How to Book: Available drive-up or reserve at propark.com/westin-denver-airport-parking/
Valet parking is located at the Westin Denver International Airport, which is connected to the terminal via skybridge. This is the exclusive valet parking option at DIA that is walkable to the terminal.
Pros:
- Walk directly to the south end of Jeppesen Terminal via skybridge
- Professional valet service handles your vehicle
- Covered valet parking is the most convenient option at DEN
- Electric vehicle charging available for additional $35
- Rates reduce significantly for extended stays (5+ days)
Cons:
- Most expensive parking option
- Availability for non-hotel guests is subject to change depending on the number of spots available
- Less control over your vehicle
- Additional cost for EV charging
Best For: Special occasions, luxury travel preferences, mobility issues, business travelers with expense accounts, travelers who value ultimate convenience and don’t mind premium pricing.
Off-Site Parking: When It Makes Sense
When Denver Airport’s own lots don’t meet your needs or budget, several private companies offer parking on their own property with shuttle service to DEN.
Major Off-Site Providers
Fine Airport Parking
- Options: Indoor, outdoor, and valet parking
- Rates: Starting around $9.99/day
- Features: 24/7 security, frequent shuttles, covered parking available
- Bonus: Complimentary snacks and coffee in lobby
The Parking Spot (West & South locations)
- Options: Multiple service levels
- Rates: Starting around $10.95/day
- Features: Recently rebranded locations, established shuttle routes
- Bonus: Spot Club loyalty program with free days
Canopy Airport Parking
- Options: Open-air, covered, and valet
- Rates: $6.95-15.95/day depending on service level
- Features: 30% savings compared to on-site rates
- Bonus: Guaranteed spots with advance reservations
When Off-Site Makes Sense
Budget Considerations: Off-site parking typically runs $7-16/day for self-park options, compared to $18-30/day on-site. For trips longer than 3-4 days, the savings add up quickly.
Peak Times: When on-site lots fill up during holidays or ski season, off-site providers often have availability with reliable shuttle service.
Weather Protection: Many off-site lots offer covered parking at prices competitive with DEN’s outdoor economy lots.
Service Level: Some travelers prefer the customer service and amenities at private facilities over the basic airport lots.
RTD Park-and-Ride: The A-Line Alternative
For some Denver residents, parking at an RTD station and taking the A-Line train to DEN can offer significant savings over airport parking rates.
How It Works
Park at select RTD park-and-ride lots (typically $2-5/day), then take the A-Line directly to Denver Airport. Key stations with parking include Peoria Station, 40th & Airport Way, and 61st & Peña.
The Reality Check
Cost Consideration: While RTD parking is much cheaper than airport lots, you’ll pay around $10 each way for the A-Line ticket, which eats into your savings. For longer trips, the math can still work in your favor.
Security Trade-off: RTD park-and-ride lots are not as secure as dedicated airport parking facilities. They have less surveillance and security patrols, making car break-ins a higher risk.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers on longer trips where the total savings justify the train cost and security risk, or those already familiar and comfortable with RTD service.
More Information: For detailed A-Line schedules, fares, and park-and-ride lot locations, visit rtd-denver.com.
Special Considerations for Denver Residents
Living in the Denver area gives you local knowledge that can improve your parking strategy and save money.
Peak Times to Plan Around
Summer Season (June-August): Family vacation travel fills up garages and economy lots. Consider off-site options or Premium Reserved during these months.
Ski Season (December-March): Weekend ski trips create high demand. Book ahead or arrive early, especially Friday-Sunday.
Major Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break see the highest demand. Off-site parking or Premium Reserved are often your best bets.
Construction Impacts: Current work on the west side reduces capacity. Eastern parking or off-site alternatives may be more reliable.
Weather Reality Check
Colorado weather can change your parking strategy in a hurry. Here’s what to consider:
Snow and Ice: Garage parking eliminates scraping ice and digging out your car. Economy lots mean walking in potentially icy conditions since shuttles are unreliable.
Hail Season: Covered parking can save thousands in hail damage. Consider this during late spring/early summer storm season.
Summer Heat: Your car’s interior will be scorching in outdoor lots. Garage parking keeps temperatures more manageable.
Economy Lot Reality: Regardless of weather, plan to walk from economy lots to the terminal. DEN advertises shuttle service, but it’s unreliable enough that walking should be your default plan.
Making Your Decision: Practical Framework
Use these guidelines to match your parking choice to your specific trip needs and priorities.
Trip Length Calculator
1-2 Days:
- Garage ($30/day) vs. Economy ($18/day) = $12-24 difference
- Weather and convenience often worth the premium for short trips
3-7 Days:
- Economy lots hit sweet spot with tiered pricing ($16/day after day 3)
- Off-site options become competitive ($10-15/day)
1+ Weeks:
- Shuttle lots ($8/day) offer best on-site value
- Off-site long-term rates often better than $8/day
- Consider monthly options for extended travel
30+ Days:
- Special arrangements required with DEN (call 303-342-4650)
- Off-site monthly rates typically more flexible
Budget vs. Convenience Scale
Maximum Budget Priority: Shuttle lots ($8/day) or off-site budget options ($6-10/day)
Moderate Budget: Economy lots ($16-18/day) or mid-tier off-site ($10-15/day)
Convenience Priority: Garages ($30/day) or Premium Reserved
Premium Service: Valet ($59+/day) or off-site premium services
Quick Decision Guide
- Bad weather forecast? → Garage or covered off-site (avoid economy lot walk)
- Peak travel time? → Premium Reserved or off-site with reservations
- Tight budget? → Shuttle lots or off-site budget options
- Early morning flight? → Garage to avoid shuttle waits and walking
- Long trip (4+ days)? → Economy lots with tiered pricing (if weather cooperates)
- Holiday travel? → Book Premium Reserved or off-site well in advance
Booking and Logistics
Here’s what to expect when actually using your chosen parking option.
Checking Availability
Real-Time Options:
- FlyDenver.com homepage shows current availability
- Parking hotline: (303) 342-7275
- Electronic signs on Peña Boulevard while driving
Pro Tip: Check availability the night before and again the morning of travel. Situations change quickly, especially during peak times.
What to Expect
Shuttle Service: Where available, shuttles run every 7-10 minutes, but build in extra time. Economy lot shuttles are particularly unreliable.
Security: All lots have 24/7 patrols, but DEN parking is at your own risk. Lock your car, remove valuables, and park in well-lit areas when possible.
EV Charging: 36 charging stations available in Level 1 of the garages on a first-come, first-served basis. No additional charge beyond standard parking rates.
Emergency Services: Free services include jump starts, tire inflation, lockout assistance, and help locating your vehicle.
Payment and Policies
No Hidden Fees: DEN’s published rates are exactly what you pay – no taxes, surcharges, or surprise fees.
Extended Stays: Vehicles parked for more than 30 days without arrangements will be considered abandoned and towed. Call ahead for longer trips.
Receipts and Disputes: Visit flydenver.com to request parking receipts or dispute charges.
Insider Tips for Denver Residents
Local knowledge that can save you time, money, and frustration.
Timing Your Arrival: Garages fill up by mid-morning during peak times. Arrive early or have a backup plan.
Construction Workarounds: With west-side capacity reduced, consider east-side parking or off-site options for more reliable availability.
Free Pickup Option: The Cell Phone Waiting Lot on 77th Avenue offers free waiting for pickup situations, with restaurants and Wi-Fi.
Alternative Transportation: Sometimes parking isn’t worth the hassle. The A-Line from various RTD stations connects directly to DEN with park-and-ride lots offering much cheaper parking than airport rates. Rideshare costs may also be competitive for short trips.
Loyalty Programs: If you fly frequently, off-site parking loyalty programs can provide significant value with free days and upgrades.
Weather Apps: Check forecasts before leaving. A surprise storm can make the difference between a pleasant garage experience and a miserable economy lot trek.
The Bottom Line
Denver Airport parking doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s the simple version:
- Short trips + bad weather = Garage parking
- Medium trips + good weather = Economy lots
- Long trips + tight budget = Shuttle lots or off-site
- Peak times + peace of mind = Premium Reserved or off-site reservations
- Ultimate convenience = Valet parking
Remember, DEN truly lives by “we like simple” – most lots are drive-up, rates are transparent, and you have plenty of options. The key is matching your parking choice to your trip needs, budget, and tolerance for walking in Colorado weather.
Check availability before you leave, have a backup plan during peak times, and don’t forget that sometimes the best airport parking is the one that’s actually available when you need it.
