The Ultimate Guide to the Denver Airport Train (Schedule, Cost, How to Ride + More)

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Wondering how to use the Denver Airport train? Whether you’re a Denver visitor or a Denver local, I’ve written this guide for you! This guide will cover everything you need to know about getting to and from Denver Airport via the train.

The University of Colorado A Line Commuter Train is an above-ground train that runs between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Downtown Denver’s Union Station. It’s more commonly known as the Denver Airport Train.

The train ride is exactly 37 minutes long from end to end and runs 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

It is also by far the easiest way to get between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver.

I’ve ridden this train close to 100 times, and I’ve put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide based on my experience and questions I’m frequently asked by people who aren’t familiar with the train.

In this guide, I’ll discuss:

  • The Denver Airport train schedule and stops
  • Where and how to buy tickets
  • Where and how to catch the train
  • The onboard experience
  • What to do once you get off the train

I’ll even throw in a few insider tips along the way!

Why Take the Train?

Before getting into the details of everything you need to know, it’s worth mentioning why you should consider taking the airport train in the first place.

Simply put, the airport train is the easiest, most convenient, and most cost-effective method of traveling between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver. It’s a rare occurrence when I don’t take the airport train.

If you were to drive between the two with zero traffic (which is highly unlikely), it would take you 26 minutes. However, that’s just the driving part. Once you factor in everything else (waiting, parking, walking, etc.), the door-to-door time is more like an hour plus.

It’s also more expensive to drive. A one-way train ticket is $10.50, but an Uber is quadruple that. Gas plus parking is also considerably more.

In terms of convenience, the train station at Denver Airport is literally right below an airport security checkpoint. You get off the train and you’re practically right at security. No long walks required!

Denver Airport Train Schedule

The airport train departs every 15 to 30 minutes from both Denver Airport Station and Union Station. It departs every 15 minutes throughout most of the day, except in the early morning and late evening hours, which is when it departs every 30 minutes.

The first train leaves Union Station at 3am, and the first train leaves Denver Airport Station at 4:12am. The last train leaves Union Station at 12:30am, and the last train leaves Denver Airport Station at 1:27am.

You can check the most current Airport Train schedule HERE.

Denver Airport Train Stops

There are 8 total stops along the A Line route, and it takes 37 minutes to complete the entire journey from end to end. You can board or disembark the train from any of these stops.

Denver Airport Train Cost

You will need to purchase an Airport Day Pass in order to ride the Denver Airport train. This will give you unlimited access to use the train over a one service day (not a 24 hour period).

Airport Day Passes generally cost $10.50/day, however discounts are available to certain individuals.

  • For Seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare recipients, fares are reduced to $5.25/day.
  • For Youth ages 6-19, fares are reduced to $3.20/day.
  • Children 5 and under ride for free as long as they’re accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
  • For all others, the fare cost is $10.50/day.

You can simply follow all of the steps throughout this guide except for “How and Where to Buy Tickets.”

How and Where to Buy Tickets

You will need to purchase tickets and board the train from any one of its 8 station stops.

There are two ways to buy tickets for this train: on your phone (via an app) or at a station kiosk.

RTD App

Most people don’t know that you can buy Denver Airport train tickets on the RTD app, but I highly recommend it because it’s super simple.

This is ideal for those who don’t like carrying physical tickets and for those who like planning ahead and don’t want to deal with buying tickets at the last minute.

And – it’ll save you $0.50 to buy your ticket via the app.

  1. Download the RTD MyRide App
  2. Click on “Buy Tickets”
  3. Click on “Full Fare” (or ‘Discount’ if you’re eligible)
  4. Select Regional/Airport Day Pass
  5. Buy with Apple Pay or enter a credit card

That’s it. You don’t have to create an account or anything. And – bonus – your ticket can be activated anytime within the next 45 days.

Ticket Kiosk

The most common method of purchase is at one of the station ticket kiosks. They are really simple to use, but there’s sometimes a short line of people using them.

You’ll find kiosks scattered throughout the stations. At Denver International Airport, they’ll be directly in front of you once you come down the escalator. At Union Station, they’re right between the train track and Union Station.

Uber or Lyft App

If you like the idea of pre-buying a ticket on your phone but don’t like the idea of downloading yet another app, you can buy a ticket on the Uber or Lyft app.

  1. Open the Uber (or Lyft) app.
  2. Click on “Transit”.
  3. Next to “Buy Tickets” there should be an option for “More Tickets” – click on that.
  4. Click on Buy Ticket.
  5. Under “Choose Type”, select “Full Fare”.
    • Note: on the Uber app, the description under “Full Fare” says “no airport”. Ignore this.
  6. Select Regional/Airport Day Pass and add how many tickets you need next to the “+”.
  7. Click on “Next”
  8. Confirm and Buy

Catching the train

The most popular stops to catch the train, of course, are Denver Airport Station and Union Station. Here’s what you need to do.

from DEN

If you’ve just landed at Denver International Airport, you’re going to catch the train at Denver Airport Station. Luckily, this is conveniently located right outside Jeppesen Terminal.

To get to Denver Airport Station, follow these steps:

  • Once you get off your plane, follow the signs for Baggage Claim/Terminal.
  • You will then board the airport tram (not to be confused with the A Line train) to Baggage Claim. You’ll take that tram all the way to the very last stop (it’s super obvious – everyone will get off here).
  • Once you’ve gotten off the tram, you’ll end up in Jeppesen Terminal, which is where Baggage Claim, Ticketing, Security, etc. are all located. Follow the signs to Denver Airport Train. If you get confused, it’s just outside the South Security checkpoint.
  • Go down the escalator and voila! The train will literally be right in front of you.

There are two tracks, and your train will leave from either of these. There’s usually one train arriving on one, and one departing on the other.

If you’re worried about getting on the wrong train, don’t – the only train departing Denver Airport Station is the A Line train. You will end up at Union Station no matter what!

From downtown Denver

If you’re in Downtown Denver, you’re going to board at Denver’s Union Station.

Unlike at the airport, there are multiple trains that leave from Union Station, so you’ll want to make sure you get on the correct one.

Generally, it’s going to be on Track 1, which is the track closest to Union Station. There are rare times, though, when it leaves from Track 2.

It’s pretty obvious which one’s the airport train because it will be the one with a bunch of people carrying luggage. If you’re unsure, though, there are transit workers around and you can just ask!

Also, there are signs.

On the Train

Boarding

To board the train, simply walk on. The train is all open seating, so you can sit in any seat in any car.

You do not need to show your ticket to board the train. A transit officer will come by after the train departs to check your ticket. Just make sure you have it handy.

There are no turnstiles to enter the boarding area of the station. There are also no stairs, so the train is accessible for those with disabilities.

Where to put your luggage

The Denver Airport Train was designed with its prime customer (airport travelers) in mind. Therefore, there is ample space to place your luggage.

There are designated spaces for large luggage in each car, and there is additional storage space above the seating areas.

Seating

There is open seating across all cars. You can sit wherever.

Food and Drink

You’ll probably notice how incredibly clean the airport train is, and that’s not by mistake!

Eating on the train is not allowed. You can bring non-alcoholic beverages and drink them on board, but they must have a lid.  

Refreshments are not sold on this train.

Disembarking

Announcements are made as the train approaches each of its stops, so you’ll know when to get off.

If your final destination is Denver Airport or Union Station, it will be really obvious once you’ve reached your final destination – the train just ends!

Arriving at Denver Airport

Get off the train and walk the only way you can – toward the airport. You’ll see a set of escalators that you’ll ride up.

Once you’re at the top, you’re at airport security.

Arriving at Union Station

You’ll likely exit the train from Track 1, which means Union Station will be right in front of you.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has provided everything you need to know about riding the Denver Airport Train!  

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