How and Where to Pick Up an Uber or Lyft at Denver Airport
I really hate flying into a new city without knowing the airport’s rideshare situation beforehand.
Some city airports are better set up for Uber and Lyft than others. If you’ve ever flown into LAX and needed to catch a Lyft or Uber, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. At LAX, you literally have to walk half a mile outside the airport to reach the main rideshare pickup area.
I’m happy to report that this is not the case at Denver Airport.
Catching an Uber or Lyft at Denver Airport is very easy, and this guide will give you all the details. I’ll take you through exactly what to do, where to go, and when to request your rideshare.
The Basics
There are two rideshare pickup areas at Denver Airport for Uber and Lyft: one on the East side of the airport (also referred to as Terminal East) and one on the West side (Terminal West).
Both pickup areas are right outside the airport doors and just across a few lanes—no long walks required! You literally walk outside the doors and head to the designated rideshare island.
Both pickup areas are on Level 5, which is the same level you end up on after taking the underground train from your gate area.
Where you grab your bags (if you have checked luggage) determines which side you should use for your rideshare. If your baggage claim area is on the West side, grab a West side Uber. If it’s on the East side, grab one on the East side.
When to Request Your Rideshare
When to request a rideshare is debatable and ultimately up to you, but here’s what I like to do:
Once I’ve landed and am making my way to the underground train to get to the Baggage Claim terminal, I pull up my rideshare app and check how far away the nearest driver is. If it’s over 10 minutes away and I do not have checked bags, I’ll request my ride as soon as I board the underground train. If it’s under 10 minutes away, I’ll wait until the underground train arrives at the Baggage Claim terminal before requesting my ride.
If you’re collecting checked bags, I recommend waiting until you have your luggage in hand before booking your rideshare. You never know how long it might take to get your bags!
How you prefer to handle this is totally up to you. If you’re someone who likes to take your time and not feel rushed, wait until you get to the pickup area to request your rideshare.
Where to Pick Up Uber/Lyft
Once you’re off the underground train and up the main escalators, you’ll be in the center of Jeppesen Terminal (also known as Baggage Claim Terminal). If you need to grab bags, head to your designated baggage claim area—there will be monitors telling you which baggage claim to use.
Once you’ve collected your bags (or if you don’t have any bags to collect), head to the designated pickup area. The pickup areas are located right outside the airport doors, and their exact locations are marked by door numbers. The door numbers below are literally printed on the doors, so you’ll know exactly where you are.
Terminal West: Doors 504, 506, 508, 510, or 512
Terminal East: Doors 505, 507, 509, 511, or 513
Pro tip: Not sure if you’re in the East or West terminal? Look at the nearest door number—if it’s even, you’re in Terminal West. If it’s odd, you’re in Terminal East.
Step-by-Step (with pictures) to Getting Your Rideshare at Denver Airport
For those who want to see the process step by step, here’s the complete walkthrough:
Step 1: You’ve landed. Exit the plane and follow the signs for Baggage Claim. These signs will lead you to the underground train, which takes you to the Baggage Claim Terminal.
Step 2: Take the underground train. There will be two tracks going in opposite directions – make sure that you board the train that says “Baggage Claim.”
Step 3: Exit the train and go up the escalators (or elevator if necessary). The escalator will bring you up to the center of the Jeppesen/Baggage Claim Terminal.
Step 4: Follow the signs for Baggage Claim if you have checked bags. If you don’t have checked bags, skip to the next step.
Step 5: Pick a side—Terminal East (go left) or Terminal West (go right). It doesn’t matter which side you choose!
Step 6: Follow the signs to “Ride App Pick Up.”
Step 7: Arrive at the doors for Ride App Pick Up and book your Uber or Lyft. If it’s winter, I recommend staying inside at the doors and waiting until your ride is close. If the weather is nice, head outside.
Step 8: Go to the Ride App pickup area on Island 5. Island 5 is the farthest lane from the airport, which means you’ll cross 5 lanes of traffic using the designated crosswalks.
Step 9: Wait for your ride!
Bottom Line: Denver Airport makes rideshare pickups incredibly convenient compared to other major airports. With pickup areas right outside the terminal doors and clear signage throughout, you’ll be in your Uber or Lyft within minutes of landing.
