Looking for the best ways to get to Downtown Denver from Denver International Airport? Your best option by far is to take the Denver Airport train, but you can also get there by renting a car, hiring an Uber, Lyft, cab or booking a private shuttle.
There are a lot of reasons to visit Downtown Denver, so it’s no mistake that it’s the most popular area for both leisure and business travelers to stay.
If you’ve just landed at Denver Airport and are looking to get to Downtown Denver to stay or just explore for the day, I have you covered!
This guide will cover all the ways to get from DEN to Downtown Denver.
Distance from Denver International Airport to Downtown Denver
Before getting into the different transportation options, it’s important to first understand where Downtown Denver sits in relation to the airport.
Downtown Denver is approximately 25 miles southwest of Denver International Airport. Travel times between the two vary considerably depending on the time of day and method of transportation, but plan on it taking you a minimum of 30 minutes no matter what.
Option 1: Take the Airport train
Taking the University of Colorado A-Line train (aka the Denver Airport train) is by far the best way to get from Denver International Airport to Downtown Denver.
First, it’s the quickest way.
The train departs every 15 minutes throughout the day (every 30 minutes at other times) from Denver Airport Station, and it will get you to Downtown Denver’s Union Station in 37 minutes. Compare that to waiting for an Uber and then sitting in traffic as you make your way into the city, and you’ll find that the train is much quicker.
Second, it’s also the cheapest option. A day pass will cost you $10.50, which is a fraction of what some of the other options on this list cost.
The airport train is also spacious, clean, and you can sit back and relax as you get to your destination.
The only real downside to taking the train is that unless you’re staying at Union Station, it doesn’t include door-to-door service to your final destination. Most hotels in Downtown Denver, though, are within walking distance or a 5-minute Uber ride away from Union Station.
You can also read my step-by-step guide to riding the DEN airport train for more specifics.
Pros
- Usually, the fastest option
- Most economical
- Allows you to work or relax on the way.
Cons
- Will require some walking or another method of transport to reach final destination.
Option 2: Take an Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft both operate at Denver Airport, and it’s super easy to get to the rideshare pickup areas.
In certain situations, it also makes more sense to use these services at DEN over the train.
The biggest advantage to taking a rideshare is the door-to-door service. Your ride picks you up and takes you exactly where you want to go.
It’s also my go-to method of transportation if I’m leaving the airport late at night and don’t feel safe taking the train by myself.
A ride will cost you anything from $40 and up, but what you’ll pay will ultimately depend on the time of day, vehicle type and overall demand at the time.
Pros
- Door to door service
- Convenient
Cons
- Expensive
- Might require a small wait at the airport.
Option 3: Rent a Car
Normally, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car to get between Denver International Airport and Downtown Denver, but it does make sense in a few situations.
If you’re in Denver for business and require a car to transport yourself between meetings, a rental car is a good idea.
You could also be in the downtown area for a short period of time before traveling to one of the many tourist destinations around the state, which is best explored by car. But if that’s the case and you’re looking to visit Downtown Denver at the start of your trip, I’d recommend renting a car from downtown instead of the airport – it will save you a ton of money!
Pros
- Great if you need to make multiple stops.
Cons
- Expensive
- Most hotels will charge you for parking.
- Parking can be a challenge downtown while you explore the area.
Option 4: Take a Shuttle
Shuttle options from Denver Airport to Downtown Denver involve private shuttle services that you book in advance.
Pricing depends on the entire size of your party, but companies like Super Shuttle will offer service for up to 3 people for $138 and up to 5 people for $177.
The convenience of taking a shuttle is like taking an Uber or Lyft in that you get picked up curbside at the airport, and you’re dropped off at your final destination.
The advantage of a shuttle is that you can book it in advance and have it waiting for you, while Uber or Lyft will depend on driver availability at the time.
Cost-wise, though, a shuttle is going to be more expensive than a rideshare service.
Pros
- Door to door service
- Can be booked in advance.
Cons
- Expensive
Option 5: Take a Cab
Yes, you can take a cab from Denver Airport to downtown!
Taxicabs are located on both sides of the Jeppesen Terminal (where baggage claim is), so you can grab one from both the West and East sides of the airport.
They are located on Level 5, Island 1 on both sides. On the West side, you can find taxis outside Doors 506, 510 and 512. On the East side, you can find them outside Doors 505, 507 and 511.
Before tipping, a taxi to Downtown Denver costs a flat rate of $71.03 for a one-way trip.
A cab usually ends up costing quite a bit more than a rideshare, but it can be a good option if you want door to door service and can’t book a rideshare (either because you don’t have a smartphone or because those services are super busy).
Pros
- Great last-minute option if rideshares are unavailable.
- Door to door service
Cons
- More expensive than a rideshare.
Can You Take a Bus?
There is not a direct bus option from Denver International Airport to Downtown Denver. Your only option for public transportation is to take the train.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Downtown Denver from Denver Airport is super easy, and you have a bunch of options available. While my personal preferred option is the train, it may make more sense to book other methods of transportation in certain situations.
Enjoy Denver!