How to get from Denver Airport to Union Station (Downtown Denver)

Denver International Airport (DEN) to Denver Union Station is a breeze: the RTD A Line commuter rail runs every 15–30 minutes and arrives right inside downtown’s historic station. Taxis and rideshares are simple if you’re heavy on luggage or arriving late, and private transfers or rental cars make sense if you’re traveling as a group or continuing to the mountains.

At A Glance (Denver Airport to Union Station (Downtown Denver))

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 RTD A Line Train (DEN Transit Center → Union Station)	~37m (every 15–30m)	Fastest, cheapest, no traffic
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 11 adult (airport fare) | tap-to-pay accepted
🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~30–60m (traffic/weather)	Late arrivals, heavy luggage, families
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 60–100 per car (plus tip)
🚐 Private Transfer / Shuttle	~30–60m	Groups, guaranteed meet & greet
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 90–160 per vehicle » instant quotes | GYG transfers | Trip.com picks
🚘 Car Rental (Touring beyond Denver)	~40–70m incl. shuttle to rental center	Mountain trips, multi-day itineraries
🏷️ Cost: ~USD 50–110/day + parking » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest + best value: RTD A Line to Union Station—no traffic, frequent service, and arrives downtown.
• Most convenient with luggage / late night: Taxi or rideshare direct to your hotel.
• Group comfort / meet & greet: Private transfer with fixed pricing and larger vehicles.
• Planning to road-trip: Rent a car at the airport and drive downtown or onward to the Rockies.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Contactless on transit: Tap a credit/debit card or mobile wallet at the RTD gates; machines sell paper tickets too.
• Union Station is central: You’ll arrive in LoDo—walkable to many hotels, or take a short rideshare to other districts.
• Altitude & weather: Denver’s mile-high elevation and winter storms can slow road trips—train is weather-resilient.
• Luggage storage: If you’re early/late for check-in, check hotel bell desks; third-party storage is limited downtown (consider planning ahead).
• Continuing travel: Book downtown hotels on Booking.com Denver; activities/transfers on GetYourGuide or Trip.com.

🚆 Option #1 — RTD A Line Train (Most Popular, Best Value)

Budget Every 15–30m Step-free

• Overview: The electric A Line runs from the DEN Transit Center (beneath the Westin/Jeppesen Terminal) straight to Denver Union Station in ~37 minutes.
• How to book (with price): No reservations—buy at station machines or tap your card/phone. Expect ~USD 11 adult airport fare, kids often discounted/free by age.
• Pros: Fast, frequent, avoids traffic, level boarding for strollers/wheelchairs. Cons: Short walk within Union Station to rideshares/taxis.

Step-by-step: RTD A Line Train

1. Follow airport signs for Transit Center / A Line (down the escalators near the Westin hotel canopy).
2. Purchase a ticket or tap a contactless card/phone at the validator, then proceed to the platform.
3. Board the next train toward Union Station and ride ~37 minutes.
4. Arrive at Denver Union Station; exit into the Great Hall or 17th Street bus concourse for onward taxis/rideshares.

Getting to the main embarking points (DEN Transit Center / Union Station)

• DEN Transit Center: Located directly under the terminal by the Westin; elevators/escalators from arrivals.
• Union Station: Central LoDo hub with food halls, hotels, and local bus/light-rail links.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door Convenience)

No transfers 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Metered taxis and app rides (Uber/Lyft) pick up at signed islands outside arrivals. Travel time varies with traffic and weather.
• How to book (with price): Request via app or join the taxi queue. Expect ~USD 60–100 plus tip for downtown.
• Pros: Door-to-door with baggage handling. Cons: Surge pricing at peaks; slower during storms or rush hour.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs for Taxis / Ride App Pickup (island locations vary by terminal door).
2. Open your ride app or join the taxi queue; confirm destination as Denver Union Station or your hotel address.
3. Meet your driver at the designated zone; verify license plate and driver name before loading luggage.
4. Ride ~30–60 minutes downtown; pay/tip and get dropped right at your door.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Curb / Union Station)

• Arrivals curb: Signed pickup islands with staff during busy periods.
• Downtown drop-offs: Hotels along 16th Street/LoDo are minutes from Union Station.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Shuttle (Meet & Greet, Fixed Price)

Meet at arrivals Great for groups Higher cost

• Overview: Prebook a sedan/van for a driver to meet you in the terminal and take you directly to Union Station or your hotel.
• How to book (with price): From ~USD 90–160 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare quotes on GetTransfer, or browse GetYourGuide and Trip.com.
• Pros: Fixed pricing, larger vehicles, child seats on request. Cons: Costlier than train/taxi for solo travelers.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter flight number and party size when booking via GetTransfer or similar.
2. Receive meeting instructions (often the arrivals hall or a designated limo desk) and driver contact details.
3. Meet your driver with a name sign; load luggage and ride 30–60 minutes downtown.
4. Get dropped at Denver Union Station or your exact hotel entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Meet Area / Union Station)

• Meet & greet: Most providers meet inside arrivals or at a nearby curb; confirm by message on landing.
• Downtown: Direct drop at Union Station or any address in LoDo.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Car Rental (Best If You’ll Drive Beyond Denver)

Flexibility Mountain-ready Parking costs

• Overview: Pick up at the consolidated rental car center (airport shuttle required), then drive I-70/Peña Boulevard toward downtown. Useful if you’re heading to ski resorts or national parks after checking in.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~USD 50–110/day for a standard car. Compare agency prices and pickup hours on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Total control of timing and onward trips. Cons: Downtown hotel parking can be expensive; not needed for central sightseeing.

Step-by-step: Car Rental

1. Follow airport signs to the Rental Car Shuttle and ride to the consolidated center.
2. Pick up your vehicle; set your destination to Denver Union Station or your hotel.
3. Drive Peña Blvd → I-70 W → downtown; allow extra time during rush hour or snow.
4. Park at your hotel/garage near Union Station; confirm overnight rates first.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Center / Union Station)

• Rental center: Continuous shuttles from terminals; all major brands are housed together.
• Union Station area: Garages and metered street parking nearby; consider valet at your hotel.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Denver Airport to Union Station (Downtown Denver))

Is the train safe and reliable late at night?
Yes—A Line trains run from early morning to late night at regular intervals. Cars are well-lit and monitored; still, keep valuables close like in any city.

Can I pay for the train with a credit card?
Yes—use contactless tap-to-pay at validators or purchase a ticket from machines at the platform.

Where do I meet rideshares at DEN?
Follow “Ride App Pickup” signs from arrivals to the designated islands; your app will show the exact island/door number.

How far is Union Station from downtown hotels?
Union Station is in LoDo. Many hotels are within a 5–15 minute walk; others are a short rideshare or free MallRide away along 16th Street.

What if I’m heading straight to the mountains?
Consider renting a car at the airport or arranging a private transfer; winter conditions can slow I-70, so add buffer time.

Any luggage storage near Union Station?
Options are limited downtown; check with your hotel’s bell desk or plan your arrival to align with check-in.