What is the cheapest way from Denver Airport to downtown?

The RTD A Line commuter train to Union Station, a $10 Airport Day Pass, taking about 37 minutes. It's both the cheapest and the fastest public option; a taxi is a flat $56 and rideshares run $30–60.

How much is the A Line train from the airport?

$10 for an Airport Day Pass each way. The pass is valid all service day across the whole RTD system, so connecting buses and light rail are included at no extra cost.

Where do I catch the A Line at Denver Airport?

At the Denver Airport Station in the transit center under the Westin hotel, at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal. From baggage claim on Level 5, follow the 'Train to Downtown / RTD A Line' signs down (about a 5-minute walk).

How long does the A Line take to Union Station?

About 37 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes early morning and late evening.

Do I need a special airport ticket?

Yes. Trips to or from the airport need an Airport fare, so buy the $10 Airport Day Pass; a regular $2.75 or $5.50 local pass does not cover the airport and can get you fined.

What is the best way from DEN to downtown Denver?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the RTD A Line train to Union Station in the city center — $10 with an Airport Day Pass and about 37 minutes, with connecting RTD buses and light rail included all day.

How much is a taxi from Denver International Airport to the city?

A taxi is a flat fare of about $56 to downtown and rideshares run roughly $30–60 — versus $10 on the A Line train with an Airport Day Pass.

How to get from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver — the cheapest way

The cheapest way from Denver International Airport (DEN) into downtown Denver is the RTD A Line commuter train straight to Union Station in central Denver: a $10 Airport Day Pass gets you there in about 37 minutes, and the same pass covers any connecting RTD bus or light rail for the rest of the day. Catch it at the Denver Airport Station in the transit center under the Westin hotel, at the south end of the terminal. Don't default to a taxi, which is a flat fare of about $56 to downtown, or a $30–60 rideshare.

How to find it

AIRPORTDenver International Airport
01From baggage claim on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, follow the 'Train to Downtown / RTD A Line' signs down to the Denver Airport Station in the transit center under the Westin hotel, at the south end of the terminal (about a 5-minute walk).
02Buy a $10 Airport Day Pass on the RTD MyRide app or from a ticket vending machine on the platform. The same pass covers your onward RTD connections for the rest of the service day.
03Board the A Line towards Union Station — trains leave every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes early morning and late evening.
04Ride about 37 minutes to Denver Union Station in the heart of downtown, where the Free MallRide shuttle, light rail and local buses connect to the rest of the city.
CITY CENTREDenver

Ticket

RTD Airport Day Pass (A Line commuter rail)

Where to buy: On the RTD MyRide app before you ride, or at the ticket vending machines on the platform at the Denver Airport Station and at Union Station.

How to pay: The machines take cash and cards; the app takes cards. The mobile or machine ticket is valid on purchase — just activate the mobile pass before boarding; no separate validation stamp is needed.

Local's trick: Buy the $10 Airport Day Pass on the RTD MyRide app to skip the vending-machine line — and remember it's valid all service day across the whole RTD system, so your connecting bus, light rail or the Free MallRide from Union Station is already included at no extra cost.

Trap to avoid: Don't default to a taxi, which runs a flat fare of about $56 from DEN to downtown, or a rideshare at roughly $30–60. Also skip the cheaper $5.50 Day Pass — a regular local pass doesn't cover the airport and you can be fined.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Denver Airport to downtown?: The RTD A Line commuter train to Union Station, a $10 Airport Day Pass, taking about 37 minutes. It's both the cheapest and the fastest public option; a taxi is a flat $56 and rideshares run $30–60.
How much is the A Line train from the airport?: $10 for an Airport Day Pass each way. The pass is valid all service day across the whole RTD system, so connecting buses and light rail are included at no extra cost.
Where do I catch the A Line at Denver Airport?: At the Denver Airport Station in the transit center under the Westin hotel, at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal. From baggage claim on Level 5, follow the 'Train to Downtown / RTD A Line' signs down (about a 5-minute walk).
How long does the A Line take to Union Station?: About 37 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes early morning and late evening.
Do I need a special airport ticket?: Yes. Trips to or from the airport need an Airport fare, so buy the $10 Airport Day Pass; a regular $2.75 or $5.50 local pass does not cover the airport and can get you fined.
What is the best way from DEN to downtown Denver?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the RTD A Line train to Union Station in the city center — $10 with an Airport Day Pass and about 37 minutes, with connecting RTD buses and light rail included all day.
How much is a taxi from Denver International Airport to the city?: A taxi is a flat fare of about $56 to downtown and rideshares run roughly $30–60 — versus $10 on the A Line train with an Airport Day Pass.

Last verified: Jul 1, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.