DENVERLeaving Denver International Airport: transport guide
Far from the city but the A-Line train makes it painless. Watch for unmetered town cars curbside.
DEN (Denver International Airport) serves Denver, United States. The recommended way out is University of Colorado A-Line train (~$10.50, 37 min to Union Station). Pickup: Westin hotel entrance, train level.
- $10.50–$70ExpectedWhat locals pay
- $90+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- $120+ town carScamWalk away
University of Colorado A-Line train
- Typical fare
- $10.50
- Journey time
- 37 min to Union Station
- Pickup
- Westin hotel entrance, train level
Every way out, ranked
- 1
A-Line Train
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- $10.50
- Journey
- 37 min
- Wait
- Every 15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- No traffic
- Direct to Union Station
Cons- Long walk in terminal
- 2
Uber / Lyft
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- $45–$75
- Journey
- 35–50 min
- Wait
- 5–10 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Door-to-door
Cons- Surge at peak
- 3
Taxi
- Cost
- $65–$80
- Journey
- 35–50 min
- Wait
- 0–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Metered
Cons- More expensive than rideshare
- 4
Hotel shuttle
- Cost
- $25–$45
- Journey
- 45–60 min
- Wait
- Hourly
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Direct
Cons- Slow
From gate to city
- 1Follow signs to the Westin and train platform
- 2Buy A-Line ticket from machine ($10.50)
- 3Train every 15 min to Union Station
- 4For Uber/Lyft go to Level 5, Island 1 or 2
- 5Expect 35–50 min to downtown by car
- A-Line to Union Station
- Rideshare from Level 5
- Skip curbside town cars
Common scams & payment traps
- A-Line ticket machines accept cards
- Tolls (E-470) auto-billed to rideshare
'Town car' flat rate
Medium riskDriver at curb offers a $120 flat to downtown.
HOW TO AVOID · Use the app. Real rideshare is $45–$75.
Unmetered taxi
Medium riskDriver skips the meter and quotes a flat fee.
HOW TO AVOID · Always insist on the meter or use rideshare.
What locals & travellers say
“A-Line is the obvious move — 37 min flat to Union Station.”
- "A-Line is the obvious move — 37 min flat to Union Station." — r/Denver
- "Rideshare from Level 5 only — don't follow anyone to a parking garage." — TripAdvisor
Take it with you
DEN arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Denver International Airport?
- University of Colorado A-Line train. Don't take unmarked 'town cars' offering flat rates.
- Are taxis at DEN safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: 'town car' flat rate — Driver at curb offers a $120 flat to downtown. Use the app. Real rideshare is $45–$75.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at DEN?
- Yes — Uber / Lyft works at DEN. Typical cost $45–$75, journey ~35–50 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from DEN to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the DEN → Downtown route is roughly $10.50–$70. Anything around $90+ is high — $120+ town car is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at DEN?
- Carry small local notes — A-Line Train expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Denver International Airport?
- Westin hotel entrance, train level. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is DEN safe to arrive at late at night?
- DEN is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at DEN?
- The most reported at DEN: 'Town car' flat rate; Unmetered taxi. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- May 2026
- Confidence
- high
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/den-denver
Airport Exit (1970). DEN — Denver (Denver International Airport) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/den-denver
"DEN — Denver (Denver International Airport) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, May 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/den-denver.
Airport Exit. "DEN — Denver (Denver International Airport) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated May 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/den-denver.