Getting from Denver International Airport to the heart of the city doesn't have to mean gambling with unpredictable highway traffic or paying steep rideshare surcharges. The regional rail network offers a direct, fixed-price connection that bypasses I-70 congestion entirely. If you're landing at DEN and want a smooth transition to the city center, taking the train is your most reliable option.
The journey runs via the Regional Transportation District (RTD) A Line, affectionately known as the University of Colorado A Line. It spans 23 miles between the airport terminal and Denver Union Station in downtown Denver. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during early morning and late night slots, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule without rigid pre-planning.
Understanding the Cost and Ticket Options
The standard fare for a one-way trip between Denver International Airport and downtown Union Station is $10. This price grants you an Airport Day Pass, which also allows unlimited transfers to other light rail lines and local buses within the RTD system for the remainder of that service day.
You don't need to purchase physical paper tickets if you prefer digital convenience. You can buy tickets directly at station vending machines using credit cards or cash, or use the MyRide app on your phone. If you ride frequently or explore beyond the airport route, the system features fare-capping technology that automatically converts daily charges into cost-effective totals once you hit specific thresholds.
Special pricing structures apply to various groups:
- Seniors aged 65 and older, Medicare recipients, and individuals with qualifying disabilities pay a discounted rate of half price.
- Youth aged 19 and under ride completely free across all RTD trains and buses, making family travel significantly more affordable.
- Active-duty military personnel also enjoy free transit access across the network.
Locating the Station at Denver International Airport
Finding the train station from baggage claim is straightforward if you know where to look. Once you grab your bags on Level 5 of the main terminal, head toward the south end of the building. Look overhead for signs pointing toward the Transit Center or the Hotel.
You'll take an escalator or elevator up to the plaza level, where you'll walk out of the terminal doors directly into the open-air Denver Airport Station, situated right beneath the Westin Hotel. The walk takes about five to ten minutes depending on which baggage carousel your flight uses. Ticket kiosks sit right at the entrance of the platform area, and transit ambassadors are usually stationed nearby to help first-time visitors purchase the correct pass.
Step-by-Step Boarding and the Journey to Union Station
Once you have your ticket validated or loaded onto your mobile app, walk onto the platform. Make sure to check the electronic board above to confirm the next departing train, though nearly all A Line trains running from this terminal head straight to Union Station.
- Board any of the open cars; the electric trains feature wide entryways level with the platform, accommodating rolling luggage easily.
- Stow your bags in the dedicated overhead racks or the large luggage towers located near the doors inside each car.
- Find a seat—options include standard rows and flip seats—and settle in for the ride.
The trip takes exactly 37 minutes. Along the way, the train makes six intermediate stops at neighborhoods like Peoria and Central Park, letting commuters step off before the line terminates. You don't need to worry about missing your stop if you're going all the way, as Union Station is the final destination on the route.
Arriving at Denver Union Station
Stepping off the train places you directly at Denver Union Station, a stunning historic transportation hub located right in the middle of LoDo (Lower Downtown). The station building itself acts as a vibrant community living room, featuring local restaurants, cocktail bars, coffee shops, and boutique hotel rooms.
From this central location, you can walk to dozens of downtown hotels, connect to the Free MallRide shuttle along 16th Street, or catch regional light rail lines heading toward sports stadiums, the convention center, or surrounding suburbs. If your final destination sits outside walking distance, rideshare pickups and local taxis operate right outside the station exits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers often make a few avoidable errors when navigating airport transit for the first time. Keep these tips in mind to ensure a seamless trip:
- Buying the wrong ticket tier: Don't purchase a standard local 3-hour pass if you are traveling to or from the airport, as it won't cover the airport zone fee unless you buy a separate airport upgrade. Stick to the $10 Airport Day Pass.
- Forgetting to validate: If you buy a paper ticket from a kiosk, make sure it is validated correctly if required, or rely on contactless app payments that register automatically upon boarding.
- Rushing the exit: While 37 minutes flies by, keep your luggage organized near the doors as the train approaches Union Station to ensure a quick exit when the doors open.
To check live schedules and service alerts before you fly, consult the official RTD Denver Website or review broader regional transit details via Visit Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the A Line run 24 hours a day?
No, the train does not run continuously around the clock. Service typically pauses for a short window between approximately 1:00 AM and 3:30 AM for track maintenance, though specific schedules can shift slightly depending on the day of the week.
How much luggage can I bring on the train?
There are no strict baggage limits. The train cars are specifically designed for air travelers, featuring spacious overhead compartments and heavy-duty luggage racks near every set of doors.
Is the train safe for solo travelers at night?
Yes, the A Line is considered very safe. Station platforms are well-lit, security personnel and transit police patrol the trains regularly, and security cameras monitor the entire route.
Can I use contactless credit card payment at the gate?
Yes. You can tap your contactless credit card, smartphone wallet, or wearable device directly on the validators at the station platform to pay your fare securely without visiting a ticket machine.
