Riding the Denver train from airport to Union Station is the most reliable way to bypass I-70 traffic and get straight into downtown. Officially known as the Regional Transportation District (RTD) A Line, this commuter rail line connects Denver International Airport (DEN) directly to Denver Union Station in roughly 37 minutes. Whether you're visiting for a conference or heading home, skipping a $50 rideshare makes the train a straightforward choice.
The service runs daily with high frequency, meaning you rarely need to stress about missing a strict schedule. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours (5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and every 30 minutes during early morning and late night windows. A single-trip Airport Day Pass costs $10, which also covers unlimited transfers across the rest of the RTD light rail and bus network for the rest of that service day.
Locating the Station at Denver International Airport
Finding the train terminal after you land is simple if you follow the overhead airport signage. Once you grab your bags from baggage claim on Level 5, head toward the central Jeppesen Terminal and look for signs marked "Train to Denver" or the RTD transit symbol.
Take the escalator or elevator down to Level 1, where the DEN Transit Center sits directly outside the terminal doors, right next to the Westin Denver International Airport Hotel. You don't have to brave outdoor weather to reach the platform; the walk from the main terminal doors takes under three minutes.
Buying Your Tickets and Understanding Fares
Never board the train without a valid ticket or pass, as transit security and fare inspectors routinely check riders on the platform or onboard.
- Mobile App: Download the RTD MyRide App beforehand to purchase your digital Airport Day Pass. You simply activate the ticket on your phone screen and scan the barcode at the station's optical turnstiles or validators.
- Station Kiosks: Touchscreen ticket vending machines sit right at the entrance of every platform. They accept major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
- Cost Structure: The standard Airport Day Pass costs $10. Keep in mind that a standard local 3-hour pass or standard day pass does not cover trips to the airport; you specifically need an airport-tier fare.
Navigating the A Line Route and Stations
The 23-mile journey makes six intermediate stops between the airport and downtown. The entire trip takes exactly 37 minutes because the electric multiple-unit trains reach speeds up to 79 mph.
The stations along the route include:
- Denver Airport
- 61st & Peña
- 40th Ave & Airport Blvd – Gateway Park
- Peoria (connection point to the R Line)
- Central Park
- 40th & Colorado
- 38th & Blake (heart of the River North Arts District)
- Denver Union Station
If you're staying in the trendy RiNo art district for craft breweries or food halls, jumping off at 38th & Blake saves you from traveling all the way downtown just to double back.
Managing Luggage, Bikes, and Accessibility
The trains are built specifically for airport travelers, meaning they feature dedicated infrastructure for heavy bags.
You won't find cramped aisles or narrow seating blocks. Each railcar features large overhead storage shelves, dedicated floor-level luggage towers, and specific bicycle racks. You are responsible for loading and unloading your own bags, so pack smart if you're traveling with heavy gear.
For accessibility, the platforms feature level boarding at all doors, eliminating steps or gaps. Each car includes designated wheelchair spaces and clear audio-visual stop announcements.
Arriving at Denver Union Station
The final stop drops you right at 1701 Wynkoop St in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo). Denver Union Station functions as a vibrant transit hub rather than a sterile depot.
Inside the historic Beaux-Arts terminal, you'll find boutique hotel rooms, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and local restaurants. Stepping outside places you directly on the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall corridor, or within walking distance of Coors Field if you're catching a Rockies game.
To continue your journey beyond Union Station, you can hop on the RTD Free MallRide shuttle, catch local bus lines, or connect to regional light rail routes without buying another ticket, provided your Airport Day Pass is still active for the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying on standard passes: Buying a standard $5.50 day pass will leave you subject to fines if inspectors find you on an airport-bound train without the $10 airport upgrade.
- Forgetting validation: If you buy a paper ticket from a machine, make sure you understand whether it requires activation at a platform validator before boarding. Using the mobile app avoids this confusion entirely.
- Underestimating transfer times: If you need to catch an Amtrak train or regional bus out of Union Station, build a 15-minute buffer into your schedule to walk from the train platform into the main terminal building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use contactless credit card tap-to-pay at the station?
Yes, RTD allows contactless payment options at many platform validators, but downloading the mobile app remains the most foolproof method to store your ticket digitally and avoid kiosk lines during rush hour.
Is the A Line safe to ride late at night?
The A Line runs active security patrols and features station cameras throughout the corridor. Like any major metropolitan transit system, late-night riders should stay aware of their surroundings, sit closer to the front operator car if preferred, and keep personal electronics secured.
How early do morning trains start running?
Outbound trains from Union Station begin running as early as 3:15 a.m. for early morning flights, while inbound trains from the airport run past midnight to catch late-night arrivals.
Are dogs allowed on the Denver airport train?
Well-behaved dogs are allowed on RTD trains provided they are on a leash or inside a secure carrier, and they must not block aisles or seats during peak commuter hours.
