Getting Around Denver
Denver Airport Information
Denver International Airport (DEN) ranks among the world’s busiest hubs, offering nonstop service to 200+ domestic and international destinations and earning top U.S. rankings from outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Skytrax in recent years.
A multi‑year Gate Expansion Program has now delivered all 39 additional gates across Concourses A, B, and C, boosting capacity by about 30% and adding amenities like outdoor decks and expanded holdrooms. United’s lease of many new gates underscores DEN’s growing role as a major connecting hub, serving nearly 78 million passengers in 2023 as traffic continues to rise. For easy downtown access, the A Line commuter rail links the terminal to Denver Union Station with frequent service and a single, simple airport fare product.
Nonstop network: 200+ cities across North America and long‑haul international routes from DEN.
Gate expansion: 39 new gates completed across A‑West, B‑East/B‑West, and C‑East; capacity up ~30%.
Recognition: WSJ #2 U.S. Airport; Skytrax top regional ranking in recent years.
Airport rail: RTD A Line to Union Station; buy an Airport Day Pass ($10) for unlimited rides that service day, including the airport zone.
A multi‑year Gate Expansion Program has now delivered all 39 additional gates across Concourses A, B, and C, boosting capacity by about 30% and adding amenities like outdoor decks and expanded holdrooms. United’s lease of many new gates underscores DEN’s growing role as a major connecting hub, serving nearly 78 million passengers in 2023 as traffic continues to rise. For easy downtown access, the A Line commuter rail links the terminal to Denver Union Station with frequent service and a single, simple airport fare product.
Nonstop network: 200+ cities across North America and long‑haul international routes from DEN.
Gate expansion: 39 new gates completed across A‑West, B‑East/B‑West, and C‑East; capacity up ~30%.
Recognition: WSJ #2 U.S. Airport; Skytrax top regional ranking in recent years.
Airport rail: RTD A Line to Union Station; buy an Airport Day Pass ($10) for unlimited rides that service day, including the airport zone.
Denver Train Information
Denver’s RTD provides integrated commuter rail, light rail, and bus service across the metro, including frequent A Line trains between DEN and Union Station in about 37 minutes, with 15‑minute headways most of the day and 30 minutes early/late.
RTD simplified fares: Standard Day Pass is $5.50 systemwide (excluding airport), while the Airport Day Pass is $10 and covers unlimited rides for that service day, including the airport zone; 3‑Hour Pass is $2.75 for shorter trips. Youth 19 and under and active‑duty U.S. military ride free on all RTD services with valid ID, and Discount fares apply to seniors, riders with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and LiVE participants. Downtown, riders also use the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle, with taxis, rideshare, and pedicabs readily available for last‑mile connections around the core.
RTD fares: 3‑Hour $2.75; Standard Day Pass $5.50; Airport Day Pass $10; Monthly Pass $88; Discount Day Pass $2.70 (includes airport).
A Line details: Airport ↔ Union Station in ~37 minutes; every 15 minutes most of day, 30 minutes early/late periods.
Free youth/military: Youth ≤19 and active‑duty military ride free; proof of eligibility required for discounted products.
Downtown mobility: Free 16th Street MallRide; easy transfers at Union Station to light rail and bus for citywide access.
RTD simplified fares: Standard Day Pass is $5.50 systemwide (excluding airport), while the Airport Day Pass is $10 and covers unlimited rides for that service day, including the airport zone; 3‑Hour Pass is $2.75 for shorter trips. Youth 19 and under and active‑duty U.S. military ride free on all RTD services with valid ID, and Discount fares apply to seniors, riders with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and LiVE participants. Downtown, riders also use the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle, with taxis, rideshare, and pedicabs readily available for last‑mile connections around the core.
RTD fares: 3‑Hour $2.75; Standard Day Pass $5.50; Airport Day Pass $10; Monthly Pass $88; Discount Day Pass $2.70 (includes airport).
A Line details: Airport ↔ Union Station in ~37 minutes; every 15 minutes most of day, 30 minutes early/late periods.
Free youth/military: Youth ≤19 and active‑duty military ride free; proof of eligibility required for discounted products.
Downtown mobility: Free 16th Street MallRide; easy transfers at Union Station to light rail and bus for citywide access.
Denver Ground Information
Getting around Denver is straightforward with a mix of RTD buses and light rail, the free downtown shuttle on 16th Street, and plentiful taxis and rideshares for last‑mile connections.
The iconic Free MallRide shuttle (now being rebranded to 16th Street FreeRide) runs between Union Station and Civic Center Station at no cost, with temporary detours during ongoing mall renovations. From DEN, travelers can combine the A Line train with short downtown hops via the FreeRide, local bus, or light rail to reach hotels and venues easily. Commercial shuttles, pedicabs, and accessible services further expand options across the compact downtown core.
16th Street shuttle: Free, frequent service linking Union Station and Civic Center; detours active during mall reconstruction.
First/last mile: Downtown transfers via bus, light rail, taxis, rideshare, and pedicabs are widely available near Union Station and the mall.
From DEN: Pair the A Line to Union Station with the free downtown shuttle or light rail for easy hotel/venue access; typical airport train fare is $10 Day Pass covering unlimited rides that service day.
Accessibility: Curbside pickup options and accessible transportation providers operate across downtown and at DEN arrivals areas.
The iconic Free MallRide shuttle (now being rebranded to 16th Street FreeRide) runs between Union Station and Civic Center Station at no cost, with temporary detours during ongoing mall renovations. From DEN, travelers can combine the A Line train with short downtown hops via the FreeRide, local bus, or light rail to reach hotels and venues easily. Commercial shuttles, pedicabs, and accessible services further expand options across the compact downtown core.
16th Street shuttle: Free, frequent service linking Union Station and Civic Center; detours active during mall reconstruction.
First/last mile: Downtown transfers via bus, light rail, taxis, rideshare, and pedicabs are widely available near Union Station and the mall.
From DEN: Pair the A Line to Union Station with the free downtown shuttle or light rail for easy hotel/venue access; typical airport train fare is $10 Day Pass covering unlimited rides that service day.
Accessibility: Curbside pickup options and accessible transportation providers operate across downtown and at DEN arrivals areas.
