How to Take the Train from Denver Airport to Downtown Denver
I have been to Denver a few times over the past year. The first two times I was kind of in a hurry and wanted to get to a specific place and took an Uber. That cost me in the $30-$40 range including tip each way. On my most recent trip I had some time and took the train after my disappointing Priority Pass breakfast. The process was easy, the fare was cheap ($10.50), and the ride was pretty quick. Overall for groups of 2, maybe 3, or less I think the train is the way to go.
Step by Step Instructions
Here is a step by step guide of how to locate the train – with pictures!
Ride Tram To Baggage Claim
Once you deplane hop on the tram and take it to the baggage claim area or the end of the line so to speak. If you checked bags be sure to go grab them and if you carried on (well done) you still need to ride the tram to the baggage area.
Follow Signs to Train/Westin
Once you get off the tram and have collected your bags, if needed, then head towards the Westin Denver Airport hotel (which looks awesome). The main floor of the airport is currently under construction which makes it a little harder to navigate. Look for the wall at one end with windows and a big American flag hanging. You will also notice a spaceship looking roof just outside the windows. Or you can just follow the signs to the Westin/transit center.
Take the Escalator Down
Once you go outside you will be under a covered outdoor area that is a part of the Westin. You will see escalators just outside of the terminal. Ride those down to the train depot/platform area.
Purchase Your Tickets
Once you get downstairs you will see ticket kiosks to your right. You can pay for the $10.50 ticket to Union Station here. They do have people check your tickets on the train so be sure to buy one.
DAILY SCHEDULE FROM UNION STATION
- 3:15 a.m. – 4:15 a.m. – every 30 minutes
- 4:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – every 15 minutes
- 6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (1 a.m. Fri/Sat) – every 30 minutes
- *Last train leaves Denver International Airport at 1:26 a.m. (1:56 a.m. Fri/Sat)
Relax & Enjoy The Ride
They have luggage holders for larger suitcases near the door and overhead space for carry on luggage. The train was not very full when I rode it so I just put my bag on the seat next to me. The train was very clean and comfortable.
Exit at Union Station
Union Station will be the 7th and final stop from the airport on the A line. Once you get off be sure to go inside the station and check it out, it is beautiful. You are now in the heart of downtown Denver for a mere $10.50. The ride takes around 35 minutes so not much different than taking a car. Plus you don’t have to force conversation with anyone during your trip :). You can also ride it back to the airport when it is time to fly home.
Final Thoughts
I hope my guide on how to take the train from Denver airport to downtown Denver makes everything easier to navigate. It was a pleasant experience and it is more economical for smaller groups versus taking an Uber etc. If you have 4 people it would probably be cheaper to use a rideshare company. The rideshare companies pick up at the top level of arrivals if you go that route.
Enjoy Denver – it is an awesome city!
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Mark, thanks for sharing. First time flying to Denver without a car as I usually head to the mountains or to the towns in Northern Colorado.
My pleasure Tim!
thank you.
i am heading to denver to see some red sox games and will take the train from the airport as you have shown. although i have been to coors field before ,i have currently been to 46 major league ballparks.
cheers, carl
Glad I could help Carl. I am about a third of the way through the current ballparks. Knocking off the new Yankees stadium next month 😉
Thank you. Great post. I like this kind of instruction. Any other easy airport —> train to downtown?
Glad you enjoyed it. I will keep my eye out for doing this at future airports I travel to 😉
Also, there’s a kiosk behind the escalator that no one notices, even when there are lines at the other escalators. Finally, you can check luggage on the platform, but only if you get there more than 90 minutes before departure.
Great tips Jason and it was great to meet you when we were there!
RTD now has mobile ticketing as well. While there are usually plenty of kiosks, trying to buy a ticket while the boarding bell is ringing and no open/working kiosks can be a harrowing experience.
Great tip MPW – thanks!