Denver Airport Train: Is There A Direct Connection?

Getting to and from the airport can be a hassle, especially if it's located far from the city center. Luckily for travelers, Denver International Airport (DEN) offers a convenient and affordable train service that takes you straight to downtown Denver in just 37 minutes. Known as the A Line, this commuter rail line is the first of its kind in Colorado, providing a fast and efficient way to get to and from the airport. With speeds of up to 79-80 miles per hour, six stops along the way, and trains departing every 15-30 minutes, the A Line is a reliable choice for travelers with luggage. The train also offers level boarding and ample storage options, making it a more attractive option than dealing with cabs, ride-shares, or rental cars. For just $10 each way, you can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey between the airport and Denver Union Station, the city's transportation hub. So, does Denver Airport have a train? Absolutely, and it's a game-changer for travelers!

The A Line train from the airport to Union Station

The A Line train from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Union Station in downtown Denver is a fast and convenient way to get to the city. The Regional Transportation District's (RTD) A Line train service opened on April 22, 2016, and has since been providing travellers with an easy connection to the heart of the city.

The A Line train ride is approximately 23 miles long and takes around 37 minutes to complete. With trains departing every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., and every 30 minutes outside of those hours, it's a very frequent service. The train has six stops between the airport and Union Station, and tickets cost $10 each way.

Denver's Union Station, located at 1701 Wynkoop St, is a beautiful 1914 Beaux-Arts building and is considered the city's transportation hub and "living room". From here, travellers can access a range of additional transportation services, including light rail, regional and local buses, Amtrak rail service, taxis, and free shuttles to downtown hotels and the 16th Street Mall. Union Station is also home to several hip restaurants, bars, shops, and the boutique hotel, The Crawford Hotel.

The A Line train itself offers comfortable and accessible travel, with level boarding at all doors, two wheelchair spaces per car, and overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks. Tickets can be conveniently purchased through mobile ticketing or at ticket vending machines on the rail line platforms, inside DEN or Union Station, or at any RTD sales outlet.

Ticket prices and discounts

The Regional Transportation District's (RTD) A Line train connects Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver and vice versa. The cost is $10 each way, and discounts are available.

The RTD has introduced a simpler, more affordable, and more equitable fare system with lower fares, a reduced number of fare zones, and consolidated discounts. The new system includes decreased costs for 3-Hour, Day, and Monthly Passes, as well as the introduction of an Airport Day Pass with no additional charge. The Airport Day Pass is valid for the entire service day across the system, including the airport.

The RTD offers discounted fares for seniors aged 65 and above, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and customers enrolled in LiVE. Proof of eligibility is required for these discounted fares. Additionally, active-duty members of the US military can ride for free on all RTD services with proof of eligibility.

The RTD also offers a SemesterPass for students at technical schools and other colleges and universities not currently participating in the CollegePass program. This pass provides discounted fares for students.

Tickets for the A Line train can be purchased through mobile ticketing, which allows for easy trip planning and connections to other RTD resources. Tickets can also be purchased using ticket vending machines located on the train platforms, inside DEN or Union Station, or at any RTD sales outlet, including retail sales outlets at RTD transit facilities and select King Soopers and Safeway stores across the Denver metro area.

Train times and frequency

The A Line train, operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), provides a direct connection between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver. The train runs every 15 minutes during peak hours (from 5 am to 8 pm) and every 30 minutes outside of those hours (from 8 pm to 5 am). The first train from the airport to downtown Denver is at 5:12 am, and the last train is at 7:27 pm. The journey takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the source. The train has six to eight stops between the airport and Denver Union Station, which is the city's transportation hub.

The airport station is located on Level 1 of the DEN Transit Center, next to the Westin Hotel. It can be accessed from the south end of the terminal by exiting through the glass doors and taking the escalator or elevator to the ground floor.

The A Line train is designed with passengers' luggage in mind, offering level boarding for easy access and various storage options, including overhead compartments and designated luggage towers. The train has a capacity of 209 people per car, including seating for 91 people and two wheelchair spaces.

Tickets for the A Line train cost $10 each way and can be purchased through mobile ticketing, at ticket vending machines on the train platforms or inside the DEN or Union Station, or at any RTD sales outlet. The airport day pass costs $10 and includes unlimited rides on the A Line and the entire RTD Light Rail system for one business day.

Luggage rules

Denver International Airport (DEN) has its own rail line, the A Line, which connects the airport to downtown Denver and vice versa. The A Line has six stops between the airport and Denver Union Station, which is the city's transportation hub. The 23-mile ride takes approximately 37 minutes and costs $10 each way. The trains have a daily schedule with departures every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes outside of those hours.

• Rail vehicles on the A Line have overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks.
• Travellers must be able to handle their own luggage.
• There is no mention of any weight or size restrictions for luggage on the A Line. However, if you are travelling by air, your luggage may be subject to weight and size restrictions by your airline.

For example, Denver Air Connection permits passengers one free carry-on bag (not exceeding 30 lbs or 50 linear inches) and one carry-on personal item (not to exceed 41.5 linear inches). Checked baggage must not exceed 50 lbs or 62 linear inches, and overweight and oversize baggage charges will apply for bags exceeding these limits.

It is important to note that each airline may have its own specific luggage policies regarding weight, size, and any additional fees. Therefore, it is recommended to review the baggage policies of your specific airline before travelling.

Transport options from Union Station

Denver International Airport (DEN) has its own transit hub, with numerous ground transportation options available. One of the easiest ways to get from the airport to downtown Denver is on the A Line train, which takes around 37 minutes and costs $10 each way. The A Line has stops at eight stations, including 40th Ave & Airport Blvd – Gateway Park, and Denver Union Station.

Denver Union Station is a multi-modal transit hub, with access to Amtrak rail and RTD bus and rail services, as well as light rail. From here, you can connect to the greater Denver area and beyond. RTD offers over 100 bus routes in the Denver metropolitan area, as well as 10 rail lines serving over 100 miles of rail. The Free MallRide runs from Union Station to the other end of Denver's bustling 16th Street Mall, with stops on every block.

Union Station is also within walking distance of many of the city's attractions, including Lower Downtown (LoDo), Coors Field, and the River North Art District. The station itself is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, with shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a boutique hotel, The Crawford Hotel.

Frequently asked questions