Denver Airport Train: Efficient Travel Companion?

Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major airline hub in the United States, located 25 miles (40 km) from the city it serves. Fortunately, there are several quick, convenient, and affordable public transport options to get to and from the airport. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates the A Line train, which runs between the airport and Denver Union Station in the heart of downtown. The train runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and costs $10 for a day pass, making it a convenient and inexpensive option for travellers.

The A Line commuter train

The A Line provides a smooth and stress-free journey to and from the airport, with trains running every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes outside of those hours. The cost is $10 each way, and 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.

The train journey takes travellers directly to the heart of downtown Denver, with Union Station as the final stop. Union Station, located at 1701 Wynkoop St, is a beautiful 1914 Beaux-Arts building that serves as the city's transportation hub. From here, travellers can easily access various local and regional transportation services, including light rail, regional and local buses, Amtrak rail service, taxis, and the free 16th Street Mall shuttle (MallRide) and free downtown MetroRide buses.

Union Station also provides convenient access to the restaurants, bars, microbreweries, shops, and attractions in the surrounding area, including Lower Downtown (LoDo), Coors Field, and the bustling 16th Street Mall. The nearby stop at 38th and Blake Streets offers easy access to the River North Art District, known for its breweries and art galleries.

The A Line trains are well-equipped to accommodate travellers' needs, featuring overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks. The trains also offer level boarding at all doors and have two wheelchair spaces per car, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

The frequency of trains

The Denver International Airport train, also known as the A Line, offers a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from the airport. The train frequency varies depending on the time of day.

During peak hours, the A Line train operates at a frequency of 15 minutes. Specifically, from 5:00 am to 7:27 pm or 8:00 pm, trains arrive every 15 minutes. This frequency applies to travel from the airport to Union Station in downtown Denver and vice versa.

Outside of these peak hours, the train frequency decreases to one train every 30 minutes. So, from 7:27 pm or 8:00 pm until 5:00 am, travellers can expect a slightly longer wait between trains. This reduced frequency allows for maintenance and repair work to be conducted, ensuring the smooth operation of the rail service.

On certain occasions, such as during construction or repair work, the train frequency may be adjusted temporarily. For example, in October, the train frequency was changed to 30 minutes, seven days a week, to accommodate repairs at a railroad crossing. These adjustments are necessary to prioritise the safety and efficiency of the rail service.

The A Line provides a direct and efficient connection between the airport and downtown Denver, with a travel time of approximately 35 to 40 minutes. The train is designed with passengers' convenience in mind, offering level boarding, ample storage space for luggage, and wheelchair accessibility.

Ticket prices and where to buy them

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) metro Denver's public transit provider offers a $10 one-way ticket for the A Line train from Denver International Airport to Union Station in downtown Denver. The A Line train also offers unlimited rides for $10.50 per day. This ticket can be purchased at vending machines at the train stations or the RTD Information Booth.

Passengers can also purchase an Airport Day Pass or Airport Upgrade for multiple trips at different fare levels. The Airport Upgrade costs $7.25 for a 3-hour pass and $4.50 for a day pass. These can be purchased with cash on the bus or at a Ticket Vending Machine with cash, credit, or debit at rail stations.

RTD also offers a MyRide mobile barcode or MyRide card to pay for fares. The MyRide card can be used to purchase RTD tickets and passes at retail sales outlets, including over 150 participating King Soopers and Safeway stores across the Denver metro area. The MyRide mobile app allows users to connect to other RTD resources for trip planning and purchase tickets and passes on their mobile devices.

Tickets can also be purchased inside DEN or Union Station, or at any RTD sales outlet.

Accessibility and luggage

The Denver International Airport train service is accessible to all. The trains have level boarding at all doors, and there are two wheelchair spaces per car. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) also offers airport service at 13 Park-n-Rides throughout the metro area.

The trains also feature overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks. However, travellers must be able to handle their own luggage.

The A Line train service from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver takes 37 minutes and costs $10 one way. The trains run every 15 minutes between 5 am and 8 pm, and every 30 minutes outside of those hours. The A Line, which opened in 2016, takes travellers to the heart of downtown, specifically Union Station, the city's transportation hub. From there, travellers can access additional local and regional transportation services, including light rail, regional and local buses, Amtrak rail service, taxis, and the free 16th Street Mall shuttle (MallRide) and free downtown MetroRide buses that provide access to most downtown hotels.

The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel is located right next to the airport, making it a convenient option for travellers with early flights or late arrivals. Union Station, located at the other end of the line from the airport, provides easy access to restaurants, bars, microbreweries, shops, and attractions in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) area, as well as Coors Field and the bustling 16th Street Mall.

Transport connections from Union Station

Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major airline hub in the United States. The airport can be easily accessed from downtown Denver via the A Line train, which costs $10 each way. The A Line train ride offers a smooth and stress-free journey to the airport, with trains departing every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes outside of those hours.

Denver Union Station, located at the heart of downtown, is a multi-modal transportation hub, providing access to various local and regional transportation services. From Union Station, travellers can connect to:

• Light rail services
• Regional and local buses
• Amtrak rail services
• Taxis
• The free MetroRide and 16th Street Free MallRide bus services
• Car rentals

Union Station also offers easy access to restaurants, bars, microbreweries, shops, and attractions in Lower Downtown (LoDo), Coors Field, and the bustling 16th Street Mall.

Frequently asked questions