Denver Airport Parking

Denver International (DEN) is the largest airport in the United States by land area and one of the most remote from its city — around 25 miles out on the plains. That distance is the defining feature of parking there: alternatives that would be impractical elsewhere are genuinely viable, and the drive is a real consideration.

The short answer

DEN has garage parking at the terminal, economy lots served by shuttle, and off-airport parking along the Peña Boulevard approach. But its most important feature is the RTD A Line train, which runs from Denver Union Station to the airport in about 37 minutes. For anyone in central Denver, that removes both the drive and the parking cost.

The parking options

Terminal garage

Attached to the terminal at the Jeppesen Terminal building. The most convenient parking at DEN and the most expensive, with the added advantage of being covered — which matters in a city with Denver's weather.

Economy lots

DEN operates economy parking on-airport with shuttle service to the terminal. Cheaper than the garage, with a shuttle ride that is longer than at most airports because of DEN's sheer size.

Off-airport lots

There is a substantial off-airport parking market along Peña Boulevard, the single road serving the airport. Typically the cheapest option, with shuttles to the terminal.

Hotel park-and-fly

The hotels along the Peña Boulevard corridor and around the airport offer park-and-fly packages, and because DEN is so far out, these are particularly popular. For trips of a week or more, usually the best value.

The alternative: the RTD A Line

The A Line commuter rail runs from Denver Union Station to Denver Airport station, with a journey of around 37 minutes. It connects to the wider RTD rail and bus network at Union Station.

Why this matters more at DEN than at most airports:

• The airport is genuinely far out. 25 miles of plains, on one road. The drive is exposed to both traffic and weather.
• The train is unaffected by both. Peña Boulevard closes or backs up in winter storms; the train does not.
• Cost is a fraction of parking. For a solo traveller or a couple, the comparison is not close.

If you are anywhere near a station on the network, this is the option to price first.

How to choose

1. Check the A Line. From central Denver especially, it usually wins outright.
2. If driving, weigh the terminal garage against the economy lots honestly. DEN's size means the shuttle is a real journey, not a two-minute hop.
3. Consider covered parking in winter. Denver gets snow and ice, and an uncovered remote lot in January is a genuine inconvenience.
4. For trips over a week, price a park-and-fly hotel. The Peña Boulevard cluster makes this very competitive.
5. Allow for the drive. DEN is 25 miles from downtown with essentially one road in. Traffic and weather both affect it.
6. Reserve ahead. The terminal garage fills, and off-airport gate rates are higher than pre-booked.

What to watch for at DEN specifically

• The single access road. Peña Boulevard is the only way in and out. An incident or a snowstorm affects everyone, and there is no alternative route.
• Distances inside the airport. DEN's terminal is vast and the train to the concourses is unavoidable. Budget time after you arrive regardless of how you parked.
• Altitude and weather. Denver's climate is severe in winter. Covered or garage parking is worth more here than the price difference suggests.
• The walk from the A Line station. The station is connected to the terminal, but the terminal itself is large. Allow a few minutes.
• Summer hail. Denver's hail season is real. Covered parking has a genuine argument beyond winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I park at Denver Airport?

Options are the attached terminal garage at Jeppesen Terminal, on-airport economy lots served by shuttle, off-airport private lots along Peña Boulevard, and park-and-fly hotel packages. The garage is most convenient and most expensive; off-airport is typically cheapest.

Is there cheaper parking near Denver Airport?

Yes. Economy lots are below the terminal garage, off-airport lots along Peña Boulevard are cheaper again, and park-and-fly hotel packages frequently beat both for trips of a week or more.

Can I take the train to Denver Airport?

Yes. The RTD A Line runs from Denver Union Station to the airport in about 37 minutes, connecting to the wider RTD network. It is unaffected by the traffic and winter weather that regularly affect Peña Boulevard.

How far is Denver Airport from downtown?

About 25 miles, roughly 35 to 45 minutes in normal conditions. There is essentially one road serving the airport, so traffic incidents and snowstorms affect everyone with no alternative route — which is a strong argument for the A Line.

How far in advance should I book Denver airport parking?

Two to three weeks ahead, and earlier for peak travel periods and ski season weekends, when both airport and hotel parking fill. Booking ahead also secures a lower rate than the gate price at most off-airport lots.

Is Denver airport parking covered?

The terminal garage is covered; economy and most off-airport lots are open-air. Given Denver's snow, ice and summer hail, covered parking has a stronger case here than at most airports.

Do Denver airport hotels offer park-and-fly packages?

Widely, particularly along the Peña Boulevard corridor and around the airport. Because DEN is so far from town, these are popular — for trips of a week or more a package often beats any airport lot.

How long does the A Line take to Denver Airport?

About 37 minutes from Denver Union Station. It runs on a timetable, so check departure times, and allow extra minutes at the airport end because the terminal building is very large.

Denver's distance from the city makes the alternatives more valuable than usual, and the single access road makes them more reliable too. If you would rather have the comparison run for you, our agents can work through it in one call.