If you’ve just landed at Denver International Airport (DEN), you might look out the window and wonder if you accidentally touched down in Kansas. The vast, rolling prairies and those iconic white tent peaks of the Jeppesen Terminal seem a world away from the skyscrapers of the city. Honestly, they kinda are.
So, how far is the denver airport from downtown denver? The short answer is about 25 miles.
But in a city like Denver, mileage is only half the story. Depending on whether you're hopping on the "Train to the Plane" or braving the unpredictable flow of I-70, that 25-mile gap can feel like a breezy 35-minute jaunt or a soul-crushing hour-long crawl. Here is the real-world breakdown of the distance, the time, and the best ways to bridge the gap without losing your mind.
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The Physical Distance and Drive Time
The actual road distance between the airport and Union Station (the heart of downtown) is roughly 23 to 25 miles, depending on the exact route your GPS picks. If the roads are clear—say, at 10:00 PM on a Tuesday—you can make the drive in about 30 to 35 minutes.
Traffic in Colorado has changed a lot lately.
The morning rush (typically 7:15 AM to 9:30 AM) and the afternoon slog (starting as early as 2:45 PM and lingering until 6:30 PM) can easily double your travel time. I-70 is the main artery here, and it’s notorious for construction projects and the occasional "pigeon-related" slowdown. If you see brake lights near the I-225 interchange, just know you're in for a wait.
For those who prefer a more scenic (and toll-heavy) route, E-470 is an option that skirts the worst of the city traffic, but it circles around the perimeter and won't actually get you downtown any faster unless I-70 is completely blocked by an accident.
The RTD A Line: The Great Equalizer
When people ask how far is the denver airport from downtown denver, I usually tell them it's exactly 37 minutes away.
That’s because the Regional Transportation District (RTD) A Line—affectionately known as the A Line—runs on a fixed schedule that doesn't care about highway pile-ups. It covers a 23-mile stretch of track, stopping at six stations along the way, including RiNo (38th & Blake) and Central Park.
- Cost: As of 2026, an Airport Day Pass is $10. This covers your trip to or from the airport and gives you unlimited rides on all RTD buses and light rail lines for the rest of the day.
- Frequency: During peak hours (roughly 4:15 AM to 6:30 PM), trains leave every 15 minutes. Early morning and late night, it drops to every 30 minutes.
- Reliability: It’s almost always the fastest way to go during rush hour. Plus, you get to skip the $60+ Uber surge pricing.
The train platform at the airport is located right underneath the Westin Hotel. You’ll have to descend the longest escalators in Colorado to get there, which is a mini-adventure in itself.
Rideshares, Taxis, and Shuttles
Sometimes you just want a door-to-door drop-off. If you have four suitcases and a tired toddler, the train might feel like a chore.
Uber and Lyft usually cost anywhere from $35 to $60, but during a snowstorm or a busy holiday weekend, I’ve seen those prices spike well over $100. Always check the app before you commit. The pickup area at DEN is on Level 5, Island 5. Follow the signs for "App-Based Rides"—the airport layout is a bit like a maze, so keep your eyes peeled.
Taxis are a bit more old-school but offer a flat rate to the Downtown Zone. Expect to pay around $55 to $70 plus tip. It’s a solid backup if your phone is dead or the rideshare wait times are hovering around 20 minutes.
Shared Shuttles (like Groome Transportation or various hotel vans) are still around, but they’ve lost some popularity since the train opened. They usually cost between $25 and $40. They make sense if you’re heading to a specific hotel that isn't near Union Station, but be prepared for "the tour"—you might be the last person dropped off after five other stops.
Why Is the Airport So Far Away?
It’s a common gripe. Why did they build the airport in the middle of nowhere?
When the old Stapleton International Airport closed in 1995, Denver needed space—lots of it. DEN is actually the largest airport in North America by land area, spanning 53 square miles. They needed room for those massive runways and the (mostly debunked) underground bunkers that conspiracy theorists love to talk about.
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The distance was a trade-off for 24-hour operations and reduced noise complaints from neighbors. While it feels like a trek, the city is slowly growing out to meet the airport. Neighborhoods like Green Valley Ranch and Central Park have filled in much of the "empty" space that used to exist between the city core and the terminals.
Real-World Tips for Your Trip
- The Security Factor: Since the airport is far, and security lines at DEN can be legendary (thanks to the bridge security and North/South checkpoints), give yourself a 4-hour window before your flight if you're traveling during a holiday.
- Check the A Line Schedule: The first train leaves Union Station at 3:00 AM. If you have a 5:00 AM flight, you’re cutting it close. A taxi or Uber might be your only safe bet for those "crack of dawn" departures.
- The RiNo Shortcut: If you're staying in the trendy River North Art District, get off the train at the 38th & Blake station. It’s only one stop away from downtown and puts you right in the heart of the brewery scene.
- Bridge Security: If the main security lines look like a Disney World queue, head to the Bridge Security level. It’s often shorter, though you’ll have to walk across the skybridge to get to the A Gates.
The journey from the airport to the city is basically a rite of passage for visitors. Whether you're staring at the "Blucifer" mustang statue on your way out or watching the Rockies rise in the distance from the train window, the 25-mile trek is your first real taste of the Mile High City.
To make your trip easier, download the RTD MyRide app before you land. You can buy your $10 ticket on your phone while you're waiting for your luggage, which saves you from fumbling with the kiosks at the station. This also allows you to transfer to any local bus or the light rail once you reach Union Station without paying a second fare.