The RTD A Line commuter rail connects the airport directly to Union Station in downtown Denver.

About Downtown Denver (Union Station)

Union Station is the social epicenter of modern Denver, a Beaux-Arts landmark transformed into a destination with craft cocktail bars, restaurants, and a boutique hotel—all while serving as the city\'s main transit hub. The Great Hall, with its original vaulted ceiling and massive chandeliers, hosts a mix of travelers and locals enjoying Terminal Bar or Pigtrain Coffee.

Surrounding LoDo (Lower Downtown) is Denver\'s oldest neighborhood, with brick warehouses converted into breweries (Wynkoop, Denver Beer Co.), art galleries, and lofts. Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, is a short walk away. The 16th Street Mall—a mile-long pedestrian promenade with a free shuttle bus—connects Union Station to the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center Park. Denver\'s craft beer culture is world-renowned, with over 70 breweries in the metro area. The city sits at exactly one mile high (5,280 feet), giving it 300 days of sunshine and that famously clear mountain air.

Nearby Landmarks

Coors Field 16th Street Mall Larimer Square Confluence Park Denver Art Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $55-65
Time 35-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $40-55
Time 35-50 minutes

Level 5 Island 5, east side of terminal

Train (RTD A Line)

Cost $11
Time 37 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes, 3:30 AM - 12:30 AM

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the RTD A Line from DEN Airport Station (Level 1, east side) to Union Station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $55-65 35-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $40-55 35-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $11 37 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The A Line runs from about 3:00 AM to 1:30 AM, offering extremely wide hours of operation. After 1:30 AM, taxis and ride-share (Uber/Lyft) from DEN cost approximately $55–75 to Union Station. LoDo bars close at 2:00 AM. The RTD NightRider bus service runs select late-night routes.

Luggage Tips

The A Line has luggage racks in each car and wide aisles. Union Station has no luggage storage, but many LoDo hotels are within walking distance and offer luggage holding. If skiing, oversize ski bags fit on the A Line but can be awkward during rush hour. Uber/Lyft SUVs accommodate ski gear better.

Accessibility

The A Line is fully ADA accessible with level boarding and wheelchair spaces. Union Station has elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Denver's 16th Street Mall shuttle buses are all low-floor accessible. Downtown Denver sidewalks are well-maintained with curb cuts. The altitude (5,280 ft) may affect some visitors' breathing.