Denver’s Train to the Plane: From Denver International Airport to Union Station

Award-winning travel video journalist Juliana Broste (also known as “TravelingJules”) shows you how easy, accessible and affordable it is to take the airport train line (the University of Colorado A Line) to and from Denver International Airport to downtown’s Denver Union Station.

Blue skies and sunshine await in The Mile High City! Start at beautiful Denver
International Airport, where the roof looks like the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. “DIA” as it’s known to locals (the official airport code is DEN) is one of the best and most well-connected airports in the world, and that doesn’t end with the flights. The Regional Transportation District (RTD), metro Denver's public transit provider, operates a rail line from the airport to downtown Denver. After you land, follow signs to the Transit Center entrance, located underneath the large American flag. Your journey starts with a ride on the longest escalator in Colorado down five flights to the train platform. (Note: If you plan on riding the train back from downtown, some airlines let you check in and check your bags at the platform.) Purchase your ticket from the kiosk for $10.50 — discounted fares are available, and your ticket is good on the whole transit system all day. The trains run every 15 minutes most hours of the day and take just 37 minutes to get from the airport to Union Station, with a few stops along the way. The trains look a lot like light rail cars, but they are far superior. They carry more people and travel much faster — nearly 80 miles an hour!

You’ll arrive at Denver Union Station, the transportation hub of Denver connecting you to buses, light rail, taxis and even bicycles and pedicabs to take you all over the city. The building was built more than a hundred years ago and was recently renovated to include shops, restaurants, bars and a hotel. Friendly and helpful VISIT DENVER staff are on hand to offer expert advice, along with maps and visitor guide. Union Station is located in the heart of Denver, just steps away from the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade that's just a half block to Union Station. To get there, walk to the intersection of 16th and Wynkoop and hop on the Mall Ride, a free shuttle that stops on nearly every corner, or hop in a taxi, Uber, Lyft or car share. To get the full scoop on The Mile High City, head over to VISITDENVER.com.