Denver International parking
The largest US airport by land area. Economy lots sit well out, so a good shuttle matters most here.
About Denver International
The largest airport in North America by land area.
Denver International sits on a vast high-plains site northeast of the city, instantly recognisable by the white peaked roof of the Jeppesen Terminal. Three concourses (A, B and C) connect to the terminal by an underground train.
Because the airport occupies so much land, the economy parking lots sit a fair distance from the terminal — which makes shuttle frequency and reliability the single most important thing to check when comparing options here.
Off-airport park-and-ride operators along Peña Boulevard and Tower Road give travelers a cheaper alternative to the airport's own Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert economy lots, with their own shuttles into the terminal.
Getting to DEN
All the practical access info, by car, train, coach and otherwise.
There's effectively one way in by car: Peña Boulevard, off I-70 or E-470. Allow for the long final approach across open plains.
The RTD A Line commuter train runs from Denver Union Station to the airport in about 37 minutes, arriving at the terminal's transit center.
RTD regional buses and mountain-resort shuttles serve the terminal's ground transportation level.
An underground train connects the Jeppesen Terminal to all three concourses.
How parking works at Denver International
On-airport parking ranges from the close-in terminal garages (East and West) to the Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert economy lots, which are cheaper but sit out along Peña Boulevard with shuttle service.
Off-airport operators on Peña Boulevard and Tower Road undercut the airport economy lots and run their own shuttles — here, frequency is everything because the distances are large.
Tips travelers wish they'd known
- Shuttle frequency matters more at DEN than almost anywhere — the lots are far out, so check the published wait times.
- In winter, covered parking or at least a reliable shuttle saves you dealing with snow on the car after a trip.
- The A Line train is an excellent option from the city if you don't need to drive.
- Give yourself a longer cushion — the drive in on Peña Boulevard is deceptively long.
DEN questions, answered
The questions our 24/7 team gets asked most about flying from Denver International.
How early should I arrive at Denver?+
Two hours domestic, three international, plus extra in winter for weather. Don't underestimate the drive in on Peña Boulevard.
Why does shuttle frequency matter so much at DEN?+
Because the economy and off-airport lots sit well away from the terminal across open land — a slow shuttle adds real time to your trip.
Is off-airport parking cheaper than the airport lots?+
Generally yes, and booking ahead widens the gap. Operators on Peña Boulevard and Tower Road compete with the airport's economy lots.
Can I take the train instead of parking?+
Yes — the RTD A Line runs from Union Station to the terminal in about 37 minutes, a good alternative if you don't need your car.