Whether you’re visiting the Mile High City for a vacation or returning home from a trip, an Uber is an easy and affordable way to arrive at or leave the Denver International Airport.
We’ve got you covered with the following complete guide to Uber Denver airport pickups and dropoffs.
Even if you’ve never been to Colorado before, you’ll be Ubering around the state like a local!
Table Of Contents
Does Uber Operate at the Denver Airport?
Yes, Uber rides are readily available for both pick-up and drop-off.
You shouldn’t have to wait for more than a few minutes for an Uber.
Many drivers park in a special waiting area just outside the airport because they know people request rides consistently.
The Denver International Airport is very ride-share friendly.
They offer clear signs, designated rideshare zones, and many other features that make the process easy for riders and drivers.
Related: Your guide to Uber San Francisco Airport pickups
Uber Denver Airport Services: Types of Uber Services Available
Uber Denver airport rides are available in many different options, including:
- UberX – The most common option, UberX is usually a standard sedan with room for one or two people.
- Uber Comfort – Similar in size to the UberX, but the cars are newer and have more legroom.
- UberXL – These vans, SUVs, and other large-size vehicles hold up to five passengers or fewer with more cargo.
- Uber Green – They’re similar to the UberX and Comfort rides but with eco-friendly features.
- Uber Pet – These rides allow you to bring along a furry friend such as a dog or a cat. Terms are similar to the Lyft pet policy.
- Uber Black – All of these premium rides are luxury cars with professional drivers. Large vehicles that seat up to five are also available.
If you’re looking for a ride to the airport, you can schedule Uber in advance for a specific date and time.
You can also book a ride to pick you up at the airport, but most people find it easier to request a ride after they’ve landed.
In the busy Uber Denver airport, where finding an Uber isn’t difficult, it’s best to order your ride after you’ve claimed your luggage.
Pro Tip:
Account for Uber luggage capacity when booking car. Always account for more space than less, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
Uber Denver Airport Pickups
Take note, frequent fliers. If you haven’t been to DIA since 2019, the Uber pickup and drop-off zones aren’t where they used to be.
Today, if you order an Uber after landing at the airport, you’ll need to go to Level 5.
It’s the same level where you can find ground transportation. (Previously, you had to go to Level 6 for rideshares, but the area became too crowded.)
After you disembark from your plane, follow the signs to Baggage Claim.
In most cases, you’ll need first to board the airport’s underground train.
They run between all the terminals.
Get off the train at Baggage Claim.
Then, you’ll exit the terminal between doors 506 to 510 on the West side and between 507 and 511 on the East side.
Once outside, you’ll walk a short distance to Island 5.
The entire experience is designed for maximum user-friendliness.
You’ll find signs directing you to the Rideshare area.
Uber Denver Airport Drop-offs
Drop-offs also take place at Level 5.
As you approach the airport, you’ll need to tell your Uber driver which airline you’re flying out on.
They’ll drop you off curbside in front of your airline (on Level 5 of the airport).
The “trickiest” element to getting dropped off at the airport is ensuring the driver takes you to the correct terminal.
As you approach the airport, you’ll see two large signs above the roadway.
They list which airlines are located in the West terminal and which are in the East.
Airlines located in the West terminal include:
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Air France
- American
- British Airways
- JetBlue
- United
Airlines that operate out of the East terminal include:
- Alaska
- Delta
- Frontier
- Southwest
- Spirit
If the driver is on the wrong side when the road branches, they’ll need to take a lengthy detour to get to the other terminal.
This adds to your trip cost and can even make you late for your flight.
Alternative: No time to Uber? Check out the Denver airport parking options available to travelers.
Common Ride Destinations
Here’s a closer look at the fare estimate and travel time involved when taking an Uber from DIA to several common locations around the state.
Denver Airport to Vail
If you’re flying in for a ski vacation, taking an Uber from the airport to Vail will take about two hours in light traffic.
Uber estimates the trip will cost $144 with an UberX.
Keep in mind an UberX only fits one or two people and might not be large enough to hold ski gear.
A Comfort ride with extra legroom costs $174.
If you’re in a group of five or more, you’ll need an UberXL, which does increase the cost to about $265.
Denver Airport to Boulder
Home to the University of Colorado, the Flatirons, and much more, you’ll find no shortage of fun in Boulder.
It’s a pretty quick trip between the city and the airport.
An Uber ride should take just under an hour in regular traffic.
Expect to pay around $52 for either an UberX or Uber Green.
If you need to bring along a pet, the ride increases to $58.
Denver Airport to Aurora
As the third-largest city in Colorado, Uber rides to and from the airport are common.
The trip takes about half an hour during light traffic.
Because the journey is so short, the price is relatively low.
You’ll pay a little more than $25 to travel to Aurora.
Even an UberXL is an affordable $46.
Denver Airport to Downtown Denver
Many visitors to Denver are surprised to learn the airport is located fairly far away from the state’s capital.
Still, in light traffic, the drive should only take about 40 to 50 minutes.
A trip will cost about $40 in an UberX or Green or around $68 in an UberXL.
You can visit the Denver Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, Coors Field, and many other attractions within Downtown Denverons.
Denver Airport to Colorado Springs
If you’re heading south to Colorado Springs, get comfortable because the trip will take you about an hour and a half.
Expect to pay about $124 for an UberX.
Considering the length of the drive, you might want to upgrade to an Uber Comfort ($135) or even an Uber Black ($288).
Alternative Ride Options
An Uber isn’t the only way to get to and from the airport.
You can find other types of transportation at DIA, too.
1. Denver Airport Train and Light Rail
If you need to travel between the airport and the city of Denver, the light rail is an easy and affordable option.
For $10.50, riders can take the A-line from DIA directly to Denver’s Union Station.
This transportation hub provides access to the entire state via trains, buses, and other transportation services.
Traveling from the airport to Denver by light rail is a 23-mile journey that takes about 37 minutes.
It stops six times between the two locations.
2. Taxi Cabs
Hailing a traditional taxi cab at Denver International Airport is usually no problem.
They’ll typically take you to any major city such as Denver, Boulder, or even as far away as Colorado Springs.
Rates vary but usually average to about $2 a mile.
Many companies offer a flat rate if you want to take a cab to the airport.
The specific price will depend on the company, but $50 is a good average if you’re picked up in Denver.
3. Private Shuttles
Private shuttle buses are another option.
They transport small groups of people (around 10) between the airport and shuttle parking lots in many cities around town.
While the rides are affordable, you do have to share the space with others and must travel according to the shuttle’s schedule.
You can also charter a shuttle for a large group.
It’s helpful if you’re traveling with more than five people or have lots of luggage.
Prices vary but run around $500 for a ride between the airport and a ski resort like Breckenridge or Vail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to common questions about how Uber operates at Denver International Airport.
Where is Baggage Claim at DIA?
Baggage claim is inside Jeppesen Terminal, which is on Level 5 on both the East and West sides.
When you land, you’ll have to take the airport train to the baggage claim area.
Is Uber Cheaper than a Taxi in Denver?
Generally, an Uber is the cheaper way to travel to and from the Denver airport.
The further you have to travel, the more likely you are to save with an Uber.
Is Lyft Still Operating in Denver?
Lyft still operates in Denver.
Although at one point Uber and Lyft pooled their ride services, today, each operates independently.
You shouldn’t have much of a problem finding Lyft rides to the airport (but they’re not as popular overall compared to Uber).
Interestingly, Lyft also operates Denver’s bike and scooter rental service.
Wrapping Up
Uber Denver airport pick-ups and drop-offs are affordable and accessible.
You can take an Uber to practically every major city and tourist destination, including ski resorts and national parks.
When hiring an Uber to pick you up, head out the doors at Level 5.
When taking an Uber to the airport, make sure you know whether your flight leaves from the East or West side.
