Denver Airport to Black Hawk

Quick Facts: DIA to Black Hawk

An easy casino getaway for out-of-state visitors

Distance: 55 miles via I-70 and Highway 119

Drive Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours

Route: I-70 west to Exit 244, Highway 6 to Highway 119 through Clear Creek Canyon

Price Comparison

Option	Price	Best For
Private Car/SUV	$180-280	Direct service, groups
Uber/Lyft	$80-120	One-way, casual trips
Limo Service	$350-500	VIP experience, groups
Rental Car	$60-100/day	Multi-day stays, flexibility
RTD + Casino Shuttle	$10 + Free	Budget option (requires planning)

Note: Unlike ski resort shuttles, there are no direct shared shuttles from DIA to Black Hawk. Your best options are private car, rideshare, or a combination of public transit and casino shuttle.

Transportation Options

Getting from DIA to Black Hawk

Private Car Service ($180-280)

The most convenient option for out-of-state visitors arriving at DIA. Book in advance for meet-and-greet service.

Direct from DIA to your Black Hawk casino
Professional driver, no navigation worries
About 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic
Can arrange round-trip or one-way
Book return separately based on your gaming schedule

Uber/Lyft ($80-120)

Available from DIA, but has limitations for Black Hawk trips.

Pick up at Level 5, Island 6
About 1 hour to Black Hawk
Good for getting there
Challenge: Getting a ride back from Black Hawk can be difficult, especially late night

Limo Service ($350-500)

For a VIP casino experience, book a limo or party bus from DIA.

Meet at baggage claim or curbside
Drinks and amenities included
Round-trip with wait time
Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties
Groups can split cost effectively

Rental Car ($60-100/day)

Best for multi-day casino trips or if you want to explore Colorado beyond Black Hawk.

Take the train from DIA to the Rental Car Center
1-hour drive to Black Hawk
Free parking at all casinos
Scenic route through Clear Creek Canyon
Flexibility to visit Central City, Idaho Springs, or other mountain towns

Budget Option: RTD + Casino Shuttle

The most affordable route requires connecting through Denver:

Take RTD A Line from DIA to Union Station ($10.50, 37 min)
From Denver, catch a casino shuttle to Black Hawk (free-$15)

Note: This requires timing your arrival with shuttle schedules. Check casino shuttle departures in advance and allow buffer time.

Planning Your Casino Trip

Tips for out-of-state visitors

Stay at a Casino Resort

If you're flying in specifically for gaming, consider staying at a Black Hawk casino hotel:

Monarch Casino Resort Spa – Full resort, spa, multiple restaurants
Ameristar Casino Black Hawk – Large property, hotel rooms
The Lodge Casino – Comfortable rooms, good value

Staying overnight eliminates round-trip transportation concerns and lets you enjoy gaming without watching the clock.

Round-Trip Planning

If doing a day trip from DIA, book your return transportation in advance:

Private car services can schedule pickup times
Uber/Lyft from Black Hawk is unreliable—have a backup plan
If driving, remember the mountain road and don't drink excessively

Altitude Reminder

Black Hawk sits at 8,042 feet—higher than Denver. If you're arriving from sea level:

Stay hydrated
Alcohol affects you more strongly at altitude
Take it easy on your first day

Frequently Asked Questions

DIA to Black Hawk transportation

Is there a shuttle from Denver Airport to Black Hawk?

There's no direct shared shuttle from DIA to Black Hawk like there is for ski resorts. Your best options are private car service, Uber/Lyft, rental car, or taking the train to Denver and connecting with a casino shuttle.

How long does it take to get from DIA to Black Hawk?

About 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The route goes through Denver on I-70 west, then through Clear Creek Canyon on Highway 119.

How much does Uber cost from Denver Airport to Black Hawk?

Typically $80-120 depending on demand. The challenge is getting a ride back—Uber availability in Black Hawk is limited, especially late at night.

Should I rent a car to go to Black Hawk from DIA?

A rental car makes sense for multi-day trips or if you want to explore beyond Black Hawk. For a quick casino trip, private car service is more convenient. Remember to have a designated driver if you plan to drink.

Can I fly into Denver just for a day of gambling?

Yes, but consider timing carefully. You'll need 1+ hour each way for transportation. A same-day trip works if you arrive early morning and depart late evening. Staying overnight at a casino hotel is more relaxed.