I've been driving rideshare in Denver for 7 years. Uber, Lyft, you name it. I've picked up thousands of passengers from DIA, LoDo bars, Red Rocks concerts, and everywhere in between.
This guide covers everything about getting around Denver without your own car. Which app is cheaper, where to catch rides at the airport, how to avoid surge pricing, and the alternatives most tourists don't know about.
Rideshare Options in Denver
Major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Denver metro area. From downtown hotels to mountain trailheads, rides can be booked in seconds through mobile apps.
| Service | Best For | Avg. Wait Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber | Most drivers, fastest pickup | 3-8 minutes | $$ |
| Lyft | Friendlier drivers, seniors | 4-10 minutes | $$ |
| Traditional Taxi | No app needed, cash payment | 10-20 minutes | $$$ |
| Lime/Bird Scooters | Short downtown trips | Instant (find nearby) | $ |
Is Uber or Lyft Better in Denver?
The honest answer? Both work great here. Denver has tons of drivers for both platforms. But there are differences worth knowing.
Uber advantages: More drivers means shorter wait times. Cleaner app interface. Better for quick decisions.
Lyft advantages: Drivers tend to be chattier and friendlier. Lyft Silver offers dedicated support for seniors. Often has better promos for new users.
My advice? Download both apps. Check prices before every ride. Pick the cheaper one. Don't stress about loyalty - your wallet will thank you.
For a detailed breakdown, check out our Uber vs Lyft comparison from a driver's perspective.
Quick Guide: Which App to Open First
At DIA airport: Either one - both have dedicated pickup zones
Downtown/LoDo: Uber usually has more drivers
Suburbs late night: Uber (larger driver pool)
Need to talk to someone: Lyft has better phone support
How Much Does Rideshare Cost in Denver?
Rideshare pricing in Denver changes constantly. It depends on time of day, demand, weather, and events happening nearby.
Typical fare examples (non-surge):
- DIA to Downtown Denver: $45-65
- LoDo to Cherry Creek: $15-22
- Downtown to Red Rocks: $35-50
- Union Station to DU: $12-18
Want to know which service is actually cheaper? We tested both apps at different times and locations. See our full Uber vs Lyft price comparison for Denver.
Why Is Uber So Expensive in Denver?
If you've ever seen a $47 fare for a 3-mile trip, you've experienced surge pricing (Uber calls it "dynamic pricing").
Dynamic pricing takes effect when lots of people in the same area request rides at the same time. The higher price attracts more drivers to the area.
When surge pricing hits hardest:
- Friday and Saturday nights (especially 10pm-2am)
- After concerts at Red Rocks, Ball Arena, or Empower Field
- Rush hours: 7-9am and 5-7pm on weekdays
- During snowstorms or bad weather
- Broncos game days
Learn exactly when to book and save money with our guide to avoiding surge pricing in Denver.
Getting Rideshare at Denver Airport (DIA)
Denver International Airport has a dedicated rideshare pickup area on Level 5 of the main terminal, East side.
The process:
- Grab your bags from baggage claim
- Head to Level 5, East side (follow signs for "Rideshare")
- Open your app and request a ride
- Wait in the designated pickup zone
- Match your driver's license plate and get in
Wait times at DIA are usually 5-10 minutes. Tons of drivers hang out in the airport waiting lot specifically for airport pickups.
For the complete walkthrough including photos and insider tips, see our Denver Airport rideshare guide and Uber & Lyft airport pickup guide.
Alternatives to Uber and Lyft in Denver
Not everyone wants to use Uber or Lyft. Here are your other options:
Traditional Taxis
Denver still has taxi services. Denver Taxi Services (DTS) is a popular local option offering mountain rides, private car services, and chauffeur options. Taxis can be more expensive but you can pay cash and don't need an app.
Compare the pros and cons in our rideshare vs taxi comparison.
Other Rideshare Apps
- Wingz: Scheduled rides, great for airport trips when you want guaranteed pickup
- Flywheel: Works with local taxi companies through one app
- Arro: Another taxi-hailing alternative
Scooters and Bikes
Lime and Bird scooters are scattered throughout downtown Denver. Great for short trips when weather is nice. Typically $1 to unlock plus $0.25-0.35 per minute.
Note: Scooters are not allowed on 16th Street Mall or in certain downtown zones. Check the app for restricted areas.
Public Transit (RTD)
The A-Line train runs from DIA to Union Station for just $10.50. Takes about 37 minutes. Often faster than rideshare during rush hour and way cheaper.
Should You Tip Your Rideshare Driver?
Tipping isn't required, but drivers appreciate it. We don't make as much as you might think after gas, car maintenance, and platform fees.
Suggested tip amounts:
- 10-20% of the fare is standard
- $3-6 on a $30 ride
- $5-10 for airport rides with luggage help
- More if driver went above and beyond
For detailed tipping etiquette, including what drivers actually think, check out our tipping guide for Uber and Lyft in Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber shutting down in Colorado?
No. Despite occasional news about regulatory issues, Uber continues to operate fully in Colorado. Both Uber and Lyft have strong driver networks throughout the Denver metro area.
Can I bring my dog in a Lyft?
Yes! Lyft offers "Pet rides" - just select the pet-friendly option when booking. Colorado is actually one of the top 5 states for pet rides. Service animals are always allowed in any rideshare at no extra charge.
Which is better for seniors - Uber or Lyft?
Lyft often edges out Uber for seniors thanks to Lyft Silver - a simplified app with live phone support. Uber offers a "Senior Account" with larger text. For seniors who prefer booking by phone, services like GoGoGrandparent can book rideshares without needing a smartphone.
What is the 5 minute rule for Uber?
When your driver arrives, you have about 5 minutes to get to the car before they can cancel and charge a cancellation fee. The timer starts when they reach your pickup location. Be ready!
Can I request a female Uber driver?
Uber now offers "Women preference" in some markets, allowing riders to prefer being matched with women drivers. While not guaranteed, it increases your chances. Alternatively, Shebah is a rideshare service with only women drivers (limited availability in Denver).
What's the $2.99 Lyft charge?
That's Lyft's "Price Lock Pass." For $2.99/month, you can lock in a price for regular rides during your chosen pickup time. You'll always pay your locked-in price or less. Good deal if you have a regular commute.
Final Tips from a Denver Driver
- Always check both apps before booking - prices vary significantly
- Avoid surge times when possible (see our surge pricing guide)
- At DIA: Consider the A-Line train to Union Station if you're not in a rush
- For concerts: Book your ride BEFORE the show ends or wait 30+ minutes for surge to drop
- Be ready when your driver arrives - we appreciate passengers who don't make us wait
- Rate fairly - a 4-star rating hurts drivers more than you'd think
Got questions about rideshare in Denver? Drop me a line. Happy travels!