Just landed at Denver International Airport (DIA) and need a ride? This guide covers everything: where to find the rideshare pickup area, typical prices, wait times, and cheaper alternatives you might not know about.
I've been driving Uber and Lyft at DIA for 7 years. Here's the insider info.
Rideshare Pickup Location at DIA
Level 5, East Side of the Jeppesen Terminal (main terminal)
Follow signs for "Rideshare" or "Ground Transportation" after baggage claim.
How to Get an Uber or Lyft at DIA
1Get your bags - Head to baggage claim on Level 5 and grab your luggage.
2Go to the East side - Follow signs for "Rideshare" or "Ground Transportation" to the East side of Level 5.
3Open your app - Once you're in the designated rideshare area, open Uber or Lyft and request your ride.
4Wait in the pickup zone - The app will show your driver's name, car, and license plate. Wait in the covered pickup area.
5Match and go - Verify the license plate matches your app before getting in. Off you go!
Important: Request AFTER You're in the Pickup Area
Don't request your ride while still inside the terminal or at baggage claim. Wait until you're in the designated rideshare zone. The GPS needs to see you in the right spot, and drivers can't pick you up elsewhere.
DIA Rideshare Pricing
Airport rides in Denver are more expensive than regular city rides. Here's what to expect:
| Destination | Distance | Normal Price | Surge Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Denver | ~24 miles | $45-60 | $80-120+ |
| Cherry Creek | ~22 miles | $40-55 | $70-100+ |
| Boulder | ~45 miles | $70-90 | $120-180+ |
| Aurora | ~15 miles | $30-45 | $50-80 |
| Breckenridge | ~100 miles | $150-200 | $250+ |
Prices vary based on time of day, demand, and which app you use. Our price comparison found Uber is typically 5-15% cheaper than Lyft for airport rides.
Wait Times at DIA
Good news: DIA has one of the better rideshare setups in the country. Lots of drivers wait in the airport holding lot specifically for airport pickups.
Typical wait times:
- Peak hours (morning, early evening): 3-7 minutes
- Normal times: 5-10 minutes
- Late night (after 11pm): 10-20 minutes
- Very late (after 2am): 15-30+ minutes
Pro Tip: Check Both Apps
Before requesting, open both Uber and Lyft. Compare prices AND estimated wait times. Sometimes one app shows 3 minutes while the other shows 15 minutes. Pick the better option.
When Prices Surge at DIA
Airport surge pricing follows predictable patterns. Avoid these times if you can:
- Friday evenings (5pm-9pm): Business travelers arriving for weekends
- Sunday evenings (4pm-8pm): Weekend travelers returning home
- Holiday weekends: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
- Ski season weekends: Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings
- Bad weather days: Snowstorms cause delayed flights to all land at once
For detailed timing strategies, see our guide to avoiding surge pricing.
Cheaper Alternatives to Rideshare
A-Line Train (Best Value)
The University of Colorado A-Line runs from DIA to Union Station in downtown Denver.
- Price: $10.50 one way
- Time: 37 minutes
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Hours: ~4am to ~1am daily
From Union Station, you can take a short rideshare to your final destination. This hybrid approach often costs less than riding all the way from DIA, especially during surge.
Scheduled Ride Services
Wingz - Book airport rides in advance at a set price. Good option if you want certainty (no surge) and a driver guaranteed to show up.
Hotel Shuttles
Many Denver hotels offer free airport shuttles. Check with your hotel before paying for rideshare.
Rental Cars
If you're staying multiple days or heading to the mountains, a rental car might make more sense than multiple rideshare trips. The rental car center is connected to the terminal via automated train.
Insider Tips for DIA Rideshare
Save Money & Time
- Compare apps - Prices can differ by $20+ between Uber and Lyft
- Request UberX or basic Lyft - Skip the premium options unless you need them
- Consider A-Line + rideshare - Especially during surge times
- Have your pickup pin ready - Make sure the app shows you in the right spot
- Be ready to walk - You might need to walk to a specific lane number
Uber vs Lyft at DIA: Which Is Better?
For airport pickups specifically:
Uber advantages at DIA:
- More drivers in the airport waiting lot
- Usually shorter wait times
- Typically 5-15% cheaper
Lyft advantages at DIA:
- Sometimes has better promo codes for first-time users
- Lyft Pink members get priority airport pickup
- If no driver found within 10 min of scheduled ride, you get $50 Lyft Cash
For most travelers, Uber is the slightly better choice at DIA - more drivers, shorter waits, lower prices. But always compare both before booking.
For a complete comparison beyond the airport, check out our Uber vs Lyft in Denver guide.
Dropping Off at DIA
If you're taking a rideshare TO the airport:
- Dropoff location: Level 5 (Departures), same terminal
- Give yourself time: DIA is 25+ miles from downtown. Allow at least 45 minutes for the drive, plus check-in time
- Morning rush: I-70 eastbound gets backed up 7-9am. Leave extra early
- Confirm your airline terminal: Southwest is at the south end, United at the north end