Denver International Airport is one of the busiest in the United States, and navigating its parking options can be a daunting task.
This guide aims to break down everything you need to know about parking at Denver Airport—types of parking, locations, and rates—to make your next trip as smooth as possible.
When parking at Denver International Airport (DEN), it’s crucial to know that you’re parking at your own risk.
Although the airport’s parking areas are monitored 24/7, recent trends in Colorado point to a concerning rise in criminal activities.
These include not only vehicle theft but also theft of specific auto parts like catalytic converters. To mitigate your risk, here are some proactive steps you can take:
- Lock Your Vehicle: Always ensure that your vehicle is securely locked before leaving it unattended.
- Use Visible Theft Deterrents: Employing visible deterrents like steering wheel and tire locks, as well as visible alarm systems, can make your car a less attractive target.
- Don’t Leave Valuables in Sight: Keep all valuables out of plain view to avoid tempting potential thieves.
- Secure Your Keys: Never leave your keys inside the vehicle. Make sure they are with you at all times.
- Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity: Always be on the lookout for any unusual or suspicious behavior and report it to the authorities immediately.
Parking Lots at Denver International Airport
Garage Parking
Garage East
Rates: $30/day | $7/hour
Hours: Open 24/7
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Estimated Walking Time to Terminal: 5-10 minutes
Address: 8511 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
Contact: (303) 342-7275
Garage East sits conveniently adjacent to the Jeppesen Terminal on its east side. Comprising five levels, the facility offers three modules containing a mix of covered and uncovered parking.
Note that Level 3 lacks accessible parking, but all other levels accommodate it. For eco-conscious travelers, five hybrid vehicle parking spots and electric charging stations are located on Level 1, Rows E and F.
Roadway signs on Peña Boulevard and at the garage’s entry will indicate availability on each level. Clearance stands at eight feet, and there’s no shuttle service.
Driving Directions: From Peña Boulevard, head towards the Terminal West/Terminal East split. Veer right at the split and follow signs for parking. Proceed to the garage entry gates.
Garage West
Rates: $30/day | $7/hour
Hours: Open 24/7
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Estimated Walking Time to Terminal: 5-10 minutes
Address: 8148 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
Contact: (303) 342-7275
Similar to its eastern counterpart, Garage West is located adjacent to the Jeppesen Terminal but on the west side. The five-level garage houses four modules, also offering both covered (Levels 1-4) and uncovered (Level 5) parking options. Accessible parking is available on all levels, save for Level 3.
Fifteen hybrid vehicle parking spots with electric charging stations are on Level 1; five have “Level 1” chargers and ten feature the faster “Level 2” chargers.
As with Garage East, overhead signs on Peña Boulevard and the garage entrance will display real-time availability. The clearance is eight feet and, again, no shuttle service is provided.
Driving Directions: From Peña Boulevard, head towards the Terminal West/Terminal East split. Veer left at the split, follow the signs to parking, and proceed to the garage entry gates.
Economy Parking
Economy East
Rates: $18/day | $6/hour
Discount: Daily rate drops to $16 for the fourth and subsequent days
Hours: Open 24/7
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Estimated Walking Time to Terminal: 5-7 minutes
Shuttle Interval: Every 10 minutes, 24/7
Address: 8511 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
Contact: (303) 342-7275
Economy East is an excellent alternative for travelers desiring proximity to the Jeppesen Terminal without the premium price tag.
Located just beyond the Garage East, this lot provides a cost-effective option that still allows walking to the terminal.
Complimentary shuttles operate around the clock, departing approximately every 10 minutes from shelters along the shuttle route. They connect passengers to the DEN Transit Center, situated near the ground level of the Westin Denver International Airport.
Driving Directions: Take Peña Boulevard to the Terminal West/Terminal East split. Veer to the right at the split, follow the signs for parking, and proceed to the Economy Lot entry gates.
Economy West
Rates: $18/day | $6/hour
Discount: Daily rate drops to $16 for the fourth and subsequent days
Hours: Open 24/7
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Estimated Walking Time to Terminal: 5-7 minutes
Shuttle Interval: Every 10 minutes, 24/7
Address: 8148 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
Contact: (303) 342-7275
Located beyond the Garage West parking on the Jeppesen Terminal’s west side, Economy West mirrors its eastern counterpart in both price and convenience. It’s a go-to for travelers keen on saving money but unwilling to compromise on walking distance to the terminal.
Driving Directions: Head down Peña Boulevard towards the Terminal West/Terminal East split. Veer to the left at the split, follow the signage to parking, and move on to the Economy Lot entry gates.
Shuttle Parking
Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot
- Rate: $8/day | No hourly rate
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Payment Methods: AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Cash, Check
- Estimated Shuttle Time: 7-10 minutes
- Address: 24300 E. 75th Ave., Denver, CO 80249
- Contact: (303) 342-4083
For budget-conscious travelers, the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot offers unbeatable value at just $8 per day. It’s DEN’s primary and most economical shuttle parking option. Shuttles operate every 7-10 minutes, and passengers can catch a ride back to their vehicles on the East side, Level 5, Door #513, Island 3.
Free Vehicle Assistance: From jump starts to tire inflations, DEN offers complimentary vehicle assistance day and night. Call (303) 342-4645.
Travel Time Tip: Allow approximately 30 minutes from entering the lot to reaching the terminal.
Driving Directions: Exit Peña Boulevard onto 75th Avenue, proceed straight through one stop light, and turn right onto North Elk Street.
Longs Peak Shuttle Lot
- Rate: $8/day | No hourly rate
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Payment Methods: AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa (Credit Card Only)
- Estimated Shuttle Time: 7-10 minutes
- Address: 25630 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80249
- Contact: (303) 342-4083
Currently closed, when open, Longs Peak Shuttle Lot mirrors Pikes Peak in both pricing and amenities. The lot also accepts credit cards only and provides shuttles departing every 7-10 minutes. Pick-up for returning passengers is at the same location as Pikes Peak: East side, Level 5, Door #513, Island 3.
Free Vehicle Assistance: Same services as Pikes Peak, available all day and night. Call (303) 342-4645.
Travel Time Tip: Budget 30 minutes from entering the lot to arrival at the terminal.
Driving Directions: Exit Peña Boulevard onto Jackson Gap Street, turn left to a stop sign, turn right onto 78th Avenue, and proceed straight into the Longs Peak parking lot.
Short Term Parking
Short Term East
- Rate: $168/day | $7/hour
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Payment Methods: Cash, Check, AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
- Estimated Walk Time: 5 minutes
- Address: 8511 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
- Contact: (303) 342-7275
Short Term East offers the ultimate in convenience for those picking up or dropping off passengers. Situated on the arrivals level (level 4) in Garage East, this covered parking option is best suited for quick terminal access. Note that overnight parking is not allowed, and the garage clearance is 8 feet.
Driving Directions: Exit Peña Boulevard at the Terminal West/Terminal East split. Veer right, follow Terminal East signs, and take the level 4 roadway into the garage. Signs for short-term parking are to your left as you enter.
Short Term West
- Rate: $168/day | $7/hour
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Payment Methods: Cash, Check, AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
- Estimated Walk Time: 5 minutes
- Address: 8148 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
- Contact: (303) 342-7275
Just like its East counterpart, Short Term West offers fast access to Jeppesen Terminal. Located on the arrivals level (level 4) in Garage West, it’s another prime choice for quick visits. Similar to Short Term East, overnight parking is not allowed, and the garage has an 8-foot clearance.
Driving Directions: Exit Peña Boulevard at the Terminal West/Terminal East split. Veer left, follow Terminal West signs, and take the level 4 roadway into the garage. Short-term parking signs are to your left as you enter.
61st and Peña Parking Lot
- Rate: $7/day | $5/12 hours | Pre-pay only
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Payment Methods: Credit cards only (AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa)
- Address: 6195 N. Panasonic Way, Denver, CO 80249
- Contact: (303) 342-4645
Managed by the City and County of Denver rather than RTD, 61st and Peña is a unique parking option for Denver International Airport travelers. Conveniently situated on the RTD’s University of Colorado A Line, the lot caters solely to train commuters, with no shuttle or bus services.
A ride on the A Line train to the airport costs $10.50, with a transit time of just 11 minutes. The lot features 800 spaces, 609 of which are under solar panel canopies. For green travelers, 11 electric vehicle Level 1 charging stations are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Free Vehicle Services: If you need assistance with a tire, battery, or lockout, services are available 24/7.
Parking Tips:
- Park first before paying to ensure space availability.
- All payments must be pre-made via the PayByPhone app.
- This lot often fills up during peak travel times; availability isn’t guaranteed.
- Check availability for all DEN parking lots during peak times at www.flydenver.com.
Payment: After parking, pre-pay through the PayByPhone parking app. A $0.13 convenience fee applies per transaction. Extensions are possible if plans change, with the same convenience fee for each transaction.
Extended Parking: If you plan to park for over 30 days, special arrangements must be made. Unattended cars may be considered abandoned and could be ticketed or towed.
Driving Directions:
- Head to Tower Road and 61st Avenue.
- Turn west onto 61st Avenue.
- Turn north at Panasonic Way until you reach the entrance.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
- Location: Approx. 3 miles west of Jeppesen Terminal
- Access Routes: Eastbound Peña Blvd to 75th Ave and northbound Gun Club Road; Westbound Peña Blvd to Wenatchee St; East 78th Ave
- Level for Pick-up: Arrivals, Level 4
- Amenities:
- 253 Parking Spaces
- Free Wi-Fi
- Children’s Seating Area
- Lounge Seating
- Indoor Restrooms
- Eight Flight Information Boards
- Adjacent Phillips 66 Fueling Station
- Restaurants: Dunkin’ Donuts, Schlotzsky’s, Wendy’s, Tia’s Authentic New Mexican Eats, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Final Approach isn’t your average cell phone waiting lot. Located a brief three miles from Jeppesen Terminal, it offers more than just a parking space. Direct your arriving party to Arrivals, Level 4, as curbside waiting is not allowed. With 253 spaces, Final Approach allows for a less stressful pick-up experience.
Need to kill time? The lot is far from barren. Step into the Final Approach facility, where, although the seating area is closed, you can still grab a bite from a range of restaurants—perfect for the waiting game. Keep an eye on the eight flight information boards to know exactly when to make your move to Jeppesen Terminal.
Alternatives:
- Garage Parking: $5/hour
- Short Term Parking: $6/hour
- Note: No parking allowed on Peña Blvd or adjacent roads.
Baggage Claim: Found on Level 5, with no public vehicle access. Vehicles are allowed to drive through for pickups but can’t park and wait.
Driving Directions to Cell Phone Lot:
- On inbound Peña Blvd, take the 75th Ave exit (12 miles from I-70 and Peña Blvd).
- Stay in the right lane, then turn left onto Gun Club Road.
- Take another left onto 77th Ave.
Driving Directions to Jeppesen Terminal from Lot:
- From the lot, head east on 78th Ave to Jackson Gap St.
- Turn right and go south to the eastbound ramp onto Peña Blvd.
- Follow signs to either Terminal East or West.
Off-Airport Shuttle Parking
- Pick-up Location: Level 5 Island 3
- East Side: Between doors 507-513
- West Side: Between doors 504-510
- Parking Providers:
For those looking to sidestep the hassle of airport parking, Off-Airport Shuttle Parking provides a viable alternative. Pick-up areas for returning to off-airport parking lots are strategically situated on Level 5 Island 3. Depending on your entry point, you can locate them on the East Side between doors 507-513 or on the West Side between doors 504-510.
References:
- Denver Airport Official Website. (2023). “Parking At Denver Airport.” Retrieved from https://www.flydenver.com/park
