Denver Union Station is a historic multimodal transit hub in Lower Downtown (LoDo), with Amtrak, RTD buses and rail, plus dining and shops. Its RTD A Line links the station with Denver International Airport, making it a useful arrival point as well as a city connection.
- Location: Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver
- Airport rail: approximately 37 minutes between the station and Denver International Airport
- Amtrak arrival advice: arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
- Access: the station is open around the clock for Amtrak passengers and travelers, but the Great Hall closes overnight for cleaning
Finding your way around Denver Union Station
Denver Union Station brings rail, bus services, dining and shops together in Lower Downtown. The station opened on June 1, 1881, was rebuilt in 1914 and was reimagined in 2014.
For RTD buses, head to the underground concourse beneath 17th Street, between the historic station building and the light-rail platforms. Street-level pavilions connect to it by stairs, escalators and elevators. The station says its spaces are accessible, including the bus-concourse access routes.
The Crawford Hotel is also inside the station. If you’re arriving by Amtrak, its passenger loading zone is on Wynkoop Street in front of the station.
How do you get from Denver International Airport to Union Station?
The RTD A Line connects Denver International Airport with Denver Union Station, with the trip taking approximately 37 minutes. The station is the downtown endpoint for the airport rail connection.
RTD bus routes also serve Union Station, including routes 9, 10, 15, 19, 20, 32, 120X, LD1, FF1 and FF3. The Free MallRide serves the station too. Route and service information can change, so check the official site before you go.
For a broader comparison of arrival choices, the Denver airport-to-downtown guide covers train, car and other arrival options.
Getting to the station from the hotel
Union Station is about a 24-minute walk from a budget-friendly inn in downtown Denver, or about 4 minutes by car.
At Union Station, follow signs to the historic station building, rail platforms or the bus-concourse pavilions, depending on your connection.
Nearby streets and visitor stops
The Free MallRide links Union Station with Civic Center Station along the 16th Street Mall, stopping on every block between the two stations. It operates seven days a week, making it a way to continue through downtown after arriving by train.
The station’s rail-and-bus information includes several RTD lines, but its pages give differing line lists and note that routes may change during rail reconstruction. Confirm the current line and stop for your trip with RTD rather than relying on an older route listing.
Checking schedules and station access
Denver Union Station is open 24 hours a day for Amtrak passengers and travelers, while the Great Hall closes daily from midnight to 5:30 a.m. for cleaning. Amtrak passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, or 60 minutes ahead if checking baggage or needing boarding assistance.
There is no dedicated station parking lot. Nearby options include street and metered parking, while The Crawford Hotel offers 24-hour valet parking with drop-off at 17th and Wynkoop Streets.
RTD airport fare information varies between the station’s pages, which give figures of $10 and $10.50. Confirm the current fare and ticketing rules with RTD before you travel.
FAQs
How long does the A Line take from Denver International Airport to Union Station?
The trip takes approximately 37 minutes, according to the station’s transportation FAQ.
Where do RTD buses leave from Union Station?
They leave from the underground bus concourse beneath 17th Street. Street-level pavilions provide stairs, escalators and elevators down to the concourse.
Does Denver Union Station have parking?
There is no dedicated station parking lot. Street and metered parking are available nearby, and The Crawford Hotel provides 24-hour valet parking.
Does the Free MallRide run every day?
Yes. It operates seven days a week between Union Station and Civic Center Station along the 16th Street Mall. The guide to getting around Denver from the downtown area covers local transport options.