Denver Airport Parking Economy Lot 2026: Rates, Shuttles & Tips

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The Denver Airport Economy Lot is an on-airport, open-air parking area managed by the Denver Department of Aviation that gives travelers a budget-friendly alternative to the terminal garages. As of October 2026, the East Economy Lot and West Economy Lot both charge a flat $20/day, which is 43% less than the East or West Garage at up to $35/day. A free shuttle runs every 10 minutes from shelters in each lot to the Hotel Transit Center at the south end of the terminal (ground level). If you're driving to Denver International Airport (DEN) and leaving your car for more than a day, the economy lots are a solid on-site choice, though the airport's own Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot costs half as much at $10/day.

• Daily rate: $20/day flat for both East and West Economy Lots, with no hourly rate (checked October 2026)
• Free shuttle: Runs every 10 minutes from shelters at each lot to the Hotel Transit Center; returns every 7 to 10 minutes (East) or 7 to 20 minutes (West)
• Savings vs. garage: Save $15/day compared to the East or West Garage ($7/hour, $35/day maximum)
• Cheapest shuttle lot: The Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot costs $10/day with a free shuttle every 7 to 15 minutes; the Longs Peak Shuttle Lot is currently closed
• Walk-up only: Economy lots take no reservations; only Premium Reserve can be booked ahead
• Off-site alternative: Lots Triply sells run from about $6/day (Embassy Suites, plus an $8 shuttle fee) to about $11/day. Park2Jet, at about $9/day with a 24/7 shuttle, is about 53% less than Economy but only about 6% less than Pikes Peak

Want to compare before you go? See off-site DEN parking on Triply, from about $6/day (Embassy Suites, plus an $8 shuttle fee) or about $9/day at Park2Jet with a 24/7 shuttle.

What Is the Denver Airport Economy Lot and Where Is It Located?

The Denver Airport Economy Lot is an outdoor, self-park facility on airport grounds, operated directly by the Denver Department of Aviation. There are two separate lots: the East Economy Lot and the West Economy Lot. Both sit along Peña Boulevard, the sole access road that runs 12 miles from I-70 to the airport.

The lots are farther from the terminal than the garages, so you won't walk directly inside. Instead, you take the free airport shuttle to the Hotel Transit Center at the south end of the terminal. Shuttle pickup happens at shelters within each lot. The terminal garages are directly attached to the terminal, but the economy lots trade that proximity for a significantly lower daily rate.

Both lots serve all three concourses. Once you're dropped at the terminal, you ride the Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) train to Concourse A (Delta, United international, British Airways, JetBlue, Frontier, and others), Concourse B (United and United Express), or Concourse C (American, Southwest, Frontier, Spirit). The whole process from parking to your gate typically takes 25–35 minutes when you account for shuttle wait time and the train ride.

DEN has roughly 42,000 total parking spaces across all lots and garages, per the Denver Department of Aviation. The economy lots represent a large share of that capacity, making full-lot situations less common than at smaller airports — but during peak holidays, spaces still fill fast.

How Much Does Denver Airport Economy Lot Parking Cost in 2026?

The East and West Economy Lots charge $20/day flat (checked October 2026), per the Denver International Airport official parking page. There is no hourly rate, and DEN adds no taxes or fees to its published rates. You pay the same $20 per day whether you're gone for 8 hours or 23 hours and 59 minutes, and a full week comes to $140.

Here's how the economy lot stacks up against the other on-airport options and the best-fit off-site lots Triply sells (Triply rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date):

On a 7-day trip, the economy lot costs $140 total. The garage runs $245 for the same week, a difference of $105. For a two-week trip, that gap widens to $210. The Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot is cheaper still at $70 for the week. Off-site, a week at Park2Jet is about $66 and at Canopy about $78, though a 7-night booking bills 8 days, so those checkouts come to $75.44 and $89.13. Triply also sells six more hotel lots, all with an overnight shuttle gap and some 8.7 to 8.8 miles out, so check each lot's hours before you book. Our guide to the best Denver airport parking deals and discount codes for 2026 has more ways to save.

Payment at the economy lots accepts card and tap-to-pay; cash is only taken at the Level 5 kiosks. The DIA parking customer service line is (303) 342-7275 if you have questions at the booth.

How Does the Economy Lot Shuttle Work at DEN?

The economy lot shuttle is free and departs every 10 minutes from shelters inside the East and West Economy Lots. You don't need to call for pickup. Just walk to the nearest shelter and wait.

The shuttle drops you at the Hotel Transit Center, at the south end of the terminal on the ground level. From there, follow signs to the AGTS train to reach your concourse. Allow at least 25–30 minutes from parking your car to reaching your gate, more during morning rush or holiday periods. The East Security Checkpoint (with 17 new screening lanes) opened in August 2025 as part of the ongoing $2 billion Great Hall renovation, which has eased congestion considerably. That said, active construction near the West checkpoint can still affect passenger flow, so build in a buffer. Review TSA security screening guidelines before you fly to make sure you're prepared at the checkpoint.

Shuttles leave the lots about every 10 minutes, and return trips run every 7 to 10 minutes from the East lot or every 7 to 20 minutes from the West lot, so the West lot can mean a longer wait on the way back. The shuttles have capacity for luggage, and drivers typically help load bags. If you have oversized gear like ski equipment (DEN is the gateway to Colorado's ski resorts), ask the driver before boarding.

On the return trip, the shuttle picks you up at the Hotel Transit Center at the south end of the terminal (ground level). Follow economy lot shuttle signs. Return shuttles run every 7 to 10 minutes (East) or 7 to 20 minutes (West). If you have TSA PreCheck, you'll move through security faster, so check TSA PreCheck enrollment if you fly DEN regularly. The time you save at security makes the shuttle wait feel shorter.

Economy Lot vs. Other DEN Parking Options: Which Should You Choose?

The economy lot is a good pick if you want an official on-airport shuttle lot for more than one day. But it's not the cheapest option. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide.

Choose the Economy Lot if you:

• Are parking for 2+ days and want an official, on-airport option
• Prefer a managed lot with airport-operated security and lighting
• Don't need covered parking (these are open-air lots)
• Want to pay at exit without pre-booking
• Have accessibility needs — designated ADA spaces are available in both lots

Choose the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot if you:

• Want the cheapest on-airport lot with a shuttle, at $10/day ($70 for a week)
• Are comfortable with a longer shuttle ride; the free shuttle runs every 7 to 15 minutes from Level 5, Door 513, Island 3 (East side only), and DEN suggests allowing 30 minutes
• Are parking for a week or more and want to maximize savings

The Longs Peak Shuttle Lot is currently closed.

Choose an off-site lot if you:

• Want a 24/7 shuttle: Park2Jet Denver (about $9/day) and Canopy Denver Airport Parking (about $11/day) both run 24/7, and Canopy's is complimentary
• Want the lowest daily rate: Embassy Suites Denver Airport is about $6/day plus an $8 round-trip shuttle fee; call ahead to reserve a shuttle seat, and note it serves the West terminal only
• Want a Tower Rd hotel lot: DoubleTree (about $8/day, 3-day minimum) and Spark by Hilton (about $8/day) run shuttles until 1:30 AM
• Want to save against Economy or the garages: Park2Jet is about 53% less than Economy and 73% less than the garages, but only about 6% less than Pikes Peak, and Canopy costs about 11% more than Pikes Peak

To compare every off-site lot Triply sells near DEN, including shuttle times and addresses, search DEN parking on Triply. Bookings come with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

Is the Denver Airport Economy Lot Safe for Long-Term Parking?

The economy lots are managed by the Denver Department of Aviation and are generally considered safe for long-term parking. The lots have 24/7 security patrols, surveillance cameras, and well-lit driving lanes. As an official airport facility with tens of thousands of daily users, they benefit from consistent staffing and regular patrol cycles.

That said, no outdoor parking lot is risk-free. Colorado has seen reports of catalytic converter theft at various parking facilities. Travelers frequently recommend parking in a well-lit, higher-traffic area of the lot rather than an isolated corner. If you drive a vehicle known to be a catalytic converter theft target (Toyota Prius, Honda Element, older trucks), consider the East or West Garage.

Accessible parking is available in both the East and West Economy Lots. Designated ADA spaces sit in prominent, well-monitored areas of each lot. Shuttle drivers are trained to assist passengers with mobility needs. If you need priority boarding on the shuttle, let the driver know — they'll accommodate you.

Keep a photo of your parking spot location (row letter, section number) on your phone before you leave. DEN's economy lots are large. Returning to the wrong section after a long trip is a common frustration. The airport provides lot maps at entry points — take a photo of the map too.

How Do You Reserve a Spot in the Denver Airport Economy Lot?

The economy lots are walk-up only: you drive in without a reservation and pay at the lot. DEN takes reservations only for Premium Reserve (Arrivals Level 4), which costs $45/day plus a $5 service fee per reservation and can be cancelled up to 15 minutes before arrival. Economy lot parking can't be booked ahead, on flydenver.com or anywhere else.

Here's the step-by-step process for parking in the economy lots:

1. Follow signs from Peña Boulevard to the East Economy Lot or West Economy Lot
2. Take a ticket at the entry gate
3. Park, and photograph your row and section
4. Walk to the nearest shelter and board the free shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes
5. At the terminal, the shuttle drops you at the Hotel Transit Center at the south end (ground level)
6. On return, take the shuttle back from the Hotel Transit Center
7. Pay at a pay station or the exit lane ($20/day) by card or tap-to-pay

There's no confirmation to scan and no rate difference to worry about: the economy rate is a flat $20/day, and DEN adds no taxes or fees to its published rates. Stays over 30 days need advance arrangements by calling (303) 342-4650, or the car can be towed.

If the economy lot is full during peak periods, your backup options are the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot at $10/day with a free shuttle every 7 to 15 minutes, or the 61st & Peña Lot at $8/day. Note that 61st & Peña has no airport shuttle: you take the RTD A Line train ($10.50 to the airport, an 11-minute ride). The Longs Peak Shuttle Lot is currently closed.

Tips for Parking in the DEN Economy Lot (Especially During Peak Travel)

The economy lots fill fastest during Thanksgiving week, Christmas/New Year's, spring break (mid-March to mid-April), and Memorial Day weekend. During those periods, arrive at the lot at least 90 minutes before your departure time to account for finding a space, taking the shuttle, and clearing security. Check real-time traffic on Waze before heading to the airport — Peña Boulevard is the only road in, and backups can add 15–30 minutes to your drive during peak periods.

• Arrive early for holidays. Economy lots can't be reserved, so build in extra time during Thanksgiving week and other peak periods.
• Photograph your spot. Take a picture of your row number and section marker before walking to the shuttle shelter. It saves a lot of confusion on return.
• Use the shelters. Wait at the shelter, not at the roadside.
• Arrive with extra time for construction. The ongoing $2B Great Hall renovation and $700M Concourse C gate expansion can temporarily shift checkpoint and ground transportation routes. Check DEN's Great Hall Program updates before you travel.
• Know your overflow options. If the economy lot shows full at entry, the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot ($10/day) has a free shuttle. The 61st & Peña Lot ($8/day) has no shuttle, only the $10.50 RTD A Line train.
• Plan for snow. The economy lots are uncovered, so winter in Denver means snow accumulation on your car. Allow time to clear it before you drive off.
• Pay by card or tap. Card and tap-to-pay work at the lots, which avoids the cash-only Level 5 kiosks.

For deeper savings strategies — including discount codes and comparison booking tools — the Denver Airport Parking Rates & Cost Guide 2026 breaks down every option with current prices.

Ready to Park at DEN? Find Your Best Rate Now

The Denver Airport Economy Lot charges a flat $20/day with a free shuttle every 10 minutes. It's a reliable, official on-airport option that saves you $105 on a one-week trip compared to the terminal garages. Economy lots can't be reserved, so arrive with time to spare during peak travel, and know your overflow options if the lot fills. Construction at DEN in 2026 is ongoing, so budget extra time for checkpoint navigation.

Compare DEN economy lot pricing against off-site lots: Park2Jet is about $9/day with a 24/7 shuttle, and Embassy Suites is about $6/day plus an $8 shuttle fee. The airport's own Pikes Peak lot is $10/day, so check the dates and shuttle hours that fit your trip. Find the best Denver Airport parking rate for your dates on Triply before you fly.

Compare DEN parking rates. Park2Jet Denver, near Denver International Airport, costs about 73% less per day than the $35/day terminal garages.