Denver International Airport Economy Lot: 2026 Guide

Back to DEN Long-Term Parking: Economy Lots, Pikes Peak & Weekly Options 2026 | Complete DEN Airport Parking Guide

The Denver International Airport Economy Lot is an on-airport, open-air self-parking facility that costs $17 per day — the most affordable option among DEN's on-site parking lots. The Economy Lot comes in two sections: Economy Lot East and Economy Lot West. Both connect to the Jeppesen Terminal via free 24/7 shuttle service that runs every 7–10 minutes. If you want the convenience of on-airport parking without paying garage prices, the Economy Lot is the right call.

• Rate: $17/day (verified May 2026), per the Denver Department of Aviation
• Two locations: Economy Lot East and Economy Lot West — both on airport property
• Free shuttle: Runs every 7–10 minutes, 24/7, from covered shelter pickup points
• No reservation required: Walk-up parking is available, but pre-booking at flydenver.com guarantees a space
• Savings: At $17/day, the Economy Lot costs 39% less than the East or West Garages ($28/day)
• Cheaper alternative: The Pikes Peak and Longs Peak Shuttle Lots cost just $10/day for those who can handle a longer shuttle ride

Compare DEN Economy Lot rates and off-site options starting from $12/day on Triply — reserve your spot before you fly.

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

The DEN Economy Lot is an uncovered surface parking area located on airport grounds, just outside the main terminal complex. There are two separate lots: Economy Lot East and Economy Lot West. Both sit within easy shuttle distance of the Jeppesen Terminal, Denver International Airport's sole passenger terminal.

You access both lots via Peña Boulevard, the airport's only entry road. From Interstate 70, Peña Boulevard runs about 12 miles northeast to the terminal complex. Signs for the Economy Lots appear as you approach the terminal — follow the clearly marked airport parking signs. The lots are on-property, so you stay within the airport's secure perimeter the entire time.

DEN's total parking capacity is approximately 42,000 spaces across all lots and garages, per the Denver Department of Aviation. The Economy Lots hold a substantial share of that capacity, making them a reliable option even on busy travel days — though holidays are a different story (more on that below).

How Much Does It Cost to Park in the DEN Economy Lot in 2026?

The Economy Lot rate is $17 per day (verified May 2026), with a $5/hour charge that maxes out at $17 daily. There is no additional overnight surcharge. The daily cap applies every calendar day, so a three-day trip costs $51 total before any applicable taxes or fees.

For context, here's how the Economy Lot compares to every other on-site parking option at Denver International Airport:

The Economy Lot sits right in the middle of the on-site price range. You pay more than the Pikes Peak and Longs Peak Shuttle Lots, but less than the garages. For a full breakdown of all DEN parking costs, see our Denver Airport Parking Rates & Cost Guide 2026.

Is There a Weekly Rate Cap?

The Economy Lot charges the daily rate of $17 every calendar day with no published weekly or monthly cap. A one-week stay works out to $119. If you're parking for more than five days, compare that figure against the Pikes Peak or Longs Peak Shuttle Lots at $70/week — you'll save nearly $50. For even longer trips, off-site lots can undercut on-airport pricing significantly. Check our Denver Airport Parking Deals & Discount Codes 2026 guide for current promo codes on off-site lots.

How Does the Economy Lot Shuttle Work — Frequency, Hours, and Drop-Off Points?

The Economy Lot shuttle is free and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Buses depart every 7–10 minutes from covered shelter pickup points within both the East and West Economy Lots. You don't need to call ahead or schedule a pickup — just walk to the nearest covered shelter and wait.

The shuttle drops passengers at the Jeppesen Terminal. From there, you take the automated AGTS train to reach Concourses A, B, or C. Plan for about 15–20 minutes total from parking your car to reaching your gate on a normal day. During peak travel times — major holidays, spring break, ski season — add another 10–15 minutes for shuttle waits and security lines.

On the return trip after landing, follow the ground transportation signs inside the terminal to the Economy Lot shuttle pickup area. The buses loop continuously, so you typically won't wait more than 10 minutes. Check flydenver.com for the most current shuttle stop locations, since the ongoing Great Hall Program construction can shift ground transportation pickup points.

2026 Construction Note

DEN's $2 billion Great Hall Program is in its final phase. The East Security Checkpoint opened with 17 new screening lanes in August 2025. Ground transportation pickup locations may shift temporarily as construction continues through 2027. No parking lot closures are expected in 2026, but allow extra time for terminal navigation. Always confirm shuttle pickup spots on flydenver.com before your trip.

Economy Lot East vs. West: Which Side Should You Park On?

Both lots charge the same $17/day rate and run identical shuttle service. The choice mainly comes down to your terminal entrance preference and which side of Peña Boulevard you approach from.

• Economy Lot East feeds the east side of the Jeppesen Terminal. This works well for travelers on Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and other Concourse A airlines.
• Economy Lot West is positioned for the west side of the terminal. Travelers on United Airlines (Concourse B) or American Airlines and Southwest Airlines (Concourse C) may find the West lot slightly more convenient.
• Either lot gives you access to all concourses once inside the terminal, via the airport's automated AGTS train.
• If one lot shows as full during peak periods, the other is often your fallback before heading to the Pikes Peak or Longs Peak lots.

The practical difference between East and West is minor. Both shuttles take you to the same terminal. Pick the side that's easier to exit on your return drive — think about which direction you're heading on Peña Boulevard when you leave.

How Does the DEN Economy Lot Compare to Other On-Site Parking Options?

The Economy Lot is the best balance of price and convenience among on-site options. Here's a quick breakdown of where it stands:

• vs. East/West Garages ($28/day): Garages offer direct covered parking with no shuttle needed. You save $11/day with the Economy Lot. For a week-long trip, that's $77 in savings — worth the 10-minute shuttle for most travelers.
• vs. Pikes Peak / Longs Peak Lots ($10/day): Those lots are cheaper by $7/day, but the shuttle ride is typically longer. If you have a lot of luggage or an early-morning flight, Economy Lot's slightly faster shuttle may be worth the extra cost.
• vs. 61st & Peña Lot ($7/day): The absolute cheapest on-site option. Good for budget travelers comfortable with a longer commute to the terminal.
• vs. Off-site lots (from $12/day): Off-site options like WallyPark Premier at $12/day can beat the Economy Lot on price. However, they're not on airport property. See our guide to off-site Denver Airport parking options for a full comparison of WallyPark, Fine Airport Parking, The Parking Spot, and more.

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

Reserving the Economy Lot is straightforward. You can book directly at flydenver.com, or compare prices and availability through a third-party platform.

1. Go to flydenver.com/parking and select your entry and exit dates.
2. Choose Economy Lot East or West from the available options.
3. Complete your reservation with a credit or debit card. The airport accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
4. Save your confirmation — you'll need it at the entry gate.
5. On arrival, follow Economy Lot signs on Peña Boulevard and scan your confirmation barcode at the entry gate.

Walk-up parking is also available without a reservation. But during holidays, spring ski season, and summer peak travel, the Economy Lot can fill early. Pre-booking costs the same daily rate and guarantees your spot. The airport also offers the ParkDEN mobile app for contactless entry and payment — a convenient option if you prefer to skip the kiosk. Call DEN parking at (303) 342-7275 if you have questions or run into issues.

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

The Economy Lot is an open-air facility on airport-controlled property. The Denver Department of Aviation maintains security across all DEN parking areas. That said, leaving a car in an uncovered surface lot for days or weeks does carry some considerations worth knowing.

• Security: DEN's parking areas are patrolled and monitored with surveillance cameras. The lot is within the airport's secured perimeter.
• Weather exposure: Denver's weather can be unpredictable. Hailstorms, heavy snow, and ice are real possibilities, especially in spring and winter. The Economy Lot is uncovered — your car is exposed to the elements. If a major storm is forecast, consider a covered option or an off-site lot with indoor parking.
• Vehicle safety tips: Remove valuables from sight, lock doors, and note your exact parking spot location before boarding the shuttle. Take a photo of the lot section and space number.
• Long-term use: The Economy Lot works well for trips up to a week or two. For longer stays, the Pikes Peak or Longs Peak lots offer the same general setup at a lower daily rate.

For comparison, off-site lots like Fine Airport Parking and ParkDIA offer indoor covered options that protect your vehicle from weather — a meaningful advantage if you're traveling during hail season (typically May through August in Colorado).

ADA Accessibility and EV Charging at the DEN Economy Lot

The Economy Lot includes accessible parking spaces for travelers with disabilities. Designated spots are available within the lot, and the shuttle service accommodates passengers with mobility needs. If you require specific assistance, contact DEN parking at (303) 342-7275 ahead of your trip.

The Economy Lot does not currently feature dedicated EV charging stations. EV charging is available in the East and West Garages at no extra charge — standard garage parking rates apply. If you drive an electric vehicle and need to charge during your trip, the garages are the better choice on-site. For off-site EV charging options, ChargeHub's Denver Airport EV station map lists nearby charging locations.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of DEN Economy Lot Parking

• Book early for holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Presidents' Week (ski season) fill the Economy Lot fast. Reserve at least two weeks ahead.
• Note your parking spot: Take a photo of your row and section number. The lots are large and look similar after a long trip.
• Budget your time: Factor in 15–20 minutes from car to gate on a normal day. Add 10–15 minutes during peak periods.
• Check TSA wait times: After parking, your next potential delay is security. Review TSA PreCheck options to speed up screening — especially useful now that DEN's new East Security Checkpoint has 17 lanes open.
• Check construction updates: The Great Hall Program is ongoing. Ground transportation signage may change. Confirm shuttle pickup spots at flydenver.com before travel.
• Consider off-site if you want covered parking: The Economy Lot is open-air. For weather protection, off-site lots with indoor options or the on-airport garages are better fits.

For travelers who want to explore all their options — including off-site lots that can beat the Economy Lot on price — our Denver Airport Parking Shuttle Guide 2026 walks through shuttle frequency, pickup locations, and lot-by-lot comparisons across every major DEN parking provider.

Ready to Park at Denver International Airport?

The DEN Economy Lot delivers solid on-airport parking at $17/day — nearly 40% cheaper than the garages, with free 24/7 shuttle service every 7–10 minutes. It's a reliable choice for most travelers flying out of Denver International Airport. Pre-book to lock in your spot, especially around ski season and holidays.

Compare DEN Economy Lot and all Denver airport parking options on Triply — find rates from $7/day and reserve your spot in minutes.