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 a flat $20 per day. It is cheaper than DEN's garages but not the cheapest on-site option. The Economy Lot comes in two sections: Economy Lot East and Economy Lot West. Both connect to the Jeppesen Terminal via a free shuttle that runs every 10 minutes. If you want on-airport parking without paying garage prices, the Economy Lot is a solid call.

• Rate: a flat $20/day with no hourly rate (checked October 2026 against DEN's published parking data). DEN adds no taxes or fees to its rates.
• Two locations: Economy Lot East and Economy Lot West, both on airport property
• Free shuttle: Leaves every 10 minutes from lot shelters for the Hotel Transit Center at the south end of the terminal; returns every 7-10 minutes (East) or 7-20 minutes (West)
• No reservations: Economy is first come, first served. DEN takes reservations only for Premium Reserve
• Savings: At $20/day, the Economy Lot costs about 43% less than the East or West Garages ($7/hour, $35/day maximum)
• Cheaper on-site alternatives: The Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot is $10/day with a free shuttle, and 61st & Peña is $8/day but has no shuttle (you take the RTD A Line train). The Longs Peak Shuttle Lot is currently closed

The Economy Lot is paid to the airport. If you want a reserved space off the airport, Triply sells DEN off-site lots from about $9/day at Park2Jet Denver (shuttle to the airport 24/7) up to about $11/day at Canopy Denver Airport Parking. Rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date. Compare DEN off-site lots on Triply 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 $20 per day, a flat daily rate with no hourly charge (checked October 2026 against DEN's published parking data). DEN adds no taxes or fees to its rates, so a three-day trip costs $60 total.

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

The Economy Lot sits in the middle of the on-site price range. You pay more than at the Pikes Peak lot ($10/day) and 61st & Peña ($8/day), but less than the garages ($35/day maximum). 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 $20 every calendar day with no published weekly or monthly cap, so a one-week stay works out to $140. If you're parking for more than a few days, compare that against the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot at $70 for 7 days, which saves you $70. Stays over 30 days need advance arrangements with DEN at (303) 342-4650, or the car can be towed. Off-site lots are another way to cut the cost: Park2Jet Denver on Triply is about $9/day, less than half the Economy rate per day. More ways to save are in our Denver Airport Parking Deals & Discount Codes 2026 guide.

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

The Economy Lot shuttle is free and leaves every 10 minutes from shelters within both the East and West Economy Lots. You don't need to call ahead or schedule a pickup. Just walk to the nearest shelter and wait.

The shuttle drops passengers at the Hotel Transit Center, at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal on the ground level. 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 such as major holidays, spring break and ski season, add another 10-15 minutes for shuttle waits and security lines.

On the return trip after landing, follow the ground transportation signs to the Hotel Transit Center and the Economy Lot shuttle. Return buses run every 7-10 minutes for the East lot and every 7-20 minutes for the West lot. 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, so allow extra time for terminal navigation. Note also that the Longs Peak Shuttle Lot is currently closed. 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 $20/day rate and the shuttle leaves each lot every 10 minutes. The one difference is the return shuttle: every 7-10 minutes at East and every 7-20 minutes at West. The choice mainly comes down to which side of Peña Boulevard you approach from.

• Both lots' shuttles go to the Hotel Transit Center at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal, ground level, so your choice does not change where you are dropped off.
• Economy Lot East has the shorter, more predictable return wait (every 7-10 minutes, versus 7-20 minutes at West).
• 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 lot.

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 sits between the low-cost shuttle lots and the garages on price and convenience. Here's a quick breakdown of where it stands:

• vs. East/West Garages ($7/hour, $35/day maximum): Garages offer direct terminal access with no shuttle needed. You save up to $15/day with the Economy Lot, about 43% less. Over a week that is $140 versus $245, worth the shuttle ride for most travelers.
• vs. Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot ($10/day): Pikes Peak is $10/day cheaper, with a free shuttle every 7-15 minutes from Level 5, Door 513, Island 3 (East side only). DEN suggests allowing 30 minutes for it. The Longs Peak lot is currently closed.
• vs. 61st & Peña Lot ($8/day): The lowest on-site rate, but it has no shuttle. You ride the RTD A Line train ($10.50, an 11-minute ride) to the airport, so the fare eats into the savings.
• vs. Off-site lots on Triply: Park2Jet Denver (about $9/day) is about 53% less than the Economy Lot, and Canopy Denver Airport Parking (about $11/day) is about 44% less. Neither beats Pikes Peak by much: Park2Jet is about 6% below it and Canopy costs about 11% more. Off-site lots are not on airport property and each has its own shuttle schedule.

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

You don't. The Economy Lot is first come, first served, and DEN takes reservations only for Premium Reserve (Arrivals Level 4, $45/day plus a $5 service fee per reservation). Here is how an Economy Lot visit works.

1. Follow the Economy Lot signs on Peña Boulevard and choose Economy Lot East or West.
2. Park, then note your section and space number (a photo helps).
3. Walk to the nearest shelter and board the free shuttle, which leaves every 10 minutes.
4. Ride to the Hotel Transit Center at the south end of the terminal, ground level, and take the AGTS train to your concourse.
5. On return, take the shuttle back to your lot. The lots accept card and tap-to-pay.

Walk-up parking is how Economy works, since there is nothing to reserve for East or West. During holidays and ski season the lots can be busy, and if one is full you can try the other or the Pikes Peak lot. If you want a space held for your dates, Triply sells off-site DEN lots 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 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, so your car is exposed to the elements. If a major storm is forecast, consider parking in a garage instead.
• 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 lot is cheaper at $10/day (Longs Peak is currently closed), and stays over 30 days need advance arrangements with DEN at (303) 342-4650.

If you would rather hold a reserved space for your dates, Triply sells off-site lots near DEN, including Park2Jet Denver at about $9/day with a shuttle to the airport 24/7. Its listing does not say which space type that rate covers, so check before you count on weather protection.

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

• Plan ahead for holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Presidents' Week (ski season) are busy. Economy can't be reserved, so leave extra time or book an off-site lot on Triply if you want a space held.
• 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.
• Compare the full trip: For 7 days, Economy is $140, Pikes Peak is $70, and the garages are $245. Off-site on Triply, Park2Jet is about $9/day with a 24/7 shuttle, so run the numbers for your dates.

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 $20/day, about 43% less than the $35/day garage maximum, with a free shuttle every 10 minutes. It is a reliable choice for most travelers flying out of Denver International Airport. Economy can't be reserved, so build in extra time around ski season and holidays.

Compare off-site DEN parking on Triply: about $9/day at Park2Jet Denver or about $11/day at Canopy Denver Airport Parking, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

Compare DEN parking rates. Park2Jet Denver, an off-site lot Triply sells near the airport, costs about 73% less per day than the $35/day terminal garages.