Quick Answer
The RTD A-Line train is the cheapest option at $10.50. Shared shuttles run $25–40. A private SUV runs $95–150 to most Denver-area destinations. The right choice depends on how many bags you have, how many people you're traveling with, and how much your time is worth at 5 AM.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | RTD A-Line | Shared Shuttle | Private SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (1 person) | $10.50 | $25–40 | $95–150 |
| Cost (4 people) | $42 | $100–160 | $95–150 total |
| Door-to-door time | 55–75 min | 45–90 min | 30–45 min |
| Door-to-door service | No (Union Station) | Shared stops | Yes |
| Luggage handling | Self-carry | Limited | Full service |
| Flight tracking | N/A | Some operators | Yes, real-time |
| 4 AM availability | Limited | Pre-book required | Yes, 24/7 |
| Child car seats | N/A | Rarely | On request |
| Wait time post-landing | 15–20 min (walk to station) | 15–30 min (shared loading) | 5–10 min (curbside meet) |
The math nobody does
Solo traveler with a carry-on heading to Union Station? The A-Line is the obvious winner. $10.50, 37 minutes, done. No argument.
But change one variable. Add a suitcase, a tired kid, and a hotel in Cherry Creek instead of Union Station. Now you're taking the A-Line to Union Station, then a rideshare from Union Station to your hotel. Total cost: $10.50 + $15–25 rideshare = $25–35. Total time: 55–75 minutes. Total hassle: moderate.
A private SUV picks you up curbside at DIA, loads your bags, and drives you directly to your hotel. $95–120 for the whole car. For two people, that's $47–60 each. For four, it's $24–30 each — cheaper than the A-Line combo.
The 4 AM problem
The A-Line's first departure from DIA is 3:15 AM. Sounds early enough. But the last train to DIA from Union Station is 12:45 AM, with limited overnight frequency. If your flight departs at 6 AM and you need to be at the airport by 4:30 AM, you're either driving and paying $30/day parking, or booking a car service.
Private SUVs operate 24/7 with no schedule. 4 AM pickup from your driveway, flight-tracked arrival, and your car is waiting regardless of whether your 11 PM landing turns into a midnight arrival because of weather delays.
The family factor
Try loading two car seats onto an RTD train with three suitcases while holding a toddler's hand. The A-Line is wonderful infrastructure. It was not designed for families traveling with gear. A private SUV installs the car seats in advance — they're waiting when you land.
The Verdict
The A-Line is excellent for solo travelers heading to/from Union Station during normal hours. Shared shuttles work for budget-conscious solo travelers going to specific hotels. For groups of 2+, families with luggage, early-morning flights, or anyone who values their time, a private SUV is the most practical option — and often the most affordable per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RTD A-Line faster than a private car from DIA?
The A-Line takes about 37 minutes to Union Station. A private car takes 30–45 minutes to most Denver-area destinations, door-to-door. If your destination is Union Station, the A-Line is comparable. If you're going anywhere else, the private car is usually faster because there's no transfer.
Do private car services track my flight?
Yes. Arion tracks flights in real-time and adjusts pickup timing to your actual landing. If your flight is delayed two hours, your driver adjusts without any action on your part — no rebooking, no calling to change the time.
Can I get a car seat in a private SUV from DIA?
Yes. Request child or infant car seats when booking. They'll be installed before you land. This is one of the biggest advantages over shuttles and rideshare — car seats are ready and properly secured.
What's the cheapest way to get from DIA to a ski resort?
For solo travelers, the Bustang or shared mountain shuttle is cheapest ($30–60 to ski areas). For groups of 3+, a private SUV or Sprinter van is often more affordable per person than separate shuttle tickets, with door-to-door service and luggage room for ski gear.
What do I actually get that a rideshare or shuttle does not?
A reserved vehicle held for your exact time, a named professional chauffeur, flat pre-quoted pricing with no surge, commercial insurance, flight tracking with automatic adjustment, door-to-door routing with no shared stops, and a dispatcher reachable at (970) 703-4995.
When is a shuttle or rental car the better choice?
A scheduled shuttle can win for a solo traveler with flexible timing and light luggage, and a rental makes sense if you plan daily independent driving in fair weather. Private service wins on group cost-per-person, winter I-70 conditions, late arrivals, event nights, and anything with a hard deadline.
Is private car service worth it for a group?
Usually. Because pricing is per vehicle, cost per person drops with every seat filled, and one vehicle removes parking, designated drivers, split-up arrivals, and post-event surge from the equation.
Which vehicle should I choose?
Match passengers plus luggage: Executive Sedan for 1–3 with light bags, Executive SUV for up to 5 with luggage, Luxury SUV for up to 6 in captain's-chair comfort, Luxury Coach Van or Executive Van for 7–12 or full ski gear, Jet Van for VIP groups of 9, and buses for 20–50.
Are all vehicles AWD or 4WD for mountain travel?
Mountain-assigned SUVs and vans are AWD/4WD on winter-rated tires and carry chains, meeting Colorado's Traction Law. Executive Sedans are assigned to Front Range and metro work in winter conditions.
Last reviewed: July 31, 2026 by Arion dispatch. Rates, policies, travel times and Colorado Department of Transportation rules are subject to change; call (970) 703-4995 for current details.
Land. Walk out. Get in.
Flight-tracked pickups. Flat-rate pricing. Your car is waiting at DIA — always.