The DIA Long Term Parking Playbook: Maximize Savings on Extended Trips
If your trip from Denver International Airport (DEN) extends beyond three days, your parking strategy shifts from prioritizing speed to maximizing cost efficiency. Long-term DIA parking is the foundation for affordable, stress-free extended travel.
Use this playbook to compare the official on-site options with the highly competitive off-site market, ensuring you secure the best rate and safest spot for your vehicle while you’re away.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Why Your Strategy Changes
The rules of parking flip entirely for extended stays. Short-term parking (garages) becomes prohibitively expensive, while the budget lots offer the best value.
| Factor | Short-Term Focus (1-2 Days) | Long-Term Focus (3+ Days) |
| Goal | Proximity (Walk to the terminal) | Cost Savings (Lowest daily rate) |
| Key Cost | Hourly rate ($7/hr) | Daily Max Rate ($7 to $18/day) |
| Trade-off | High price | Requires a complimentary shuttle service |
Your Two Paths to Long-Term Savings
Travelers have two reliable categories for long-term DEN parking, both requiring a short shuttle ride to the Jeppesen Terminal.
Path 1: Official DEN On-Site Budget Lots (Economy & Shuttle)
These lots are owned and operated by Denver International Airport. They are known for stability and clear signage, but availability is not guaranteed unless noted.
|
DEN Lot |
Max Daily Rate |
Key Feature |
Average Shuttle Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
61st & Peña Lot |
$7.00 |
Cheapest DEN on-site option; uses the RTD A-Line commuter train (ticket fee applies) instead of a shuttle bus. |
11 minutes (train ride) |
|
Pikes Peak / Longs Peak Shuttle Lots |
$8.00 |
The most economical DEN option with a free shuttle bus. Highly popular and can fill quickly. |
10–15 minutes |
|
Economy Lots (East & West) |
$18.00 |
The closest shuttle-served parking. A moderate option between the Garages and the remote shuttle lots. |
7–10 minutes |
Path 2: Off-Site Parking Providers (The Budget Champion)
Private facilities (like ParkDIA, Canopy Airport Parking, Park2Jet, and Fine Airport Parking) offer the ultimate value proposition for extended parking. They compete directly with the airport, leading to lower prices and enhanced services.
- Lowest Price Guarantee: Off-site lots consistently feature the cheapest long-term parking rates—often starting at $9.99/day or less when reserved online.
- Service & Amenities: They offer choices like Uncovered Self-Park (cheapest), Covered Parking (for hail protection), and car wash services.
- Coupon Availability: This is the best place to find DIA long-term parking promo codes and loyalty rewards.
Essential DIA Long Term Parking Checklist
Since you are leaving your vehicle for an extended period, security, planning, and reliability are paramount.
1. Security and Peace of Mind
For multi-week trips, ensure your parking lot meets these standards:
- 24/7 Monitoring: CCTV cameras and personnel patrols.
- Fencing/Gated Entry: A secured perimeter with controlled entry/exit.
- Vehicle Assistance: Look for complimentary services like battery jump-starts or tire inflation—a major benefit after a long absence.
2. Shuttle Reliability
The free shuttle service is your connection to the terminal.
- Frequency: Shuttles should run every 7–15 minutes, 24/7.
- Allow Time: Always allow an extra 30 minutes (from lot entry to terminal curb) for parking, shuttle wait time, and traffic, especially during peak travel holidays.
3. The Golden Rule: Always Reserve Online
The single most effective way to save money on long-term DIA parking is to book your spot ahead of time.
- Guaranteed Spot: Prevents the stress of arriving only to find the lot is full (a common issue with the $8/day DEN lots).
- Lock in the Lowest Rate: Online reservations almost always secure a price significantly lower than the drive-up rate.
Long-Term Parking Cost Comparison (Approximate Weekly Rates)
| Parking Option | Estimated Daily Rate (Pre-Booked) | Estimated 1-Week Cost | Service Type |
| Off-Site Uncovered | $9–$12 | $63 – $84 | Shuttle-served (Best Value) |
| DEN Shuttle Lots (Pikes/Longs Peak) | $8.00 | $56.00 | Shuttle-served (Cheapest Official) |
| DEN Economy Lots | $18.00 | $126.00 | Shuttle-served |
| DEN Garages (Walk-in) | $30.00 | $210.00 | Terminal Walk (Highest Cost) |