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If you’re a rider, please visit the DEN dropoff page or DEN pickup page instead.

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Driving at Denver International Airport (DEN)

Airports can be complicated places, especially for drivers. But knowing the basics, and getting information in advance about your local airport, can help make sure you’re prepared for your first pickup or dropoff.

Airport regulations

Per airport regulations, drivers must adhere to the terms below. Failure to do so may result in the receipt of a citation or even restriction of access to airport trips. Please note that Uber will not pay for any citations that drivers may incur.

  • When on airport property, the Uber driver app must be open at all times (drivers must not go offline until exiting the airport area)
  • Drivers may wait for requests in the designated waiting area (Commercial Hold Lot)
  • Drivers waiting elsewhere will not receive trip requests through the Uber driver app
  • Entering restricted construction areas for dropoffs or any other reason is prohibited at all times
  • The Uber sticker (also known as a vehicle decal or “trade dress”) must always be displayed on the front left of the passenger windshield facing outward. Drivers can order Uber stickers here.

Pro tips

  • Driver cancellations: Trip cancellations can take away from the great Uber experience that both riders and drivers expect. Please remember that drivers who improperly use the app and intentionally disrupt the service, including excessively canceling rides or asking riders to cancel rides, may lose the ability to receive trip requests to and from the airport through the Uber Driver app.
  • Ground transportation: Airport rules are as important as traffic rules. Airports expect drivers to follow the instructions of the airport staff.

Accessibility accommodations

Riders who require an accessibility accommodation will be able to request a curbside pickup through the Uber app. If riders select the “Accessible Pickup” point for either the East or West side of the terminal, meet them curbside on Level 5. Additionally, if your rider calls, messages, or informs you of the need for a curbside pickup or dropoff due to an accessibility need, you are permitted to meet your rider curbside on Level 5.

Pickups at the airport

It is easy to receive trip requests from riders leaving Denver International Airport. However, these trips work a little differently than other requests.

Waiting for requests

In order to receive trip requests while at DEN, you need to enter the designated First-In-First-Out (FIFO) zone at the airport’s Commercial Hold Lot. You will then be placed in a queue to receive a trip request.

Some things to know about designated FIFO zones:

  • Proximity to the terminal within the FIFO area does not create an advantage for drivers or move you closer to the top of the queue
  • If there are no drivers in the queue, trip requests will go to drivers in the surrounding area based on proximity and other factors

You can lose your place in line if:

  • You go offline on your Uber driver app while in the queue
  • You drive outside the FIFO area
  • You do not accept multiple incoming trip requests in a row
  • You cancel multiple rides (if the rider cancels, you will remain in the queue)

Picking up your rider

Once you accept a trip request, the pickup location at the airport is located on the 5th level, on island 5 starting just past the Crew Shuttle pickup location.

Approaching the Terminal

When approaching the Terminal, DEN requires that you follow the Commercial Vehicles lane.

Stay in the left lane and proceed to Island 5. Follow signs “Ride App Pick-up.”

Proceed to the pickup zone selected by the rider on Island 5.

Rematch at DEN

Rematch means you can drop off at the airport, and pick up without having to return to the Airport staging lot, so you spend less time waiting and more time earning. This feature is only available for a short window after completing a dropoff at the airport.

ExpressMatch at DEN

ExpressMatch is live at DEN airport. ExpressMatch is an in-app feature that prompts drivers in the waiting lot to begin heading towards the airport terminal a few minutes before we anticipate a pickup request.

Dropoffs at the airport

Riders can be dropped off curbside on the 5th level (Commercial Ground Transportation Level). Please continue straight when entering level 5 and follow the “Passenger Drop off” signs. DEN officials may issue a citation for pickups that occur curbside - this area is only for dropoffs unless your rider has an accessibility need.

Staging information

Where to wait for requests

The TNC staging area is located in the commercial holding lot. In order to receive a trip request from DEN, drivers must wait in the Uber waiting lot (see map). You will be placed in a queue where the first driver to enter will be the first to receive a trip request.