Quick answer: Meet and greet means your chauffeur waits inside the terminal at baggage claim holding a sign with your name, helps with your luggage, and walks you to the vehicle. Curbside pickup means you text the driver when you have your bags and walk out to a designated door. Meet and greet is worth it for international arrivals, first-time visitors, families with young children, older travellers, and anyone arriving after a long-haul flight.
To add meet and greet to a booking, call (720) 694-7791 or book online.
Curbside vs meet and greet: which do you need?
| Curbside pickup | Meet and greet | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you meet | Assigned door on the terminal level | Inside, at baggage claim |
| How you find them | Text message with door number | Chauffeur holds a name sign |
| Luggage help | At the vehicle | From the carousel onward |
| Typical cost | Included | Small additional fee |
| Speed | Faster | Slightly slower |
| Best for | Frequent flyers, light bags | First-timers, families, long-haul arrivals |
How DIA is laid out (and why it confuses people)
Denver International Airport runs a single main terminal — the Jeppesen Terminal — with three concourses, A, B and C. Concourses B and C are only reachable by an underground train. Concourse A also has a pedestrian bridge, but most passengers still take the train.
This means every arriving passenger, regardless of gate, ends up in the same central terminal building. Baggage claim sits on Level 5 of that terminal, and it’s split into an east and a west side.
The practical consequence: you may have a ten to fifteen minute journey from your gate before you even reach your bags. Build that into your expectations, and don’t panic if you don’t see your driver the moment you step off the plane.
What happens, step by step
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before you fly | You give your flight number at booking. Meet and greet is added to the reservation. |
| 24–48 hrs before | You receive your chauffeur’s name, phone number and vehicle details. |
| While you’re in the air | Dispatch tracks the flight and shifts the pickup automatically if you’re delayed. |
| You land | Your chauffeur is already parked and heading inside. Take the train to the terminal. |
| Baggage claim | Your chauffeur is waiting near your assigned carousel with a name sign. |
| Bags collected | Chauffeur takes the luggage and walks you out to the vehicle. |
| Departure | You’re on the road. The flat rate is unchanged regardless of how long the wait was. |
Where commercial vehicles actually pick up
Pre-arranged commercial vehicles do not use the same curb as taxis and rideshare. DIA assigns them designated pickup zones on the terminal’s upper level, and the assignment depends on vehicle class.
Your chauffeur will confirm the exact door and zone by text once you’ve landed. If an operator can’t tell you where they’ll be, treat that as a warning sign — professional dispatch always knows.
Full pickup logistics are covered in our complete Denver airport car service guide.
Who meet and greet is genuinely worth it for
| Traveller | Worth it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| International arrival | Yes | Customs adds unpredictable time; a waiting sign removes the guesswork |
| Family with young children | Yes | Bags, buggies and car seats are a lot to handle alone |
| Elderly or mobility-limited | Yes | Assistance from the carousel rather than the kerb |
| First visit to Denver | Yes | No hunting for the right door in an unfamiliar terminal |
| VIP or client pickup | Yes | Someone is there the moment they land |
| Unaccompanied minor or lone teenager | Yes | Positive, in-person handover |
| Solo business traveller, carry-on | Usually not | Curbside is faster and already included |
| Frequent DIA flyer | Usually not | You already know the terminal |
What it costs
Meet and greet is normally a modest add-on to the transfer rate rather than a separate service. Curbside pickup, luggage handling at the vehicle, flight tracking and delay adjustment are typically included in the base fare.
Because the fare is flat, waiting time inside the terminal doesn’t change the price. That’s a meaningful difference from metered or app-based options, where a slow carousel costs you money.
For current pricing see our rates, or call (720) 694-7791 for a flat quote. Our DIA to downtown cost breakdown compares the total against rideshare and rail.
Five things that make arrival go smoothly
- Give the correct flight number, including any change. Tracking only works if the number matches. If you’re rebooked onto a different flight, message dispatch.
- Save your chauffeur’s number before you fly. You’ll get it 24 to 48 hours ahead. Add it to your phone so you’re not searching an inbox on arrival.
- Turn your phone off airplane mode before you leave the gate. The text with your pickup details will be waiting.
- Say if you have oversized luggage. Skis, golf clubs, instruments and pushchairs affect vehicle sizing. Declare them at booking, not at the kerb.
- Request child seats in advance, with each child’s age and weight. They’re not stocked in every vehicle by default.
What if something goes wrong?
You can’t find your driver. Call them directly — you have the number. Baggage claim is large and split across two sides, so a call resolves it in seconds.
Your flight is badly delayed or diverted. Tracking handles routine delays automatically. For a diversion, cancellation or overnight, call (720) 694-7791 so dispatch can reschedule.
Your bag doesn’t arrive. Tell your chauffeur. They’ll wait while you file the claim — with a flat rate, that time costs you nothing extra.
Your group changed size. Call as soon as you know. Adding a passenger may mean a different vehicle, and that’s far easier to solve before landing.
Frequently asked questions
What is airport meet and greet service?
Your chauffeur waits inside the terminal at baggage claim with a sign showing your name, assists with your luggage, and escorts you to the vehicle — rather than waiting at the kerb outside.
Where does the driver wait at Denver airport?
At baggage claim on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, near your assigned carousel. For curbside pickup, they wait in the designated commercial vehicle zone on the upper level and text you the door number.
How much does meet and greet cost at DIA?
Usually a small add-on to the transfer rate. Call (720) 694-7791 for an exact figure on your booking.
Do I need to tell them my flight number?
Yes. Flight tracking and automatic delay adjustment both depend on it. Notify dispatch if your flight number changes.
What happens if my flight lands early?
Dispatch sees the updated arrival and the chauffeur adjusts. If you land significantly early, a short wait is possible — call your driver directly to confirm.
Is meet and greet available for departures?
Departures don’t require it — you’re collected from your address and dropped at the terminal. Our guide on how early to leave for Denver airport covers departure timing.
Can someone meet an unaccompanied minor or elderly relative?
Yes, this is one of the strongest uses for the service. Provide the passenger’s name and contact details at booking so the handover is straightforward. Call (720) 694-7791 to arrange.