Denver Airport Replaces Last of Original Train Cars

New Alstom-built passenger trains offer greater capacity and efficiency.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Denver International Airport has begun replacing the last of its original passenger train cars that have been in service since the airport opened 31 years ago. The new Innovia APM R train cars from Alstom are lighter, have greater passenger capacity, and consume 30% less energy than the early models.

Why it matters

As one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and the world, Denver International Airport's train system is critical for efficiently moving over 150,000 passengers each day between the main terminal and concourses. Upgrading the aging train fleet will help the airport accommodate growing passenger volumes while improving sustainability.

The details

The first of the new Alstom train cars went into service in 2024, with an initial order of two dozen vehicles. Denver International Airport has already placed a second order for more train cars that will arrive in 2027 and 2028, bringing the total fleet to 45 vehicles. The $78.85 million investment in the new train cars is part of the airport's efforts to modernize its transportation network.

  • Denver International Airport opened on February 28, 1995 with 31 of the original train cars.
  • The first of the new Alstom train cars went into service in 2024.
  • The initial order of two dozen new train cars was delivered in 2024.
  • A second order for more train cars will arrive in 2027 and 2028.

The players

Denver International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the U.S. and the world, serving over 82 million passengers annually.

Alstom

The company that manufactured the original train cars for Denver International Airport, as well as the new Innovia APM R train cars that are replacing them.

Phil Washington

The chief executive officer of Denver International Airport.

Michael Keroulle

The CEO of Alstom Americas.

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What they’re saying

“DEN's train to the concourses serves over 150,000 riders each day. As we continue to grow our operations, we are working diligently to ensure the airport can accommodate current and future passenger volume while maintaining these critical assets.”

— Phil Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Denver International Airport (Press Release)

“While this delivery completes the base order of vehicles, Alstom is continuing its work to support DEN's vision of creating a modern and efficient airport transportation network.”

— Michael Keroulle, CEO, Alstom Americas (Press Release)

What’s next

The airport will receive additional new train cars in 2027 and 2028 as part of a second order, further modernizing the passenger transportation system.

The takeaway

Denver International Airport's investment in new, more efficient train cars demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a world-class transportation network that can accommodate the airport's growing passenger volumes while also improving sustainability.