Denver International Airport
Denver, US · 25 km (15 mi) northeast of downtown Denver
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| A Line Commuter Rail Train to Union Station · Every 15 min most of day · Every 30 min late night/early morning | 37–38 min DEN–Union Station | $10.50 |
| Bustang Intercity coach to Colorado Sp | — | — |
| Car Rentals On-airport rental car shuttle · Rental shuttles run frequently throughout the day | Shuttle 10–15 min each way between terminal and rental center (not including counter time) | — |
| Front Range Ski Bus Seasonal ski bus service | — | — |
Insider notes
Exploring Denver's conspiracy-theory murals? Head to Jeppesen Terminal Level 5 at baggage claim—where most iconic photos are snapped.
Connecting from A to B with seconds to spare? Always opt for the train—it's quicker than walking between concourses.
Hungry? Seek better options by walking 5–10 gates away from the busy central areas in each concourse.
Welcome
Denver International Airport (DEN) presents a complex yet familiar landscape for seasoned travelers. This high-altitude hub is renowned for its brutal weather disruptions and infamous security queues. However, ask any local, and they'll tell you that DEN's chaos is gamable with a bit of familiarity: strategic security choices, quick food stops, and an adept use of the A-Bridge and underground train can streamline your experience. Locals embrace this airport, treating it as a fourth place to work, eat, and drink, especially with its craft beer bars and coffee spots scattered throughout.
At a glance
DEN accommodates 82.4 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the U.S. With six runways and one sprawling Jeppesen Terminal, it serves as a major hub for United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Located 25 km (15 miles) northeast of downtown Denver, the airport connects the mountainous highlands of Colorado to the world.
Terminals & layout
The centerpiece of DEN is the Jeppesen Terminal, a deceptively vast space that deceives first-timers with its train-dependent layout. All concourses link back to this central terminal, requiring passengers to rely heavily on the underground train, especially during tight connections. People movers and walkways help mitigate distances within concourses, although walking can often be faster if you know your path.
Getting to and from the city
Transportation to downtown Denver is straightforward yet varied. The A Line Commuter Rail offers a 37-38 minute ride to Union Station for $10.50, ideal during peak surge pricing for ride-shares. Uber and Lyft pickups, located on Level 5, island 5 of the ground transportation area, can vary casually from $60 to $100. Alternatively, express shuttle and bus services, including the RTD routes, provide connectivity to Boulder, Aurora, and other local destinations.
Traveller essentials
Security can be a bottleneck: aim for South Security during off-peak times or utilize the often underrated North Security or Bridge Security to A for pre-board convenience. Parking options include East and West garages at $18/day, and more economical choices like the Pikes Peak Lot at $6/day.
Dining & shopping highlights
Jeppesen Terminal offers a culinary array from Chick-fil-A at A Gates to the uniquely local Santo Restaurant within the terminal itself. Denver's love for craft beer extends to the New Belgium Hub near gate B30 and Great Divide Brewery in Concourse C, where rotating taps showcase regional flavors. For souvenirs and essentials, shops such as Tumi and Hudson News are well-distributed in the terminal.
Lounges
Lounging at DEN comes with choices: the American Airlines Admirals Club and American Express Centurion Lounge both provide refuge in the Jeppesen Terminal. United flyers can find the United Club lounges convenient in both A Gates West and B Gates East. If you're in need of more local flair, the Capital One Lounge, newly available, combines comfort with regional touches.
Insider tips
- Insider: Exploring Denver's conspiracy-theory murals? Head to Jeppesen Terminal Level 5 at baggage claim—where most iconic photos are snapped.
- Time: Connecting from A to B with seconds to spare? Always opt for the train—it's quicker than walking between concourses.
- Avoid: Hungry? Seek better options by walking 5–10 gates away from the busy central areas in each concourse.
- Local: Craving good beer? Try New Belgium Hub near B30 for a selection that rivals the bars downtown.
- Money: Taking a ride-share? Avoid surge pricing by checking the fixed-rate A Line to Union Station.
- Quiet: Need a peaceful spot to work? Find calm near the far ends of A and C concourses with open power outlets.
- Time: Returning a rental car? Allocate an extra 20–30 minutes for the off-site center shuttle return.