Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary airport serving Denver, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain region. As the third-largest airport in the United States by land area and one of the busiest, DEN handles over 70 million passengers annually. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and a focus city for Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

The airport is instantly recognizable by its iconic white tent-roof design, inspired by the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. DEN is located approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver on the high plains.

The airport consists of the Jeppesen Terminal (main terminal for check-in, security, and ground transportation) and three concourses:

• Concourse A: United Airlines hub, largest concourse with 88 gates
• Concourse B: Southwest Airlines focus city, Frontier Airlines, and other domestic carriers
• Concourse C: United Airlines, international arrivals, and various carriers

All three concourses are connected to Jeppesen Terminal by an underground train (the Automated Guideway Transit System) that runs every 2-3 minutes. There is no airside connection between concourses.

DEN is located approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver. Travel times vary based on traffic:

• Downtown Denver: 35-50 minutes by car, 37 minutes by train
• Boulder: 45-60 minutes by car
• Colorado Springs: 75-90 minutes by car
• Ski resorts (Vail, Breckenridge, etc.): 90-150 minutes by car

The most reliable option is the RTD A Line commuter rail, which runs directly to Union Station in downtown Denver, avoiding traffic entirely. During rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm weekdays), the train is often faster than driving.

Uber and Lyft are available at DEN. All rideshare pickups are located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal parking garage (follow signs from baggage claim for "Rideshare").

To reach the rideshare zone:

1. Exit baggage claim on Level 5 (ground level)
2. Cross to the parking garage via the covered walkway
3. Proceed to the designated rideshare pickup islands (look for color-coded zones)

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Denver: $45-70
• Boulder: $70-100
• Vail/Breckenridge: $200-300+ (consider shuttles for ski resorts)

Taxis are available outside the terminal on Level 5, Island 1. Fares are metered:

• Downtown Denver: $55-70 (plus tip)
• Flat rates are not available

Tip: During peak times, rideshare wait times can be 10-20 minutes. Check driver availability in the app before exiting the terminal.

The RTD A Line is an electric commuter rail connecting DEN directly to Denver's Union Station.

Getting to the A Line Station

The train station is located at the south end of Jeppesen Terminal, accessible via the Transit Center on Level 1 (one level below baggage claim). Follow signs for "Train to Denver" or "RTD A Line."

Fares and Schedule

• Fare to Union Station: $10.50 one-way (as of 2025)
• Travel time: 37 minutes
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes (6am-7pm), every 30 minutes early morning and late evening
• Hours: First train from DEN ~4:00 AM, last train ~12:30 AM

Purchase tickets at vending machines in the Transit Center or on the RTD app. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Journey to Downtown Denver

1. Follow signs to "Train to Denver" from baggage claim
2. Take escalator down to Transit Center (Level 1)
3. Purchase ticket from vending machine ($10.50)
4. Board the A Line train toward Union Station
5. Arrive at Union Station in 37 minutes

From Union Station, you can connect to:

• Light rail (C, E, W lines) to destinations throughout Denver
• Free 16th Street Mall shuttle buses
• Amtrak and regional buses

Regional Bus Service

RTD SkyRide buses also connect DEN to Boulder (Route AB), Golden, and other Front Range communities. Fares vary by destination ($6-15). Check RTD's website for current schedules.

DEN offers multiple parking options at varying price points (as of 2025):

Economy Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Location	Transport to Terminal
Pikes Peak Lot	$11/day	Remote lot	Shuttle every 10 min
Mt. Elbert Lot	$11/day	Remote lot	Shuttle every 10 min

Garage Parking

Location	Daily Rate	Notes
East Economy Garage	$17/day	Covered, shuttle to terminal
West Economy Garage	$17/day	Covered, shuttle to terminal
Terminal Garages	$35/day	Closest to terminal, covered walkway

Short-term rates: Terminal garages charge $5/hour.

Tips:

• Pre-book online at flydenver.com for discounts
• Economy lots fill up during holidays and ski season weekends
• For trips over a week, off-site lots on Pena Boulevard offer rates from $6-10/day with shuttle service

DEN has significantly expanded its dining options in recent years. The airport features local Colorado favorites alongside national chains.

Concourse A (United):

• Root Down DIA: Farm-to-table with vegetarian options, excellent cocktails
• Modern Market: Fresh, healthy bowls and sandwiches
• Elway's: Steakhouse by John Elway
• Denver ChopHouse: Steaks and craft beer
• Que Bueno! Mexican Grille: Quick Tex-Mex

Concourse B (Southwest/Frontier):

• New Belgium Hub: Colorado craft beer, pub fare
• Breakfast King Cafe: Denver breakfast classic
• Denver Central Market: Food hall concept, multiple vendors
• Smashburger: Colorado-born burger chain
• Quiznos: Founded in Denver, toasted subs

Concourse C:

• Elway's: Second location
• Root Down DIA: Second location
• Que Bueno!: Quick Mexican
• Woody Creek Bakery & Cafe: Colorado cuisine

Jeppesen Terminal (pre-security):

• Tattered Cover: Bookstore with cafe (great for gifts)
• Limited food options; clear security for better choices

Late-night dining: Options are limited after 10pm. McDonald's and a few grab-and-go spots typically stay open latest.

Free WiFi is available throughout DEN.

Network name: DEN Free WiFi

To connect:

1. Select DEN Free WiFi from your device
2. Open browser and accept terms
3. No registration required

Quality: Generally reliable for browsing, email, and light streaming. Speeds average 20-30 Mbps but can slow during peak hours. For faster connections, use airline lounges.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Concourses A, B, C, and Jeppesen Terminal)
• Best Buy Express kiosks
• Wireless carrier kiosks in the terminal

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50 for basic data packages.

Tip: For better prices, consider ordering an eSIM before arrival or purchasing a SIM at a carrier store in Denver after landing.

ATMs are located throughout Jeppesen Terminal and all three concourses. Major banks represented include:

• Wells Fargo
• Chase
• FirstBank (Colorado-based)

Out-of-network withdrawal fees typically run $3-5 per transaction.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates locations in Jeppesen Terminal (Level 5) and Concourse C. As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank's ATM abroad or a service like Wise typically offers better value.

Duty-free shopping is available for international departures in Concourse C.

Notable stores throughout DEN:

• Tattered Cover: Beloved Denver independent bookstore (Jeppesen Terminal)
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Colorado chocolates
• Denver Broncos Team Store: NFL merchandise
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, essentials (all concourses)
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, chargers

Local Colorado gifts: Look for shops selling local craft goods, Colorado-themed items, and outdoor gear. The Tattered Cover is particularly good for books by Colorado authors.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Club DEN (Concourse A)

• Location: Near gate A37, mezzanine level
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or ~$50 day pass
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, workstations

Note: This is the only Priority Pass lounge at DEN. It can get crowded during peak United departure banks.

United Clubs

United operates several United Club locations at DEN:

Concourse	Location	Hours
A	Near gate A37	5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
A	Near gate A71	5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
B	Near gate B32	5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
C	Near gate C33	5:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Access: United Club membership, United Premier Platinum/1K, Star Alliance Gold, or day pass ($59).

United Polaris Lounge

Concourse A (near international gates)

• Access: Business/First class on United long-haul international flights
• Amenities: Premium dining, showers, quiet spaces, beds

Other Airline Lounges

• American Airlines Admirals Club (Concourse A): For AA status and membership holders
• Delta Sky Club (Concourse A): For Delta status and membership holders

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X cardholders get Priority Pass access for The Club DEN
• Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass membership

At the Airport:

The Westin Denver International Airport - The only hotel connected to DEN, located in the Jeppesen Terminal. You can walk directly from the terminal to the hotel without going outside.

• Rates: $200-400/night
• Amenities: Rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants
• Excellent for early morning departures or late arrivals
• Marriott Bonvoy Category 6

Near the Airport:

Most hotels near DEN are located along Tower Road or Pena Boulevard:

• Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center (8 miles): Large resort with indoor waterpark
• Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center (15 min): Full-service with shuttle
• Hampton Inn Denver Airport (5 min): Reliable mid-range with free shuttle
• Fairfield Inn Denver Airport (5 min): Budget-friendly with shuttle
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Denver DIA: Extended-stay option

Most airport-area hotels offer free 24-hour shuttle service.

Denver and Colorado offer world-class outdoor recreation and urban attractions:

From the Airport

• Downtown Denver: 37 min by A Line train ($10.50)
• Boulder: 60-75 min by bus or 45-60 min by car
• Ski resorts (Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone): 90-150 min by car

Denver Highlights

• Union Station: Historic landmark, restaurants, bars, and transit hub
• 16th Street Mall: Pedestrian shopping street with free shuttle
• Larimer Square: Historic block with restaurants and nightlife
• RiNo Art District: Breweries, street art, galleries
• Denver Art Museum: World-class art collection
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre: 20 min west, iconic outdoor concert venue

Outdoor Activities

• Rocky Mountain National Park: 90 min from Denver
• Ski resorts: Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain (1.5-2 hours)
• Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs): 75 min south

Getting Around Denver

The RTD light rail and bus system covers the metro area well. A day pass ($6) is worthwhile for exploring. Uber/Lyft are widely available.

Altitude note: Denver sits at 5,280 feet elevation (one mile high). DEN is even higher at 5,430 feet. Visitors may experience mild altitude effects (headaches, fatigue). Stay hydrated and take it easy the first day, especially if heading to the mountains where elevations exceed 9,000-14,000 feet.

Colorado classics to try: Green chili (on everything), craft beer, farm-to-table dining, Rocky Mountain oysters (if you're adventurous).