Whether you’re flying into, out of, or through Denver Airport, here’s everything you need to know about DEN
The Complete Guide to Denver International Airport (DEN) 2022 How It WorksPlansElitePremiumMember StoriesGuidesHelpSign InSign UpSign UpAirportsThe Complete Guide to Denver International Airport (DEN) 2022ByBrittany Anas|Freelance WriterMarch 15, 2022|12 min readTable of ContentsAbout Denver AirportTerminals at DENGetting between terminals at DENAirlines flying from DENFlying in, out, or through the Denver Airport Security and customs at DENTSA Precheck at DENGlobal Entry at DENCLEAR at DENMobile Passport Control at DENParking at Denver AirportDEN wifi and charging stationsConnecting flights at DENMinimum connection times at DEN: Map of the Denver AirportFood at the Denver AirportA Gates: B Gates: C Gates: Lounges at the Denver AirportA Gates:B Gates: C Gates:Sleeping at the Denver Airport Hotels at the Denver AirportBest hotels near the Denver AirportShopping at the Denver AirportThings to do at the Denver AirportThings to do with at the Denver Airport with kidsNursing pods in DENTraveling through DEN with petsPet relief areasGetting to and from the Denver AirportHow to get from DEN to downtown DenverHow to get from DEN to BoulderHow to get from DEN to the mountainsRenting a car at the Denver airport Fun facts about the Denver AirportIf it’s your first time flying into Denver International Airport, you may feel a tad surprised during the descent. The third busiest airport in the world is smack-dab in the middle of a flat brown field —not exactly the best first impression of a state that’s nicknamed “Colorful Colorado” and renowned for its majestic snow-capped Rocky Mountains that kiss blue skies. But, even though it may feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, downtown Denver and its famed breweries, sports stadiums, and burgeoning arts and culture scene is just 25 miles away, those gorgeous mountains can be seen as soon as you step out of the airport, and the ski resorts are reachable within two hours. And, while you’re at DIA, you can get a taste of what the Mile High City has to offer, whether it’s with a scoop of ice cream at beloved dessert spot Little Man, a local craft beer, or by exploring some of the airport’s most secretive conspiracy theories. >> Read our guide to finding cheap flights from Denver. Worth noting: DIA is a little bit of a mess right now due to ongoing construction. The airport, which originally opened in 1995, started undergoing massive renovations in 2018, and the construction is expected to continue until at least 2028. Denver locals and frequent fliers coming through DEN share an inside joke: “Be like DIA, never stop working on yourself.” But if you find yourself in need of directions, the airport has friendly volunteers in vests that are encyclopedias of DIA knowledge and who can point you to the right security line, Uber pick up zones, or, yes, the smiling gargoyles that help perpetuate the conspiracy theories. Ahead, everything you need to know about Denver International Airport:Airport code: DENDistance from DEN to Denver: 25 milesTransport options: Train / Bus / TaxiAirlines served: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Boutique Air, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Denver Air Connection, Edelweiss, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris, West JetHubs for: Frontier Airlines, United AirlinesDomestic nonstop flights to: 180 destinationsInternational nonstop flights to: 14 destinations Terminals: One main terminal, Jeppesen TerminalConcourses: Three concourses (Gates A, B, C) Gates: Gates B and C are accessible from Jeppesen Terminal only via the Train to the gates. Gate A can be reached by walking the passenger bridge or by taking the train from the terminal.On time departures: 84.9% in 2020, according to the Bureau of TransportationOn time arrivals: 83.7% in 2020, according to the Bureau of TransportationSecurity wait times: Security wait times vary by time of day and year, however you can see real-time wait time data for all three security check points online at flydenver.com/security.Official website: https://www.flydenver.com/About Denver AirportAll photos courtesy of Denver International AirportTerminals at DENThe Denver International Airport has one terminal: The 2.6 million square-foot Jeppesen Terminal. Passenger ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, international arrivals, shops, restaurants, and three TSA security checkpoints are all located within the single terminal. As you approach the airport, the Jeppesen Terminal is a sight to see: Its white peaked roof is designed to mimic Colorado’s snow-capped mountains and also evokes the state’s early history when Native American teepees were located across the Great Plains. Getting between terminals at DENWhile there is just one terminal at DIA, there is an underground “people mover” train serving the terminal and the three gate areas, with signs directing you. Travelers can only reach Gates B and C by train. Gate A can be reached either by walking or by the train. Once you get through security, plan about 10 minutes for the people mover to get you to the gates. You rarely have to wait more than a couple of minutes for the trams to arrive, but sometimes they are too full and you’ll need to get in line for the next one. The first stop is gate A; second stop is gate B; and third stop is gate C. The train ride from the terminal to C gates is less than 10 minutes. The train stations are located in the center of the terminal and gate buildings.If you’re flying out of an A gate, there’s a passenger bridge that spans the taxiway—i.e. a scenic walk for the aviation obsessed. By the way: All international flights arrive at A gates, which leads passengers straight to customs. For those who aren’t able to walk, there are electric carts that can transport you to the airline gates.Airlines flying from DENA Gates: AeromexicoAir CanadaAllegiantAmerican AirlinesBoutique AirBritish AirwaysCayman AirwaysCopa AirlinesDelta Air LinesDenver Air ConnectionEdelweissFrontier AirlinesIcelandairJetBlue AirwaysLufthansa Southern Airways ExpressSun Country AirlinesVolarisWest JetUnited AirlinesB Gates: United AirlinesC Gates: Alaska AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesSpirit AirlinesUnited AirlinesFlying in, out, or through the Denver Airport Security and customs at DENAirport officials recommend arriving two hours prior to your departure time to give yourself enough time to check in, get through security, and make it to your gate. Wait times can vary at Denver International Airport, but passengers can get a sense of how quickly the lines are moving with real-time updates at flydenver.com/security.DIA has three security checkpoints: North Security Checkpoint, South Security Checkpoint, and an A-Bridge Security Checkpoint. The airport has recently made changes to its security checkpoints, funneling TSA Precheck passengers to the North Security Checkpoint. Here’s what to know about each of the checkpoints:North Security Checkpoint: This is the checkpoint that TSA Precheck passengers and TSA Precheck passengers with Clear should use. The checkpoint also has a lane for premium or premier travelers. There are a limited number of standard screening lanes available at the North Security Checkpoint, however this checkpoint isn’t recommended for standard screening and you may have difficulty accessing this checkpoint if you don’t have TSA Precheck or a premium boarding designation. It’s open from approximately 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. South Security Checkpoint: In general, this checkpoint is for standard screening travelers. There is a Clear lane available at this checkpoint for travelers that have Clear subscriptions, but don’t have TSA pre-check. The South Security Checkpoint is the 24-hour checkpoint that remains open overnight and may be the only checkpoint open from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. A-Bridge Security Checkpoint: This checkpoint is dedicated to standard screening travelers. It is open from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.TSA Precheck at DENPassengers with TSA Precheck should use the North Security Checkpoint, which is open from approximately 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you’re going through security at DEN between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., you may not have access to Precheck screening. To find up-to-date TSA Precheck hours, visit tsa.gov/precheck/schedule.Global Entry at DENGlobal Entry program members are processed by biometric identification in less than five minutes at kiosks in DEN. While this program is intended for frequent international travelers, there’s no minimum number of trips to qualify for the program. The airport has a Global Entry application center that’s located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, adjacent to the international arrivals area on the north end of the terminal. To apply for the Global Entry Program, you’ll need to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and pay a $100 non-refundable fee. If your application is conditionally approved, you will schedule and interview at the Global Entry Enrollment Center. Applicants must bring a valid passport and one more form of identification, such as a driver’s license or permanent resident card, to the interview. CLEAR at DENPassengers with CLEAR and TSA Precheck should use the North Security Checkpoint. Passengers with just CLEAR can access the expedited lines at the South Security Checkpoint. For those interested in enrolling in CLEAR, you can do so at DEN without an appointment. Mobile Passport Control at DENInternational passengers entering the United States through DEN can use Mobile Passport Control, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection app that can expedite the process of going through customs. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport Control app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit their passport information and customs declaration form via a smartphone or tablet prior to going through customs. Upon landing, travelers will complete the “New Trip” section by selecting their arrival airport and airline, taking a photo of themselves, and answering the series of custom declaration questions. DIA has eight specialized scanning units in the international arrivals area that can read the QR codes generated by the app. Parking at Denver AirportWhen it comes to parking at (or near) Denver International Airport, you’ve got lots of options from parking garages that are close to the terminal to off-site lots that run shuttle services to the airport. If you plan to park at DIA, however, check out https://www.flydenver.com/parking_transit/parking beforehand because the lots do fill up. Here are some of your options for parking at the airport: Garage Parking: While this is the closest you’ll get to the terminal, you’ll still want to factor in 5-10 minutes for walking. The garage parking has East and West lots. Cost: $28 a day or $5 an hour. Economy Parking: This lot is slightly further from the terminal. While you can walk (it takes 5-10 minutes) there’s also a shuttle that runs between the lot and the terminal. Economy parking has East and West lots. Cost: $17 a day or $5 an hour. Daily rate drops to $15 after the third day.Here are some of your off-site options close to the airport: Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot: This is the primary shuttle lot and DEN’s best-priced parking option. Travelers should expect it to take 30 minutes from the time they enter the lot to the time they arrive at the terminal. Shuttles depart every 7 to 10 minutes. Passengers can pick up the shuttle to return to their cars in Pikes Peak on the East side of DIA, Level 5, Island 3. The number for pickup is (303) 342-3492. Cost: $8 a day or $2 an hour. Location: 24300 E. 75th Ave., Denver, CO.(Note: DEN’s other shuttle lot, Mt. Elbert, 6975 Valleyhead St., Denver, CO is closed until further notice). 61st and Peña Blvd.: This lot is $6 a day and an A-Line ride away from DEN. Parking, however, is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited during the holiday season or other busy travel times like Spring Break. The parking lot is managed by the City and County of Denver, Denver International Airport. It’s located at RTD’S A Line commuter train. There are not shuttles or bus services from this location, but the commuter rail is available for $10.50 (transit time is 11 minutes and you can find A-Line information here). Cost: $6 a day or $3 for $12 hours. Pre-pay only. If you need to stay parked at this location longer, you can extend from anywhere by using the PayByPhone parking app. Visit paybyphone.com or download the PayByPhone app in the App Store in Google Play and enter Parking Zone number 91905. You can also pay online at paybyphone.com or by calling 888-680-7275. Location: 6195 N. Panasonic Way, Denver, CO.Here are the off-site lots operated by private companies that have shuttles to and from the airport: USAirport Parking,18000 E. 81st Ave., Commerce City, CO The Parking Spot, 19901 E. 56th Ave., Aurora, COPark 'N Fly @ ParkDIA, 25200 E. 68th Ave., Aurora, CO Canopy Airport Parking, 8100 Tower Road, Commerce City, CO FINE Parking, 5950 N. Jackson Gap Way, Aurora, COWally Park, 24200 E. 78th Ave. Denver, COPark 2 Fly, 18121 E. 81st Ave., Commerce City, CO Pro tip: If you’re trying to factor parking into your trip budget, you can use this parking fee estimator.DEN wifi and charging stationsWifi is free throughout the airport and travelers can connect to “DEN Airport Free Wi-Fi.” If you need to charge your phones, iPads, laptops, and other personal devices, DEN has easily accessible electrical outlets located throughout the Jeppesen Terminal and all three concourses. Dedicated battery charging stations with seating and work surfaces are also easy to come by. Connecting flights at DENDenver International Airport has the amenities in place to make connections seamless, including a mobile passport lane for international travelers and the underground train that quickly shuttles between gates. But, DIA is a large airport. Case in point: The B concourse is the longest at 4,244 feet, which is 0.8 miles. While there are moving escalators that can help speed up your journey, it’s a good idea to allow for ample time if you land at one end of the concourse and need to make your way to the other end.Minimum connection times at DEN: Domestic connection: 60 minutesDomestic to international: 90 minutesInternational to domestic: 90 minutesMap of the Denver AirportFood at the Denver AirportSeveral new restaurants will be opening up in DEN in 2022 and 2023 including many that are outposts of popular local restaurants. Bar Dough, Señor Bear, Tocabe, Cholon, and Rosenberg’s Bagels are all on the “coming soon” list. These new arrivals add to an existing lineup of local restaurants and chain restaurants. If you’re flying late at night or early in the morning, it’s a good idea to pack a snack: Amid the pandemic, many of the airport restaurants have limited hours. A Gates: DIA’s A Gates have a mix of chains like Panda Express and McDonald’s as well as some local spots, like a petite version of Denver Central Market, a food hall that serves up pizza, pasta, sushi, provisions and more. Best breakfast: Dunkin’ DonutsBest quick bite: Snarf’s SandwichesBest sit-down meal: Denver Central MarketBest bar: Breckenridge BreweryBest late-night: Blue Sky BarBest with kids: Denver Central Market B Gates: The B gates have more than 30 restaurants that range from quick places to grab a bite to eat like Chick-Fil-A, Qdoba, Shake Shack, and Pizza Hut as well as well as sit-down restaurants that will give you a taste of Denver, like plates of pancakes at Snooze, a breakfast chain that launched in Denver and steak dinners at Elway’s.Best breakfast: Snooze an A.M. EateryBest quick bite: Steve’s Snappin’ DogsBest sit-down meal: Que Beuno! Mexican GrillBest bar: New Belgium BrewingBest late-night: McDonald’sBest with kids: Shake ShackC Gates: The C gates have nearly a couple of dozen spots to grab a drink (a local craft beer, perhaps?), eat (veggie-forward meals at Root Down) or find a sweet treat (like Salted Oreo ice cream from Little Man Ice Cream). Best breakfast: La CasitaBest quick bite: Big Bowl Best sit-down meal: Root DownBest bar: Coors Silver Bullet BarBest late-night: Great Divide BrewingBest with kids: The Magic Pan Lounges at the Denver AirportA Gates:American Airlines and Delta both operate clubs on the A Concourse. Lounge: American Airlines Admirals ClubHours: Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Access: Among those with access include Admirals Club members; qualifying first and business class travelers; qualifying Qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Platinum members traveling internationally; qualifying Non-AAdvantage oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members traveling internationally.Cost: $59 for a one-day passLocation: On the North end of the A Gates Bridge from Jeppesen TerminalLounge: Delta Sky ClubHours: 4:45 a.m. - 1 a.m.Access: Among those with access include Delta Sky Club Members, Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus Members traveling internationally, Diamond Medallion Members, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members, qualifying Centurion Card and Platinum Card Members from American Express.Cost: $59 for day passesLocation: South end of Center Core in the A GatesB Gates: Travelers can find two United lounges on the B concourse.Lounge: United Club EastHours: Daily 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.Access: Among those with access include premium passengers, United Premier Gold (and higher) members who are traveling internationally, and United Infinite Card members.Cost: Day passes not available for purchase. Location: Near Gate B44Lounge: United Club West Hours: Daily 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.Access: Among those with access include premium passengers, United Premier Gold (and higher) members who are traveling internationally, and United Infinite Card members.Cost: Day passes not available for purchase. Location: Near Gate B30C Gates:While no airlines operate a lounge on Concourse C, American Express has its exclusive Centurion Lounge here. Lounge: American Express Centurion LoungeHours: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.Access: Platinum Card Members,Business Platinum Card® Members, Corporate Platinum Card Members, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card Members, Centurion Members. Cost: Day passes not available for purchase.Location: Near C46Sleeping at the Denver Airport Hotels at the Denver AirportThe Westin Denver International Airport, a 519-room hotel and conference center, is the only hotel that’s located at DEN. It’s within walking distance of the Jeppesen terminal and is near the airport’s Transit Center, which offers shuttle and public transit services, including the A Line commuter train that has routes between the airport and downtown Denver. The hotel has a workout studio, indoor heated pool, and public art pieces from Colorado artists. Best hotels near the Denver AirportSeveral hotels are within a 10-mile radius of DEN. That may seem far, but the stretch between DEN and downtown Denver has a lot of wide open land. These are some of the hotels that have shuttles that pick up from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, island 3 outside doors 505-507 on the east side and 510-512 on the west side.Aloft Denver International Airport avid hotel Denver AirportBaymont Inn & Suites Cambria Hotel … truncated (15,027 more characters in archive)