Denver Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Denver metropolitan area is primarily served by one massive international airport, one of the largest and busiest in the world. Unlike some major cities, Denver consolidates its commercial air traffic into a single, sprawling hub facility located on the vast plains east of the city. This guide provides essential information about Denver’s primary airport, its layout, and transportation options.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Overview: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary airport serving Colorado and the entire Rocky Mountain region. Located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown Denver, it is the largest airport in the United States by total land area and one of the busiest in the world by passenger traffic. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and Frontier Airlines, and a focus city for Southwest Airlines.

Terminals: DEN has a single, massive Jeppesen Terminal for check-in and arrivals, connected to three concourses via an underground automated people mover train.

• Jeppesen Terminal: This is the main terminal building housing all ticketing, check-in, and baggage claim facilities. It is split into West (primarily United Airlines) and East (all other airlines) sides.
• Concourse A: Primarily serves United Airlines and international arrivals. Gates A26-A39 are used for international flights and have direct access to customs and immigration facilities.
• Concourse B: Serves United Airlines (Gates B1-B98) and is the largest concourse. Also houses the Westin Denver International Airport hotel.
• Concourse C: Serves all other airlines including Southwest, Frontier, Delta, American, and international carriers. Gates C23-C34 are used for international arrivals.

The three concourses are connected airside by the underground Automated Guideway Transit System (train), which runs every 3-5 minutes, 24/7. The train ride between the terminal and the farthest concourse (C) takes about 10 minutes.

Getting to and from DEN:

• RTD A Line (Commuter Rail):
  The most efficient and affordable public transit option. The University of Colorado A Line connects DEN’s airport station (located under the Westin Hotel, accessible from the terminal via walkway or train) to downtown Denver’s Union Station in approximately 37 minutes. Trains run every 15-30 minutes from early morning until late night.
• Taxi:
  Taxi stands are located on Level 5 (Departures) of the terminal. Flat-rate zones are available for trips to downtown Denver and other areas. Expect to pay $55-$65+ to downtown before tip.
• Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft):
  Designated pick-up areas are on Level 5 (Islands 5 & 6 on the east side, Islands 7 & 8 on the west side). Follow signs for “Ride Share Pickup.” Fares to downtown typically range from $35-$60 depending on demand.
• Shuttles & Shared Rides:
  Shared-ride vans and private shuttles (like SuperShuttle) operate from Level 5. Many ski resort companies and mountain town shuttles also pick up from DEN.
• Car Rental:
  The Car Rental Center is located off-airport but is easily accessible via a free, frequent shuttle bus that picks up from Level 5 (Island 4 on the east side, Island 3 on the west side). All major rental companies are represented.
• Driving:
  DEN is accessible via Peña Boulevard (I-70 east). Allow at least 45-60 minutes for the drive from downtown Denver in normal traffic, and significantly more during rush hour or winter storms.

Best for: All travellers to Denver, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain region. It is the only major commercial airport serving the Denver metro area.

Other Area Airports

Centennial Airport (APA): A large general aviation airport located in the southern Denver metro area. It handles private jets, charters, and flight training, but no scheduled commercial passenger service.

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC): Another general aviation airport in Broomfield, northwest of Denver. It also handles no scheduled commercial passenger service.

Key Point: For airline travel to Denver, you will almost certainly fly into Denver International Airport (DEN).

Essential Information for Denver International Airport (DEN)

Before You Go:

• Altitude & Weather: DEN is located at 5,434 feet (1,656 m) above sea level. Stay hydrated. Colorado weather is highly variable; check conditions before departing for the airport, as snowstorms can cause major delays, especially in winter and spring.
• Check-in: Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Security wait times can be long, especially during peak morning hours (5-9 AM) and holidays.
• TSA PreCheck/Clear: DEN has multiple security checkpoints. Check your airline’s recommended checkpoint. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are widely available and can significantly reduce wait times.

Upon Arrival:

• International Arrivals: Follow signs to passport control (located in Concourses A and C). After clearing customs and immigration, you will exit into the main terminal’s baggage claim. You must re-check your bags if you have a connecting domestic flight.
• Ground Transport: Baggage claim is on Level 5. For the RTD A Line train, follow signs to the Transit Center (a walkway from the terminal leads directly to the station). For taxis and ride-share, proceed to the curbside on Level 5.

Navigating the Airport:

• The Train is Key: Use the free, underground train to move between the terminal and concourses. It’s fast and efficient.
• Walking: You can walk from the terminal to Concourse A via a pedestrian bridge, but it’s a long walk (about 15-20 minutes). The train is almost always better.
• Dining & Shopping: Each concourse has a wide variety of restaurants and shops. Note that prices can be high.

Travel Tips for Denver & Colorado

Ski & Mountain Travel: DEN is the primary gateway for Colorado’s ski resorts. Many resorts offer direct shuttle services from the airport. If renting a car for mountain travel in winter, a 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, and snow tires may be legally required on certain mountain passes (I-70 corridor).

Altitude Acclimatization: If travelling directly from low elevation to DEN or mountain destinations, allow time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol initially, and listen to your body.

Traffic: Peña Boulevard and I-70 can experience heavy traffic, particularly on Friday afternoons (ski traffic) and Sunday evenings (return traffic), as well as during standard rush hours. Always allow extra time for the drive to the airport.

Bottom line: Denver International Airport is a massive but generally well-organized facility. The RTD A Line train is the best way to reach downtown. Allow plenty of time for the journey to the airport, for security, and for navigating the large terminal. Be prepared for Colorado’s high altitude and unpredictable mountain weather, which can significantly impact travel plans.