Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest airports in the United States, covering land twice the size of Manhattan. Located 25 miles from downtown Denver, it serves more than 82 million passengers annually with 27 airlines flying to 230 nonstop destinations. United Airlines maintains a major hub here, while Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate their largest bases at DEN, and if I’m connecting across country, I’ll always choose DEN over Chicago’s O’Hare for the mountain views, artwork, shops and the chance to relax by a firepit on one of the outdoor patios.
Layout of Denver International Airport
DEN’s layout centers on three concourses (A, B and C) connected to the multi-level Jeppesen Terminal, which first opened in 1995 and is named for aviation pioneer Elrey B. Jeppesen. The terminal’s iconic white peaked roof mimics passing clouds and evokes Colorado’s snow-capped mountains. A major upgrade of the terminal should be completed in a few years. In the meantime, you may encounter construction in some areas.
How to get to and from Denver International Airport (DEN)
DEN is 30 – 40 minutes from downtown Denver by car, taxi, Uber or Lyft. A less expensive way to make the journey is on the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) A line train, which travels between the airport transit center and Union Station in downtown Denver in about 40 minutes. Union Station has shops, bars, restaurants and a hotel, and from there you can hop on the free 16th Street Mall Ride to explore the city or walk to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.
How to navigate security lines at DEN
Denver International Airport has two primary security checkpoints on Level 6: East and West. The East Security Checkpoint replaced the former Bridge and South checkpoints.
The West Security Checkpoint has the most lanes and has screening technology that, among other advances, allows all passengers to leave liquids and laptops in bags. It has dedicated entrances for standard screening (Security 1), Restricted Access including CLEAR without PreCheck (Security 2), and TSA PreCheck and CLEAR with PreCheck (Security 3).
Passengers without a paid membership in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can access an expedited lane at West through the free DEN Reserve program. Make reservations online up to 14 days in advance for slots from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. If slots are full, scan the QR code on the signs by the checkpoint. There’s often availability.
Getting around Denver International Airport
An underground train connects the Jeppesen Terminal with Concourses A, B and C and is the only way to get to gates in Concourses B and C. But if your flight is in Concourse A, I urge you to skip the train. Instead, walk from the A-Bridge security checkpoint across the 365-foot-long pedestrian skybridge to the gates.
I take this route every time, even if my flight is in another concourse. The skybridge is built over a taxiway and has glass walls that offer magnificent views of the Colorado landscape and of airplanes moving to and from the gates.
Listen up on the underground train. The musical chimes played on DEN’s train were commissioned with other public art for the terminal and are quite catchy. Local celebrities and even Mayor Mike Johnston record the announcements. And those 5,280 stainless-steel propellers spinning in the tunnel? Not part of the machinery, as I once thought, they’re art too.
Eat, drink and shop at Denver International Airport
DEN has a full array of sit-down restaurants and grab ‘n’ go options, including many venues serving Colorado craft beers. In-line shops mix with a kiosk program highlighting Colorado-made products and local and underrepresented businesses. Be sure to sign up for the DENPerks loyalty program to earn points for money spent at this airport (and others) that you can exchange for gift cards, airline miles or cash.
Art at DEN
DEN has an impressive permanent public art collection and a rotating schedule of temporary exhibits. My favorite work inside the terminal is Terry Allen’s “Notre Denver,” with its two cast bronze gargoyles watching over travelers from suitcases in the bag claim area. Outside the terminal I’m intrigued, and a bit scared, by “Blue Mustang,” the 32-foot blue rearing horse sculpture with glowing red eyes by Luis Jiménez that has earned the nickname ‘Blucifer.’
CATS: DEN’s canine airport therapy squad
With more than 130 animals including dogs and one cat named Xeli, DEN’s Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) holds the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Airport Therapy Animal Program. You can pet, hug and take selfies with the animals to de-stress before your flight. Don’t forget to collect their trading cards, I’ve got a dozen.
Lounges and relaxation spaces at DEN
DEN offers several premium lounges, with access depending on your ticket class, airline status or credit card:
American Airlines Admirals Club (Mezzanine level, near Gate C32)
American Express Centurion Lounge (Mezzanine level, near Gate C46)
Capital One Lounge (Plaza Premium, Mezzanine level, near Gate A34)
Delta Sky Club (Concourse A, Level 4, near Center Core on North Side)
United Clubs at Gates A25, B44 (the largest in United’s network) and B60 (a grab-n-go United Club Fly)
If you don’t have lounge access, head to the free Rest and Recharge Area on the mezzanine level of Concourse A for comfy seating and charging outlets. Over on Concourse A near the Center Core, Colorado Oasis offers chair and table massages. DEN even keeps its restrooms smelling nice with a custom Black Bamboo scent.
Outdoor patios
Unusual for any airport, let alone one that gets lots of snow, DEN has an outdoor deck on each concourse. They come complete with seating, firepits, pet relief areas and spectacular views. You can find them near Gate A15, Gate B7 and C67.
Outdoor plaza
The 82,000-square-foot covered plaza between the terminal and the Westin Hotel transforms into the Park on the Plaza each summer, complete with lounge seating, games and cultural events. There’s also free ice skating each winter and free mini golf each June.
Hotels at and near DEN
The Westin Denver International Airport is the only hotel right at the airport, located on the plaza by the Jeppesen Terminal. Besides being convenient, the hotel has an impressive art collection, a gym and a heated indoor pool with sweeping views. If you’ve got a long layover, ask about day rates for rooms or passes to the fitness center and pool. Or look for me hanging out in the comfy chairs in the Sky Lounge Lobby Bar.
Aliens at DEN? Could be
Kooky conspiracy theories abound about strange underground tunnels, space alien visits and ominous messages hidden in various artwork at DEN. Airport officials play along with the fun, but that could just be the lizard people’s cover story. I’m keeping an open mind because, as my mother used to say, “It could happen,” but look around and decide for yourself.
What’s nearby Denver International Airport
If you’re got extra time before or after your flight, stop by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to hiking and biking trails, bison, deer, prairie dogs, raptors and more and is about a 15-minute drive from the airport towards Denver.
The air traffic control tower from Denver’s original airport, Stapleton International. It’s now FlyteCo Tower, a brewery and entertainment center with bowling, mini-golf and arcade games, located between DEN and downtown.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
