Preparing yourself with all the information about your trip saves you time and energy. If you’ve booked your flight, it’s necessary that you know the ins and outs of the boarding process. Got your flight booked at Denver airport? Go through this blog, as it serves as the go-to guide for all the information about the airport, airport routes, terminal maps, and other valuable details about DEN airport. Fly safe!
About Denver Airport
With a runway measuring sixteen thousand feet, Denver Airport in Colorado is the third busiest airport in the United States and the second largest airport in the world. By 2023, there were around 77 million foreign visitors passing through the airport.
DEN Airport History
Denver International Airport (DEN) was established in 1995 after the Stapleton International Airport grew congested and out-of-date. The fact that residential areas bordered Stapleton International Airport presented challenges for future growth. Consequently, the new airport’s layout accommodated growing passenger volumes and promoted smooth operations. According to the Denver airport conspiracy theory, the Illuminati and other covert organizations planned for the airport to serve as a central location for their covert activities.
Where Is DEN Airport?
Located in Denver, Colorado, United States, the Denver International Airport spans 5 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown Denver. DEN serves cities in Colorado, such as Denver, Aurora, and Boulder, which are all part of the Denver metropolitan area. Denver Airport has a terminal called Jeppesen Terminal. The terminal is named after Elrey Borge Jeppesen, a pioneer in aviation safety.
DEN Airport Map
To find the terminals and gates, refer to the DEN airport map:
DEN Airport’s Route
Via Automobile:
I-70 East: From Denver’s downtown, go on Interstate 70 East. You should follow the DEN Airport signage.
I-25 North: Go to Interstate 25 North and proceed as directed by the DEN Airport signage.
E-470: Proceed South on E-470 and adhere to the DEN Airport signage.
Using Public Transit:
The most direct route to DEN is by the A Line (Airport Line). The A Line is a high-speed rail service that connects downtown Denver to the airport. You can get the tickets online or at the airport for traveling by the Denver airport train. The A Line (Airport Line) is the primary train service connecting Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver. It has several stops along the way, including Denver International Airport Station, Aurora Station, and Union Station.
DEN Parking & Transportation
Both onsite and offsite parking lots are available at DEN airport. Economy Parking is one of the affordable options located offsite. If you’re looking for cheaper DEN parking rates, go for offsite lots near the airport. GlobalAirportParking.com provides you with one of the cheapest airport parking facilities near the airport. There are several garages located near the terminals, offering covered parking and easy access. You can park in the Cell Phone lot for free for up to 60 minutes if you’re waiting for someone to arrive.
Transportation:
You can use public transportation, car, taxi, or rideshare service to get to and from DEN Airport. The A Line (Airport Line) is a high-speed rail service connecting the airport and Denver downtown. A number of shuttle services are also available to get to and from DEN.
Using Uber or Lyft, you can reserve a cab that can pick you up from Island 5 or Level 5. RTD buses operate on several routes that connect to DEN.
Car Rental Services
Some of the car rental services available for the DEN airport are:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Fox
- Hertz
- National
Denver Airport Hotels
Here are some popular hotels near Denver International Airport (DEN):
On-Airport Hotels:
- The Westin Denver International Airport: 8300 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249
- Hyatt Place Denver Airport: 6805 Argonne St, Aurora, CO 80011
Hotels near Denver airport:
- Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport: 6805 Argonne St, Aurora, CO 80011
- Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport: 6805 Argonne St, Aurora, CO 80011
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport: 3600 Tower Rd, Aurora, CO 80011
DEN Airport Lounges
- American Airlines Admirals Club: Near Gate C-32, Mezzanine Level
- American Express Centurion Lounge: C Gates Mezzanine, near gate C-46
- Capital One Lounge (Plaza Premium): Near Gate A-34, Mezzanine Level
- Delta Sky Club: Past security at the north end of Concourse A on the bridge from Jeppesen Terminal
- United Club A Gates West: Near Gate A-25, Mezzanine Level
- United Club B Gates East: Near Gate B-44, Mezzanine Level
- United Club B Gates West: Near Gate B-32, Mezzanine Level
- United Club Fly: Near Gate B-60
- USO Denver: Past security at the north end of Concourse A on the bridge from Jeppesen Terminal
Denver Airport Food and Dining
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Cell Phone Lot. Daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Aviano Coffee: B Gates near B12. Daily, 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Aviator’s Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que: B Gates Center Core. Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Blue Sky Bar: A Gates near Gate A34. Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream: A Gates Center Core. Daily, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Big Bowl: C Gates, Near Gate C28. Daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Boulder Beer Tap House: Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5 West. Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Breckenridge Brewery: Near Gate A71. Daily, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Brother’s BBQ: Near Gate A71. Daily, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Caribou Coffee: A Gates, Daily, 4 a.m. – 9 p.m. B Gates, Center Core, Mezzanine 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cantina Grill: B Gates, Center Core, Mezzanine. Daily, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Denver Airport Amenities
Here are some of the amenities available at DEN:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Charging Stations
- Restrooms
- Nursing Lounges
- ATM Machines
- Currency Exchange
- Travel Information Desks
- Pet Relief Areas
- Art Installations
- Chapels
Denver Airport Art and Sculptures
Here are some notable artworks at DEN:
- Mustang by Luis Jiménez: This iconic sculpture of a blue Mustang rearing up on its hind legs is located outside the main terminal.
- Blue Bear by Lawrence Argent: This large blue bear sculpture greets travelers as they enter the airport.
- Gates of Heaven by Christo and Jeanne-Claude: This temporary installation featured large fabric panels that spanned the main terminal.
- Taming the Elements by Deborah Bautterfield: This sculpture features a horse made of bronze and steel.
- The Aurora Borealis by Maya Lin: The Maya Lin’s artwork showcases colorful panels that portray the Aurora Borealis.
Things to See Near Denver Airport
Nearest locations:
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Explore the museum for its intriguing exhibitions related to science and natural history.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Wildlife watching and camping are some ways to spend time in the Rocky Mountains Park.
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: Space exploration and aviation displays fill up the museum, and it’s just a short distance that you can drive from the airport.
- Elitch Gardens Theme Park: About 25 minutes away from the airport makes this a perfect spot for spending time with your family for rides and shows.
Others:
- Red Rocks Amphitheater
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Art Museum
- History Colorado Center
- Downtown Denver.
- Coors Field
- Union Station
DEN Airport Fun Areas for Kids
In the center of Concourse B, there is a food court and a couple of restaurants. There is also a mini golf course between Jeppesen Terminal and The Westin Hotel, just outside of South Security, where kids would like to play around a bit.
Accessibility at DEN Airport
Some of the Denver International Airport (DEN) accessibility features:
Wheelchair services: You can arrange wheelchair services with your airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
TTY public telephones: These are located throughout the terminal and concourses.
Security at DEN Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) has multiple security checkpoints, including the West, South, and Bridge checkpoints.
West Security Checkpoint: Open 4 AM–7:30 PM, this checkpoint offers TSA PreCheck, TSA PreCheck with CLEAR, DEN Reserve, premium access, active-duty military access, and functional needs access.
South Security Checkpoint: Open 3 AM–1 AM, this checkpoint offers general screening and CLEAR. There’s also a South Security TSA PreCheck Checkpoint near baggage carousel 7, open 4 AM–7:45 PM.
Bridge Checkpoint: Open 4:30 AM–5:45 PM, this checkpoint offers general screening.
Denver airport security wait times are subject to change at any time and will be available on DEN’s interactive maps. So it is advisable to arrive at the airport no less than two hours before your boarding time.
TSA PreCheck
At the airport, check-in for your flight and go for the TSA PreCheck lane. The west and south security points are equipped for TSA Precheck. Proceed to the TSA PreCheck Lane. Follow the designated TSA PreCheck lane for expedited screening. However, please note that TSA PreCheck is a privilege, not a guarantee. Even with TSA PreCheck, you may be subject to additional screening if necessary.
Global Entry
Global Entry kiosks at DEN allow eligible passengers to gain entry. The Global Entry Enrollment Center inside Jeppesen Terminal at DEN enables passengers to submit applications and obtain interview slots. The Enrollment on Arrival option is also available for selected passengers who are conditionally approved.
Mobile Passport
Once you arrive at DEN, you can search for the Mobile Passport Lane at customs and immigration. Open the Mobile Passport app and present the generated QR code to the CBP officer. Further, the CBP officer will scan your passport and take your photo. After approval, you’ll be allowed to proceed to baggage claim.
CLEAR
At the DEN airport, proceed to the CLEAR security program lane at the north and south security points. Also, ensure you’ve a CLEAR membership and provide your CLEAR ID when booking your flight. Scan your fingerprint or face to verify your identity. Then, proceed through the expedited security screening process after the verification.
Timings:
North security checkpoint: 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
South security checkpoint: 4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at DEN
DEN airport has complimentary Wi-Fi facility accessible to all passengers. All of the airport’s terminals have robust Wi-Fi. Just click on the “DEN Airport Free Wi-Fi” network and adhere to the instructions displayed on the screen. There are charging stations all across the airport, including those close to gates, seating spaces, and a few eateries.
Denver Airport FAQs
What airport is DEN?
Denver International Airport is referred to as DEN. In Colorado, the United States, it serves as the main airport for the Denver metropolitan area.
How big is Denver airport?
Denver International Airport is the second largest airport in the world. It is larger than Manhattan as a whole, with a total land area of about 53 square miles (137 square kilometers).
When was Denver airport built?
Denver International Airport’s construction was started in 1989 and finished in 1995. In 1995, it was formally opened to the public.
Does Denver airport have a smoking area?
Designated smoking areas at DEN are located outside the Jeppesen Terminal towards the east and west side on levels 4, 5, and 6.