![Denver International Airport [DEN] – Ultimate Terminal Guide](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Denver-International-Airport-Airfield.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
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Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. As the gateway to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the airport was designed with a distinctive roof canopy that mirrors the distant snow-capped peaks. DEN is a major hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier, with each airline dominating 1 of the 3 concourses.
Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Terminals: 1 main terminal with 3 concourses: A, B, and C
Airport Address: 8500 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
Distance From Downtown Denver: Approximately 25 miles (40 km)
Website: flydenver.com
Phone Number: 800-247-2336
Destinations Served: 160 domestic, 26 international
Number of Daily Flights: 1,600
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online
DEN consists of the Jeppesen Terminal and Concourses A, B, and C, which are stacked above each other in a clear layout.
Jeppesen Terminal houses check-in facilities, security checkpoints, customs, immigration, and baggage claim, while the concourses are where the departure gates are based.
The east and west sides of the terminal have airline check-in desks and baggage claim split between the 2 areas. There are also separate east and west side parking garages, road access, and ground transportation services depending on which airline you are flying and its corresponding side.
Level 5 – Ticketing
The main terminal has 6 floors with levels 1 through 4 mostly consisting of parking facilities. Level 6 has the upper road system for passenger drop-off, check-in facilities, a food court, and access to a pedestrian bridge to Concourse A.
Level 5 has shops and restaurants, baggage claim, and the south and north security checkpoints.
Concourse A has 39 gates numbered A26 to A40, A41A, A41B, A42 to A66, A71, A73, A75, A77, A79, A81, A83, A85, A87, and A88.
An American Airlines Admirals Club, Capital One Lounge (coming soon), Delta Sky Club, and USO Lounge are located in Concourse A.
Concourse A is connected to the Jeppesen Terminal via a pedestrian bridge that offers excellent views of the airplanes as they move around the departure gates. Alternatively, the Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS, detailed later in this article) also connects Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse A.
All international flights depart from Concourse A, and there are moving walkways on the pedestrian bridge and around the gates for quicker connections.
Unlike Concourse A, Concourse B cannot be reached via any walkways. The concourse is only accessible by riding the AGTS from Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.
Concourse B has 66 gates numbered B7 to B12, B15 to B18, B20 to B29, B31, B32A, B32B, B35 to B37, B38A, B38B, B39, B41, B42A, B42B, B43 to B61, and B80 to B94.
Concourse B is used exclusively by United Airlines, with 2 United Club lounges at either end of the concourse and lots of shops and restaurants.
Concourse C has 43 gates numbered C23, C24, C29 to C49, and C51 to C67, and a good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants. There is also a Centurion Lounge.
Concourse C is accessible only by riding the AGTS from Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.
The Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS) is a free underground train service that runs between Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse C, stopping at Concourses A and B in between.
The train system is within the secure area of the airport, so you must pass through a security checkpoint before you can use the service.
Each concourse has its own station located on level B, with the departure gates situated on the upper levels. Within Jeppesen Terminal, the AGTS is located in the main hall on level 4, and it takes around 6 minutes from the terminal to the furthest point of Concourse C.
You can reach Concourse A by foot from Jeppesen Terminal through the pedestrian walkway located at the north end of the terminal. Moving walkways are stationed along the bridge.
DEN has 3 security checkpoints located in the Jeppesen Terminal:
Security wait times are available on the airport’s interactive map or its security page.
If arriving on an international flight, passengers are required to pass through immigration and customs located on level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal.
There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the north and south security checkpoints. If you’re eligible, you can utilize this service for expedited security clearance.
DEN has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in Jeppesen Terminal on level 5, so you can submit your application online and arrange an interview the next time you’re passing through the DEN airport.
There are Global Entry kiosks at DEN for eligible passengers who have enrolled in the program. If you have submitted your application and need to arrange an interview, then DEN has a Global Entry Enrollment Center inside Jeppesen Terminal.
The airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, so if you are conditionally approved, you can complete your interview at DEN without the need to make an appointment.
Hot Tip: Have more questions about Global Entry? Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions about Global Entry along with our expert answers to help.
DEN accepts Mobile Passport Control for passengers entering the U.S. from an international flight.
For faster processing, complete the “new trip” section within the app on arrival at DEN and present your electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.
There are dedicated CLEAR security program lanes at the north and south security checkpoints for expedited security clearance. These are open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. (north) and 4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (south).
DEN has 7 airline lounges and a USO lounge for active duty military. Day passes are available at 6 of the lounges, while the Delta Sky Club is exclusively for premium cabin passengers or eligible frequent flyer members. If you’re active military, see our guide to the best credit cards for military members, many of which offer complimentary lounge access.
SCROLL FOR MORELounge
Location
Opening Hours*
Day Pass Fee per Person**
Concourse C, level 2 after security, near gate 32
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Concourse A on the mezzanine level near gate 34
Daily: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
$65 (additional visitors to the cardholder)
Concourse C, near gate C46
Daily from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Concourse A, level 4 after security
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Concourse A, near gate A25
Daily: 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Concourse B, near gate B32
Concourse B, near gate B44
Daily: 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Concourse B, near gate B60
Daily: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
USO Lounge (free for active military)
Concourse A, level 4 after security
Daily: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.
Hot Tip: Want access to lounges without paying the day pass fee? Here are the best credit cards for lounge access to avoid entry fees to airport lounges.
DEN has 97 open restaurants, cafes, and food stations. With the current closure of the food court in Jeppesen Terminal, there’s only a small selection of dining options in the ticketing area. Most are located within the concourses once you’ve cleared security, so you can relax and grab a bite before your flight.
See the range of restaurants available and their locations on the airport website.
There is free Wi-Fi available throughout Denver International Airport and you can connect by selecting “DEN Airport Free WiFi” from your available connections. No registration or ad viewing is required, which is great for passengers needing to log on quickly!
Charging Stations: Hundreds of charging stations are located throughout Jeppesen Terminal and the 3 concourses.
Hot Tip: Not every airport has free Wi-Fi, so you may want to bring your own when not flying through DEN. Here are the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots so you’re never disconnected!
DEN has a lost and found office located in Jeppesen Terminal, on east level 1. Items lost within the public areas of the airport will be sent here for collection, and a claim can be submitted in person, online, or by calling 303-342-4062.
Items lost on an airplane or at a departure gate must contact the relevant airline, and items lost in a shop, restaurant, or other business must contact the business directly.
DEN has white courtesy telephones located throughout the airport where passengers can dial 2000 for customer service assistance. Information booths are also located around the airport for details on services and facilities.
Unfortunately, DEN ranks as one of the least kid-friendly U.S. airports as there are no children’s play areas.
DEN has dedicated nursing rooms within each concourse. These are located at:
DEN ranks as one of the top 10 pet-friendly U.S. airports, so DEN has a lot to offer your furry friend when flying.
Pet relief areas can be found at the following locations:
DEN is the only domestic airport to offer onsite boarding for pets. Facilities at this pet resort include flat-screen TVs with dog-friendly programs, a bone-shaped swimming pool, and pet massage therapy.
DEN also has the “Canine Airport Therapy Squad” where over 100 dogs (and 1 cat) roam the airport for petting, hugs, and photos with passengers.
DEN has 3 duty-free shops located in the Concourse B mezzanine, near gate B31, and Concourse A in the central area.
Designated smoking areas are located outside of Jeppesen Terminal:
West Side
East Side
There is an interfaith chapel and prayer hall located on the east side of Jeppesen Terminal on level 6.
ATMs can be found throughout Jeppesen Terminal and the 3 concourses. Currency exchange services are located in the center of Concourses A and B, and in Jeppesen Terminal outside of international arrivals on level 5.
There are no luggage storage facilities at DEN.
General Inquiries (Phone): 303-342-2000 or 800-247-2336
General Inquiries (Text): 720-902-9351
Ground Transportation: 303-342-4059
Parking: 303-342-7275
The A Line Commuter Train is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), connecting DEN to the downtown Denver Union Station in 37 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak (3 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.) The cost is $10.50 for an unlimited ride day ticket on the A Line.
RTD Bus: Public buses operate from the DEN Transit Center on level 1 of Jeppesen Terminal. The airport is served by routes AB, AT, 104L, 145X, and 169L, operating from approximately 3:30 a.m. to midnight. The cost is $10.50 for a 1-day ticket.
Charter Bus Services: Pick-up is from level 5, island 3 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside of doors 511 to 513 (east) and 504 to 506 (west). There is a selection of bus companies on the airport’s website that will transport you within Colorado and beyond.
Bustang Service: This inter-regional bus service is operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation and carries passengers to and from Denver Union Station where you can then pick up the A Line Commuter Train to the airport.
Passengers can book shared rides and private ride shuttles. These depart from level 5, island 5 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside of doors 505 to 507 (east) and 510 to 512 (west).
Prearranged mountain carriers operate from level 5, island 1 with several mountain carrier companies transporting passengers to Colorado’s ski resorts.
You can pick up a taxi from level 1, island 1 of Jeppesen Terminal (both east and west sides). You can arrange a metered journey or flat ride fare to some of Denver’s most popular destinations, including downtown, for just over $56.
Limousines can be prebooked with the approved companies on the airport’s website. If you are expecting a pick-up from DEN, then you need to visit the booth on level 5, island 2 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside of doors 505 to 507 and 511 to 513 (east), and 504 to 506 and 510 to 512 (west).
Uber and Lyft drivers are permitted to pick up passengers on level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside of doors 506 to 510 (west side) and 507 to 511 (east side). Drop-off is on level 5 outside the passenger’s airline location.
Take I-25 North and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 214A for I-70 towards Airport/Limon/Grand Junction. Keep right at the fork for I-70 East/Limon and merge onto I-70 East. Keep right at the fork to continue on Peña Boulevard and follow signs for Denver International Airport. As you approach the airport, follow signs for Terminal East or Terminal West depending on your airline.
Take I-25 North to exit 194 for CO-470 towards Grand Junction/Limon. Keep right at the fork onto E-470 North and take exit 28A for Peña Boulevard East towards Denver International Airport. Merge onto Peña Boulevard and follow signs for Terminal East or Terminal West depending on your airline.
Take I-25 South and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 228 onto the E-470 South towards Limon. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 28 for Peña Boulevard East and keep right at the fork to continue on exit 28A. Keep left at the next fork and merge onto Peña Boulevard where you can follow signs to Terminal East or Terminal West depending on your airline.
DEN has over 44,000 parking spaces on airport property, and you can choose from convenient short-term parking lots adjacent to Jeppesen Terminal or more cost-effective long-term options.
Short-term garage parking is available within the east and west parking garages with the quickest access to Jeppesen Terminal. Parking is located on level 4 arrivals — convenient for picking up passengers — and costs $7 per hour or $168 per day.
Hot Tip: DEN offers a free bag drop service for passengers parking in the shuttle parking lots and traveling on domestic flights with United, Southwest, Delta, and American. Drive up, bag drop, and check in from the comfort of your car before traveling to the terminal luggage-free.
The cell phone waiting lot is located around 3 miles from Jeppesen Terminal, offering free parking to friends and family picking up passengers from the airport. No waiting is permitted curbside at the terminal. Vehicles can wait in the cell phone waiting lot until the passenger is ready to be picked up.
The parking lot has free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and entertainment facilities for children.
Off-site parking lots can offer cheap alternatives to official airport parking with prices starting from $5 per day for DEN.
These external parking lots and hotels operate their own shuttle service to and from the airport and can be booked at airportparkingreservations.com or similar third-party booking sites.
Parking for disabled passengers can be found in all airport-owned parking lots, closest to the entry and exit points of each lot (excluding level 3 of the east and west side garages).
General Parking Inquiries: 303-342-7275
Car rental services are available on airport property, with most offices on East 78th Avenue. Car rental shuttles run between the terminal (east and west sides, level 5) to the location of the car rental company. The following companies operate from DEN:
Hot Tip: Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental company.
Most of Denver International Airport’s hotels are located 4 to 6 miles from the terminal, with most offering a courtesy shuttle service. The only exception is the 4-star Westin Denver International Airport Hotel, which is based at the south end of Jeppesen Terminal.
Other hotels range from 2- to 5-stars, catering to a range of budgets. View a list of popular Denver International Airport hotels below, ordered in distance from the airport.
Hotel
Address and Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From the Airport (Miles)
6901 Tower Rd., Denver, CO 80249
6290 Tower Rd. , Denver , CO , 80249
15500 E. 40th Ave. , Denver , CO 80239
303-3719494Hotel
Address and Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From the Airport (Miles)
Loyalty Program
Point Redemption Cost
15500 E. 40th Ave. , Denver , CO 80239
303-3719494Located just next to the Jeppesen Terminal, The Westin Denver International Airport boasts over 37,500 square feet of event space as well as an indoor pool. The property has 519 soundproofed guest rooms with views of the airport or mountain and prairie vistas. The Westin also features a lounge for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, along with great dining options for all guests. Free nights start at 40,000 to 60,000 points per night.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport offers guests an indoor pool and spa tub, a restaurant, and a bar. You can save yourself some money by enjoying its complimentary breakfast and airport shuttle. Keep in mind that Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but on average, an award night will cost around 49,000 Hilton Honors points.
The Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center features an onsite restaurant, indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and a free airport shuttle are also provided. Additionally, a bar and lounge, spa tub, and conference center are onsite. Relatively speaking, the Crowne Plaza is a real bargain at just 25,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
DEN’s Great Hall is currently going through a renovation project, with areas of Jeppesen Terminal inaccessible to passengers. This has closed the food court, limiting the restaurant options outside of the secure area, but passengers have plenty of choices at their departure concourse.
All security checkpoints and check-in desks are operating as usual, but the airport is recommending that passengers arrive on the east or west side applicable for their airline, as navigating the terminal can take a little longer than usual.
Featured Image Credit: flydenver.comYou can only walk from Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse A. To reach the other 2 concourses, passengers must ride the Automatic Guideway Transit System from Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.
Denver International Airport is referred to as DEN and DIA. DIA is how it is locally referred to, whereas DEN is the official airport code.
Denver International Airport has free Wi-Fi for passengers in all of its public areas. To connect, select “DEN Airport Free WiFi” from your available connections.
Denver International Airport opened in 1995.
Denver International Airport is 140 square kilometers — twice the size of Manhattan!
Denver International Airport is a smoke-free airport, including electronic cigarettes. Passengers can smoke in designated smoking areas outside of Jeppesen Terminal before clearing security.
Denver International Airport has 148 gates split across 3 concourses — Concourses A, B, and C. Concourse B is the largest concourse with 66 departure gates.
Passenger pick-up is from level 4 arrivals at Jeppesen Terminal. Passenger drop-off is on level 6 departures.
The Automatic Guideway Transit System is the underground train that runs from Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse C. It takes around 6 minutes from Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse C.
United Airlines’ ticketing and check-in are located at the west side of Jeppesen Terminal. United exclusively occupies Concourse B for flight operations.
No waiting is permitted at the curbside areas outside of the terminals; vehicles can wait for free in the cell phone lot on the outskirts of the airport.
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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
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