DEN Denver Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Quick Version

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the third-busiest airport in the US and one of the largest by area. It's got one main terminal (Jeppesen) connected to three concourses (A, B, C) by an underground train. The iconic white tent roof is impossible to miss. Despite its size, getting around is straightforward once you understand the layout.

Terminal Layout and Getting Around

DEN has a simple structure: check in and clear security at Jeppesen Terminal, then take the free underground train to your concourse.

• Concourse A - 39 gates serving a mix of airlines including Delta, American, Frontier, and international carriers
• Concourse B - United Airlines territory with the most gates and biggest selection of shops and restaurants
• Concourse C - 44 gates serving Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue, and others

The Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) runs underground between all three concourses and the main terminal. Trains come every couple of minutes. The ride between any two stops takes about 3-4 minutes. You can also walk between concourses, but the distances are long, so the train is your best bet.

Security Tips

DEN has two main security checkpoints in Jeppesen Terminal, plus a bridge security checkpoint between the north and south sides. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available at the main checkpoints. During peak morning hours (5-8 AM), lines can stretch 30+ minutes, so budget your time accordingly. The south security checkpoint tends to be less crowded.

Getting To and From Denver

The A-Line Commuter Rail (Best Option)

The RTD A-Line train runs between DEN and Denver's Union Station downtown. It takes about 37 minutes and costs $10.50 one way. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak. The station is on Level 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal transit center. This is hands-down the best way to get downtown unless you've got heavy luggage and a group to split a ride with.

Rideshare and Taxis

Uber and Lyft pick up on Level 5 (Island 5) of the Jeppesen Terminal. Expect $35-60 to downtown Denver depending on traffic and demand. Taxis line up on Level 5 as well, with flat-rate fares to downtown running around $57.

Rental Cars

The rental car center is connected to the terminal via the train system. All major companies are represented. The drive to downtown Denver takes 30-45 minutes depending on I-70 traffic, which can be brutal during rush hour and ski season weekends.

Hotel Shuttles

Many airport-area hotels offer free shuttle service. Shuttles depart from Level 5, Island 6 of the terminal. The Westin Denver International Airport is the only hotel connected directly to the terminal, sitting right at the south end of the building.

Airport Lounges

DEN has a solid lounge selection spread across all three concourses.

• Centurion Lounge (Concourse C) - One of the best in the network. Craft cocktails, hot food, showers. American Express Platinum required.
• Capital One Lounge (Concourse A) - Relatively new, with excellent food and a cycling room. Capital One Venture X cardholders get free entry.
• United Club (Concourse B) - Three locations throughout Concourse B. Solid but busy. United members or day pass holders.
• Delta Sky Club (Concourse A) - Standard Sky Club with views of the Rockies on clear days.
• USO Lounge (Concourse A) - Free for active military and their families.

If you don't have lounge access, there are yoga rooms in Concourses A, B, and C that offer a quiet place to decompress. Free to use, open to everyone.

Food and Dining

DEN was named among the country's top ten airports for food and drink, and it's well-deserved. There are over 100 dining options.

Best Sit-Down Restaurants

• Root Down DIA (Concourse C) - The airport outpost of Denver's beloved restaurant. Locally sourced, seasonal dishes with great vegetarian and vegan options. This is the best meal you'll eat at DEN, period.
• Elway's (Concourse B) - Steaks and upscale American fare from John Elway's restaurant group. Good wine list.
• New Belgium Brewing (Concourse B, Gate B30) - Craft beer from Fort Collins with solid sandwiches and salads. Recently renovated with more seating and TVs.
• Que Bueno! (Concourse A) - Mexican fare that's a step above typical airport food.

Quick Bites

• Moe's Original BBQ (Concourse B) - Smoked meat that's genuinely good for an airport.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels (Concourse A) - Open 24 hours, which matters for early flights.
• Sunset Loop (Concourse B) - Market-style grab-and-go, also open 24 hours.

Most dining is airside (past security) in the concourses. The food court at Jeppesen Terminal has limited options, so eat after you clear security.

WiFi and Connectivity

DEN offers free, unlimited WiFi throughout the airport. Just connect to the "DEN Free WiFi" network. Speeds are decent for browsing and email, though streaming can be spotty during peak times. Power outlets are available at most gate seating areas, and there are charging stations scattered throughout all three concourses.

Layover Tips

Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)

Stay in your concourse. Moving between concourses via the train takes 10-15 minutes each way. Grab food at your nearest option and charge your devices at the gate.

Medium Layover (2-4 Hours)

Explore a different concourse if something catches your eye. Hit Root Down in Concourse C or grab a beer at New Belgium in Concourse B. Check out the rotating art installations throughout the terminal, including the famous Blue Mustang statue ("Blucifer") visible from the windows.

Long Layover (4+ Hours)

Consider buying a lounge day pass for some peace and quiet. The yoga rooms in each concourse offer free stretching space. There's also a Rest and Recharge area on the A Mezzanine with free lounging chairs if you want to relax without paying for a lounge. If you've got 6+ hours, the A-Line train can get you downtown in 37 minutes for a quick taste of Denver.

Sleeping at DEN

If you're stuck overnight, here are your best options.

Free Sleeping Spots

• Concourse A Mezzanine (north side) - Padded loungers and mini-beds in a designated rest area. This is the best free option in the airport.
• Gates C55-C61 - Curved couches tucked away from the main foot traffic. Quieter than most areas.
• Jeppesen Terminal Level 5 (south side) - Armrest-free benches, though it's noisier than the concourses.

Hotel Options

• Westin Denver International Airport - Connected directly to the terminal. Premium price but maximum convenience.
• Budget hotels along Tower Road - Several options with free airport shuttles for a fraction of the Westin's price.

Bring layers, because the terminal gets cool at night (around 65F). Overhead lighting never fully dims, so pack an eye mask and earplugs. The yoga rooms can also work for a quick nap if they're not in use.

Other Useful Info

• Altitude - DEN sits at 5,431 feet. If you're connecting through and not used to altitude, drink extra water. Alcohol hits harder up here too.
• Weather delays - Denver gets afternoon thunderstorms in summer and blizzards in winter. Build buffer time into your connections.
• Pet relief areas - Available in all three concourses and pre-security on Level 5.
• Nursing rooms - Located in all concourses near the family restrooms.