The Denver Airport's Floors: A Comprehensive Guide To Levels

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area and the second-largest in the world. It is located 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver and is the main airport serving the city of Denver, Colorado, United States. The airport has a total of six floors, with Level 6 being dedicated to passenger drop-offs and Level 5 being the baggage claim level. DEN features a central Jeppesen Terminal and three concourses (A, B, and C) with a total of 179 gates. The airport is served by 25 different airlines, offering non-stop service to over 215 destinations worldwide.

The airport's layout

The Denver International Airport (DEN) features a central Jeppesen Terminal and three concourses (A, B, and C). The Jeppesen Terminal is divided into east and west sides, with airline check-in desks and baggage claim split between the two areas. The terminal has six floors, with levels 1 through 4 consisting mostly of parking facilities. Level 6 has the upper road system for passenger drop-off, check-in facilities, and a food court. Level 5 has shops and restaurants, baggage claim, and the south and north security checkpoints.

Concourse A has 39 gates and can be accessed via a pedestrian bridge or the underground Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS) from the Jeppesen Terminal. All international flights depart from Concourse A, and there are moving walkways on the pedestrian bridge and around the gates for quicker connections.

Concourse B is used exclusively by United Airlines and cannot be reached via any walkways. It has 66 gates and two United Club lounges, as well as shops and restaurants. Concourse B is only accessible by riding the AGTS from the Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.

Concourse C has 43 gates and a good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants, including a Centurion Lounge. Similar to Concourse B, Concourse C is also only accessible by riding the AGTS from the Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.

The Denver International Airport is the largest airport in North America by land area and the second-largest in the world. It is recognised for its distinctive roof canopy that mirrors the distant snow-capped Rocky Mountains. The airport is located approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Denver.

Transport options

Denver International Airport (DEN) offers a variety of transport options to get to and from the airport. Here is a detailed overview of the different ways to get around:

Train

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates the A Line commuter train service, connecting DEN to Denver Union Station in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 37 minutes, and trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours. The A Line is accessible from the DEN Transit Center on Level 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal. The cost for a day ticket is $10.50, which allows for unlimited rides.

Bus

Public transportation options are available from the airport, including the RTD's SkyRide bus service. This service caters to passengers with luggage, offering ample storage options such as under-seat compartments, overhead bins, and under-coach bins for larger items. Bus schedules vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. The SkyRide buses are wheelchair accessible.

Taxi

Taxi services are available at Level 5, Island 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal. A taxi ride to the city centre takes around 30 minutes, with flat rates offered by all companies.

Limousine

Limousine services are available at Level 5, Island 2, outside Door 511 on the east side and Door 506 on the west side. Rates vary depending on the number of trips and wait time, with some companies offering all-inclusive rates.

Hotel Shuttles, Charter Buses, and Parking Shuttles

Many Denver hotels provide free shuttle services to and from the airport. These can be boarded at Level 5, Island 3 of the Jeppesen Terminal. Charter bus companies also provide services to various locations within Colorado and surrounding states.

Rental Cars

Several major rental car companies serve DEN, with courtesy shuttle services operating from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 4, to their locations. Some of the rental car providers include Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty.

Airport Shuttles and Ride-Sharing

Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. Passengers can exit through Doors 506-510 on the west side and 507-511 on the east side near baggage claim.

Security and customs

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and has three security checkpoints located in the Jeppesen Terminal: A Bridge, Terminal North, and Terminal South. A Bridge is located just before the pedestrian bridge to Concourse A on Level 6 and is open from 4:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Terminal North is at the northern end of the terminal on Level 5 and is open from 4 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Terminal South is at the southern end of the terminal, also on Level 5, and is open 24 hours. Security wait times are available on the airport's interactive map or its security page.

If you are arriving on an international flight, you will need to pass through immigration and customs, which are located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the north and south security checkpoints for expedited security clearance. DEN also has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the Jeppesen Terminal on Level 5.

The airport participates in Global Entry and Enrollment on Arrival, with kiosks available for enrolled passengers. DEN also accepts Mobile Passport Control for passengers entering the U.S. from an international flight.

There are dedicated CLEAR security program lanes at the north and south security checkpoints for expedited security clearance. These lanes are open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. (north) and 4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (south).

Lounges

Denver International Airport has seven airline lounges and a USO lounge for active-duty military personnel. Day passes are available at six of the lounges.

• Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to navigate the security lines.
• There are two security areas in the terminal (South and North) and a third at the entrance to the A Concourse.
• Be prepared when you get to the front of the line: empty your pockets, remove your coat and shoes, and ensure your laptop or computer is in its own bin.
• Keep up to date with security wait times via the airport's interactive map or security page.

Facilities and services

Denver International Airport (DEN) offers a wide range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. Here is an overview of what you can expect when visiting this airport:

Transportation

DEN provides various transportation options to and from the airport. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates the A Line commuter train, connecting the airport to Denver Union Station in approximately 37 minutes. RTD also offers bus services, including the AB, AT, 104L, 145X, and 169L routes, with buses departing from Level 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal. Additionally, charter bus services, ski resort transfers, taxis, limousines, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and car rental options are available.

Parking

DEN offers a variety of parking options, including short-term garage parking, garage parking, valet parking, economy parking, and shuttle parking. The short-term and garage parking options are located within the east and west parking garages, providing convenient access to the Jeppesen Terminal. Economy parking is available east and west of the terminal, while shuttle parking is offered at the Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert parking lots.

Terminal Facilities

The Jeppesen Terminal is the main terminal at DEN, divided into east and west sides for easy navigation. It houses check-in facilities, security checkpoints, customs, immigration, and baggage claim services. The terminal also features ATMs/cash machines, currency exchange offices, restaurants, cafeterias, shops, duty-free stores, and Wi-Fi access. Additionally, there is an interfaith chapel and a pet relief area within the terminal.

Concourses

DEN has three concourses: A, B, and C, which are stacked above each other and accessible via the Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS), a free underground train service. Concourse A can also be reached via a pedestrian bridge from the Jeppesen Terminal, offering excellent views of the airplanes. Each concourse has its own selection of gates, lounges, shops, bars, and restaurants.

Lounges

DEN boasts seven lounges, including the American Admirals Club, Capital One Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and USO Lounge. Six of these lounges can be accessed with a day pass, providing a quiet and comfortable space for passengers to relax or work.

Dining and Drinks

With 97 open restaurants, cafes, and food stations, DEN offers a variety of dining options. Most of these are located within the concourses, allowing passengers to grab a bite after clearing security. The Jeppesen Terminal also has dining options, although the food court is currently closed due to renovations.

Charging Stations and Wi-Fi

Hundreds of charging stations are conveniently located throughout the Jeppesen Terminal and the three concourses, ensuring that passengers can stay connected. Additionally, DEN provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport, making it easy for travellers to stay online without any registration or ad-viewing requirements.

Lost and Found

DEN has a lost and found office located in the Jeppesen Terminal on the east side of Level 1. Passengers can submit claims in person, online, or by calling the provided phone number.

Nursing Rooms and Pet Relief Areas

DEN is considered one of the top 10 pet-friendly airports in the US, offering dedicated pet relief areas in the Jeppesen Terminal and each of the concourses. Additionally, the airport provides dedicated nursing rooms within each concourse, ensuring privacy and comfort for travelling parents.

Conspiracy theories

Denver International Airport, also known as DIA, is the subject of several conspiracy theories, owing to its unusual artwork, architecture, and construction history. Here are some of the most popular theories:

New World Order and Illuminati Headquarters

Many theories revolve around the idea that the airport was built by or for the New World Order, a group seeking to reshape society. The airport's dedication marker credits a mysterious organisation called The New World Airport Commission, which has fuelled speculation. The time capsule buried on the grounds, to be opened in 2094, also features Freemason symbols, which have been linked to the Illuminati, a secret society with ties to the New World Order. The presence of these symbols has led some to believe that the airport is controlled by the Freemasons and provides secret access to the Illuminati. Additionally, the airport's marketing campaigns have played into these theories, with signs referencing "Illuminati Headquarters" and "big drills to get to the underworld."

Underground Tunnels and Bunkers

The existence of a large network of underground tunnels has sparked numerous theories. Some believe that these tunnels contain secret bunkers for the rich and elite, military bases, homes for aliens or lizard people, or even a direct connection to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). While the tunnels are actually used for moving luggage, the airport has embraced the theories, with employees pranking the media by wearing lizard masks and drawing aliens on the tunnel walls.

The Blue Mustang Sculpture

The "Mustang" or "Blucifer" sculpture by artist Luis Jiménez has been the subject of speculation. Standing at 32 feet tall with glowing red eyes, some believe it represents the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and is cursed. The artist, Luis Jiménez, died in 2006 while creating the sculpture when a piece fell on him, severing an artery in his leg. The sculpture's eyes, which some claim didn't glow red until after the artist's death, are said to be a tribute to his father, who owned a neon light shop.

Artwork and Murals

The airport's artwork, including murals by Leo Tanguma, has been interpreted as containing hidden messages and clues about the end of the world, fascism, and biological warfare. Tanguma's murals, "Children of the World Dream of Peace" and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature", were intended to promote peace and harmony but have been seen by some as disturbing and linked to New World Order imagery. Additionally, the gargoyle statues in the baggage claim area, intended to ward off evil spirits and protect travellers' luggage, have been the subject of speculation, with some believing they serve a more sinister purpose.

Frequently asked questions