A Guide To Sleeping Overnight At Denver Airport

If you're looking for a place to spend the night at Denver Airport, there are a few options available to you. The airport itself has various spots where you can get some rest, such as padded benches or seating areas with adjustable armrests that can be turned into makeshift beds. Concourse B is known for having more comfortable seating options. There are also designated quiet zones and relaxation areas, yoga rooms, and traveller's lounges with comfortable seating and quiet environments. If you're looking for a more traditional sleeping arrangement, there's the Westin Denver International Airport hotel, which is connected directly to the airport's Jeppesen Terminal. There are also several other hotels located nearby that offer day rooms or overnight stays.

Where to sleep

If you're looking for a place to sleep during an overnight layover at Denver International Airport, there are several options available to you. Here are some suggestions for places to rest and catch some shut-eye:

Concourses

The concourses offer varying levels of comfort for sleeping. Concourse B, in particular, is known for having more comfortable seating options. Some concourses have padded benches or seating areas with adjustable armrests that can be transformed into makeshift beds. If you're looking for a quiet spot, head to the new east end of Terminal C, specifically near Gates 68, 69, 70, and 71. This area is usually quiet as the last flights depart in the early evening, and the earliest departing flights are around 7 am. Additionally, the upper levels of the concourses tend to have less foot traffic and may have armrest-free benches.

Rest & Recharge Area

The airport features a dedicated Rest & Recharge area in the A Gates on the mezzanine level. This area offers comfortable lounge seating, partitions for privacy, and plenty of outlets to charge your devices. It's a great spot to relax and unwind before your flight.

Yoga Rooms

Denver Airport has yoga rooms in Concourses A, B, and C. If they're not in use, you can utilise these spaces for stretching out or even taking a nap.

Quiet Zones and Relaxation Areas

Keep an eye out for designated quiet zones or relaxation areas within the airport. These spots usually have dimmed lights and softer seating, making them ideal for unwinding and catching some sleep.

Airport Hotels

If you prefer a traditional sleeping arrangement, there are several hotels located within or near the airport. The Westin Denver International Airport is directly connected to the Jeppesen Terminal, offering convenient access to your gate. However, it can be on the pricier side. Alternatively, there are other nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles, such as AmericInn by Wyndham, avid hotel, Baymont by Wyndham, Courtyard by Marriott, and more. These options might be more suitable if you're looking for a more affordable stay.

Traveller's Lounges

If you have access to a traveller's lounge, take advantage of the amenities they offer. These lounges typically provide comfortable seating, quiet environments, and sometimes even sleeping pods or private rooms for rent.

General Tips

When choosing a spot to sleep in the airport, consider your safety and the security of your belongings. Look for areas with video cameras or seek advice from security personnel on the safest places to spend the night. Keep your valuables hidden and locked, and try to stay in well-lit areas with other travellers. Using earplugs or a sleep mask can also help block out noise and light for a more restful sleep.

Where to eat

If you're spending the night at Denver Airport, you won't be short of dining options.

Jeppesen Terminal

If you're looking for a quick bite, the Jeppesen Terminal has several fast-food options, including Boulder Beer Tap House, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Subway, and multiple coffee outlets.

For a more formal dining experience, DiCicco's Italian Restaurant on Level 6 offers classic Italian dishes like lasagna and antipasto.

Concourse A

Concourse A has a variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals. Here are some suggestions:

• Mercantile Dining & Provision (center core): Features New American cuisine from James Beard Award–winning chef Alex Seidel.
• Vero Italian (A48): One of four vendors under the RiNo food hall Denver Central Market.
• Tacos Tequila Whiskey (A18): Serves, as the name suggests, tacos, tequila, and whiskey.
• Breckenridge Brewery (A71): A Colorado favourite, offering craft beers and pub fare.
• Elway's Taproom & Grill (A18): A more casual offering from the upscale steakhouse Elway's.
• Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (center core): For a sweet treat.
• Mesa Verde Bar & Grill (mezzanine): Offers edible burrito/bowls and a superb bloody mary, according to one review.
• Novo Coffee (center core): Serves bonfire burritos.
• Voodoo Doughnut (mezzanine): Wildly popular doughnuts from Portland, Oregon.
• Snooze (mezzanine): A regional breakfast-and-brunch juggernaut.
• Root Down (center core): A longtime LoHi hotspot, serving dishes like mozzarella-gouda arepas and lamb sliders, alongside an all-Colorado beer selection and seasonal cocktails.
• La Casita (various locations): Serves tamales, burrito bowls, burritos, quesadillas, and more.

Concourse B

Concourse B also has a variety of dining options to choose from:

• United Club: Multiple locations, including near Gate B30 and Gate B44. Lounge access is available by paying at the door with proof of a United Airlines ticket or with a United Club Membership.
• Voodoo Doughnut (mezzanine): In case you missed it in Concourse A!
• Snooze (mezzanine): In case you missed it in Concourse A!
• New Belgium Brewing (B30): One of the biggest names in craft beer.
• Steve's Snappin' Dogs (B24): Try a chilli-topped, tortilla-wrapped Denver dog.
• Elway's (center core): The upscale steakhouse option, if you're feeling fancy.
• Aviator's Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que (mezzanine): For sports fans.
• Garbanzo Fresh Mediterranean (center core): For falafel bowls and other Mediterranean fare.
• Great Divide Brewing (C32): A craft beer pioneer, serving award-winning IPAs and other beers, alongside pizzas and appetizers.

Concourse C

Concourse C has the following dining options:

• American Airlines Admirals Club: Near Gate C30. Lounge access is available by paying at the door with proof of an AA ticket or with a lounge membership program.
• Cholon: Near Gate C70. Serves potstickers and cocktails.
• Little Man Ice Cream (C27): For a sweet treat.
• Dazbog Coffee (C47): A local roaster.
• Great Divide Brewing (C32): In case you missed it in Concourse B!

Transport options

Denver International Airport is located 20 minutes from downtown Denver. The airport is served by the A Line train, which connects it to the city centre. The journey takes 37 minutes to reach Union Station and trains run every 15 to 30 minutes. Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are also available from Level 5, Island 5. A ride to the city centre will cost around $40 to $50.

If you prefer to travel by bus, the RTD bus routes AB, AT, 104L, 145X and 169L are accessible from the Denver Airport Station. The buses run from 3:30 am to 1:28 am and depart approximately every 15 minutes. A one-day pass costs $10.50.

There are also several hotels located near the airport that offer shuttle services. These include AmericInn by Wyndham, Baymont by Wyndham, Best Western Plus Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and many more. The airport's hotel shuttle bus stop is located at the Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 3, outside doors 505-507 (east side) and 510-512 (west side).

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, limousine services are available at the airport. You can book these services online, through a travel service, or by visiting the limousine service booths located outside the Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5, Island 2 (east and west sides).

For those who prefer to drive themselves, there are twelve on-site car rental companies to choose from, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, and Hertz. Each company operates a courtesy shuttle to and from the Jeppesen Terminal. The pick-up/drop-off point is at Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505-513 (east side) or 504-512 (west side).

Things to do

Spending the night at Denver Airport? Here are some things to do to keep yourself occupied and comfortable:

Find a Place to Sleep

If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep, the airport offers various options. Concourse B is known for having more padded benches and adjustable seating areas that can be turned into makeshift beds. You can also look for designated quiet zones or relaxation areas with dimmed lights and softer seating. Additionally, the yoga rooms in Concourses A, B, and C can be used for stretching out or even taking a nap if they're not in use.

Explore the Art

Denver Airport is known for its art, with sculptures, murals, paintings, and outdoor landscapes as part of its rotating and permanent exhibits. You can take a self-guided tour of the airport to discover and appreciate these artworks.

Utilise the Free Wi-Fi

Denver Airport offers completely free Wi-Fi with no limitations on usage time. You can browse the web, check emails, or even stream videos to pass the time. There may be two networks available: "DEN Airport Free Wi-Fi" and "Den Airport Free WiFi 2.4 GHz". The latter may offer a more stable connection if the main network is congested.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Denver Airport has a variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals. Breckenridge Brewery in Concourse A offers craft beers and pub fare, while Great Divide Brewing in Concourse B serves award-winning IPAs, pizzas, and appetizers. For a more formal dining experience, try DiCicco's Italian Restaurant in the Jeppesen Terminal or Elway's at Terminal Level 6.

Relax and Recharge

Head to the Rest & Recharge area in the airport, which offers comfortable lounge seating, partitions for privacy, and plenty of outlets to charge your devices. This seating area is free of charge and can be a great place to unwind and rest.

Freshen Up

If you want to freshen up during your layover, there are shower facilities available in the Centurion Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge. These lounges also offer additional amenities like comfortable seating and snacks.

Safety tips

Spending the night at an airport can be risky, especially if you're travelling alone. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you're planning to overnight at Denver Airport:

• Know the security measures: It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the security measures at the airport. Locate the security office and look for video cameras in the area where you plan to sleep. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Stay in busy areas: If you're travelling alone, it's best to stay in areas with other travellers or close to security. This can help deter potential thieves and make you feel more secure.
• Keep your valuables safe: Don't leave your valuables unattended or in plain sight. If you're a deep sleeper, consider padlocking your bag to something or sleeping with your bag against a wall to make it harder for someone to access your belongings.
• Stay alert: If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it's best to stay alert and avoid sleeping. You can always catch up on sleep during your flight. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake.
• Use extra layers: The airport has carpeted floors, but an extra layer like a blanket or sleeping bag can provide added cushion and warmth.
• Be aware of early morning wake-up calls: If you sleep in the public zone, security personnel may wake you up early as travellers arrive for morning flights.
• Keep updated with official sources: For the latest information on passenger amenities and safety, check the official Denver International Airport (DIA) website or contact the airport directly.

Frequently asked questions