Denver Airport: Navigating The Complex With Ease

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and the largest airport in the US by land area. With millions of passengers transiting through its buildings each year, it's no surprise that navigating the airport can be a challenge. However, despite its imposing size, Denver International Airport is actually very easy to navigate. The airport consists of three main concourses (A, B, and C), each serving as a separate terminal, connected by an underground train system known as the Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS). The main terminal, Jeppesen Terminal, houses the check-in counters, baggage claim, and various services. It is important to note that Denver Airport has multiple security checkpoints and parking lots, as well as a variety of transportation options to and from the airport, including buses, trains, rental cars, and ridesharing services.

Transportation to the airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) is accessible by car, bus, train, shuttle, or rideshare.

If you are driving, there are multiple parking lots on-site, with fees ranging from $168 a day for the closest to $8 a day for a farther car park with a free shuttle. The cheapest option is the 61st and Pena pre-pay car park, located off-airport on the A Line, which costs $7 a day, plus the $10.50 A Line fare.

If you are taking a bus, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Bustang service both serve the airport. RTD operates almost 24 hours a day and connects multiple routes from the DEN Transit Center, including 104L, 169L, 145X, AB1, AT, and ATA. Fares start from $3.30, or a whole-day pass can be purchased for $10.50. The RTD buses are wheelchair accessible, and drivers will help with loading and unloading luggage. The Bustang buses are run by the Colorado Department of Transportation and cover a wider area of the state. To connect with these, passengers need to take the A Line train to Union Station.

If you are taking the train, the A Line commuter rail service connects the airport with the downtown area of Denver. The journey takes around 37 minutes and costs a flat rate of $10.50 from any station along the line. A ticket also allows unlimited rides on the A Line for the day.

If you are taking a shuttle, several companies provide pre-arranged services connecting several locations within Colorado and neighbouring states. These include Groome Transportation, which offers shared ride airport shuttles to and from the airport all day and night.

If you are taking a rideshare, both Lyft and Uber serve the airport, with specified drop-off and pick-up locations. For drop-off, you will be deposited at Level 5, adjacent to departures. For arrivals, you can book and find your rideshare at Level 5, Island 5, near baggage claim.

Check-in and baggage claim

Checking in and claiming baggage at Denver International Airport is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the airport with ease:

Check-In

• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before boarding: This is recommended to ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process.
• Passenger drop-off: Passenger drop-off locations are available on East and West Level 6 of the Terminal.
• Proceed to the Jeppesen Terminal: The Jeppesen Terminal is where you'll find passenger ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, international arrivals, shops, restaurants, and TSA security checkpoints.
• Locate your airline's ticketing counter: Ticketing counters are located just inside the passenger drop-off area on East and West Level 6 of the Terminal. You can check your airline's counter location beforehand via the airport's website.
• Check-in options: You can choose to check in online or in person. Online check-in is available 24 hours before your departure time and closes three hours before departure. If you have checked baggage, you must check in at the ticket counter in person.
• Allow sufficient time for security screening: Regardless of your check-in method, ensure you leave enough time to go through security screening and reach your departure gate on time.

Baggage Claim

• Identify the correct baggage claim area: Denver International Airport has multiple baggage claim areas, so check the displays or ask an airport staff member to confirm where you should go.
• Wait for your baggage to arrive on the carousel: Keep an eye on the baggage claim carousel and have your baggage claim ticket ready.
• Collect your baggage: Once you have retrieved your baggage, proceed to your preferred method of ground transportation or the arrival area to meet your party.

Remember to stay informed about any ongoing construction or detours that may impact your route to the airport or within the airport itself.

Security and gates

Denver International Airport has three security checkpoints: South, West, and Bridge Security. If you are heading to Concourse B or C, it is recommended to use the South Security checkpoint, which is located one level below check-in. The West Security checkpoint is also an option and is located near the United check-in counter on the northwest end of level 6. This checkpoint prides itself on getting passengers through quickly. A third option is the Bridge Security checkpoint, which is located at Terminal A.

After passing through security, you will head down an escalator to the train, which will transport you to Concourses A, B, or C. The train has a countdown display above the doors, and trains arrive frequently. You will need to hurry onto the train as the doors close automatically after a short time.

The train will announce which concourse it is arriving at. Once you arrive at your concourse, you will need to take the escalators up to the terminal. There will be screens displaying departure gates and these are split into halves on the east and west sides. From here, you simply need to walk to your gate. For longer distances, there are moving walkways to speed up your transfer.

Denver Airport has three concourses, each of which is a separate terminal. Concourse A is mainly for international flights and houses 39 gates, including several lounges. Concourse B is home to United Airlines and features two club lounges and various shops and restaurants. Concourse C is where you will find the Centurion Lounge, as well as stunning views of the Rockies from gates C23 and C24. Gates C28 to C50 are located here.

Dining and shopping

Denver International Airport has a wide range of dining and shopping options. With over 170 dining and retail options to choose from, you're sure to find something to suit your taste and needs.

Dining

If you're looking for a bite to eat, the airport has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food options. For a sit-down meal, you can choose from various options, including Boulder Beer Tap House, Breckenridge Brewery, Elway's Taproom & Grill, and Snooze, among others.

If you're short on time or looking for a quick bite, there are also several fast-food options available, such as Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Caribou Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and more.

Shopping

For shopping, Denver International Airport offers an extensive list of stores in concourses A, B, and C. You can find clothing, perfumery, electronics, toys, travel accessories, gifts and souvenirs, jewellery, convenience items, duty-free products, newsstands, and bookstores.

Some of the specific stores include Atomicchild, Be Hippy, Björn's Colorado Honey, Brookstone, CNBC, Colorado Limited, Denver Duty-Free, Fix 'N Fly, Flight Stop, Greetings from Colorado, High Land Mercantile, Hudson, InMotion, Market 5280, Pia Collection, See's Candies, Sunglass Hut, Tattered Cover Book Store, and many more.

Whether you're looking to grab a meal, do some last-minute shopping, or simply browse the options, Denver International Airport has plenty to offer to keep you entertained and satisfied during your time there.

Relaxation and entertainment

Denver International Airport offers plenty of options for relaxation and entertainment during your layover. The airport features comfortable seating areas, lounges, and an open-air plaza with activities like mini-golf and lawn games. During the colder months, an ice rink is set up for passengers to enjoy.

For those seeking a quiet space to relax, the airport provides comfortable seating areas and lounges. Additionally, an open-air plaza offers a unique outdoor experience.

Denver Airport also boasts an impressive art collection. Art enthusiasts can explore one of the largest airport public art collections in the world, adding a cultural dimension to their travel experience.

For passengers with a longer layover, the airport has a variety of dining and shopping options. Explore the concourses to find a bite to eat or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Denver Airport is known for its diverse dining options, including local cuisine and gluten-free meals.

If you're travelling with kids, Denver Airport has a kids' play area located near gate C48 in Concourse C. This long-awaited addition provides a dedicated space for toddlers to climb and play while waiting for their flight.

The airport also offers nursing rooms, providing a quiet and relaxed environment for parents and their babies. These rooms are equipped with essential amenities such as electric outlets, changing tables, and sinks, and they are accessible 24/7.

Denver International Airport ensures that passengers with pets are catered for as well. There are dedicated pet relief areas across the airport, making it convenient for travellers with furry companions.

Frequently asked questions