Owais Crawford
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the US by land area, serving millions of passengers each year. With its six floors, multiple concourses, and construction projects, navigating the airport can be a challenge. However, with a bit of preparation and knowledge of the airport layout, it is possible to make your journey through Denver Airport seamless and stress-free. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to navigating Denver Airport, including information on parking, security, and connecting flights, to ensure you have a smooth travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of navigation | Some sources claim that the airport is easy to navigate, while others disagree. |
| Construction | There is ongoing construction at the airport, which can make it difficult to reach the baggage carousel. |
| Size | Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the US by land area. |
| Passenger volume | Millions of passengers transit through the airport each year. |
| Transport to/from the airport | The A Line commuter train connects the airport to downtown Denver. The airport is also served by Uber, Lyft, and public buses. |
| Parking | Denver Airport has multiple parking lots on-site, with parking fees ranging from $8 to $168 per day. |
| Ticketing counters | Ticketing counters are located on East and West Level 6 of the Terminal. |
| Security checkpoints | There are three security checkpoints: South, West, and Bridge Security. |
| Concourses | There are three concourses: A, B, and C. |
| Gate accessibility | To reach gates C, passengers must take the airport subway from the train platform. |
| Amenities | Denver Airport offers baggage services, lounges, comfortable seating areas, dining and shopping options, and an open-air plaza. |
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What You'll Learn
Transport to and from the airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the US by land area. It is a massive airport with millions of passengers transiting through each year, so navigating the airport can be a challenge. However, despite its imposing size, it is still very easy to navigate, and there are plenty of transport options to and from the airport.
If you are travelling to the airport via public transport, you have a few options. The airport has its own railway station, with the commuter train arriving on Level 5, near the Westin Hotel. The train will take you to Union Station in downtown Denver in around 37 minutes for a flat rate of $10.50. Two public bus companies also serve the airport: the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Bustang service. The RTD operates almost 24 hours a day and connects multiple routes from the DEN Transit Center.
If you are travelling to the airport by car, there are multiple parking lots on-site, with parking fees ranging from $168 a day for the closest to just $8 a day for a further away 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 your $10.50 A Line fare.
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.
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Ticketing and check-in
Ticketing counters are situated on the East and West sides of Level 6 of the Terminal. Airline ticketing counters are located just inside the passenger drop-off area. You can find your airline's specific counter location through the airline listings. Many airlines also offer curbside check-in for your checked bags outside of departures, saving you time from standing in line inside.
If you prefer a contactless check-in, the United App allows you to obtain your ticket on your phone, which you can then use for boarding. It is advisable to take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass as a backup and ensure your screen brightness is adequate for scanning during boarding. The app will automatically adjust the brightness when needed.
Online check-in for most airlines typically begins 24 hours before departure and closes three hours prior. If you have checked baggage, you must check in at the ticket counter. Regardless of the check-in method, ensure you allow sufficient time for security screening and be mindful of any recommended arrival times provided by your airline.
Denver International Airport has three security checkpoints: South, West, and A-Bridge Security. If you are heading to Concourse B or C, it is recommended to use the South Security checkpoint, located one level down from check-in. The West Security checkpoint is near the United check-in counter on the northwest end of Level 6.
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Security
Denver Airport has three security screening areas. One is at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal, facing the Westin Hotel; one is at the north end, facing the concourses; and one is located on the bridge connecting the terminal to the A concourse. If you are flying out of Denver International Airport between 9 pm and 4 am, the South checkpoint is the only one that remains open. The final security checkpoint on the bridge to the A gates is primarily for standard traveller screening, and from there, you can take the underground train to the other gates.
The North Security area offers specialised screenings for more experienced travellers, including TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. TSA PreCheck is a federal government programme that allows travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, as well as keeping laptops and liquids inside their bags. There is a cost associated with applying for TSA PreCheck, and it requires a background check and interview. The Clear program allows travellers to use a line to scan their fingerprint or iris instead of manual ID checks, and Clear customers with TSA PreCheck must use the North checkpoint.
Denver Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and with ongoing construction, it can be confusing to navigate. It is recommended that travellers give themselves plenty of time to get through security and reach their gates.
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Dining and shopping
Denver International Airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options to suit every traveller's needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or some last-minute shopping, you'll find plenty of choices throughout the airport.
Dining Options:
Denver International Airport features a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food stands located in Concourses A, B, and C, the Jeppesen Terminal, and other areas. Here are some notable dining options:
- McDonald's
- Breckenridge Brewery
- Denver Chophouse
- Aviano Coffee
- Aviator's Sports Bar & Bar-B-Que
- Cantina Grill
- Caribou Coffee
- Chick-fil-A
- City Pho
- City Wok
- El Chingon
- Elway's
- Etai's
- Garbanzo Fresh Mediterranean
- Blue Sky Bar
- SweetWater Mountain Taphouse
- Steve's Snappin' Dogs
- Big Bowl
- Brother's BBQ
- La Casita
- Vino Volo
- Wolfgang Puck
- Lavazza
- Sara Lee Sandwich Shoppe/Colombo Frozen Yogurt
- Roasting Plant
- Magic Pan Crepe Stand
- And many more!
Shopping Options:
The airport also offers a range of shopping options, including:
- Peak News & Gifts (Gate A40) - Travel essentials, reading materials, and Colorado-themed souvenirs.
- Greetings from Colorado - Colorado-themed gifts and merchandise.
- Denver Duty Free (Gate A39) - Cosmetics, confectionery, tobacco, and travel accessories at duty-free prices.
- Tattered Cover Book Store (Gate A40) - Locally owned bookstore with a wide selection of books.
- Newstands
- Bookstores
- Clothing shops
- Starbucks
With its variety of dining and shopping options, Denver International Airport ensures that travellers have a pleasant and convenient experience while waiting for their flights or during layovers.
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Lounges and seating areas
If you have a long layover, Denver Airport offers comfortable seating areas and lounges. There is also an open-air plaza with a pop-up ice rink in the colder months and mini-golf and lawn games in the warmer months.
Denver Airport has various lounges, including American's Admirals Club and a Delta Sky Club, which are both located on Concourse A. This concourse also has a pedestrian walkway connecting it to the Jeppesen Terminal, which offers fantastic views of the airplanes moving on the apron.
The airport has three security checkpoints to choose from: South, West, or Bridge Security. If you are heading to Concourse B or C, it is recommended that you use the South Security checkpoint, which is located one level down from check-in. You can also use the new West Security checkpoint, located near the United check-in counter on the northwest end of level 6. The North checkpoint is now permanently closed due to the opening of the new West checkpoint. If you are going to Concourse A, you can use either of the checkpoints mentioned or the third option, Bridge Security.
Denver Airport is currently undergoing extensive upgrades to the Jeppesen Terminal, which is the main terminal where you arrive and depart. It is split into Terminal West and Terminal East, and all the TSA screening is done here. The Jeppesen Terminal has six floors, each with a different purpose. Level 6 is mainly for passenger drop-off and check-in, and Level 5 is where you'll find baggage claim, shops, restaurants, and security checkpoints.
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Frequently asked questions
The baggage claim is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal.
You can take the A Line railway service from Level 5 of the main terminal. The journey takes around 37 minutes and costs $10.50.
It depends on which concourse you are going to. If you are going to Concourse B or C, it is recommended to use the South Security check point, which is located down 1 level from check-in. For Concourse A, you can use the West security check point.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your boarding time. You can also download the airport app to navigate efficiently. If you have a long layover, you can use the baggage storage and delivery services offered by the airport.
You can meet your companion at the arrival gate by obtaining a gate pass. Alternatively, you can park in short-term parking and escort them to the baggage claim.
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