Roberta Aguirre
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area and the second-largest on Earth. The airport is located 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Downtown Denver and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the high plains to the east. With its proximity to the mountains, DEN serves as a gateway to the Rockies, providing easy access to popular mountain resorts in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver |
| Land Area | 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2) or 53 sq. mi (34,000 acres, or 137.8 sq. km) |
| Ranking | Largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area; Second largest on Earth |
| Runway 16R/34L | Longest public-use runway in North America and seventh longest on Earth |
| Passenger Traffic | 69.3 million passengers in 2022, making it the world's third-busiest airport during the global pandemic |
| Passenger Traffic | Over 82.4 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the busiest airline hubs in the world's largest aviation market |
| Economic Impact | Primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating $47.2 billion for the region annually |
| Art | Significant number of artworks, including sculptures, murals, photos, sound art, and paintings |
| Public Transport | A Line commuter train to Denver Union Station downtown |
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What You'll Learn
- Denver International Airport (DEN) is 25 miles from downtown Denver
- DEN is the second-largest airport in the world by land area
- The airport is served by the A Line commuter train to Denver Union Station
- DEN is home to dozens of shops and restaurants
- DEN has a pedestrian bridge connecting the terminal to Concourse A
Denver International Airport (DEN) is 25 miles from downtown Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN) is 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Downtown Denver. It is one of the world's busiest airline hubs, serving over 82.4 million passengers in 2024. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating $47.2 billion for the region annually.
The airport is located closer to the City of Aurora than central Denver, and many airport-related services, such as hotels, are found there. DEN offers magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and the high plains. The airport's award-winning architecture, designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects, is reflected in the snow-capped mountains and evokes the early history of Colorado.
DEN is composed of the Jeppesen Terminal and three concourses (A, B, and C) that house the airport's gates. A pedestrian bridge connects the terminal to Concourse A, allowing travellers to walk while viewing planes taxiing beneath them. The airport features a significant number of artworks, including sculptures, murals, photos, sound art, and paintings, as part of Denver's public art program.
Travellers can easily access Downtown Denver from DEN via various transportation options. The A Line commuter train offers direct service to Denver Union Station downtown, with a ride time of about 37 minutes and trains running every 15-30 minutes. RTD bus routes, taxis, ride-hailing services, and rental cars are also available at the airport.
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DEN is the second-largest airport in the world by land area
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the second-largest airport in the world by land area. Covering 52.4 square miles (or 135.7 square kilometres), it is surpassed only by King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, which covers a staggering 300 square miles.
Denver International Airport is located 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, and it serves as the primary airport for the greater Front Range Urban Corridor. The airport is actually closer to the City of Aurora than central Denver, and many airport-related services, such as hotels, are located in Aurora. The airport is home to dozens of shops, restaurants, and lounges, as well as an extensive public art collection featuring sculptures, murals, photos, sound art, and paintings.
The airport is well-known for its pedestrian bridge, which connects the main terminal to Concourse A and offers travellers a unique view of planes taxiing beneath them. The bridge also provides views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the high plains to the east. The airport features an 82,000-square-foot outdoor plaza that is open to both travellers and the general public.
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving 77,837,917 passengers in 2023. It is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually. The airport also boasts the longest public-use runway in North America, with a length of 16,000 feet (4,880 meters).
In addition to its impressive size and traffic, Denver International Airport has also undergone several expansion and renovation projects. In 2022, the airport completed a capacity expansion project that added 39 new gates and increased the terminal's capacity by 30%. The airport has also relocated check-in and bag drop counters as part of the ongoing construction in the Great Hall Program, which is expected to continue through mid-2027.
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The airport is served by the A Line commuter train to Denver Union Station
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver. It is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world, serving over 82.4 million passengers in 2024. The airport is served by the A Line commuter train to Denver Union Station, which is located at the other end of the line from the airport. The A Line, operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), provides easy access to the restaurants, bars, microbreweries, shops, and attractions in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) area, including Coors Field and the 16th Street Mall.
The A Line opened on April 22, 2016, and offers a convenient and affordable way to travel between the airport and downtown Denver. The train ride takes approximately 37 minutes, and tickets cost $10 each way. The trains have a capacity of 209 people per car, including seating for 91 people and two wheelchair spaces. The A Line trains also feature overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks, allowing travellers to bring their own luggage on board.
Denver Union Station, located at 1701 Wynkoop St, is a beautiful 1914 Beaux-Arts building that serves as the city's transportation hub. From Union Station, travellers can access various local and regional transportation options, including light rail, regional and local buses, Amtrak rail service, taxis, and the free 16th Street Mall shuttle. The area around Union Station offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options for visitors to enjoy.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is metro Denver's public transit provider, offering convenient and affordable transportation options for locals and visitors alike. In addition to the A Line commuter train, RTD also operates bus services to and from the airport, with buses departing approximately every 15 minutes during peak hours. RTD's bus services provide a cost-effective alternative for travellers on a budget, with one-day passes available for $10.50.
Denver International Airport is known for its award-winning architecture and magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains. The airport features a unique design that reflects the snow-capped mountains and evokes the early history of Colorado. With its expansive size, bustling passenger traffic, and convenient transportation options, Denver International Airport serves as a major gateway to the Denver metropolitan area and the greater Front Range Urban Corridor.
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DEN is home to dozens of shops and restaurants
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the world's busiest airline hubs, serving over 82.4 million passengers in 2024. It is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating $47.2 billion for the region annually. DEN is home to dozens of shops and restaurants, offering a wide variety of dining options to its travellers.
DEN's commitment to local operators is admirable, with many homegrown food and beverage options from local businesses available. This includes Boulder Beer Tap House, Little Man Ice Cream, Novo Coffee, Dazbog Coffee, Mercantile Dining & Provision, and Denver Central Market. There are also several well-known franchises, including Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and McDonald's.
For those looking for a quick bite, options include Einstein Bros. Bagels, Subway, and multiple coffee outlets. Travellers with more time on their hands can enjoy sit-down meals at restaurants such as Breckenridge Brewery, Elway's Taproom & Grill, and Snooze.
In addition to its wide range of dining options, DEN also features unique art installations and leisure activities on DEN Plaza, making it a more entertaining travel hub than most. The airport's award-winning architecture and magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains further contribute to a pleasant travel experience.
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DEN has a pedestrian bridge connecting the terminal to Concourse A
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver. It is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world, serving as a primary gateway to Colorado's Rocky Mountains. The airport is designed with a distinctive roof canopy that mirrors the distant snow-capped peaks.
The pedestrian bridge connects the Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse A, where the departure gates are located. The Jeppesen Terminal houses check-in facilities, security checkpoints, customs, immigration, and baggage claim. The bridge is located at the north end of the terminal and offers moving walkways for quicker connections. It also provides access to a security screening area, making it a convenient option for travellers looking to stretch their legs before their flight.
The bridge is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with some considering it a work of art. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, and its beauty is often remarked upon by travellers. The design of the bridge is quite remarkable, as it is a self-supporting structure independent of the terminal and concourse buildings. This unique feature makes it stand out among other airport bridges.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Denver Airport is not on a mountain. However, it offers views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the high plains to the east.
The IATA code for Denver Airport is DEN.
Denver Airport is 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver.
The A Line commuter train offers direct service from the airport to Denver Union Station downtown. The ride takes about 37 minutes, and trains run every 15-30 minutes. RTD also operates several bus routes that stop at the DEN Transit Center on Level 1 of the airport.
Denver Airport offers a variety of dining options, dozens of shops, lounges, and self-care services. It also has nursing rooms and info for parents or caregivers traveling with children.
