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Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving metropolitan Denver, Colorado, and the greater Front Range Urban Corridor. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area and the second-largest on Earth. The airport is located 23-25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, closer to the City of Aurora, and is a major hub for United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. With over 40,000 employees, DEN is the largest employer in Colorado and a significant economic driver for the state, generating more than $47.2 billion annually. The airport has received recognition for its convenient rail service to downtown Denver, free Wi-Fi, and exceptional customer service. In addition to its operational achievements, DEN is also known for its unique features, including a time capsule, unusual artwork, and conspiracy theories surrounding secret societies and lizard people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Denver International Airport |
| Acronym | DEN |
| Location | 23-25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver |
| Year opened | 1995 |
| Area | 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2) |
| Ranking | Second-largest airport in the world by land area |
| Runway length | 16,000 feet (3.03 mi; 4.88 km) |
| Ranking by runway length | Seventh-longest in the world |
| Ranking by passenger traffic | Third-busiest airport in the world (2021, 2022, 2023) |
| Number of employees | Over 40,000 |
| Ranking by number of employees | Largest employer in Colorado |
| Major hub for | United Airlines |
| Largest operating base for | Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines |
| Art collection | Extensively recognised for its public art collection |
| Conspiracy theories | Freemasons, the New World Order, the Illuminati, Lizard People |
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What You'll Learn
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually. DEN is a major hub for United Airlines and the largest operating base for both Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines. With over 40,000 employees, the airport is the largest employer in Colorado.
The airport is located on the western edge of the Great Plains and within sight of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver, 19 miles (31 km) farther than the former Stapleton International Airport, which DEN replaced. 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.
In 2021 and 2022, DEN was the third busiest airport in the world as well as the third busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic. In 2023, it was the sixth busiest airport in the world and the third busiest in the US, serving around 77.8 million passengers, a 12% increase from the previous year. DEN has been among the top 20 busiest airports in the world every year since 2000. In 2024, the airport set an all-time passenger record, with 82,358,744 passengers served, a 5.8% increase over the previous year.
DEN offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local favorites to popular national brands. The airport also features dozens of shops offering a range of high-quality clothing and unique Colorado-inspired items. In addition, DEN provides lounges and self-care services, and it is internationally recognized for its extensive public art collection and rotating exhibitions showcasing Colorado-inspired themes.
Denver International Airport has not been without its challenges. In August 2021, a mechanical failure of its train system caused significant delays. The airport has also been the subject of various conspiracy theories, ranging from secret societies to lizard people and aliens. Despite these quirks, DEN remains a critical hub for aviation, contributing significantly to the economy and serving millions of passengers each year.
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The airport is 23-25 miles from downtown Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 23 to 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating over $47.2 billion for the region annually. With a land area of 52.4 square miles, it is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and the second-largest in the world.
The distance from the airport to downtown Denver can be covered by various means of transportation, including the A Line commuter train, taxis, ride-sharing services, and driving. The A Line train, operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), is a popular choice for commuters, with a one-way ticket costing $10 and the journey taking approximately 37 minutes. The train runs between the airport and Denver Union Station, which is the city's transportation hub, offering easy connections to other local and regional transportation services.
For those who prefer a taxi or ride-sharing service, the estimated cost is around $55 to $70, and the trip takes about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Driving is also an option, with the route typically involving taking Peña Boulevard and then merging onto Interstate 70 west until it meets Interstate 25 south, leading directly into downtown Denver.
Denver International Airport is a major hub for airlines such as United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. It has consistently been ranked among the top 20 busiest airports globally since 2000 and broke records in 2024 by serving over 82 million passengers. The airport is also known for its unique architecture, with a distinctive white tent-like design, and its extensive public art collection, showcasing Colorado-inspired rotating exhibitions.
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It is served by the A Line commuter rail service
The Denver International Airport (DEN) is served by the A Line commuter rail service, which connects the airport to downtown Denver and vice versa. The A Line is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and offers a convenient and affordable way to get to and from the airport.
The A Line provides 23 miles of track between DEN and Denver Union Station, which is the city's transportation hub. The travel time between the airport and Union Station is approximately 37 minutes, and trains run every 15 minutes during peak travel times. During off-peak hours, trains run every 30 minutes from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The A Line also offers convenient connections to other local and regional transportation services, such as light rail, buses, Amtrak rail service, and taxis.
Tickets for the A Line can be conveniently purchased through the RTD's mobile app, ticket vending machines at the train stations, inside DEN or Union Station, or at any RTD sales outlet. The fare for the airport is $10.50 per day and includes unlimited rides on the A Line during a single business day. This fare also allows access to other RTD resources for trip planning and connections to other forms of transportation.
The A Line commuter rail service is an efficient and cost-effective way to get to and from the Denver International Airport. With frequent departures and arrivals, convenient connections, and affordable fares, it is a popular choice for travellers looking to navigate between the airport and downtown Denver. The A Line also offers a more environmentally friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
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The airport is a hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving metropolitan Denver, Colorado, and the greater Front Range Urban Corridor. With over 40,000 employees, the airport is the largest employer in Colorado and the primary economic engine for the state, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually.
The airport is located 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Downtown Denver, closer to the City of Aurora, where many airport-related services and hotels are situated. DEN is the second-largest airport in the world by land area, spanning 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2) and featuring the longest public-use runway in North America at 16,000 feet (3.03 miles; 4.88 km).
United Airlines has a long history with the city of Denver, with the former Stapleton International Airport serving as a hub for the airline in the 1960s. When plans for a new airport arose in the 1980s, United initially refused to move due to high fees. However, Southwest Airlines, which had also avoided DEN for the same reason, eventually entered the airport in 2006 with 13 daily flights and has since become the second-largest carrier at DEN after United.
As a hub for these airlines, DEN offers non-stop service to over 215 destinations worldwide and has consistently ranked among the top 20 busiest airports globally since 2000. In 2024, the airport set a record with 82,358,744 passengers served, a testament to its importance as a major aviation hub. The airport continues to undergo expansion and renovation projects to accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance the travel experience.
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The airport has been the subject of various conspiracy theories
Denver International Airport (DEN), often referred to as DIA by locals, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is also the site of various conspiracy theories, ranging from the Illuminati to lizard people. The airport has been the subject of speculation and bizarre stories since its opening in the mid-1990s.
One of the most popular theories revolves around the idea that the airport was built by a secret society, namely the Freemasons, the New World Order, or the Illuminati. This belief stems from a time capsule buried on the grounds, set to be opened in 2094, which bears symbols and references associated with these groups. The time capsule, along with peculiar artwork and unmarked buildings, has fuelled theories about secret underground tunnels and bunkers, hidden runways, and ties to Nazism and aliens.
Adding to the intrigue, the airport's marketing team has played along with these myths, hosting exhibitions like "Conspiracy Theories Uncovered" and creating advertisements that capitalise on the airport's mythical reputation. For example, one ad features a character with laser beams shooting out of their eyes, with the tagline: "Are we creating the world's greatest airport? Or preparing for the end of the world?"
The airport's distance from the city, high construction costs, and lengthy building time have also contributed to conspiracy theories. Some believe that the airport's construction was a front for something more sinister, and that the constant changes during construction were deliberate to obscure the true nature of the project.
While these theories may seem far-fetched, they persist due to human psychology, as people seek meaning, security, and coping mechanisms, finding more comfort in wild explanations than mundane realities.
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Frequently asked questions
The IATA code for Denver International Airport is DEN.
Denver International Airport is located 23 to 25 miles from Downtown Denver.
Some conspiracy theories about the Denver International Airport include the existence of lizard people, the Illuminati, and Freemasons. The artwork in the airport, such as the gargoyles at baggage claim, and a time capsule at the airport's south entrance have fuelled these theories.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates a rail line, called the A Line, that connects the airport to Union Station in Downtown Denver. The A Line takes approximately 37 minutes and costs $10 each way. Alternative transportation options include taxis, limos, ride-sharing apps, and hotel shuttles.
