
Denver International Airport, often referred to as DIA by locals, has the airport code DEN. This airport is located in Denver, Colorado, and is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area. It is also one of the busiest airports in the world, serving around 77.8 million passengers in 2023. DEN is a major hub for airlines such as United, Frontier, and Southwest. The airport is known for its art collection, convenience, and customer service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Denver International Airport |
| Airport Code | DEN |
| Former Name | Stapleton International Airport |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Distance from Downtown Denver | 23-25 miles |
| Area | 33,500-33,531 acres |
| Runway Length | 16,000 feet |
| Ranking | Third busiest airport in the US in 2021, 2022, and 2023 |
| Employees | 40,000+ |
| Airlines | United, Frontier, Southwest, Lufthansa, Aeroméxico, Aer Lingus, Turkish Airlines |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, Art Collection, Restaurants, Shops, Nursing Rooms, Pet Therapy, Parking, Shuttle Services |
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What You'll Learn

Denver International Airport's code is DEN
The airport is often referred to as DIA by locals, and this abbreviation can be seen in its website URL. However, the airport code for Doha International Airport in Qatar is also DIA, so using DEN avoids confusion. DEN is also a logical abbreviation for Denver, following the convention of using the first few letters of the city's name, like BOS for Boston and ATL for Atlanta.
Denver International Airport is a major hub for United Airlines and is the largest operating base for Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi or 135.7 km2). It is located 23 to 25 miles from Downtown Denver and is known for its convenient rail service to the city, free Wi-Fi, and stellar customer service.
DEN has consistently been ranked among the top airports in the world in customer surveys and has received accolades from publications like Business Traveler Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. It has also been recognised as one of the greenest airports globally, boasting the largest solar farm at a commercial airport in the US. The airport features an extensive art collection integrated into its building design, with art pieces displayed throughout the airport.
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Locals refer to it as DIA
The airport code for Denver International Airport is DEN. However, locals often refer to the airport as DIA. This is a common abbreviation for the airport, and it is used in many sources of information about the airport. The use of the abbreviation DIA is so widespread that even the airport's own website uses the term in some places.
There are a few possible reasons why locals might refer to the airport as DIA. One reason could be that the airport is officially named Denver International Airport, and using the abbreviation DIA is a natural shorthand for the full name. Additionally, the airport is often referred to as DIA in conversation and in writing because it is easier and quicker to say and write than the full name.
Another reason could be that the airport code DEN is also used as an abbreviation for the airport, and having two different abbreviations can be confusing. Using DIA as the primary abbreviation helps to avoid confusion between the two. Interestingly, DEN was the airport code for the previous airport in Denver, Stapleton International Airport, before Denver International Airport opened in 1995.
Furthermore, the term DIA is used in the airport's logo, which features the bold letters "DIA" under a stylized depiction of the Jeppesen Terminal's iconic roof. This visual representation of the airport may have contributed to the popular use of the term among locals.
Denver International Airport is a major hub for airlines such as United, Frontier, and Southwest. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and is known for its clean and spacious facilities. The airport offers convenient rail service to downtown Denver, free wireless internet access, and a variety of dining options.
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DEN is one of the world's busiest airports
The airport code for Denver International Airport is DEN. Covering 52.4 square miles (136 km2; 33,500 acres), it is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area and the second-largest on Earth. DEN is one of the world's busiest airports, ranking as the third busiest airport in the world in 2021 and 2022, and the sixth busiest in 2023.
In 2024, Denver International Airport set an all-time passenger record, serving 82,358,744 passengers, a 5.8% increase over the previous year. The airport is a major hub for airlines such as United, Frontier, and Southwest, with over 40,000 employees, making it the largest employer in Colorado. DEN has consistently ranked among the top 20 busiest airports globally every year since 2000.
Denver International Airport is located 23 to 25 miles (37-40 km) northeast of Downtown Denver, Colorado, and is closer to the City of Aurora, where many airport-related services are based. The airport features the longest public-use runway in North America, measuring 16,000 feet (3.03 miles; 4.88 km) in length, and is the second-longest runway on Earth.
Despite being one of the world's busiest airports, opinions vary on the efficiency of security wait times at DEN. Some travellers report quick clearance times of under 10 minutes, while others have experienced longer waits of up to 45 minutes. The airport is actively working to improve its facilities, with ongoing construction projects like the Great Hall Program, which involves relocating check-in and bag drop counters, and plans for additional gate expansions to accommodate increased traffic.
Denver International Airport, with its vast size, high passenger traffic, and continuous development, exemplifies the busy nature of global aviation hubs. The airport's code, DEN, is a fitting representation of its significant presence in the aviation industry.
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DEN is 23-30 miles from downtown Denver
The airport code for Denver International Airport is DEN. The airport is located 23 to 30 miles from downtown Denver.
Denver International Airport is situated on the western edge of the Great Plains, with a view of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is a major hub for United Airlines and the largest operating base for Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The airport is a significant employer in Colorado, with over 40,000 employees.
The distance from DEN to downtown Denver is approximately 23 miles, according to some sources. The airport is located closer to the City of Aurora than to central Denver, and many airport-related services, such as hotels, can be found in Aurora. The 23-mile journey from downtown Denver to DEN can be made by rail or car. The rail option takes around 37 minutes, and the train departs every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes outside of those hours.
Other sources state that the distance between DEN and downtown Denver is 30 miles. While this is a slightly longer distance, there are still transportation options available. Shuttles are provided, so travellers are not solely reliant on taxis or ride-sharing services. A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Denver typically costs around $80.
Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world in terms of land area. It covers 33,531 acres, or 52.4 square miles, making it the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and the second-largest in the world. The airport's runway is also impressive, measuring 16,000 feet in length and ranking as the longest public-use runway in North America.
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DEN has free airport-wide Wi-Fi
The airport code for Denver International Airport is DEN. This airport is one of the busiest in the world, serving around 77.8 million passengers in 2023 and 82,358,744 passengers in 2024. DEN is also the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi or 135.7 km2).
Passengers travelling through DEN can take advantage of the airport's free Wi-Fi. This service is available throughout the airport, allowing travellers to stay connected during their time in the airport. To access the Wi-Fi, passengers can refer to the airport's website or look for signage within the airport.
In addition to free Wi-Fi, DEN offers a range of other amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. The airport features a variety of dining options, including local favourites and popular national brands. For those seeking assistance, volunteer information guides, known for their distinctive attire of tan vests and cowboy hats, are on hand to provide directions and help travellers find their way around the airport.
DEN also boasts an extensive art collection integrated into the building's design, with art pieces displayed throughout the airport. The airport provides a convenient rail service to downtown Denver, known as the A Line, with a daily schedule offering departures every 15 minutes between 5:12 a.m. and 7:27 p.m. and every 30 minutes outside of these hours.
With its free airport-wide Wi-Fi, convenient transportation options, diverse dining choices, and art installations, DEN strives to provide a positive and engaging experience for its passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code for Denver International Airport is DEN.
The airport code for Denver, DEN, is based on the first few letters of the city's name.
Denver International Airport is located 23 to 25 miles from Downtown Denver.










































