Lois Larson
If you're spending the night at Denver Airport, you'll be pleased to know there are plenty of ways to pass the time. From exploring the city to checking out the airport's art installations, there's something for everyone. If you're staying in the airport, you can grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, or even get some shut-eye in one of the many comfortable spots. If you're thinking of heading into the city, you can easily get to downtown Denver, where you can visit Union Station, the History Colorado Centre, and the Denver Art Museum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping options | Seats and benches are available throughout all terminals, though most have armrests. There are also wide-open carpeted floor spaces. Travellers have reported getting a good sleep in the black recliners in Concourse A and an area with cots for passengers in Concourse B, Mezzanine Level. The airport staff also provide cots and blankets during major delays and flight cancellations. |
| Transport | Ride App services such as Uber and Lyft pick up from Level 5, Island 5. A ride to the city centre will cost around $40 to $50. The RTD Line A Line train connects DEN with downtown Denver and takes around 37 minutes. |
| Food and drink | Breckenridge Brewery, Elway's, Brother's BBQ, and Steve's Snapping Dogs are all located within the airport. |
| Entertainment | Denver International Airport offers art exhibits, live music, spa treatments, shopping, and dining. The airport also has a pretty amazing art collection that reflects Colorado's unique spirit and culture, including a giant blue Mustang sculpture outside the airport and over 20 permanent and several revolving exhibits throughout the terminal. |
| Lounges | You can enter the airport lounges if you belong to a lounge membership program. If you're flying American or United Airlines, you can purchase a day pass to access their lounges. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping spots in the airport
If you're spending the night at Denver International Airport, there are a few options for sleeping spots. The airport staff and security guards are generally tolerant of sleepers, and you can find benches and seating areas throughout the airport. However, most of the seats and benches have armrests, so it is recommended to look for an armrest-free bench if possible. The upper levels of the three concourses (Concourse A, B, and C) have fewer people and may have a few armrest-free benches. Concourse A, in particular, has eight recliner-like massage chairs near the end of the concourse.
For a more private spot, you can try to find an empty gate or corner, especially if you're willing to sleep on the floor. The airport has wide-open carpeted floor space, but an extra layer can provide added cushion. In September 2024, travellers reported luck sleeping in black recliners in Concourse A. There was also an area with cots for passengers in Concourse B, Mezzanine Level, in July 2024. During major delays and flight cancellations, the airport staff may provide cots and blankets.
If you prefer more comfort, there are airport lounges that you can access if you belong to a lounge membership program or are flying with certain airlines. Additionally, there are hotels located within a short shuttle ride from the airport, including the Westin Hotel, which is attached to the main Jeppesen Terminal.
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Places to eat and drink
If you're looking for places to eat and drink, Denver International Airport has a variety of options to choose from. For those who want to stay in the airport, there are several dining options available, including:
- Boulder Beer Tap House: Located outside of security in the Jeppesen Terminal, you can taste world-class, legendary beer without even leaving the airport.
- New Belgium Brewing: The second-largest brewery in Colorado, known for its innovative beers, including the famous Fat Tire.
- Denver Central Market: A food hall-style market offering a wide variety of options, including burgers, burritos, and sushi.
- Snarf's Sandwiches: A great choice for a quick and easy sandwich to go.
- Breckenridge Brewery: Offering a range of award-winning beers, as well as delicious food options like the pulled pork combo sandwich.
- Elway's: A restaurant known for its steaks and cocktails.
- Steve's Snapping Dogs: A Colorado original, serving award-winning gourmet hot dogs made from a blend of pork and beef with a smoky flavour.
In addition to these options, the airport also has various lounges and restaurants that can be accessed with a lounge membership program or a day pass if flying with certain airlines.
If you have a longer layover or prefer to explore outside the airport, downtown Denver is approximately a 37-minute train ride away, and offers a variety of dining options to choose from. However, it is recommended to have at least 6 hours for a layover if you plan to leave the airport. Some notable neighbourhoods for dining and drinking in Denver include:
- River North (RiNo)
- Lower Highlands (LoHi)
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Art and exhibitions
If you're spending the night at Denver International Airport, you're in luck when it comes to art and exhibitions. The airport is internationally recognised for its extensive public art collection and Colorado-inspired rotating exhibits. From sculptures to murals, there's plenty to keep art enthusiasts entertained.
Public Art Installations
The airport is home to a variety of permanent fixtures, including sculptures, murals, and installations. One of the most famous pieces is the giant blue Mustang sculpture located outside the airport. This distinctive artwork is hard to miss and sets the tone for the unique spirit and culture reflected in the airport's art collection.
Native American Exhibition
The Jeppsen Terminal houses a fascinating Native American Exhibition. This exhibition tells the story of Native Americans in the region through a variety of mediums, including paintings, photographs, and music. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Native American tribes who once inhabited this land.
Conspiracy-Theorist Art
Denver International Airport has gained a reputation for being the subject of various conspiracy theories, ranging from secret Illuminati tunnels to ghosts. While these theories have mostly been debunked, the airport has embraced them with a sense of humour. Keep an eye out for Gregoriden, or Greg for short, a three-foot animatronic gargoyle that welcomes visitors with a playful reference to the Illuminati theories. Additionally, explore the murals and paintings that fuelled these speculations, such as the two murals by local artist Leo Tanguma, located in the east and west baggage claims outside of the Great Hall.
Denver Art Museum
If you have a longer layover and wish to venture outside the airport, the Denver Art Museum is a great option. It offers a range of exhibitions, including Indigenous art and cultural events. The museum also provides insights into the restoration and preservation of artwork, such as the breathtaking installation made from willow branches. Tickets to the Denver Art Museum include entry to the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, where you can explore an internationally celebrated decorative art collection, Colorado and regional art, and a retrospective of the artist Vance Kirkland.
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Conspiracy theories
One of the most prominent theories revolves around the existence of a network of underground tunnels beneath the airport. Some believe that these tunnels lead to underground bunkers that will serve as safe havens for the world's elite—possibly lizard people or alien life forms—during the apocalypse. The airport's high construction costs, which exceeded its budget by $2 billion, are cited as evidence of the existence of these bunkers. The tunnels are also rumoured to connect the airport to nearby conspiratorial sites such as NORAD and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Adding to the intrigue are two gargoyle statues, "Notre Denver" by Terry Allen, located in the baggage claim area. The statues are said to banter with passersby, with some claiming they have heard phrases like "Welcome to Illuminati Headquarters... I mean Denver International Airport". The Illuminati, a secret society, is another common theme in the airport's conspiracy theories. A dedication plaque at the airport's south entrance features a Freemasons symbol and a time capsule to be opened in 2094. The plaque also mentions a "New World Airport Commission", a group that does not exist, leading some to believe that the airport was built by the New World Order, a supposed group of global elites plotting to take over the world.
The airport's art has also sparked speculation, with some believing that murals by artist Leo Tanguma, "Children of the World Dream of Peace" and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature", contain New World Order imagery and predict the apocalypse. A giant horse statue with glowing red eyes, nicknamed 'Blucifer' by locals, is also considered cursed and part of the airport's conspiracy lore.
The airport has embraced these theories as a tongue-in-cheek marketing strategy, even referring to itself and Roswell International Air Center as "supernatural sister airports".
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Getting to and from the airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located about 25 miles from downtown Denver. The airport is well-connected to the city centre and offers various transportation options for travellers.
If you're looking for a convenient and affordable option, the RTD Line A train is a great choice. The train departs from the Jeppesen Terminal and takes approximately 37 minutes to reach Union Station in downtown Denver. The frequency of the trains varies, with departures every 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.
For those who prefer the flexibility of ride-sharing services, Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. The pick-up location is at Level 5, Island 5, with exits through doors 504-506-510-512 on the west side and 505-507-511-513 on the east side. The cost of a ride to the city centre typically ranges from $40 to $50.
Taxicabs are also readily available at the airport and offer flat rates for popular destinations. For example, a one-way trip to downtown Denver is approximately $72.04, while a ride to Boulder will cost around $115.04. Metered rates apply for other locations within the Denver metro area.
If you're travelling to or from the airport with a group, shared ride services or commuter shuttles can be a convenient and cost-effective option. These services provide pre-arranged, on-demand, or charter transportation to and from the airport. Some companies even offer state-wide or out-of-state transportation.
For travellers heading to or returning from a ski vacation, mountain carriers provide a specialised service. These private carriers offer shuttle transportation between the airport and various ski resorts in Colorado. It is recommended to contact your chosen carrier in advance to book your transfer. The carrier stops are located at the Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5, Island 1, with exits through the same doors as mentioned for ride-sharing services.
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Frequently asked questions
There are various spots in the airport where you can get some sleep. Concourse C has been recommended by travellers for its quietness, and there are also purple benches and lounge-style seats without armrests in the new east end of Terminal C. If you're looking for something more comfortable, there is a hotel attached to the main Jeppesen Terminal.
Denver Central Market has a wide range of food options, from burgers to burritos and sushi. For a sandwich to go, try Snarf's Sandwiches. Breckenridge Brewery offers award-winning beers, and you can get a delicious pulled pork combo sandwich from Brother's BBQ in the same place.
Denver International Airport has an extensive art collection that reflects Colorado's unique spirit and culture. Outside the airport, you can see a giant blue Mustang sculpture, and inside, there are over 20 permanent and several revolving exhibits throughout the terminal.
Denver has plenty of sights to see, but the airport is almost 25 miles from downtown Denver, so make sure you have enough time. You can visit the State Capitol, the History Colorado Centre, the Denver Art Museum, the Golden Triangle Creative District, and the Downtown Aquarium.
You can take a taxi for a flat rate of around $72.04, or a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft for $40-50. Alternatively, you can take the RTD Line A train for a much cheaper rate of around $10.50, although this will take 37 minutes to reach Union Station.
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