
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 23 to 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, Colorado, in the Western United States. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving around 77.8 million passengers in 2023 and setting a new record with 82,358,744 passengers in 2024. The airport covers 33,531 acres, making it the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and second largest in the world by land area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Denver International Airport |
| Acronym | DEN |
| Location | 8500 Pena Blvd, Denver, CO 80249, US |
| Distance from Downtown Denver | 23-25 miles |
| Land Area | 33,500-33,531 acres |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Terminal Name | Jeppesen Terminal |
| Number of Employees | 40,000+ |
| Economic Impact | $47.2 billion annually |
| Internet Access | Free Wi-Fi |
| Public Transport | RTD's A Line commuter rail service |
| Hotel | Westin Denver International Airport Hotel |
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What You'll Learn

Denver International Airport is 23-25 miles from Downtown Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major airline hub in the United States, located 23 to 25 miles from Downtown Denver. The airport is situated on the western edge of the Great Plains, with a view of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. With a land area of 52.4 square miles (or 33,500-33,531 acres), it is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest worldwide.
The airport is a significant contributor to Colorado's economy, generating an estimated $47.2 billion annually and employing over 40,000 people, making it the state's largest employer. DEN has consistently been ranked among the top airports globally, known for its high concentration of local restaurants and shops, convenient rail service to downtown Denver, free Wi-Fi access, and excellent customer service.
The distance from Downtown Denver to DEN is approximately 23 miles, according to some sources, while others state it as 25 miles. This distance is further than the previous airport, Stapleton International Airport, which was 15-19 miles away from downtown. DEN is actually closer to the City of Aurora, and many airport-related services, such as hotels, are located there.
Travellers can easily access downtown Denver from the airport via the A Line commuter rail service to Denver Union Station, which takes about 37 minutes. The airport also offers a variety of ground transportation options, including buses, taxis, limos, and ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber. Additionally, many Denver hotels provide a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
Denver International Airport is a bustling and convenient gateway to the city of Denver and the surrounding region. With its size, economic impact, and focus on passenger experience, it plays a crucial role in the area's transportation network and contributes significantly to the local economy.
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DEN is the second-largest airport in the world by land area
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major airport in the Western United States, serving metropolitan Denver, Colorado, and the greater Front Range Urban Corridor. DEN is located 23 to 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, and it is actually closer to the City of Aurora than central Denver.
Covering 33,500 to 33,741 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 to 136 km2 or 53 square miles), DEN is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and the second-largest in the world by land area. The airport's land area is more than double the size of the next-largest US airport, Dallas/Fort Worth, and it alone makes up one-third of the city of Denver's total area. DEN's massive size has earned it the nickname "DIA".
As one of the world's biggest airports, DEN also has the traffic to match. In 2023, it was the third busiest airport in the world and the second busiest in the US by passenger traffic, serving 77.8 million passengers. In 2024, DEN set a new record, serving 82.3 million passengers. The airport is the largest employer in Colorado, contributing $47.2 billion annually to the state's economy.
DEN is well-equipped to handle its high volume of passengers, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities. The airport also provides free wireless internet access. An elaborate system of underground trains connects the main terminal to various gate areas. Additionally, DEN has three outdoor decks with views of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado plains, as well as an 82,000-square-foot outdoor plaza open to travellers and the general public.
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The airport is served by the A Line commuter rail service
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major airline hub in the United States, located 23 miles (37 km) from Downtown Denver. The airport is served by the A Line commuter rail service, which provides convenient transportation to and from the city.
The A Line, also known as the airport rail, offers a direct connection between the airport and Denver Union Station. The 23-mile ride takes approximately 37 minutes, and the rail line serves eight stations along the way. Passengers can board the A Line at the DEN Transit Center, located on Level 1, adjacent to the Westin Denver International Airport Hotel.
The A Line is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and provides an affordable and efficient travel option for passengers travelling to and from the airport. It offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to driving or taking a taxi, especially for those travelling to downtown Denver or areas served by the rail line.
In addition to the A Line, DEN also offers other ground transportation options. The airport's website provides detailed information on bus services, taxi services, rental car agencies, and hotel shuttle services available at Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. With a variety of transportation options available, passengers can choose the most suitable and convenient way to travel to and from the Denver International Airport.
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DEN is the largest employer in Colorado
Denver International Airport, also known as DEN, is located 25 miles (40km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2). The airport is closer to the City of Aurora than central Denver, and many airport-related services, such as hotels, are located in Aurora.
DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, contributing $47.2 billion annually to the region's economy. With over 40,000 employees, it is the largest employer in Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation's 2025 Economic Impact Study. This number includes the 11,000 workers employed during the construction of the airport, which opened in 1995.
As one of the busiest airline hubs in the world, DEN serves 27 airlines (as of 2025) and provides nonstop service to 231 destinations worldwide. In 2024, the airport set an all-time passenger record, serving 82.3 million passengers. To accommodate this high volume of passengers, DEN offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities, as well as award-winning architecture and magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains.
The airport has undergone several expansion projects to increase its passenger capacity, including the addition of new concourses and gates. The iconic Jeppesen Terminal, designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects, features a peaked roof that resembles snow-capped mountains. DEN also provides easy access to and from the airport, with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) operating the A Line rail service between DEN and Denver Union Station, as well as an airport express bus service called skyRide.
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The airport is home to the Jeppesen Terminal
The Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 23–25 miles (37–40 km) northeast of Downtown Denver, in Colorado, US. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 52.4 square miles (136 km2; 33,500–33,531 acres). It is also one of the busiest airports in the world, serving around 77.8 million passengers in 2023 and breaking records in 2024 with 82,358,744 passengers.
The airport has one main terminal: the Jeppesen Terminal. Named after aviation pioneer Elrey B Jeppesen, the terminal is a 1.5 million ft² facility featuring a central glass-walled atrium and passenger amenities. The terminal is divided into East and West sides and connects to three concourses (A, B, and C) via an automated train system. The Jeppesen Terminal features 2.6 million square feet of space and is currently undergoing modernisation as part of the Great Hall project, which aims to improve security, efficiency, and capacity. The project involves building a new ticketing system, improving TSA screening and baggage handling, and enhancing food and retail options. The Great Hall project is divided into three phases, with the final phase expected to be completed by the end of 2027 or in 2028.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Denver is called Denver International Airport (DEN). It is located at 8500 Pena Blvd, Denver, CO 80249, US.
The airport is located about 23-25 miles (37-40 km) northeast of Downtown Denver.
The airport has convenient rail service to downtown Denver. You can take the airport rail (A Line) from the DEN Transit Center at Level 1 to Denver Union Station. The ride is about 37 minutes long and costs $10 each way.
Denver International Airport offers free wireless internet access throughout the airport. It also has a variety of shops, restaurants, nursing rooms, and art installations.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates four bus routes under the frequent airport express bus service called SkyRide. You can also take a taxi or cab from the airport to the city centre, which takes about 30 minutes. Additionally, many Denver hotels provide a free shuttle service to and from the airport.








































