Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport ranks among the best-known airports in the world because of its distinctive white tensile roof, which symbolizes the snow-covered Rocky Mountains in the distant view. Since its opening in 1995, DEN has developed into the largest airport in North America by land size and one of the busiest by passenger numbers, receiving more than 82 million passengers in 2024. If you are simply making a stopover or embarking on an expedition to Colorado, this guide will come in handy.

A Quick Overview of Denver International Airport

Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot of everything you need to know at a glance.

Navigating Through the Terminals

Jeppesen Terminal

All facilities at DEN have been consolidated within a singular main building known as the Jeppesen Terminal. The striking peaked roof that is whitewashed in color ensures visibility even from great distances. In terms of layout, the terminal is multi-leveled. Check-in counters can be found on both the East and West wings of the building, with security points located on level six, which is rather new to the airport. For arriving passengers, baggage collection is possible at the lower levels along with ground transport and hotel shuttles.

Three Concourses

Following security check-in, passengers ride an automated train to three midfield concourses linked to the main Jeppesen Terminal. All three concourses house a total of 169 gates.

• Concourse A may be accessed by the underground train or via an attractive pedestrian bridge, one of the few such concourses in the nation that you can walk to. This concourse mainly features international flights and airlines such as Delta, Frontier, and JetBlue. The gates are made to handle wide-body and super jumbo planes. Amenities like nurseries, pet relief rooms, and family bathrooms are also found in the concourse.
• Concourse B is reserved solely for United Airlines. No foot path exists from the terminal to this concourse, which means you need to rely on the train as your only mode of transportation to reach it. However, everything you need, from lounges to restaurants to other services, is available here to cater to the airline’s clientele.
• Concourse C handles the bulk of Southwest and American Airlines flights. It currently has 47 gates in operation, and 11 additional gates are being added in the new C-West extension of this concourse.

Airlines That Fly from DEN

Denver International Airport is home to about 30 airlines that operate domestic, regional, and international flights. The following list will provide an overview of the airlines flying out of DEN:

• Aer Lingus
• Aeromexico
• Air Canada & Air Canada Express
• Air France
• American Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• British Airways
• Contour Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Edelweiss Air
• Frontier Airlines
• Icelandair
• JetBlue
• Lufthansa
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines & United Express
• Viva
• Volaris
• WestJet

DEN Airport Services to Passengers and Amenities

DEN exceeds expectations in its treatment of its passengers in every way possible. Below is a list of the various services offered at the facility.

Wi-Fi Access

Connectivity at DEN is completely free. High-speed internet services can be found within the terminal and all three concourses, with the network being labeled “DEN Airport Free WiFi”. All that is needed is to connect your device to the network without entering any password details.

Charge Points

There are several outlets scattered throughout the terminal and concourses where travelers can plug in their laptops and other electronic devices. Charge points complete with seating are also provided for passengers who need a place to recharge their phones and themselves before taking flight.

Children’s Play Zones

Traveling with young kids just got easier with DEN. There are designated play zones located in the A concourse near Gate A25 and in the C concourse near gate C48. These play zones are open at all times with play equipment for kids and seats for adults. There are carry-on luggage stowage facilities as well, freeing you from having to look after your luggage while the children expend energy.

Nursing/Pumping Stations

There are private nursing and pumping stations situated centrally in both concourses and on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal building. Nursing stations are accessible 24/7, and they offer comfortable chairs, changing tables, electrical outlets, sinks, and wheelchair accessibility to enter the room. You will need to push the intercom button located next to the entrance to get an entry code.

Pet Relief Areas

It would be easier to travel with your pet animal at DEN, where there are pet relief rooms in all concourses. Pet relief rooms are equipped with artificial grass, which ensures the drainage of waste material, waste disposal bags, and washrooms for easy cleaning. There is one more outdoor pet relief area in the Jeppesen Terminal building.

Lost and Found Items

In case you realize that you’ve forgotten any belongings at the airport, go straight to the Lost and Found office located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal building. Please note that the Lost and Found Office is responsible for collecting items found in public spaces at DEN. If your belongings were left in the airplane cabin or in security checkpoints, contact the airlines/TSA, respectively.

DEN Airport Currency Exchange

Travelers from abroad can exchange their money using the services of World Wide Money Exchange, which has currency exchange booths on Level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal and within the center cores of all three concourses. Opening times are usually not later than 7 a.m., and ATM machines and the local branch of Canvas Credit Union also serve as alternative banking solutions.

DEN Airport Smoking Zones

DEN Airport strictly prohibits smoking and vaping inside the premises. There are outdoor smoking zones that can be found on Levels 4, 5, and 6 of Jeppesen Terminal, and only pre-security. Smoking is also prohibited inside the concourses.

Mail Services

Should an item be confiscated by the security services of TSA because of its prohibited nature, Mail Safe Express kiosks will allow you to ship your item at the checkpoint. FedEx shipping boxes can be found on mezzanine levels of Concourse B and C, while USPS mailing stations can be found in the center cores of each concourse and Level 1 of the Terminal.

Lounges and Relaxation Areas

Whatever your reason may be, whether you are part of a premium airline or if you simply prefer peace, there is an array of options for you at DEN.

American Airlines Admirals Club – Located on the mezzanine level near Gate C30. Operating hours are from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Enjoy relaxing seats and free Wi-Fi.

American Express Centurion Lounge – Located on the mezzanine level near Gate C46. Operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The American Express Centurion Lounge provides premium dining, cocktails, showers, and work stations for productive stays.

Capital One Lounge (Plaza Premium) – Located near Gate A34. Operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Provides both relaxation and productivity areas in addition to food and drinks with Colorado flavor.

Colorado Oasis – Located in the Gates Center Core. Operating hours are Sunday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The wellness-oriented space includes automatic massage chairs, as well as a variety of massage items and wellness accessories.

Delta Sky Club – Level 4 near Pedestrian Bridge Y. Operating from 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. Offers quality cuisine, refreshments, and designated workspaces.

Executive Shine – C Gates Center Core. Operating from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect for getting refreshed, having a massage, and preparing yourself for the flight.

Golf DEN – A Gates Mezzanine. Operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Offers five golf simulators for travelers who need an alternative way of spending time in the airport while waiting for their flights.

Rest & Recharge Area – A Gates Mezzanine. Operating 24 hours per day with no cost. A secluded seating area located at the north end of the mezzanine for those who would prefer to have a nap rather than join a lounge.

United Club – Near Gates A25 and B44. Operating from 5 a.m. to approximately 9 p.m., a two-floor venue with complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, and refreshments for eligible United passengers.

USO Denver – Level 4, Concourse A. Open to military personnel and their families. Offers meals and beverages, free Wi-Fi, a play area for kids, and a multimedia gaming center.

Eating at DEN

Whether you’re craving a quick coffee break or a proper meal, DEN features dining establishments throughout its three concourses as well as the main terminal.

Concourse A

Aletitude (Near Gate A81), Ben & Jerry’s (Center Core), Blue Sky Bar (Near Gate A34), Caribou Coffee (Center Core), D Bar (Near Gate A38), Dazbog Coffee (Near Gate A48), Elway’s Taproom & Grill (Near Gate A18), Freshëns (Center Core), Lavazza (Near Gate A32), McDonald’s (Center Core), Mercantile Dining & Provision (Center Core), Mesa Verde Bar & Grill (Mezzanine), Olive & Finch Grab & Go (Near Gate A48 – open 24/7), Panda Express (Center Core), Peet’s Coffee (Near Gate A18), Tacos Tequila Whiskey (Near Gate A18)

Concourse B

City Wok (Center Core & Mezzanine), Denver Street Eats (Near Gate B22), Elway’s (Center Core), Etai’s (Near Gate B23), Freshëns (Near Gate B22), Jamba Juice (Mezzanine), Kabod Coffee (Near Gates B24 & B89), New Belgium Brewing (Near Gate B30), Novo Coffee (Center Core), Osteria Marco (Center Core & Mezzanine), Starbucks (Gates B32, B63, B80), Voodoo Doughnut (Mezzanine – Northeast corner)

Concourse C

Bar Dough (By C54 Gate), Barista Bot Robotic Vending (By C48 Gate – Always Open), ChoLon Modern Asian (By C62 Gate), Dazbog Coffee (Center Core), McDonald’s (Center Core), Modern Market (By C28 Gate), Mr. Oso by Señor Bear (By C54 Gate), Tapas Sky Bar (By C24 Gate), The Magic Pan (By C28 Gate)

Hotel & Transit Center

Grill & Vine (Level 5 Plaza), Sky Lounge (Level 6), Dunkin’ Donuts (Cell Phone Lot), Wendy’s (Cell Phone Lot – Limited Hours)

DEN Shopping Experience

Retail at DEN airport includes both locally made items and internationally known must-have travel items.

Concourse A

AKTIV Style (Near Gate A31), Denver Duty Free (Center Core), Denver Duty Free Kiosk (Near Gate A27), Greetings from Colorado (Center Core), Pia Collection – Hair Accessories (Near Gate A34)

Concourse B

Atomicchild (Near Gate B52), Connections (Near Gate B82), FuelRod (Various locations), High Land Mercantile (Center Core), Larimer Street Market (Near Gate B43), River North News (Near Gate B16), Soho Luxury Hair Extensions (Near Gate B51), Sunglass Hut (Center Core), Tumi (Center Core – Northwest), Ushood (Near Gate B22)

Concourse C

Björn’s Colorado Honey (Near Gate C33), Black Canyon Market & Goods (Near Gate C56), Colorado Oasis (Center Core), Hudson News (Near Gate C47), InMotion (Center Core), iStore (Near Gate C27), Kiehl’s (Center Core – Northeast), Outwest, Shinesty (Center Core), Topo Designs (Center Core)

Ground Transportation Services

Traveling to and fro the airport is hassle-free since there are plenty of options available depending on personal preferences and budget constraints.

RTD A-Line Train travels straight from the airport to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes, serving intermediate suburban stations on the way. It is considered one of the most cost-effective means of traveling to the city.

Car Rentals – There are more than ten car rental agencies in operation at DEN Airport, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, National, and Thrifty. Shuttle service to the pick-up area is provided.

Taxis – Various taxi companies that include Green Taxi Cooperative and Union Taxi Cooperative provide pick-up points. In the event of surge charges applied by Uber/Lyft, taxis are an ideal option due to their predictable pricing.

Ride-Share (Uber & Lyft) – Both providers offer dedicated pick-up/drop-off facilities, which can be verified through the respective applications.

Shared Van & Commuter Shuttles – These are best for budget travelers or those moving in a group, as these services follow specific routes.

Mountain Carriers — Shuttle providers provide regularly scheduled transport services to ski towns and mountains, enabling DEN to serve as an ideal starting point for alpine journeys.

Charters — Service providers like Dakota Bus Service and Arrow Stage Lines provide group transport services at pre-booked times, departing from specified terminal points.

Hotel Shuttles — Over 40 hotels operating in a 10-mile radius offer free transport services. Pick-up services are conducted at Level 5. Examples of hotel providers include Avid Hotel, Aloft Hotel, Cambria Suites, and Atwell Suites.

DEN Airport Contact Details

Final Thoughts

There is a good reason why Denver International Airport is considered one of the best airports in America. The one-terminal concept at DEN Airport provides a straightforward system for travelers; its concourses are full of food, shops, and lounges, and its transportation services provide easy access to both the city of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Regardless of whether you visit this airport for the very first time or fly through it frequently, some preplanning can go a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions