The Essential Denver Airport Guide Before You Fly

Denver International Airport spans approximately 53 square miles, making it the largest airport in North America. In 2025, it was the fourth busiest airport in the United States, with a passenger traffic of 82.4 million. The airport is home to one terminal, Jeppesen Terminal, featuring a large white structure with a roof of interconnected tent-like design inspired by the rocky mountains. 

Denver is a main transportation hub for the passengers traveling to the Rocky Mountains and the Interior West of the United States. DEN offers Interstate 70 West and a regional shuttle network to the world-class mountains, including Vail, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Aspen.

I have been through DEN multiple times on a ski-trip layover, routine connecting flights, and sometimes an overnight stay due to a missed flight. I was surprised by the sheer size of the Jeppesen terminal; the distance between check-in and a gate on Concourse C can take longer than expected. Also, the airport is situated a mile above sea level, which makes you feel the thinner air. In this guide, I have shared the real information that you need in order to get through DEN, including transportation, parking, security clearance, and more. 

Denver International Airport: Key Facts

Where Is Denver International Airport and How to Get There

Denver International Airport is located outside the city, roughly 25 miles northwest of Downtown Denver. The distance is real, and so is the traffic, so always buy some extra time to successfully reach the airport on time. You have plenty of transportation options to choose from, including public transportation for affordability to private options for convenience. 

Denver Airport Parking Rates

I rarely use public transport and instead drive my own vehicle to the airport. If you are also among the ones who have brought their own car, knowing the parking scene becomes highly important for you. Here are the Denver Airport parking options: 

• Garage parking (East/West): It is closest to the terminal and costs $7/hour and $35/maximum per day rate. Also, the EV charging is available. 

• Economy parking (East/West): A budget-friendly parking option costs just $20 for a full day. Free shuttle runs every 10 minutes from parking to the terminal. 

• Premium reserve: Book your spot for $45 in advance and guarantee a spot. The entry & exit is fully automated via QR code and received via the confirmation email. 

• Short term parking:  Located just 5 minutes' walking from the terminal. It would cost you $7/hour, and the maximum full-day rate is $168. 

• Cell phone lot: 

Pro-tip: If you are parking for two days or more, the 61st and Pena (parking options at the RTD A Line train) turn out to be cheaper than the garage. It features 800 parking spaces with EV charging on Level 1 and would cost you just $8/day. A two-day garage Denver Airport parking rates would cost you more than a train round trip combined with the parking charges. 

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Terminals and Concourses at Denver International Airport

Jeppesen Terminal is the only terminal at Denver International Airport. It’s split into the east side and the west side, so you must check the departure gate to decide which side of the entrance to use at the airport. To facilitate the operations, the terminal is further divided into three sections—Concourse A, B & C. These three concourses are interconnected to each other via an underground train (Automated Guideway Transit System) that runs 24 hours a day. The train easily covers the distance from Concourse A to Concourse C (farthest concourse) in just 10 minutes. 

Concourse A 

Concourse A is closest to the Jeppesen terminal, and it serves as a main hub for both domestic and international flights. It is the only terminal that is directly connected to the main Jeppesen terminal through a covered pedestrian skybridge. This concourse handles the international arrivals and customs at level 4.  

Airlines operating from Concourse A 

• Frontier Airlines (operating base)

• Lufthansa

• British Airways

• Air France

• Icelandair 

• Aer Lingus

• Aeroméxico

• Volaris

• Copa Airlines

• Sun Country Airlines

• WestJet

• JetBlue Airways

• American Airlines

Concourse B

Concourse B is the largest and the most busy concourse of DEN Airport. It spans approximately half a mile, but it can be only accessed via the automated underground train from Jeppesen terminal and other concourses. It has 72 gates in total, including the four double jetways. 

Airlines operating from Concourse B

• Concourse B is solely used by United Airlines for its domestic and international flights. 

Concourse C

Concourse C is located farthest from the Jeppesen terminal and can be reached only through the AGTS Train (Automated Guideway Transit System), which runs every 2 to 3 minutes. It has 47 gates and may seem smaller, but it stretches both ways, and walking to any end from the center can easily take 10 to 15 minutes.  

Airlines operating from Concourse C

• Southwest Airlines (operating base) 

• American Airlines (only domestic flights)

• Alaska Airlines

• Contour Airlines

Pro-tip: If you are departing from Concourse A, then you can skip the train ride and take the covered walkway to enjoy the view of the mountains and also avoid the crowd at the AGTS station, especially during the peak season. 

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Denver Airport is the largest airport in North America, and being a little prepared before the trip facilitates you on the trip and helps you to navigate easily. Here are a few things that will help you in the journey: 

• Always confirm the terminal side (East or West) and the concourse of the airline to avoid the hassle at the last minute and reach the departure gate on time. 

• You must reach the airport at least 2 hours and 3 hours before a domestic and international flight. However, I suggest you buy some extra time, as walking up the gate can take longer than expected. 

• You must download the DEN mobile app to check the flight status and know the security wait times. 

• Download the interactive Denver Airport map to navigate the shop, restaurants, concourse, ground transportation, and departure gate. 

• Drink enough water before and during the visit to hydrate yourself properly. It is because DEN is built 5,434 feet above sea level, and thus, the thinner air can cause mild headaches and fatigue. 

• You must keep some changeable clothes, as the Denver Airport weather is unpredictable and a summer can turn into a snow squall. 

• Prebook your parking space online to guarantee a spot, and it is always cheaper than the drive-up rate. 

• If you are a frequent flyer, then you must enroll in the TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to speed up the process of security check. 

Denver International Airport Lounges Options

DEN features exclusive lounges to facilitate the travelers' relaxation before a flight. These lounges are equipped with facilities and amenities that provide a luxury experience to travelers. The airport features both individual airlines and independent lounges that can be accessed by the eligible cardholders or by paying the hourly charges. The Denver airport lounges are built on Level 4.

United Club - Concourse B

United Club is located in three different locations at the Denver Airport. Travelers with United Club membership, eligible premium cabin passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and select United credit cardholders can access the lounge. 

• United Club A Gates West (Near Gate A-25, Mezzanine Level): Located after the security, span across 24,000 square feet, features two premium bars and 400 seating capacity. 

• United Club B Gates East (Near Gate B-44, Mezzanine Level): With 35,000 square feet, it is the largest lounge in the United Club and has 600 seats across three levels. 

• United Club B Gates West (Near Gate B-32, Mezzanine Level): The lounge is spread in 33,000 square feet and features buffer-style dining and two premium bars. 

American Airlines Admirals Club - Concourse C

The lounge is located near gate C-30, the mezzanine level, and remains open between 4:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. You will be provided with a personal computer, which has an internet connection via free Wi-Fi, and a conference room for your peace of mind or meetings. You can also buy food; their chefs will cook on demand. 

Delta Sky Club - Concourse A 

If you want to access the Delta Sky Club, avoid the train and walk to the end of the Concourse A Bridge and take the elevator and reach Level 4. You can select the food from a wide range of options and get complimentary Wi-Fi and drinks. The lounge opens at 4:15 am and closes at 12:15 am daily. 

Capital One Lounge—Near Gate A-34

This is an independent lounge, also known as Plaza Premium Lounge, that offers a VIP experience to its guests. It opens at 5:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm every day, and you do not require any card or premium cabin booking to access the facilities of this premium Denver airport lounge. You can purchase the day pass for $90 and quite room, bar, shower area, relaxation space, and more. 

American Express Centurion Lounge - Near Gate C46

The lounge is built in 14,000 square feet, including the local menu and beers. The Platinum Card Members, Centurion Members, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members are eligible to access the benefits of the lounge for free. It does not sell the day passes.  

Pro-tip: If you have a short layover, the Rest & Recharge area is located in the A gates on Level 3 (mezzanine), near the north side after clearing the security. This area is equipped with recliners and comfortable seating and is free to use. 

Security Clearance Options at Denver International Airport

There are three security checkpoints at DEN and understanding which one to use will save time. TSA PreCheck maintains a few standard lanes while primarily having a dedicated lane for TSA PreCheck with a CLEAR+ lane and a Premium/Premier Traveler lane at the North Security Checkpoint (Level 6). The South Security Checkpoint (Level 6) is DEN's primary standard screening checkpoint and, in addition to a limited number of PreCheck lanes, there is a CLEAR lane at this checkpoint as well. The checkpoint is open 24/7. The A-Bridge Security Checkpoint is for standard travellers who are going straight to Concourse A and operates for a shorter period during the day.

The Global Entry application center is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, next to the north side of the building's international arrivals area, where travelers who have registered for Global Entry will be asked to check in.

Where to Stay: Hotels In and Near Denver International Airport

If you have an early flight or long layover before your connecting flight, then DEN Airport has one hotel that is directly connected to the Jeppesen Terminal. Additionally, there are more hotels nearby DEN Airport, which are affordable and provide free shuttles. 

On Airport Property

The Westin Denver International Airport: This is the only hotel that is located inside the Denver Airport. It is just a few steps away from the main terminal, near the DEN transit center. It is a full-service hotel and closes the security checkpoints and check-in counter. If you are ready to spend a little more for the convenience, then this is a great choice. 

Hotels Near Denver Airport with Free Airport Shuttle

Spending too much for a night or short layover is never a wise decision. If you are someone like me, who always searches for cheap yet comfortable space to spend a night, then here is a list of affordable hotels near Denver Airport that even provide a free shuttle for pickup and drop-off from the airport. 

These hotels are luxury or offer fancy services, but they are straightforward, budget-friendly properties. However, it all comes with decent services and clean rooms and good enough to sleep before or after the flight. 

Digital and Physical Amenities at DEN

• Free Wi-Fi: Denver Airport provides free Wi-Fi across the three concourses. To access the Wi-Fi, you need to open the phone’s Wi-Fi and connect to the “DEN Airport Free WiFi.” You do not require login or registration to use the Wi-Fi.

• Charging station: There are 10,000 plug-in points across all three concourses. 

• Nursing rooms: You will find the nursing rooms post-security of all three concourses, A, B, & C, near the gates A19, A27, B11, B65, C55, and C61, and one is available at Level 5, inside the women’s restroom. 

• Pet relief areas: There is an indoor pet relief area available inside each concourse and one outside the Jeppesen terminal. 

• Interfaith Chapel and Prayer Hall: The interfaith chappel and Masjid are located on Level 5 East, near the baggage claim. It remains open between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm on all seven days of the week. 

• Water bottle refill stations: You can easily find the water bottle refill stations across the Jeppesen Terminal. 

• Luggage storage: It is available on Level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal. You can store your luggage and move around the concourses and terminal while waiting for your flight. 

• DEN Plaza: The 82,000-square-foot open-air plaza is built between the Jeppesen terminal and the Westin hotel. This area opens in summer and has various activities for travelers. 

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Tips for a Smooth Trip Through DEN

• The AGTS train can sometimes take longer than expected; therefore, you must allow some extra time for the train ride, especially if you are boarding from Concourse B & C.

• If you are not a TSA PreCheck member, then you should use the South Security Checkpoint. These have more standard lanes than North checkpoints, and thus you might complete the process earlier.

• Before you enter the Jeppesen terminal, make sure to confirm the side (East or West) of your flight, because it’s a big terminal and the distance between the two sides can be miles. 

• Make sure to consult the weather forecast on the night before a winter trip, as storms can take to the skies and impact flights and ground travel in the plains of Denver in an instant.

Conclusion 

A little planning pays off at Denver International Airport. But after you get to grips with its layout; one terminal, three concourses, and a train that connects them, it's quite a manageable airport to navigate at nearly 82 million passengers annually. Once you know which concourse your airline uses, you can select the appropriate security checkpoint for your needs and allow a few extra minutes for the distances involved, and DEN becomes a breeze. Whether you have to catch an early flight or get a spot in a lounge before a long-haul flight, all it requires is a little preparation to make it through the Mile High City airport without incident.