Denver International Airport [DEN] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: May 1, 2020

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Denver International Airport (DEN) is the fifth busiest airport in the U.S. based on 2018 passenger numbers.

As the gateway to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the airport was designed with a distinctive roof canopy that mirrors the distant snow-capped peaks.

DEN acts as a major hub for United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, with each airline dominating 1 of the 3 concourses.

Quick Information

Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Terminals: 1 main terminal with 3 Concourses: A, B, and C
Airport Address: 8500 Peña Blvd., Denver, CO 80249
Distance from downtown Denver: Approximately 25 miles (40 km)
Website: flydenver.com
Phone Number: 800-247-2336
Destinations Served: 160 domestic, 26 international
Number of Daily Flights: 1,600
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

Airlines Operating from DEN

Terminal East

Terminal West

DEN Airport Terminals

DEN consists of the Jeppesen Terminal and Concourses A, B, and C, which are stacked above each other in a clear layout.

Jeppesen Terminal houses check-in facilities, security check-points, customs, immigration, and baggage claim, while the concourses are where the departure gates are based.

The east and west sides of the terminal have airline check-in desks and baggage claim, split between the two areas. There are also separate east and west side parking garages, road access, and ground transportation services depending on which airline you are flying and it’s corresponding side.

Jeppesen Terminal

The main terminal has 6 floors with levels 1-4 mostly consisting of parking facilities. Level 5 has some shops and restaurants, baggage claim, and the south and north security checkpoints.

Level 6 has the upper road system for passenger drop-off, check-in facilities, a food court, and access to a pedestrian bridge to Concourse A.

Concourse A

Concourse A has 49 gates numbered A26-A40, A41A, A41B, A42-A66, A71, A73, A75, A77-A79, and A81.

Concourse A is connected to the Jeppesen Terminal via a pedestrian bridge that offers excellent views of the airplanes as they move around the departure gates. Alternatively, the Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS — detailed later in this article) also connects Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse A.

All international flights depart from Concourse A, and there are moving walkways in the pedestrian bridge and around the gates for quicker connections.

Concourse B

Unlike Concourse A, Concourse B cannot be reached via any walkways. The concourse is only accessible by riding the AGTS from Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.

Concourse B has 75 gates numbered B11, B14-B29, B31, B32A, B32B, B33-B37, B38A, B38B, B41, B42A, B42B, B43-B61, B63, B65, B67, B69, B71, B73, B75, B77, B79, and B80-B95.

Concourse B is used exclusively by United Airlines, with 2 United Club lounges at either end of the concourse and lots of shops and restaurants.

Concourse C

Concourse C has 29 gates numbered C23-C51 and a good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Concourse C is accessible only by riding the AGTS from Jeppesen Terminal or Concourse A.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Automatic Guideway Transit System

The Automatic Guideway Transit System (AGTS) is a free underground train service that runs between Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse C, stopping at Concourses A and B in between.

The train system is within the secure area of the airport, so you must pass through a security checkpoint before you can use the service.

Each concourse has its own station located on level B, with the departure gates situated on the upper levels. Within Jeppesen Terminal, the AGTS is located in the main hall on level 4, and it takes around 6 minutes from the terminal to the furthest point of Concourse C.

Walking

You can reach Concourse A by foot from Jeppesen Terminal through the pedestrian walkway located at the north end of the terminal. Moving walkways are stationed along the bridge.

Security and Customs at DEN

DEN has 3 security checkpoints located in the Jeppesen Terminal:

• A Bridge is just before the pedestrian bridge to Concourse A on level 6. Open 4:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Terminal North is at the northern end of the terminal on level 5 (access to the AGTS). Open 4 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Terminal South is at the southern end of the terminal on level 5 (access to the AGTS). Open 24 hours.

Security wait times are available on the airport’s interactive map or their security page.

If arriving on an international flight, passengers are required to pass through immigration and customs located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal.

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the north and south security checkpoints. If you’re eligible, then you can utilize this service for expedited security clearance.

DEN has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in Jeppesen Terminal on Level 5, so you can submit your application online and arrange an interview the next time you’re passing through DEN airport.

Global Entry

There are Global Entry kiosks at DEN for eligible passengers who have enrolled in the program. If you have submitted your application and need to arrange an interview, then DEN has a Global Entry Enrollment Center inside Jeppesen Terminal.

The airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, so if you are conditionally approved, you can complete your interview at DEN without the need to make an appointment.

Hot Tip: Have more questions about Global Entry? Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions about Global Entry along with our expert answers to help. 

Mobile Passport

DEN accepts Mobile Passport Control for passengers entering the U.S. from an international flight.

For faster processing, complete the “new trip” section within the app on arrival at DEN and present your electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

There are dedicated CLEAR Security Program lanes at the north and south security checkpoints for expedited security clearance. These are open daily 4:30 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. (north) and 4:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (south).

DEN Airport Lounges

DEN has 4 airline lounges and a USO lounge for active military. 2 of the lounges offer day passes while the Delta Sky Club is exclusively for premium cabin passengers or eligible frequent flyer members.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Want access to lounges without paying the day-pass fee? Here are the best personal and business credit cards for complimentary lounge access to avoid entry fees to airport lounges.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass holders can use their membership to receive a discount at:

• Timberline Steaks and Grille: Open daily 6 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., located at C Gates

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships as well as the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at DEN

DEN has 79 open restaurants, cafes, and food stations. With the current closure of the food court in Jeppesen Terminal, most are located within the concourses once you’ve cleared security, so you can relax and grab a bite before your flight.

See the range of restaurants available and their locations on the airport website.

DEN Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

There is free Wi-Fi available throughout Denver International Airport and you can connect by selecting “DEN Airport Free WiFi” from your available connections. No registration or advert viewing is required, which is great for passengers needing to log on quickly!

Charging Stations: Hundreds of charging stations are located throughout Jeppesen Terminal and the 3 concourses.

Hot Tip: Not every airport has free Wi-Fi, so you may want to bring your own when not flying through DEN. Here are the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots so you’re never disconnected!

DEN Airport Lost and Found

DEN has a lost and found office located in Jeppesen Terminal, on Level 5 near international arrivals. Items lost within the public areas of the airport will be sent here for collection, and a claim can be submitted in person, online, or by calling 303-342-4062.

Items lost on an airplane or at a departure gate must contact the relevant airline, and items lost in a shop, restaurant, or other business must contact the business directly.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

DEN has white courtesy telephones located throughout the airport where passengers can dial 2000 for customer service assistance. Information booths are also located around the airport for details on services and facilities.

Children’s Play Areas

The Admirals Club in Concourse A has a children’s play area for lounge customers only. Unfortunately, DEN doesn’t rank as one of the top 10 kid-friendly U.S. airports.

Baby Facilities

DEN has a dedicated nursing room within each concourse. These are located at:

• Concourse A in the center of the concourse near Denver Duty Free
• Concourse B in the center of the concourse near Tuleh Ruche
• Concourse C in the center of the concourse near Einstein Bros. Bagels

Traveling with a Pet

DEN ranks as one of the top 10 pet-friendly U.S. airports, so DEN has a lot to offer your furry friend when flying.

Pet relief areas can be found at the following locations:

• Jeppesen Terminal at level 2, outside door 200 on the north-west side of the terminal
• Concourse A in the center of the concourse near A Massage and the U.S. Mail Drop
• Concourse B in the center of the concourse near World Wide Money Exchange and the U.S. Mail Drop
• Concourse C in the center of the concourse near Way Out West and the U.S. Mail Drop

DEN is the only domestic airport to offer on-site boarding for pets. Facilities at this pet resort include flat-screen TVs with dog-friendly programs, a bone-shaped swimming pool, and pet massage therapy.

DEN also has the “Canine Airport Therapy Squad,” where over 100 dogs (and 1 cat) roam the airport for petting, hugs, and photos with passengers.

Duty Free

DEN has 3 duty-free shops located in the Concourse B mezzanine and near gate B31, and Concourse A in the central area.

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are located outside of Jeppesen Terminal:

West Side

• • Level 4 outside doors 400 and 416
  • Level 5 outside doors 500 and 516
  • Level 6 outside door 616

East Side

• • Level 4 outside doors 401 and 417
  • Level 5 outside doors 501 and 517
  • Level 6 outside doors 601 and 617

Prayer

There is an interfaith chapel and prayer hall located at the east side of Jeppesen Terminal on Level 6.

Money

ATMs can be found throughout Jeppesen Terminal and the 3 concourses. Currency exchange services are located in the center of Concourses A and B, and in Jeppesen Terminal outside of international arrivals on Level 5.

Luggage Storage

There are no luggage storage facilities at DEN.

Important DEN Phone Numbers

General Inquiries (phone): 303-342-2000 or 800-247-2336

General Inquiries (text): 720-370-9002

Ground Transportation: 303-342-4059

Parking: 303-342-7275

Travel To and From DEN

Transport Options

Train

The A Line Commuter Train is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), connecting DEN to downtown’s Denver Union Station in 37 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak (3 a.m. – 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.) The cost is $10.50 for an unlimited ride day ticket on the A Line.

Buses

RTD Bus: Public buses operate from the DEN Transit Center on level 1 of Jeppesen Terminal. The airport is served by routes AA, AB, AT, 145X, and 169L, operating approximately 3:30 a.m. to midnight. The cost is $9 for a one day ticket.

Charter Bus Services: Pick-up is from level 5, island 3 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside doors 511-513 (east) and 504-506 (west). There is a selection of companies on the airport’s website that will transport you within Colorado and beyond.

Bustang® Service: This inter-regional bus service is operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation and carries passengers to/from Denver Union Station where they can then pick-up the A Line Commuter Train to the airport.

Shuttle

Passengers can book shared ride and private ride shuttles. These depart from Level 5, Island 5 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside doors 505-507 (east) and 510-512 (west).

Ski Resort Transfers

Prearranged mountain carriers operate from Level 5, Island 1 with several companies transporting passengers to Colorado’s ski resorts.

Taxi

You can pick up a taxi from Level 1, Island 1 of Jeppesen Terminal (both east and west sides). You can arrange a metered journey or flat ride fare to some of Denver’s most popular destinations, including downtown, for just over $55.

Limousines

Limousines can be pre-booked with these approved companies on the airport’s website. If you are expecting a pick-up from DEN, then you need to visit the booth on Level 5, Island 2 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside doors 505-507 and 511-513 (east), and 504-506 and 510-512 (west).

Ride Services

Uber and Lyft drivers are permitted to pick-up and drop-off on Level 6 of Jeppesen Terminal, outside doors 615 and 617 on the east side, and doors 600 and 602 on the west side.

Directions by Car to DEN

Arriving From Downtown Denver

Take I-25 North and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 214A for I-70 towards Airport/Limon/Grand Junction. Keep right at the fork for I-70 East/Limon and merge onto I-70 East. Keep right at the fork to continue on Peña Boulevard and follow signs for Denver International Airport. As you approach the airport, follow signs for Terminal East or Terminal West depending on your airline.

Arriving From Colorado Springs (South)

Take I-25 North to exit 194 for CO-470 towards Grand Junction/Limon. Keep right at the fork onto E-470 North and take exit 28A for Peña Boulevard East towards Denver International Airport. Merge onto Peña Boulevard and follow signs for Terminal East or Terminal West depending on your airline.

Arriving From Fort Collins (North)

Take I-25 South and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 228 onto the E-470 South towards Limon. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 28 for Peña Boulevard East and keep right at the fork to continue on exit 28A. Keep left at the next fork and merge onto Peña Boulevard where you can follow signs to Terminal East or Terminal West depending on your airline.

DEN Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

LEN has over 44,000 parking spaces on airport property, and you can choose from convenient short-term parking lots adjacent to Jeppesen Terminal or more cost-effective long-term options.

Short-Term Parking

Short-term garage parking is available within the east and west parking garages with the quickest access to Jeppesen Terminal. Parking is located on Level 4 arrivals — convenient for picking up passengers — and costs $5 per hour or $120 per day.

Long-Term Parking

• Garage parking is in the same east and west garages adjacent to Jeppesen Terminal, occupying the other 5 levels within the garage. This option costs $4 per day or $25 per day.
• Valet parking is available in the east and west parking garages on level 4 arrivals.
• Economy parking can be found east and west of Jeppesen Terminal. The parking lot is a 5-10 minute walk or 5-7 minute shuttle from the terminal with parking fees at $4 per hour or $16 per day.
• Shuttle parking is available at Pikes Peak (closed until November 2019) and Mt. Elbert parking lots. Both parking lots cost $2 per hour or $8 per day and are a 7-10 minute shuttle ride from the terminal.
• 61st and Peña is another long-term parking lot situated further out than the other lots. Parking costs just $2 per 12 hours or $4 per day and must be pre-paid. No shuttles run to/from this parking lot to the terminal, so passengers must ride the A Line Commuter Train at the cost of $10.50 (11 minute journey).

Hot Tip: DEN offers a free bag drop service for passengers parking in the shuttle parking lots and traveling on domestic flights with United, Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines. Drive up, bag drop, and check-in from the comfort of your car, before traveling to the terminal luggage-free. 

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot is located around 3 miles from Jeppesen Terminal, offering free parking to friends/family picking up passengers from the airport. No waiting is permitted curbside at the terminal so vehicles can wait in the cell phone waiting lot until the passenger is ready to be picked up.

The parking lot has free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and entertainment facilities for children.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots can offer cheap alternatives to official airport parking with prices starting from $5 per day for DEN.

These external parking lots and hotels operate their own shuttle service to/from the airport and can be booked at airportparkingreservations.com, or similar third-party booking sites.

Parking for Passengers with Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers can be found in all airport-owned parking lots, closest to the entry/exit points of each lot (excluding level 3 of the east and west side garages).

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 303-342-7275

Car Rental at DEN Airport

Car rental services are available on airport property, with most offices on East 78th Avenue. Car rental shuttles run between the terminal (east and west sides, level 5) to the location of the car rental company. The following companies operate from DEN:

• Advantage: 720-324-2260
• Alamo: 877-222-9075
• Avis: 303-342-5500
• Budget: 303-342-9001
• Dollar: 303-317-0598
• E-Z Rent-A Car: 800-277-5171
• Enterprise: 800-261-7331
• Fox: 800-225-4369
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National Car Rental: 877-222-9058
• Payless: 303-342-9444
• Thrifty: 800-367-2277

Hot Tip: Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental company. 

DEN Airport Hotels

Most of Denver International Airport’s hotels are located 4-6 miles from the terminal, with most offering a courtesy shuttle service. The only exception is the 4-star Westin Denver International Airport Hotel that is based at the south end of Jeppesen Terminal.

Other hotels range from 2- to 5-stars, catering for a range of budgets. View a list of popular Denver International Airport hotels below, ordered in distance from the airport.

DEN Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Located just next to the Jeppesen Terminal, the Westin boasts over 37,500 square feet of event space as well as an indoor pool. The property has 519 soundproofed guest rooms with views of the airport or mountain and prairie vistas. The Westin also features a lounge for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, along with great dining options for all guests. The Westin is a Category 6 Marriott hotel with free nights starting at 40,000 points on off-peak nights, 50,000 points on standard nights, and 60,000 points on peak nights.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport offers guests an indoor pool and spa tub, a restaurant, and a bar. You can save yourself some money by enjoying their complimentary breakfast and airport shuttle. Keep in mind that Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but on average an award night will cost around 50,000 Hilton points.

The Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center features an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and a free airport shuttle are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a spa tub, and a conference center are onsite. Relatively speaking, the Crowne Plaza is a real bargain at just 25,000 IHG points per night.

Final Thoughts

DEN’s Great Hall is currently going through a renovation project, with the center of Jeppesen Terminal inaccessible to passengers. This has closed the food court, limiting the restaurant options outside of the secure area, but passengers have plenty of choice at their departure concourse.

All security checkpoints and check-in desks are operating as usual, but the airport is recommending that passengers arrive on the east or west side applicable for their airline, as navigating the terminal can take a little longer than usual.