Airport Overview
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the fifth busiest airport in the United States and one of the largest in the world by total land area, covering approximately 53 square miles on the high plains northeast of Denver. The airport serves around 77 million passengers annually and acts as a major hub for United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. DEN is located 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver at an elevation of 5,431 feet above sea level — the highest elevation of any major commercial airport in the United States.
The airport is immediately recognizable for its sweeping white Teflon-coated fiberglass roof, designed to evoke the snow-capped Rocky Mountains visible to the west. DEN opened in 1995 and remains Colorado's single largest economic engine. The airport is undergoing a major Great Hall renovation project that will modernize the main Jeppesen Terminal, expand security checkpoints, and add new amenities throughout the landside and airside areas.
Terminals
DEN consists of the Jeppesen Terminal (the iconic tent-like main building) connected to three concourses — A, B, and C — via underground automated trains called the Underground Concourse Level (UCL) people mover.
- Concourse A: United Airlines mainline and United Express regional operations; international arrivals and departures; some international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Canada; Gates A1–A48
- Concourse B: The largest concourse; United Airlines domestic, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and several others; Gates B1–B99
- Concourse C: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and other domestic carriers; Gates C1–C48
WiFi Availability
Denver International Airport offers free, unlimited WiFi throughout the Jeppesen Terminal and all three concourses under the network name "DEN Free WiFi." Connect by selecting the network and accepting the usage agreement — no registration or time limits required. Signal strength is generally strong throughout the facility. For faster speeds, Boingo Wireless premium plans are available. Charging stations are abundant in all concourses.
Transport to City Center
University of Colorado A Line (Rail)
The RTD (Regional Transportation District) University of Colorado A Line commuter rail provides the fastest and most reliable connection between DEN and downtown Denver. The train departs from Denver International Airport Station (located on Level 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal) and arrives at Denver Union Station in approximately 37 minutes. The fare is $10.50 one-way. Trains run every 15–30 minutes from approximately 3:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
Bus Services
RTD buses serve the airport from the Ground Transportation Center on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal Parking Structure. SkyRide buses provide connections to various Denver metro destinations. Private shuttle companies including Groome Transportation offer door-to-door service throughout the Denver metro area.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) pick up at the Level 5 Commercial Vehicle Exit of the Jeppesen Terminal. A taxi to downtown Denver typically costs $55–$75 and takes 40–55 minutes. Rideshare fares to downtown run $35–$55. Traffic on I-70 and Peña Boulevard can be heavy during weekday rush hours.
Airport Lounges
DEN has grown its lounge offerings substantially in recent years, with United operating multiple clubs and independent lounge options available.
- United Club – Concourse A, Gate A35: United's flagship Denver lounge for Premier status members and United Club cardholders
- United Club – Concourse B, Gate B84: Second United Club location in the massive Concourse B
- The Centurion Lounge – Concourse C: American Express Centurion Lounge with a locally inspired Colorado menu and full bar
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Concourse C: For AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Admirals Club members
- Club Denver – Concourse B: Priority Pass lounge with food, beverages, and complimentary WiFi; day passes also available
Hotels Near the Airport
Several hotels are located on or near the DEN campus, with shuttle services widely available from the Ground Transportation Center.
- Westin Denver International Airport: The only on-airport hotel, connected directly to the Jeppesen Terminal via a walkway on Level 6 — no shuttle needed; stunning mountain views from upper floors
- Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center: Massive luxury resort 3 miles from the airport with a waterpark and complimentary shuttle
- Marriott Denver Airport at Gateway Park: Complimentary shuttle, full-service restaurant, about 5 minutes from DEN
- Hyatt Place Denver Airport: Budget-friendly option 4 miles from the terminal with complimentary shuttle and breakfast
- Hilton Denver Airport: Connected to the Westin via a sky bridge, also with direct terminal access
Food and Restaurants
DEN has invested heavily in its food program, featuring Colorado craft beers, local farm-to-table concepts, and a wide range of dining options across all concourses.
- Root Down DIA (Concourse C): Denver's celebrated farm-to-table restaurant with a menu that changes seasonally and an excellent selection of Colorado craft cocktails
- Elway's (Concourse B): Denver Bronco legend John Elway's steakhouse concept offering Colorado beef, chops, and an extensive wine list
- Modern Market (Concourse A): Colorado-born health-focused fast casual concept with real-ingredient bowls, sandwiches, and craft beverages
- Que Bueno! (Concourse B): Colorado-Mexican fusion with authentic green chile, burritos, and Mexican street tacos
- New Belgium Hub (Concourse B): Fort Collins-based craft brewery with a full tap list and Colorado-inspired bites
- Starbucks (Multiple concourses): Available in Concourses A, B, and C
Travel Tips
- Arrive 2.5 hours early for domestic flights and 3.5 hours for international — DEN's Great Hall renovation has temporarily reduced security lane capacity, causing longer-than-usual wait times.
- TSA PreCheck is available at all main security checkpoints; CLEAR kiosks are located at Jeppesen Terminal entry points.
- The UC A Line train to Denver Union Station is significantly faster and cheaper than any taxi or rideshare during peak traffic hours on I-70.
- DEN's elevation (5,431 ft) means aircraft may experience longer takeoff rolls in summer — allow for potential delays, especially on hot August days.
- Winter weather is a serious consideration: DEN has some of the world's most advanced snow-removal systems but major blizzards can still cause extensive delays. Check forecasts before traveling November through April.
- The Westin Denver Airport hotel is directly connected to the terminal — it's an excellent choice for very early morning departures.
- Economy and hourly parking are available at the Parking Garage; reserve online for better rates than walk-up pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Denver Airport to downtown Denver?
The RTD University of Colorado A Line train is the best option, taking 37 minutes from the airport to Denver Union Station for $10.50. Taxis cost $55–$75 and rideshare runs $35–$55. The train departs directly from Level 1 of the Jeppesen Terminal and is significantly faster than road transport during rush hour.
Is WiFi free at Denver International Airport?
Yes, DEN offers free unlimited WiFi via the "DEN Free WiFi" network throughout all terminals and concourses. No registration or time limits apply. Premium Boingo Wireless is available for faster speeds. Charging stations are plentiful at all gate areas.
What is the underground train at Denver Airport?
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is an automated people mover connecting the Jeppesen Terminal with Concourses A, B, and C underground. It runs every 2 minutes, 24 hours a day, and is free to use. Walking between the terminal and concourses is not possible — all passengers must use the train to reach their gates.
Does Denver Airport have a Priority Pass lounge?
Yes — Club Denver in Concourse B accepts Priority Pass memberships. Day passes can also be purchased at the door. The Centurion Lounge in Concourse C is available to eligible American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders but does not accept standalone Priority Pass.