Denver International Airport (DEN) Guide

Compiled by Travel Code with reference to information published by Denver International Airport, RTD, and the major airline alliances serving DEN.

DEN Airport Overview

Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN) is the largest airport in North America by land area and a major hub for United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Three concourses (A, B, and C) radiate from the landside Jeppesen Terminal and are linked by the 24-hour AGTS train. Expect plentiful dining and shopping airside, free unlimited Wi-Fi, and surprisingly strong art and architecture displays—most famously the “Mustang” sculpture at the entrance and the peaked canvas roof of Jeppesen.

What to Expect

• Security: Two main checkpoints—West (04:00-19:30) and South (03:00-01:00). Queues move quickly outside peak ski-season weekends.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi network “DEN Airport Free WiFi”. Speed averages 50 Mbps.
• Power: Integrated AC and USB outlets at almost every gate and most restaurants.
• 24-hour options: Hudson News convenience stores, vending machines in all concourses, and a McDonald’s in Concourse B.
• Lounges: Delta Sky Club (A), Plaza Premium/Capital One Lounge (A), multiple United Clubs (B), Centurion Lounge (C), and Admirals Club (C). Day passes are offered by Plaza Premium and United.

Sleeping in Denver Airport

Security and staff tolerate overnight stays, and the carpeted floors plus armrest-free benches make DEN one of the better U.S. airports for a nap. Concourse A’s mezzanine rest lounge has flat-bed recliners and charging outlets; Concourse B mezzanine occasionally offers cots during weather events. Bring an extra layer—temperatures hover around 18 °C at night and the overhead lighting never fully dims.

Best spots:

1. Concourse A mezzanine (north side) – purpose-built rest zone with padded loungers.
2. Gates C55-C61 – curved couches tucked away from foot traffic.
3. Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, south side – a few armrest-free benches under the pedestrian bridge.

On-Site & Nearby Hotels

The Westin Denver International Airport, connected to level 5 of Jeppesen, is the only on-site property and offers runway views, an indoor pool, and day-use rooms. Over two dozen off-site properties provide complimentary shuttles every 15-30 min; pick-up is at Level 5, Island 3.

Need more choice? Browse airport hotels hand-picked by Travel Code for price, shuttle frequency, and guest ratings.

Services & Facilities

• Drinking Water: Hydration stations at A34, B60, C32, and landside Level 6 West.
• Showers: Available inside the Centurion Lounge (C) and Plaza Premium Lounge (A).
• Luggage Storage: Currently unavailable inside DEN; alternatives include Bounce locations downtown via the A-Line train.
• Family: Twelve nursing suites, indoor pet-relief areas in every concourse, and the famous Canine Therapy Squad of 90+ dogs.
• Spa: “A Massage” on Concourse B mezzanine offers chair/table massages 07:00-21:00.

Ground Transportation

Train

The RTD A-Line connects the airport with Denver Union Station in 37 min, departing every 15-30 min. A regional day pass costs US$10.50.

Bus

RTD routes AB, AT, 104L, 145X, and 169L leave from Denver Airport Station, 03:30-01:28 daily.

Car Rental

Twelve agencies—including Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt—run 24-hour shuttles from Level 5, Island 4.

Ride Apps & Taxis

Uber and Lyft pick up at Level 5, Island 5; downtown fares average US$45-55. Metered taxis wait outside Doors 507/511; flat rate to downtown is US$72.04.

Safety & Pro Tips

1. Use a small luggage lock and keep valuables inside the sleeping bag or underclothing—petty theft has been reported landside.
2. Need to work? The landside Plaza Premium Lounge sells day passes and includes quiet workpods—ideal if you’re using Travel Code’s corporate travel service.
3. Early flyer? TSA PreCheck opens at 03:30 (South Checkpoint); CLEAR Plus operates 04:00-20:00.

Planning Your Trip with Travel Code

Use our secure portal to book flights, reserve parking, and add lounge passes in one checkout. Travel Code aggregates life fares from United, Southwest, Frontier, Delta, and more to make sure you never overpay for a last-minute hop through Denver.

Airlines Serving DEN

Major carriers include Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, British Airways, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, Turkish Airlines, United, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and WestJet.

Things to Do on a Long Layover

• Union Station: Ride the A-Line downtown, grab coffee at Mercantile Dining & Provision, and view historic Beaux-Arts architecture.
• RiNo Art District: Five-minute ride-share from Union Station for street murals and local breweries.
• Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge: 20 min by car—bison, bald eagles, and prairie dogs.

Keep This Guide Current

Spot something new or outdated? Let us know at help@travel-code.com, so future travelers can rest easier.

The information above was compiled from Denver International Airport publications, RTD schedules, lounge operators, hotel partners, and traveler feedback. All details are subject to change without notice.