Your Guide To Denver International Airport

Denver is a big airport, with a huge number of airlines serving it. Whether you're going to Denver for the first time or the 51st, here are some top tips to help you get to, from and around the airport with ease.

• Denver Airport Lounge Guide

  With nine different lounges available at the airport, knowing which Concourse to head to and what's involved in getting into these facilities is key. Here's a quick guide to Denver International's airport lounges, and how you can best enjoy them.

  Denver International Airport: Which Lounges Are Available & How Can You Access Them?

• Investing In DEN - The Great Hall Project

  Key to Denver's ongoing development is the massive Great Hall project, a $1.3 billion investment that aims to change the face of the airport facilites in the main Jeppesen Terminal. Read on to find out what's happened so far, and what we can look forward to in the coming years.

  Inside Denver International Airport’s $1.3 Billion Great Hall Updates

Denver International Airport History

Denver International Airport was preceded by the mile-high city's former Stapleton International facility, which was popular with airlines due to its central location in the US. However, this popularity eventually made a new, larger airport necessary, which came about in February 1995 when Denver International opened its doors.

Soon, it will turn 28 years old. Here's the story of how it came about, and how it's grown since.

• Busting The Conspiracy Myths

  Denver International has been at the root of some of the weirdest and wildest conspiracy theories out there. From links to the Freemasons to housing lizard people in secret tunnels under the facility, the mind really does boggle when you read about some of these. We debunk some of the most popular conspiracy theories surrounding the airport here.

  Denver International Airport's Conspiracy Theories Debunked

• Top 10 Things You Might Not Know About Denver International

  Think you know DEN? Take a look at our top 10 less-known facts and see for yourself... 

  10 Things You Might Not Know About Denver International Airport

Analyzing Denver International Airport

For early 2023, Denver will be the 3rd busiest airport in the USA, and the 6th busiest in the world. We take a look at the biggest airlines operating from the airport this quarter, who has the most seats and where they'll be flying.

• The Top 10 Routes From Denver International

  Denver has 196 non-stop routes in the first three months of 2023. We take a look at the top routes by daily flights, who operates them and when.

  Denver Airport's Top 10 Routes: January to March

• The Most Used Plane Types At Denver International

  If you're booked to fly from DEN, which plane are you most likely to catch? Our analysis reveals the most used plane types from the airport in this quarter.

  These Are The Most Popular Aircraft At Denver International Airport

FAQs About Denver International Airport

Which concourse or gate is my flight going to arrive at/leave from?

This will be confirmed at check-in, but most airlines have dedicated gate areas, so you should be able to get an idea of where you'll be heading. The map below is a good guide to where airlines typically arrive and depart.

Where will I be dropped off or picked up from?

Departing passengers will be dropped off at Jeppesen Terminal, Level 6, East or West, depending upon your airline. Arriving passengers can be picked up at Jeppesen Terminal, Level 4, East or West, depending upon your airline.

How long before my flight should I arrive?

DEN recommends arriving no less than two hours before your boarding time.

Where are the security checkpoints for me?

DEN has three security checkpoint areas in the terminal to access all airlines gates: Level 5 North, Level 5 South and the A-Bridge Security Checkpoint on Level 6. The North checkpoint has facilities for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, premium travelers and standard screening; it is open from 04:00 until 19:45.

The South checkpoint has facilities for standard screening, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, and is open 24/7. The A-Bridge checkpoint only has standard screening, and is open from 04:30 until 17:45.

What can I take in my bag?

For carry on, liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and should be placed in a clear, sealed plastic bag for screening. Electronics should be removed from your carry on for screening. Checked bags must not have any explosive, flammable or otherwise hazardous materials inside. For more information, check the TSA website here.

Can I eat at the airport?

Denver International has almost 100 food and beverage outlets, from simple coffee shops to high-end restaurants. Outlets are available in the Jeppesen Terminal, on every concourse, and in the hotel and transit center. Check the full listing on the website for more information.

What can I buy at the airport?

Denver Airport has dozens of shops and retail outlets from big name brands to local craft stores. You can pick up everything from designer clothing and beautiful jewelry to artwork and typical Denver gifts and goodies. See the full listing of shops on the website here.

What else can I do at the airport?

Denver International has a variety of opportunities for fun, culture and relaxation. Check out the Colorado Oasis Spa or the A Massage store to relax and unwind before your trip, or head over to the Y-Junction Gallery at A Gates to see the latest art exhibition. Keep an eye on the Events @ DEN page too for the latest information on upcoming events and activities at the airport.

Where can I fill my water bottle at Denver Airport?

There are water filling stations on each of the three concourses, with four stations on each. Water is free, and Denver says that, each year, these fill the equivalent of 600,000 half liter plastic bottles, reducing waste and helping passengers stay hydrated.

Is there WiFi at the airport?

Yes, WiFi is fast and free throughout the airport. Connect to DEN Airport Free WiFi or DEN Airport Free WiFi 2.4 with no need to log on or watch a video to get connected. A study by Ookla last year found that Denver's WiFi had decent average download speeds of 50 Mbps.

Is there a children's play area at DEN?

There is no longer any playground at Denver, but the airport has provided some activities you can do at the airport with small travelers on its Camp DEN page of the website. It can also be great fun to ride the underground train (AGTS) while waiting for your flight - it's free! We also recommend the fabulous Smashburger for a family-friendly bite to eat, and the Kazoo and Company Toy Store for browsing all sorts of fun things.

Can I feed my baby at the airport?

For nursing mothers, DEN provides comfortable, private spaces where they can feed their babies or express. There are three nursing rooms, one at the center of each concourse, and another in the center of the Jeppesen Terminal. 

Can I travel with my pet?

You will need to consult with your airline regarding taking your pet on the flight, but as far as the airport goes, pets are made very welcome. Each concourse and the Jeppesen Terminal has a pet relief area, complete with bags and disposal containers to clean up. The indoor spaces have artificial grass and a mural of the great outdoors, as well as an artificial rock to encourage doggies to take care of business.

Can I leave my pet at the airport?

Absolutely. In fact, DEN has an on-airport pet resort, a boarding facility called Paradise 4 Paws, where dogs and cats can live the life of luxury. Pups can enjoy play areas and a bone shaped splash pool, while cats have access to an adventure jungle. Some of the dog suites even have TVs with dog-friendly programing, and the top end cat bungalows have their own aquariums!

I have reduced mobility/a disability - will DEN take care of me?

Denver Airport has multiple facilities to help those living with disabilities. For those who have low vision or are blind, the Aria wayfinding service will help you get around the airport. There is accessible parking, and the entire airport complex is accessible by wheelchair.

DEN is also a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network, meaning travelers and their companions who may need additional support can wear a sunflower lanyard to indicate their needs. Denver's Meet & Assist services can provide on the day support and guidance, but needs to be pre-booked. Be aware, this is transitioning to a paid service from the end of January, 2023.

I've lost something at the airport...

Denver's lost and found service is based in Jeppesen Terminal, East Level 1 near doors 111 and 113. Anything found in the checkpoint areas or public spaces at the airport will be taken here, and claims can be filed online with no charge.