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DEN · Denver, CO · Major Hub

Denver International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Denver International Airport (DEN), sourced from the airport or the operator that runs each service, with minimums from OAG data.

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On this page
  1. Map
  2. Terminals & connections
  3. Layover helper
  4. Security & TSA
  5. Lounges
  6. Amenities
  7. Ground transport
  8. Parking
  9. Can I leave?
  10. FAQ

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 1 terminal, airside-connected
  • Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
  • Arrive: 2 hr before domestic, 3 hr before international (airport's advice)
  • To Denver: about 37 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes

Map

Open in OpenStreetMap

Terminals & connections

Denver International Airport has 1 terminal. A single ticketing terminal (Jeppesen) leads to three concourses (A, B, C) via a free 24/7 underground train (AGTS). Concourse A is also reachable on foot via the A-Bridge pedestrian walkway on Level 6; Concourses B and C are train-only. The four connection times are the airport's standard (carrier-agnostic) OAG minimum connection times, cross-checked against ExpertFlyer Minimum Connect Times.

Jeppesen Terminal (single terminal, three concourses A/B/C)

7 airlines: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and more

Concourse A (international + Southwest), Concourse B (United hub), Concourse C (Southwest + others). Connected via underground train.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
30 min
Domestic to international
1 hr
International to domestic
1 hr 30 min
International to international
1 hr 30 min
Transfer system
Underground Train to Concourses (automated people mover)
Airside connected
Yes
Check your connection time at DEN

Layover helper

Find how long to plan for a connection at DEN: the official minimum connection time, plus a comfortable time of 30 minutes more, or 60 more when you clear customs or go through security again after a terminal change. Adjust trip type, terminal change, and checked-bag assumptions to match your itinerary.

Minimum connection at DEN

30min

Comfortable

60+ min

The shortest connection airlines usually sell here. Includes the walk between gates. Source: OAG

Comfortable is our guidance, not a rule.

Flying United both ways?United is a hub carrier here, with its own same-airline minimums
Both flights on United?
ConnectionUnitedAirportvs airport
Domestic → Domestic40'30'+10'
Domestic → International40'60'-20'
International → Domestic70'90'-20'
International → International60'90'-30'

United's same-airline minimums (OAG). Mixed-airline connections use the airport standard.

Based on:
Connection times are estimates. Verify with your airline.Powered by Travel VientTerms

Writing about DEN? Embed this connection time calculator on your site

Security & TSA

Security waits at DEN vary by time of day and checkpoint. Denver International Airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Check live DEN security wait times

TSA PreCheck
Available
CLEAR
Available
Global Entry
Available

Main (south) and bridge (north) security checkpoints.

Lounges

2 notable lounges at DEN, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.

United Club

Concourse B

United / Star Alliance

Access: United Club membership, Polaris Business, Star Gold

Amenities: Bar, Buffet

The Club DEN

Concourse A

Priority Pass

Access: Priority Pass, day pass, select credit cards

Amenities: Hot food, Bar

Amenities

5 of 7 core amenities available at DEN: showers, free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated very good. Dining options span 1 terminal.

Showers

Available

Premium lounges

Sleep pods

Not available

WiFi

Free (very good)

Free 5G-speed WiFi with no sign-in.

Nursing rooms

Available

All three concourses

Chapel

Available

Jeppesen Terminal level 6

Pet relief areas

Available

Pet relief areas pre- and post-security on every concourse

Dining highlights

Concourse B: Elway's, Root Down

Ground transport to Denver

DEN is about 37 min from downtown Denver by the fastest transit option.

OptionCostTime
RTD A Line
Train
Direct commuter rail from DEN to Denver Union Station; runs every 15 min.
$10about 37 min
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare
Pickup at Level 5, Island 5, on either side of the terminal.
Varies25-35 min
RTD bus SkyRide
Bus
Bus service to Boulder and other Front Range cities.
$10Varies

Parking

DEN parking ranges from $10/day economy to $35/day short-term. Official posted rates: East and West Garage $35 daily max ($7/hour on the first day), East and West Economy $20/day, Pikes Peak shuttle lot $10/day, Premium Reserve $45/day. DEN does not add taxes or fees to posted rates.

Short-term
$35/day
Long-term
$20/day
Economy
$10/day
Valet
$45/day

Can I leave DEN during a layover?

With a 3-hour layover, stay inside DEN. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Denver. Round-trip to the city center is about 1 hr 14 min plus re-screening on return.

5+ hour layovers can visit Union Station and LoDo via the RTD A Line (37 min each way, $10 one-way).

Overnight layover hotels

  • The Westin Denver International Airport
    On-airport
    $$$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at DEN?

Denver International Airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint, so add buffer at busy times.

What is the minimum connection time at DEN?

DEN requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. All gates at DEN are in one terminal. An international arrival clears customs at DEN before connecting.

Can I leave DEN during a 6-hour layover?

With 3 hours you should stay inside DEN. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. Round-trip to the city center is about 74 minutes plus re-screening. 5+ hour layovers can visit Union Station and LoDo via the RTD A Line (37 min each way, $10 one-way).

Does DEN have showers?

Yes, DEN has showers at Premium lounges.

Does DEN have sleep pods?

DEN does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.

Is WiFi free at DEN?

Yes. DEN offers free WiFi throughout the airport. Free 5G-speed WiFi with no sign-in.

What is the cheapest way to get from DEN to Denver?

The cheapest option is typically RTD A Line at $10, taking about 37 minutes. Direct commuter rail from DEN to Denver Union Station; runs every 15 min.

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at DEN?

DEN supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint, and DEN posts live wait times on its website. Main (south) and bridge (north) security checkpoints.

Where should I eat at DEN during a layover?

Notable dining at DEN includes Elway's (Concourse B), Root Down (Concourse B).

How much does parking cost at DEN?

DEN parking rates: $35/day short-term, $20/day long-term, $10/day economy, $45/day valet. Official posted rates: East and West Garage $35 daily max ($7/hour on the first day), East and West Economy $20/day, Pikes Peak shuttle lot $10/day, Premium Reserve $45/day. DEN does not add taxes or fees to posted rates.

Is there a hotel at DEN for overnight layovers?

Yes. The Westin Denver International Airport is on-airport (On-airport) in the $$$ price band. This is the easiest option for overnight layovers or early-morning departures since you can reach the terminal on foot without a shuttle or rideshare.

Are there pet relief areas at DEN?

Yes. Pet relief areas pre- and post-security on every concourse.

Is there a chapel or prayer room at DEN?

Yes. Jeppesen Terminal level 6.

Compare DEN to other airports

See how DEN ranks against the other 111 airports in our dataset.

Best for layoversDEN is workable for 6h+ layoversWith sleep podsSee which airports offer capsule hotels and nap roomsShortest MCTDEN dom-to-dom: 30 min · intl-to-dom: 1 hr 30 min

More on Denver and DEN

Go deeper on connecting through DEN and on visiting Denver.

Airlines operating at DEN

Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of DEN.

Pack for your Denver trip

Destination packing lists for cities served by DEN.

Compare other airports

Sources & verification

Connection times, security, ground transport and parking verified Oct 2026 against the sources above. Amenities, lounges and nearby hotels without a listed source are not yet verified. Always confirm with Denver International Airport before flying.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.