Denver International Airport (DEN): A Complete Passenger Handbook

Are you planning a layover at DEN Airport? Then, give this guide a quick scroll to get the full scoop on DEN before you even head to the airport. Denver International Airport is a major international airport located in the Western United States. In fact, it is one of the world’s largest and busiest airports. Because of its massive size and unique tent-shaped roof, first-time visitors may feel a bit overwhelmed. However, with this simple guide, your journey through the Rockies can start smoothly and stress-free. So, know before you go, read this full DEN airport breakdown here.

Denver International Airport (DEN) Overview at a Glance

Let’s be honest: DEN Airport is a lot to handle, and arriving without a game plan can turn a trip south pretty quickly. Do yourself a favor and take a quick look at this overview first. It’s packed with local secrets to breeze through security and arrive at your flight relaxed and ready.

DEN Airport Terminals

When you arrive in Denver, everything happens at the Jeppesen Terminal, which is the one with the large white tents on top. You can pick up your boarding pass on either the East or West side, but note that security has moved to Level 6. Therefore, check the terminal map in advance to travel more easily and confidently.

Gate A:
Gate A serves international flights and is accessible by bridge or train, with super-jumbo gates, restrooms, nursing rooms, and pet areas.

Gate B:
Gate B is exclusively for United Airlines flights and can be accessed only via the underground airport train system.

Gate C:
Gate C handles Southwest and American flights, currently offering 47 gates, with 11 new C-West gates under construction.See the DEN Airport Terminals page for a comprehensive overview of all terminals.

List of Major Airlines Operating at Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver Airport makes it easy to get wherever you need to go. With so many airlines flying in and out daily, you can catch a flight to almost any city or country you can think of. A quick guide to the airlines operating out of Denver International Airport (DEN).

What Services Are Provided At DEN Airport?

The services at DEN Airport are thoughtfully planned to meet different passenger needs, whether you require special assistance, family-friendly spaces, or convenient business facilities. 

Water Bottles Filling Stations:

You can save money by bringing a reusable bottle and filling it at any of the four water stations located in the center of Denver Airport’s three concourses.

Free Wi-Fi:

You can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi. Select “DEN Airport Free WiFi” and click Connect. If it fails, toggle your phone’s Wi-Fi off and back on.

Charging Stations:

Low on battery? You can use the electrical outlets or the comfortable charging stations with seats and desks located throughout Denver Airport’s terminal and on all three concourses before your flight.

Nursing Rooms:

If you are looking for a quiet place to nurse, go to any of the three concourse centers or Terminal Level 5. These 24/7 rooms have seats and sinks. Just press the door’s intercom to get the entry code from the staff.

Child Play Area:

DEN Airport makes family travel easy with 24/7 play areas near Gates A25 and C48, featuring fun structures, seating for parents, and handy carry-on bag storage.

Currency Exchange:

Need to swap your cash? World Wide Money Exchange operates three convenient branches throughout the airport to help you get travel-ready.

Locations & Hours:

ATMs:

While most are open daily by 7 a.m., you can find ATMs at DEN airport-wide and a Canvas Credit Union on Level 5 for other banking needs.

Pet Relief Area:

DEN Airport provides clean indoor and outdoor pet relief areas with turf, sinks, and bags, ensuring a comfortable and sanitary experience for travelers and their animals. The Jeppesen Terminal, A Gates, B Gates, and C Gates have designated pet relief areas for your pets to use. 

The outdoor relief areas also include a bench for owners to sit while their pets roam and relax. 

Service Animals:

Certified service dogs are allowed in all public areas at DEN Airport. Travelers should contact their airline in advance to understand specific service animal travel policies.

Wheelchair Assistance:

A wheelchair at DEN Airport must be requested through your airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure proper arrangements and any needed disability support.

Lost and Found:

If you lost something, go to the Jeppesen Terminal’s Level 5 Lost and Found for items left in public areas, but contact your airline or TSA for plane or checkpoint losses.

Interfaith Chapel:

Find the quiet Interfaith Chapel and Masjid at DEN’s Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5 East. It is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. for prayer. Catholic Mass is held every Sunday at 1 pm. Also, additional Catholic Masses are held on special days like Holidays of Obligation and more. 

Mail Services:

If you have prohibited items, use Mail Safe Express at the security checkpoint. FedEx boxes are on Concourses B and C mezzanines, while USPS boxes are in all concourse cores and Terminal Level 1.

Outdoor Decks:

You can visit DEN’s three outdoor concourse decks daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for fire pits, seating, and aircraft spotting. These fresh-air spaces remain open unless severe weather requires a temporary closure.

Smoking Area:

Smoking and vaping are banned inside Denver Airport. You will find outdoor spots pre-security at terminal levels 4, 5, and 6 near specific doors, but none after security.

Security Screening Support (TSA & TSA Cares):

If you have a disability or medical condition, you don’t have to navigate security alone. Contact TSA Cares before your trip; they provide extra support to make sure your screening experience is as smooth as possible.

Medical Services & Equipment:

Defibrillators are available at the Jeppesen Terminal and throughout the concourses. Travelers with medical necessities (e.g., syringes, oxygen, or insulin) are responsible for following FAA protocols and notifying their carrier before arrival at the airport.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program:

Flying can be a lot,, and if you have a hidden disability, feel free to request a Sunflower lanyard at DEN Airport without any additional charge. It’s a simple, quiet way to let our team know you might need a little extra patience or assistance.

Interpreter and Language Services:

At Denver Airport, Interpreter services for non-English speakers are available at all information counters (Jeppesen Terminal, Concourses A-C) and in Customs.

The Westin Hotel at DEN:

If you are taking the train, the Westin is perfectly located just steps away. It’s the building that looks like a bird to match the terminal. You can stay here to enjoy premium amenities and world-class treatment before or after your flight.

Easy Accessible Transportation Services at DEN Airport:

Denver International Airport provides diverse travel transitions. You can access affordable ground transportation options at DEN Airport, such as

• Denver Airport Transit Center
• Rental Cars
• Taxi Services
• Bike Access
• Charter Buses
• Public Bus or Train
• Car Share Services
• Ride Share (Uber/Lyft)
• Shared Van / Commuter Shuttles
• Mountain Carriers
• Limousine Services
• Hotel Shuttles

Lounges and Relaxation Areas Available at DEN Airport

No matter which concourse you are flying out of, DEN Airport offers plenty of lounge options to help you unwind. You will also find dedicated spots for some serious R&R, including-

• American Airlines Admirals Club
• American Express Centurion Lounge
• Executive Shine
• Capital One Lounge (Plaza Premium)
• Colorado Oasis
• Delta Sky Club
• Golf DEN
• Rest & Recharge Area
• United Club
• USO Denver

Finest Dining Options at DEN Airport

DEN Airport has a seat at the table for everyone, no matter your appetite. If you aren’t in a rush, head to any concourse to kick back at a full-service restaurant or sample a local craft brew. Below, you will find the famous restaurants at DEN Airport-

• Aletitude- Near Gate A81
• Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream- Center Core
• Blue Sky Bar- Near Gate A34
• Caribou Coffee- Center Core
• D Bar- Near Gate A38
• Dazbog Coffee- Near Gate A48
• Elway’s Taproom & Grill- Near Gate A18
• Freshëns Fresh Food Studio- Center Core
• Lavazza- Near Gate A32
• McDonald’s- Center Core
• Mercantile Dining & Provision- Center Core
• Mesa Verde Bar & Grill- Mezzanine
• Olive & Finch “On the Fly” Grab & Go- Always open, Near Gate A48
• Panda Express- Center Core
• Peet’s Coffee- Near Gate A18
• Tacos Tequila Whiskey- Near Gate A18
• City Wok- Center Core, Mezzanine
• Denver Street Eats- Near Gate B22
• Elway’s- Center Core
• Etai’s- Near Gate B23
• Freshëns Fresh Food Studio- Near Gate B22
• Jamba Juice- Mezzanine
• Kabod Coffee- Near Gates B24 & B89
• New Belgium Brewing- Near Gate B30
• Novo Coffee- Center Core
• Osteria Marco- Center Core, Mezzanine
• Starbucks Coffee- Gates B32, B63, B80
• Voodoo Doughnut- Mezzanine, Northeast side
• Bar Dough- Near Gate C54
• Barista Bot Robotic Vending- Always open, Near Gate C48
• ChoLon Modern Asian- Near Gate C62
• Dazbog Coffee- Center Core
• McDonald’s- Center Core
• Modern Market- Near Gate C28
• Mr. Oso by Señor Bear- Near Gate C54
• Tapas Sky Bar- Near Gate C24
• The Magic Pan- Near Gate C28
• Grill & Vine- Hotel & Transit Center, Level 5 Plaza
• Sky Lounge- Hotel & Transit Center, Level 6
• Wendy’s- Cell Phone Lot

Shopping Areas Available at DEN Airport Terminals:

DEN Airport has several shops in every concourse, so you can take a piece of the Rockies with you. See the organized list below to find which shops are conveniently located along your route.

• AKTIV Style- Near Gate A31
• Denver Duty Free- Center Core
• Denver Duty Free Kiosk- Near Gate A27
• Greetings From Colorado- A Gates (Center Core)
• Pia Collection- Hair Accessories (Near Gate A34)
• Atomicchild- B Gates (Near Gate B52)
• Connections- Near Gate B82
• FuelRod- Available across concourses
• High Land Mercantile- B Gates (Center Core)
• Larimer Street Market- Near Gate B43
• River North News- Near Gate B16
• Soho Luxury Hair Extensions & Accessories- Near Gate B51
• Sunglass Hut- B Gates (Center Core)
• Tumi- Center Core, Northwest
• Ushood- Near Gate B22
• Björn’s Colorado Honey- C Gates (Near Gate C33)
• Black Canyon Market & Goods- Near Gate C56
• Colorado Oasis- Center Core
• Hudson News- C Gates (Near Gate C47)
• InMotion- C Gates (Center Core)
• iStore- Near Gate C27
• Kiehl’s- Center Core, Northeast
• Outwest
• Shinesty- C Gates (Center Core)
• Topo Designs- C Gates (Center Core)
• ShopAll Flowers- Level 5, Southwest, Always Open

Where to Park at DEN Airport: Best Options

Heading to DEN? Check flydenver.com for live parking updates before you head out. Please note: exit lanes are cashless. If you have cash, use the Level 5 Terminal kiosks. Remember to lock your car and hide valuables; the airport is not liable for lost items. Looking to book ahead? Reservations are exclusive to Premium Reserve.

• East and West Garages
• Premium Reserve Parking
• Off-Airport Shuttle Parking
• Longs Peak Shuttle Lot
• 61st & Peña Parking
• Economy Lots
• Shuttle/Remote Lots

Find Your Way with the DEN Airport Interactive Map

Stop searching the airport and start moving without stress. This optimized DEN Airport map is your shortcut through the chaos. You can find your gate, grab a bite, and clear security without the navigation headaches. This way, streamline your transit through the concourses and reclaim your time for a smoother, smarter departure.

Get in Touch with DEN Airport

Getting help at Denver International Airport is straightforward thanks to several dedicated support channels. If you need immediate answers, you can call the customer service line at (303) 342-2500 or use their text and video chat service at (720) 730-4359. For less urgent inquiries or detailed requests, feel free to send an email to info@flydenver.com or explore the comprehensive resources available on their official website, flydenver.com

Final Thoughts

Getting through Denver International Airport is super easy if you know what to expect. Once you arrive, clear signs and a fast underground train make it easy to get from the main terminal to your gate. While you wait for your flight, you can hang out in a lounge, use the free Wi-Fi, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants and shops. There are also plenty of services available if you need a little extra help getting around. Having this info ahead of time really takes the stress out of your travel day.

FAQs