Denver International Airport (DEN) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Denver, Colorado · ICAO KDEN
Known for its iconic white-tent roof evoking the Rocky Mountains, Denver International is the largest airport by area in North America and a major connecting hub for United and Southwest Airlines. Its three concourses (A, B, C) are reached via an underground train from the Jeppesen Terminal.
DEN Airport Overview
Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN / ICAO: KDEN) is located in Denver, Colorado. Known for its iconic white-tent roof evoking the Rocky Mountains, Denver International is the largest airport by area in North America and a major connecting hub for United and Southwest Airlines. Its three concourses (A, B, C) are reached via an underground train from the Jeppesen Terminal.
Hub for: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines
💡 DEN Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from DEN, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 26 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: DEN is a hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
DEN TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at DEN average about 13 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Tuesday around 10 PM and the busiest is Saturday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at DEN
- Jeppesen Terminal (Main Terminal): North and South Bridge Security Checkpoints — TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at both
- Concourse A: Via Jeppesen Terminal checkpoint, then underground train to Concourse A
- Concourse B: Via Jeppesen Terminal checkpoint, then underground train to Concourse B
- Concourse C: Via Jeppesen Terminal checkpoint, then underground train to Concourse C
DEN Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Denver International Airport has 4 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Jeppesen Terminal (Main Terminal)
Concourse A
Concourse B
Concourse C
Airlines at DEN — Terminal & Gate Directory
Denver International Airport is served by 11+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines (domestic) | Concourse A | A24–A95 |
| Frontier AirlinesHub | Concourse A | A24–A95 |
| All international airlines | Concourse A | A24–A95 |
| United Airlines (connecting hub) | Concourse B | B17–B92 |
| Southwest AirlinesHub | Concourse B | B17–B92 |
| Alaska Airlines | Concourse B | B17–B92 |
| Allegiant Air | Concourse B | B17–B92 |
| American Airlines | Concourse C | C28–C53 |
| Delta Air Lines | Concourse C | C28–C53 |
| JetBlue | Concourse C | C28–C53 |
| Spirit Airlines | Concourse C | C28–C53 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve DEN:
Where to Eat at DEN — Dining & Food Guide
Denver International Airport has 16+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From DEN — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Denver from Denver International Airport:
- RTD A Line commuter rail — train from airport to Denver Union Station, ~37 min
- RTD SkyRide Bus — express service to Boulder and other destinations
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup at Level 5 (Island 5) of Jeppesen Terminal
- Rental car center — via Train to Transit Center on Level 1
DEN Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Denver International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot
Free shuttle to Jeppesen Terminal
East/West Garages
Covered parking, short walk to terminal
Valet
Available at Jeppesen Terminal, Level 6
Airport Lounges at DEN
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Denver International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- United Club (Concourses A, B)
- Delta Sky Club (Concourse C)
- Centurion Lounge (Concourse C)
DEN Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Denver International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include New Belgium Hub, Root Down DIA, Que Bueno! Mexican Grille.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. DEN has 3 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Denver International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 4 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
DEN Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at DEN?
Typical TSA security wait times at Denver International Airport (DEN) average around 13 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest tuesday around 10 pm and longest saturday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our DEN TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from DEN. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at DEN are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of DEN?
DEN is served by carriers including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines and others. Denver International Airport is a hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
How many terminals does DEN have?
Denver International Airport has 4 terminal areas: Jeppesen Terminal (Main Terminal); Concourse A; Concourse B; Concourse C. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from DEN to downtown Denver?
Popular ways to reach downtown Denver from Denver International Airport include RTD A Line commuter rail; RTD SkyRide Bus; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does DEN have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Denver International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like DEN also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at DEN?
Denver International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include New Belgium Hub, Root Down DIA, Modern Market, Root Down, Denver ChopHouse, Elway's. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is DEN located?
Denver International Airport is in Denver, Colorado (CO). Its IATA code is DEN and its ICAO code is KDEN. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.