Denver Airport Information & Transportation

Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major airline hub in the United States. Since the airport opened in 1995, it has consistently won readers' choice awards from publications like Business Traveler Magazine, and in 2018 the Wall Street Journal put DEN at the top of its first U.S. airport rankings for treating travelers better. The airport offers free Wi-Fi access in public areas and a diverse array of dining and shopping choices. Follow the links below to explore Denver airport information and the many DEN transportation options available, including the Airport Rail, DEN SkyRide (airport bus), airport shuttles, cabs, and more.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The 5th busiest airport in the U.S. (20th busiest in the world!) is currently undergoing a massive expansion that will add 39 new gates and greatly improve check-in and security processes. During the construction, the airport team will provide clear directional signage and enhance the travel experience through service dogs, ambassadors and guest services staff.

AIRPORT RAIL TO DOWNTOWN

At a cost of only $10.50 each way, travelers can now take the airport rail from DEN to Denver Union Station and vice versa. The 23-mile ride takes approximately 37 minutes. The rail line serves eight total stations, including the new Westin Denver International Airport Hotel, connected to the airport itself.

AIRPORT SHUTTLES, BUSES & CABS

Located northeast of downtown Denver, a cab or DEN airport shuttle ride puts you in the heart of the city in about 25 minutes. The city's public transport system, Regional Transportation District (RTD), also operates five bus routes under the frequent airport express bus service called skyRide. View more information on Denver Ground Transportation.

Denver International Airport

303-342-2200
8500 Pena Blvd Airport Office Building
Denver 80249

Visit Website

Tourist information can be found at VISIT DENVER's Tourist Information Center, located in the Main Terminal Building on the 5th floor. The Information Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Guides, maps, and brochures are available 24 hours a day.

Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport.

Travel from downtown to DEN (or the reverse) by train within 37 minutes.

2019 Denver Airport Nonstop Service Network

Denver Airport International Service Network 2019 Denver's nonstop and international service networks. Credit: Innovata Schedules via Diio Mi.

DEN FACTS

5th busiest airport in the U.S.
20th busiest in the world
Offers nonstop service to more than 160 U.S. cities
20 major airlines, not including charter and regional carriers
215 destinations worldwide, including nonstop service to 27 international destinations in 13 countries
Four low-cost air carriers (Frontier, Southwest, AirTran & JetBlue)
Averages more than 1,600 flights daily (June 2018)

MAJOR AIRLINES

AeroMexico • Air Canada • Alaska • American • British Airways • Delta • Frontier • Icelandair • JetBlue • Lufthansa • Southwest • Spirit • United • Volaris • Copa • Edelweiss/SWISS • Norwegian

RIDE SHARING

If you have requested rides through the Lyft or Uber apps, follow signs for ground transportation, then exit the terminal through doors 506-510 (west side) and 507-511 (east side) on Level 5 near baggage claim and proceed to Island 5 to meet your driver. Drift, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service, has a free shuttle that takes you to their lot near the airport.

MOTORCOACH & TOUR COMPANIES

Any motorcoach company or tour operator that has scheduled trips to/from Denver International Airport is encouraged to contact the Ground Transportation Administration office at the Denver International Airport at 303-342-4060 and see their listing of rules and regulations.

BEST FOOD & DRINK SPOTS

In the mood for healthy food? DEN has an amazing collection of restaurants, many of which offer local products.

JEPPESEN TERMINAL

BOULDER BEER TAP HOUSE

Boulder Beer Company is one of Colorado's original craft breweries, with a history stretching back more than 30 years. Enjoy a little local Colorado flavor with many of Boulder Beer's award-winning regular and seasonal microbrews, not to mention some tasty pub fare.

RED ROCKS BAR & BBQ

Located near the arrivals area, this is a great location to wait for your friends and loved ones while enjoying Red Rocks' award-winning barbecue sauce on a variety of meats and sandwiches. They've got a great beer list, too, which is full of local microbrews.

CONCOURSE A

BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY, BROTHER’S BARBECUE & SNARF’S SANDWICHES

A trio of Colorado-based businesses occupy a shared space near Gates A71-73 in a fairly new section of Concourse A’s far eastern side. The Brother’s Barbecue and Snarf’s Sandwiches counters offer tasty, quick-serve options while Breckenridge Brewery, founded in Breckenridge in 1990, sits at the center serving up brews, spirits and food.

DENVER CHOPHOUSE

Denver is world famous for its steakhouses, and here you'll find great T-bones, ribeyes and more against the backdrop of what feels like a 1940s pub. The ChopHouse also features a full bar, including a variety of traditional and seasonal beers on tap.

The Denver Chophouse is a favorite in LoDo but also at the airport.

FRESHËNS FRESH FOOD STUDIO

Freshëns Fresh Food Studio is a healthy, fast-casual option featuring hand-tossed salads, fresh-blended smoothies and 11 handcrafted crepes such as pesto chicken, egg white Florentine, and cheesecake or Nutella supreme. All recipes are free of gluten and artificial colors, preservatives, sweeteners and flavors.

VINO VOLO

It's not all about craft beer in Colorado. There's also a thriving wine scene – and you can sample some of the state's best offerings at Vino Volo, an upscale wine lounge and restaurant. Pair a wine by the glass or bottle with locally produced artisan cheeses, dry-cured meats, smoked salmon rolls, or chorizo and chickpea chili.

CONCOURSE B

CRÚ FOOD AND WINE BAR

Elegance at the airport? Why not? Crú's primary location is in the tres chic Larimer Square downtown, but you can soak in its comfortably stylish atmosphere at DEN. Choose from a broad and ever-changing list of wines available by the bottle, in tasting flights or by the glass, and enjoy appetizers, gourmet pizzas, panini sandwiches and desserts.

DENVER CENTRAL MARKET

Don’t miss the outpost of the popular Denver Central Market food hall in the River North Art District (RiNo) district featuring Culture Meat & Cheese, SK Provisions, Sushi Rama and Vero Italian to choose from.

ELWAY'S

Offering the same great steaks that you'll find downtown and in Cherry Creek, plus a great seafood lineup, Elway's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

ETAI'S BAKERY CAFE

Try fresh artisan breads, baked goods, salads and a huge selection of sandwiches. Etai's also has daily specials. To get up and going, try the fresh juice bar or coffee selection.

LOUNGE 5280 WINE BAR

An upscale wine bar with a contemporary edge, Lounge 5280 offers a premium and unique handpicked selections of wine, cocktails, spirits, beer and food, usually with a fresh, local Colorado twist.

NEW BELGIUM BREWING

Famed for its Fat Tire beer, New Belgium Brewing (based in Fort Collins) is true Colorado and recently opened a new, larger location near Gate B30 offering food and a wide selection of local and international beers. New Belgium Hub near Gate B80 continues serving up the brewery's delicious, handcrafted brews along with sandwiches and entrees.

STEVE'S SNAPPIN DOGS

Steve's Snappin' Dogs is local but the gourmet hotdogs are direct from New Jersey. Burgers, various types of potatoes, onion rings and deep-fried green beans also are on the menu, along with wine and beer on tap.

CONCOURSE C

COORS SILVER BULLET BAR

Adolph Coors began brewing beer in nearby Golden more than 140 years ago. Coors Silver Bullet Bar is a full-service sports bar and restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has a quick-serve gourmet burger counter.

DAZBOG COFFEE

Bold Soviet-era colors, a white star and delicious coffees with names like KGBlend and White Nights Espresso signal that you have arrived at Dazbog Coffee. Brothers Leonid and Anatoly Yuffa immigrated to Denver from St. Petersburg, Russia, in their youth and established this Denver-based company more than 20 years ago.

GREAT DIVIDE BREWING

If you have enough time to spare, do your own Colorado brewery tour at DEN and stop by Great Divide Brewing with craft beer and other beverages along with appetizers, entrees, sandwiches and salads, plus more to choose from.

HAPPY CAKES CAFÉ AND ALLEGRO COFFEE

Travelers with a sweet tooth pay attention! This Denver-based gourmet cupcake bakery has a variety of fresh-baked, made-from-scratch items daily, including vegan and gluten-free options. Allegro organic, specialty coffees and teas are a heavenly match.

MODMARKET

Farm fresh. Made from scratch. Seasonal menu. What could be better? Modmarket offers many vegetarian and vegan options and also has a location in Concourse B.

ROOT DOWN

One of Denver's most beloved farm-to-table bistros opened a DEN location in 2013, instantly upping the airport's culinary credibility. The DEN-located Root Down features a menu of locally sourced ingredients and progressive cocktails just like its Lower Highlands sister restaurant.

SMASHBURGER AND BAR

One of the newest additions, Smashburger has locations on Concourses B and C. Find both table and takeout service with craft gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches, side dishes and salads on the menu, and there are full bars featuring 10 craft beers on tap from top Colorado breweries.

WOODY CREEK BAKERY AND CAFÉ

This is the go-to place for fresh-made breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, cookies and pastries. Also, look for another location on the second floor of Concourse B.

THE WESTIN DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & TRANSIT CENTER

Tom’s Urban Kitchen & Brewery

The Westin Denver International Airport just across the plaza from the main airport terminal offers a quick way to get out of the airport and grab a local brew and meal at the new Tom’s Urban Kitchen & Brewery. While sipping on a fresh beer by Tivoli Brewing, watch sports and more on the numerous TVs situated throughout the restaurant. Or grab a great meal and a brew before catching the nearby A Line train downtown.