Denver (DEN) airport guide & terminal map

Airport details change — always confirm your terminal, gate, and fares on your boarding pass before you travel.

Everything you need before you fly from Denver International, including an interactive map, the Jeppesen Terminal, Concourses A, B and C, the underground train, security checkpoints, parking, car rental, dining, lounges, accessibility, baggage claim and where each airline sits.

An interactive DEN map plus everything you need before you fly, covering the Jeppesen Terminal, Concourses A, B and C, the free underground train, parking, transport, car rental, dining, shopping, lounges, passenger services and where each airline sits.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the fifth-busiest airport in the United States and one of the busiest in the world. It is United Airlines' major western hub, a big base for Southwest and Frontier, and the gateway most people use to reach Colorado's ski resorts and the Rocky Mountains.

You will recognise it before you land. The terminal's white peaked roof — designed to echo the snowcapped mountains on the horizon — is one of the most photographed buildings in American aviation. Underneath it sits the Great Hall, where every journey through Denver begins.

DEN also sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, exactly a mile high. Most travelers do not notice, but if you are heading straight up into the mountains afterwards, it is worth knowing you are already at altitude the moment you step off the plane.

The layout here is unusual, and it is the one thing to understand before you arrive. Denver has one terminal building and three concourses — but the concourses are separate islands out on the airfield. There are no gates in the terminal itself. After security, you ride an underground train to reach your gate. Miss that step in your planning and you will feel rushed.

The airport is also finishing a major renovation of the Great Hall, which has changed where security and check-in sit. In this guide, we walk you through the full Denver airport map — the terminal, all three concourses, where each airline sits, security, the train, parking, transport, dining, shopping, lounges, accessibility, and baggage claim. We also share travel tips from MyFlyYatra and detailed advice for flying from Denver to India.

Denver International Airport (DEN) Overview

Airport Location and Layout

DEN sits well outside the city — about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver, reached almost entirely by one road, Peña Boulevard. The distance surprises first-time visitors, so build it into your timing.

United Airlines is the largest carrier at DEN, accounting for roughly 40% of departures. Southwest and Frontier are the other two heavyweights, and each of the three effectively anchors its own concourse. You will also find Delta, American, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Sun Country, plus international carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Air Canada, WestJet, and Volaris.

Understanding the DEN Airport Layout

Denver's design is genuinely different from most American airports, and once it clicks it is easy.

The Jeppesen Terminal is the only landside building — six levels and 2.6 million square feet under that tent roof. It holds every ticket counter, both security checkpoints, baggage claim, and all ground transportation. It has no gates at all.

The three concourses — A, B, and C — are long, separate buildings out on the airfield. They sit in a row, and none of them touches the terminal except Concourse A.

Here is how the levels work for a departing passenger:

Level 6 — curbside drop-off, airline ticket counters, and both security checkpoints

Level 5 — baggage claim, arrivals, ground transportation, and the RTD Transit Center

Level 4 — passenger pickup, and access down to the underground train

Getting to your gate: after security on Level 6, you take an escalator down to the train platform and ride the free underground train to Concourse A, B, or C.

The train runs 24 hours a day, roughly every two minutes. A full ride out to Concourse C takes about six minutes. It stays entirely inside the secure area, so connecting between concourses never means clearing security again.

One exception worth remembering: Concourse A can also be reached on foot, across the A-Bridge on Level 6. It takes about five minutes with the moving walkways, and it gives you a good view of the airfield. Concourses B and C have no walking route at all.

That exception matters on the rare occasion the train has problems. If you are flying from A, you can walk. If you are flying from B or C, you wait.

Denver Airport Map (DEN Map)

Interactive DEN Airport Map Overview

The Denver airport map shows the terminal at one end with the three concourses running parallel out into the airfield. On the DEN map you can see the Jeppesen Terminal with its east and west sides, the two Level 6 security checkpoints, the underground train line linking all three concourses, the A-Bridge, the East and West Garages, the Economy and shuttle lots, the RTD Transit Center, and Peña Boulevard coming in.

The official DEN terminal map is available above. It is also worth downloading the free FlyDEN app, which gives interactive maps plus real-time security wait times — genuinely useful at an airport where the two checkpoints can have very different queues.

How to Navigate DEN Efficiently

Here is the simple way to read the DEN gate map and move fast:

Note your concourse letter and gate number from your boarding pass.

Head to Level 6 for curbside drop-off or the garage walkway.

Check in at your airline counter — east or west side, depending on the airline.

Clear security at East Security or West Security, both on Level 6.

Take the escalator down and board the underground train.

Ride to Concourse A, B, or C and come up to your gate.

A quick tip on doors: even-numbered doors are on the west side of the terminal, odd-numbered doors on the east. Knowing your airline's side before you are dropped off saves a long walk across the Great Hall.

Allow at least 30 minutes for a connection between far-end gates on different concourses. Concourse B alone runs 0.8 miles from end to end, so "just down the concourse" can still be a serious walk.

DEN Terminal and Concourse Map Guide

Here is what sits in each part of the airport.

Jeppesen Terminal — the Great Hall

The Jeppesen Terminal is the heart of DEN. All check-in, bag drop, security, baggage claim, and ground transportation happen here, under the famous white roof.

Level 6 holds the ticket counters and both security checkpoints, split into an east side and a west side. Level 5 is where you arrive, collect bags, and catch trains and buses. Level 4 is passenger pickup and the way down to the concourse train.

The Great Hall is currently being renovated, and parts of it are walled off. The main practical effect: the pre-security food court is closed, so there is very little to eat before you go through the checkpoint. Plan to eat in your concourse instead — there is plenty there.

The airport recommends entering on the east or west side depending on your airline, since crossing the terminal during construction takes longer than it used to.

Concourse A — the International Gateway

Concourse A is the closest concourse to the terminal and Denver's international hub. Every international flight at DEN arrives and departs from Concourse A, and it has wide-body gates able to handle aircraft up to A380 size.

Airlines here include Frontier, Delta, JetBlue, and some United gates (A14 to A23), plus the international carriers: British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Air Canada, WestJet, and Volaris.

Concourse A is also the only one you can walk to, via the A-Bridge on Level 6. It has duty-free shopping, a pet relief area, and several lounges including the well-regarded Capital One Lounge near Gate 34.

Concourse B — United's Hub

Concourse B is the largest concourse at DEN and the centre of United's western operation. If you are flying United on a domestic route, this is almost certainly where you are going.

It is long — about 0.8 miles from one end to the other — so check your gate number carefully and give yourself time. An east-end expansion added 10 new gates, 12 hold rooms, and 126,000 square feet of space, with workstations, family seating, charging stations, new restrooms, and nursing rooms.

The United Club is here, along with a wide spread of dining and shopping.

Concourse C — Southwest and Domestic Carriers

Concourse C is the farthest out, about six minutes by train from the terminal. Southwest anchors it, alongside other domestic carriers.

Because of the distance, Concourse C is the one where leaving extra time genuinely matters. If your gate is at the far end of C, budget 25 to 30 minutes from the security exit.

Denver Airport Airlines by Concourse

Each of DEN's three big carriers effectively has its own concourse, which makes this simpler than at most large airports. Assignments can shift seasonally, so check your boarding pass.

United Airlines Concourse at DEN

United flies mainly from Concourse B, its western hub, with some gates in Concourse A (A14 to A23). United Club is in Concourse B.

Southwest Airlines Concourse at DEN

Southwest flies from Concourse C.

Frontier Airlines Concourse at DEN

Frontier, which is headquartered in Denver, flies from Concourse A.

Delta and JetBlue Concourses at DEN

Both use Concourse A, where the Delta Sky Club is located.

International Airlines at DEN

All international carriers use Concourse A — British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Air Canada, WestJet, and Volaris among them.

Security and TSA Screening at DEN

Denver's security setup was rebuilt as part of the Great Hall Program, and it is now much better than it used to be.

Two checkpoints, both on Level 6. East Security and West Security each have 17 lanes, with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available at both. The old Level 5 checkpoints are permanently closed — if you have flown from Denver in past years, this is the change to note.

Modern screening lanes. Both checkpoints use automated screening technology, and at neither one do you need to take laptops or liquids out of your bag. That alone speeds things up noticeably.

Which checkpoint to use. They both lead to the same place, so pick whichever has the shorter line. The FlyDEN app shows live wait times for each, which is the easiest way to decide before you commit to a side.

Peak times. Early mornings are heaviest, and Denver has two distinct busy seasons — ski season from December through March, when Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons are packed with mountain traffic, and the summer holiday peak. Spring break weekends are also heavy.

Coming soon: eight additional security lanes (four east, four west) are being added as part of the Global Gateway project for international passengers connecting through Denver.

Airport Lounges at DEN

Denver has around eight lounges, and about five sell day passes.

The Capital One Lounge is the standout — mountain-themed design, food and drink from Colorado producers, and a house beer brewed for the location. Getting there takes a little effort: off the train at Concourse A, up the escalators to the main level, left toward Gate 34, then up a second set of escalators to the mezzanine.

Worth knowing: because the train keeps you inside the secure area, you can ride to a lounge in a different concourse and come back. Just watch the clock — a round trip from Concourse C to a Concourse A lounge and back is a real commitment.

Denver Airport Parking Map

DEN has roughly 42,000 parking spaces, and the price range is one of the widest of any U.S. airport — from $7 a day to $45. Picking well makes a genuine difference.

East and West Garages

The two garages attach directly to the Jeppesen Terminal by covered indoor walkways. You never step outside, which matters in a Colorado January.

Both charge $5 an hour with a $28 daily maximum. The only difference between them is which side of the terminal you enter. There is no separate short-term structure — the same garages serve both quick stops and long trips.

Premium Reserved

Premium Reserved is the closest parking at DEN, sitting on Level 4 right beside the terminal on both the east and west sides. It costs $45 a day and can be booked in advance. No shuttle, no walk.

East and West Economy Lots

The Economy Lots cost $17 a day ($5 an hour), with free shuttles running every 7 to 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, from covered shelters inside the lots.

At $11 a day less than the garage, this is the sensible middle ground for trips of three to seven days.

Pikes Peak and Longs Peak Shuttle Lots

These are DEN's best-value on-airport option at a flat $10 a day, with free 24-hour shuttles. They sit farther out, so add roughly 10 to 15 minutes each way.

For a trip of a week or more, the savings are substantial — $70 versus $196 in the garage.

61st & Peña Lot

The cheapest on-airport parking at $7 a day, with a free shuttle. It is the farthest out and works best for long trips where a longer ride does not bother you.

Cell Phone Lot

Free. Wait there while your passenger clears baggage claim rather than circling the terminal.

DEN Parking Rates at a Glance

Rates are set by the Denver Department of Aviation and were verified in mid-2026. Payment is taken by cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the ParkDEN app. For parking questions, the airport line is (303) 342-7275.

EV charging is available in both garages and in designated Economy Lot spaces, and charging is complimentary for parking customers.

Book ahead for ski season weekends and holidays. On peak days the garages fill and walk-up space is not guaranteed.

Ski gear tip: if you are travelling with skis, boards, or small children, the garage premium is usually worth it. Wrestling equipment onto a shuttle in the snow is not a good start to a trip.

Denver Airport Car Rental Map

Rental Car Facility

All the major rental brands operate from an off-terminal facility reached by free shuttle. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty all serve DEN.

Shuttles pick up from Level 5, the ground transportation level. Look for the marked rental car stops outside baggage claim.

A Denver-specific note: if you are heading into the mountains between roughly September and May, check whether your rental has all-wheel drive and appropriate tyres. Colorado enforces traction laws on I-70 during winter storms, and a standard two-wheel-drive car may not be legal on the road to the resorts.

Rental Car Return

Return your car at the same facility and ride the shuttle back to Level 6 for departures. Add about 30 minutes to your usual check-in time.

Ground Transportation

Everything loads from Level 5. Taxis, rideshares, hotel shuttles, regional buses, and rental car shuttles all have marked zones. Rideshare pickup is on Level 5, island 5.

Getting To and From Denver Airport

DEN is 25 miles from downtown, so the transport choice matters more here than at a close-in airport.

RTD A Line train. This is the best option for most travelers. The commuter rail runs from the airport straight to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes. An Airport Day Pass costs $10, and youth aged 19 and under ride free.

The station is at the DEN Transit Center on Level 5, reached by escalator or lift from the south end of the terminal. Because the A Line avoids Peña Boulevard traffic entirely, it is often faster than driving at rush hour — and far cheaper than a rideshare.

Driving. Downtown is about 25 miles via Peña Boulevard and I-70. Allow 30 to 45 minutes, more in snow or at peak times.

Taxi and rideshare. Pickup is on Level 5, island 5. Expect roughly $40 to $70 to downtown, and 30 to 45 minutes.

RTD SkyRide. The AB bus route runs from DEN to Boulder, useful if you are heading to the university or the foothills rather than Denver itself.

Ski resort shuttles. In winter, scheduled shuttle services run from DEN to the major Colorado resorts. These leave from Level 5 and usually need to be booked in advance.

Bustang. Colorado's interregional bus network connects through Union Station, reachable via the A Line.

Hotel. The Westin is built into the airport complex and connected to the terminal — handy for very early departures or a delayed arrival.

Denver Airport Food Map

Denver has a solid food scene across all three concourses, with a good showing of Colorado restaurants and breweries alongside national names.

The One Thing to Know

The pre-security food court in the Great Hall is closed during the renovation. Options before security are limited right now.

This flips the usual advice: at Denver, do not plan to eat before you go through the checkpoint. Clear security first, ride the train to your concourse, and eat there. All three concourses have plenty.

Dining by Concourse

Concourse A has a good range including duty-free and international-friendly options, serving the widest mix of carriers.

Concourse B has the largest selection overall, matching its size as United's hub. United also operates a grab-and-go concept in the B-East expansion offering snacks, drinks, and barista coffee for travelers moving quickly to a gate.

Concourse C has a decent spread serving Southwest and the other domestic carriers, though fewer options than B.

The train advantage: since the train stays inside security, you can ride to another concourse to eat and come back. Only do it if you have real time to spare — allow at least 30 minutes round trip.

Shopping at Denver Airport

All three concourses have shops, with the biggest concentration in Concourse B.

You will find the usual news and convenience stores, plus Colorado-focused gift shops selling local products, outdoor and ski gear, and travel essentials. Duty-free shopping is in Concourse A, alongside the international gates.

If you have forgotten something for the mountains — gloves, hats, sunscreen for the altitude — the outdoor retailers here are better stocked than at most airports.

Passenger Services and Amenities

Coming with the Great Hall completion: a new sensory space for travelers who need to decompress, along with an interfaith Chapel and Masjid, and a live performance area showcasing Colorado musicians.

Accessibility at Denver Airport

DEN meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards throughout, with accessible restrooms, lifts, ramps, and routes across all six terminal levels and the three concourses.

Wheelchair assistance. Airlines provide wheelchair service from check-in through security to your gate, and from arrival to baggage claim. Arrange this with your airline before your travel date — the airport does not book it on your behalf.

Accessible parking. Designated spaces are available in every on-site facility, including both garages and the economy lots, positioned near lifts and shuttle stops. These are charged at standard parking rates.

The train and lifts. The underground train platforms are reached by escalator or lift from the terminal. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility needs, the lifts are clearly marked — allow a little extra time, as the lift route is less direct than the escalators.

A note on altitude. Denver sits a mile above sea level, and the air is thinner than most travelers are used to. If you have a respiratory or cardiac condition, you may notice it. Take things slowly, drink water, and do not rush the long concourse walks. Airport staff can arrange assistance if you need it.

Sensory needs. A dedicated sensory space is part of the Great Hall completion project, giving overstimulated travelers somewhere quiet to reset.

Denver Airport Baggage Claim Map

Baggage claim at DEN is on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal — not in the concourses.

Domestic Arrivals

When you land, ride the train from your concourse back to the terminal, then go up to Level 5. Screens show which carousel matches your flight. Ground transportation, the A Line, taxis, rideshares, and rental car shuttles all load from this same level.

Note that everyone at DEN collects bags in the same building regardless of concourse, which makes meeting arriving passengers straightforward — there is only one place to go.

International Arrivals

All international flights arrive at Concourse A, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing takes place. You clear passport control, collect your bags, pass the customs inspection, and continue on to the terminal.

The Great Hall project is building a Global Gateway at the north end of Level 5 specifically for international arrivals and connections, with eight new security lanes so passengers connecting onward can transfer back through screening quickly.

If you are connecting onward, re-check your bags after customs and clear security again. Allow at least three hours between an international arrival and a domestic departure at Denver.

Lost and Found

For items left on the plane, contact your airline directly. For items left at a security checkpoint, file a claim with TSA. Anything else lost in the airport goes to DEN's Lost and Found through flydenver.com. Report it as soon as you notice.

Travel Tips from MyFlyYatra

Build in Time for the Train

This is the single most common Denver mistake. Clearing security does not mean you are near your gate — you still have an escalator, a train, and possibly a long concourse walk ahead. From the security exit to a far-end Concourse C gate can easily take 25 to 30 minutes.

How Early to Arrive

Arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. Check-in and bag drop typically close 45 to 60 minutes before departure.

Add 30 minutes if you are parking in a shuttle lot, and add more during ski season weekends, when Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons are exceptionally busy.

Check Both Checkpoints on the App

East and West Security often have very different queues. The FlyDEN app shows live wait times for both. Since they lead to the same place, checking before you pick a side is free time saved.

Eat After Security, Not Before

Backwards compared to most airports, but correct at Denver right now. The pre-security food court is closed for the renovation. Get through the checkpoint, ride to your concourse, and eat there.

Take the A Line

$10 for an Airport Day Pass, 37 minutes to Union Station, trains every 15 minutes, and free travel for anyone 19 and under. Against $40 to $70 for a rideshare plus Peña Boulevard traffic, the train wins for most trips into the city.

Remember You Are at Altitude

A mile high, before you have even left the airport. Drink water on the flight and after you land, go easy on alcohol, and give yourself a moment before hauling bags up a flight of stairs. If you are heading to the mountains, you are about to go considerably higher still.

What's Changing at DEN

The Great Hall Program is the long-running renovation of the Jeppesen Terminal, and it is now in its final phase, targeted for completion around the end of 2027.

Security — both checkpoints moved to Level 6; the old Level 5 checkpoints are permanently closed

Ticket counters — being rebuilt in phases across Level 6, west side first, then east

Global Gateway — a new international arrivals and connections area at the north end of Level 5, with eight additional security lanes

Welcome Home Colorado — a redesigned central arrivals area on Level 5

The Living Room — a new public space anchored by The Stars and the Cottonwood, a 60-foot sculpture by artist Donald Lipski featuring more than 30,000 Swarovski crystals, with a live performance space beneath it

New facilities — a sensory space, an interfaith Chapel and Masjid, and upgraded restrooms

Pre-security dining — limited while the food court area is rebuilt

Because walkways and access points shift as phases complete, check flydenver.com or the FlyDEN app before you travel.

Flying from Denver (DEN) to India

There are no nonstop flights between Denver and India, so every trip involves at least one connection. Here is how to plan it well.

How Your Route Will Work

Denver-to-India itineraries usually take one of two shapes:

One stop. Fly nonstop from DEN to a European or Gulf hub — London, Frankfurt, Paris, Munich, or via a partner routing through Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi — then onward to India. Denver has good transatlantic service from Concourse A, which makes this achievable.

Two stops. Connect first through a larger U.S. gateway such as Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, or Dallas/Fort Worth, then onward internationally. Usually cheaper, but expect 26 to 32 hours of total travel.

Total journey time from Denver typically runs 22 to 32 hours depending on routing and layovers.

Recommended Arrival Time at DEN

Arrive at least 3 hours before your first departure, even if that first leg is a short domestic hop. Denver needs more buffer than most airports because of the train ride to your concourse and the distance from the city.

If you are travelling during ski season, a holiday period, or a weekend, make it 3.5 hours. Add another 30 minutes if you are parking in an Economy or shuttle lot.

Most airlines close international check-in 60 minutes before departure. Miss that and you lose the entire itinerary, not just one flight.

Baggage Transfer

Book the whole journey on a single ticket wherever possible. On one ticket your bags are normally checked straight through from Denver to your final city in India, and you will not see them until you arrive.

Two things to confirm at the DEN check-in counter before you walk away:

Check the bag tag yourself. It should show your final destination code — BOM, DEL, MAA, BLR, HYD, and so on — not just your connecting hub.

Ask whether you need to collect and re-check anywhere. On some routings, particularly those switching between airlines or alliances, you will.

If you booked separate tickets, assume you will have to collect your bags at the connecting airport, re-check them, and clear security again. Leave at least four hours for that connection.

One more Denver-specific point: if your first leg is a domestic flight departing from Concourse B or C, remember your bags are checked in the terminal, not the concourse. That is standard, but it means the check-in queue timing is what matters, not how close you are to your gate.

Baggage allowance on India routes is often more generous than U.S. domestic rules. The allowance that applies is set by the airline flying your long-haul leg — check that carrier's rules, not the one taking you out of Denver.

TSA Screening and What to Expect

You clear TSA security in Denver before your first flight. Both DEN checkpoints use modern lanes where laptops and liquids can stay in your bag, which speeds things considerably. A few things still catch out travelers heading to India:

Liquids in carry-on follow the 3-1-1 rule — containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag. Anything larger goes in checked luggage.

Food gifts are common on India trips. Solid items are generally fine in carry-on, but anything spreadable or pourable — pickles, ghee, chutneys, syrups, yoghurt — counts as a liquid and belongs in checked bags.

Powders over 12 ounces may trigger additional screening. Spice packets, protein powders, and supplements are easier in checked luggage.

Medication should stay in your carry-on in original labelled packaging. Carry a copy of the prescription for anything unusual.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are both available at DEN and help with the Denver leg — but neither applies at your international connecting airport.

International Travel Advice

Passport validity. Most airlines will not board you for India unless your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with two or more blank pages.

Visa. Nearly all U.S. travelers need a visa or e-Visa for India. Apply well in advance. The airline checks for it at the Denver counter, and without one you will not be boarded.

OCI cardholders should carry both the OCI card and the passport it is linked to.

Layover length. Aim for a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours at your international connecting hub. A 90-minute connection at a large European or Gulf airport is tight, and a delay leaving Denver — snow delays are a real factor here from November through March — will cost you the connection.

Winter weather. Denver gets significant snow, and DEN occasionally sees ground stops or de-icing delays. If you are travelling to India in winter, consider an itinerary with a longer connection buffer, or an earlier departure from Denver with a longer layover at your U.S. or European hub.

Altitude and long-haul comfort. You are starting at 5,280 feet and heading into a flight of 9 hours or more. Hydrate before you board — the combination of altitude and cabin air is dehydrating, and it makes a real difference to how you feel on arrival.

Arrival in India. Have your visa, your address in India, and return ticket details ready for immigration.

Denver (DEN) to India Flights

If you are looking for the best USA to India flights, the table below shows popular routes from Denver. Prices move with season and demand, so check current rates before you book.

Want to fly in more comfort? MyFlyYatra also helps you find business class flights to India with extra legroom, better meals, and lie-flat seats on long routes. Whether you want a low-cost economy seat or a premium business class flight deal, our team finds the best deals that fit your budget.

Ready to book your flight to India? MyFlyYatra brings you the best deals on flights to India from Denver and across the USA, with friendly support at every step. Compare fares and reserve your seat today.

Note: Airline and terminal assignments at DEN can change, including during ongoing airport upgrades. Always confirm your terminal and gate with your airline or your boarding pass before you travel.