Denver Airports Travel Guide

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Cassidy Rush is a writer with a background in careers, business, and education. She covers international finance news and stories for Remitly.

Key Highlights

Denver International Airport is the main airport in the area. It is a big hub for United Airlines and has many nonstop flights.
You can look at other choices, like Centennial Airport, which is good for private and business travelers.
There are a lot of ground transportation options to help you get from the airport to downtown Denver without problems.
At DIA, you will find world-class spots to eat and shop, free Wi-Fi, and nice lounges just for you.
You can learn how to pick the best airport for your trip, whether you want commercial routes or you fly private.

Introduction

Welcome to Denver. The city is a big spot for travel in the United States. A lot of people come here to see the great mountain views or for work. When you get here, the first thing you have to do is find your way through the airport system.

Denver International Airport is busy and has a lot of people going in and out. It connects travelers from many places across the world with Denver.

This guide will tell you what you need to know about Denver airports. You will get all the info you need to make your trip easy and simple from the time you arrive until you leave.

Overview of Denver Airports

When you fly into the Mile High City, you have a few big airports to pick from. Each one fits a different need. The main choice for most people is Denver International Airport. This international airport is very large. It is a main hub for United Airlines. There are many flights to both the US and other countries from here.

Besides the biggest airport, there are other airports as well. Each one has its own use. There is good ground transportation across the airport property. There are also special things for people flying private planes. Denver’s airport system is built for a wide range of travelers. It works for every kind of trip.

Major Airports Serving Denver

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main way into the area. It is one of the biggest international airports in the United States. DEN took the place of Stapleton International Airport and is now a travel center for people from all over the world. It is known for its huge land area and a roof that looks like tents. Most people flying in or out use this airport.

Even though DEN is the top choice for commercial flights, there are other smaller airports near Denver. These airports are good for general aviation, private trips, and work travel. They give a quick and easy experience for people not going with regular airlines. For some travel needs, these airports can be the best option.

Key airports in Denver include:

Denver International Airport (DEN): The main commercial airport.
Centennial Airport (APA): A top choice for private and business aviation.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC): Another key general aviation airport.

How to Choose the Right Airport for Your Trip

Deciding which airport to use can change based on the way you like to travel and what you need. For most people, the answer is clear. Denver International Airport is the main airport for regular flights here. It gives nonstop service to lots of places. If you want to fly on a commercial airline, you will head to this international airport.

But if you want to fly on a private flight or on a charter, you can pick from more airports. One example is Centennial Airport. This airport does not have as much passenger traffic as DEN. So, you do not have to wait in long lines at airline ticket counters. You can also get through airport property much faster.

When you pick an airport, think about these things:

Type of travel: Is it commercial, private, or charter?
Destination: Denver International Airport gives you the biggest choice of places with nonstop service.
Convenience: Airports in other areas let private flyers get through the airport faster.
Budget: Flying with a commercial airline is usually the most cost-effective way to go, compared to a private charter flight.

Denver International Airport (DIA) Essentials

Denver International Airport is often called DIA or DEN. This is the main airport for the area. It is also a very important spot for United Airlines. The Jeppesen Terminal stands at the center of the airport. Here, you go for check-in, security, and to get to the gates.

It does not matter if you are at the international airport for fun or if you are there for work like many business travelers. Denver International Airport has what you need to have a good trip. Next, let’s see where it is and what services you get as a passenger.

Location and Distance from Downtown Denver

Denver International Airport is about 25 miles away from downtown Denver. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to get there by car, but this can change if there is traffic. In the 1980s, Adams County voters said yes to building this international airport. Because of that choice, it’s built on a big piece of land. The land gives the airport room to grow in the future.

Going from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver, often called the “high city,” is easy. Many people like to take the A Line commuter train. It goes right from the airport to Denver Union Station, which is in the downtown area. This train is a good way to see the city and start your day.

The airport is far from the city center because the planners wanted less noise for people who live in the city. Also, by being built on such a large spot, Denver International Airport can be one of the biggest airports in the country. This helps the airport serve many flights without causing problems for downtown Denver.

Services and Facilities at DIA

Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the nation by land area. It has a lot to offer to every type of traveler. You start your visit at the main Jeppesen Terminal. There you will see many helpful services and interesting things, from places where you can change money to art on display.

If you need a place to rest or get some work done, Denver International Airport also has you covered. The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel is right next to the terminal. You can get to it easily. Many people say good things about this airport’s setup. For example, Business Traveler Magazine often talks about how good the facilities are. There are plenty of airline lounges to relax in before your plane leaves.

Denver International Airport has a lot of dining and shopping options. There are areas just for pets, and special nursing rooms. The airport tries to do things to help all people who come through, which helps make your time there good. From the very start of your trip, you can feel that your comfort comes first.

Regional and Alternative Airports Near Denver

Denver International Airport is where most people fly in and out, but it is not your only choice when you are in the area. There are some regional airports near Denver that serve private planes, corporate jets, and chartered flights. These airports give you a different experience, focusing more on your time and privacy.

You do not have to stand in long lines or face big crowds like you do at a big international airport. You can get where you want to go faster, and in a way that feels more personal. It is easy to find ground transportation from these smaller airports, too. You can use rental cars or book charter bus companies before you arrive.

Centennial Airport (APA)

Centennial Airport (APA) is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country. Many private and corporate flyers pick this airport. It is around 15 miles south of downtown Denver, so it’s easy to get to the south and west side of the city. The airport is known for being quick and for its top services.

Many business travelers go to Centennial Airport because they care about privacy and their time. Centennial does not focus on commercial flights like big airlines. Instead, it works with private jets and chartered flights. People get a quicker and more special trip. The airport has spaces just for corporate travelers, including business lounges and meeting rooms.

There are also fewer people than at most big airports. This means check-in usually does not take long. You can set up things like ground transportation or ask for a courtesy shuttle service ahead of time. This way, your trip in and out of the airport goes smoothly. For most private flyers, APA is the top pick in the Denver area.

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)

Another great choice instead of the Denver International Airport is the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC). It sits between Denver and Boulder. This airport is one of the best regional airports if you want to go to the northwest side. This includes all the communities in that part of the metro area. Like Centennial, BJC is busy with general aviation, business travel, and flight training.

The place is less busy, so it is a good pick for private travelers who want to stay clear of the crowds you often see at an international airport. From here, it takes little time to get onto main highways. You can get to your end spot sooner, no matter if you go into the mountains or head to the east side of the city.

You won’t see any usual airline schedules at this airport. But, people who use the airport can get complete route information for charter rides from the fixed-base operators. All of this makes BJC a smart and quick option for private and business travel needs in the Denver region.

Airlines and Nonstop Routes from Denver

Denver is an important place for people who need to travel. Denver International Airport has many flight choices because it is a main airport for United Airlines and a lot of big airlines. Every day, there are hundreds of nonstop flights that leave from here and go to many places around the world. You can get a direct flight to almost any big city in the United States.

The list of places you can fly to from this international airport keeps getting bigger. Airlines add more nonstop service to new cities in the United States and to other countries all the time. Because of this, Denver International Airport is a great place to start your trip or to connect to another flight. Now, let’s look at some of the top places you can go from this airport.

Domestic Destinations

From Denver, you can fly nonstop to nearly every major city in the U.S. Major carriers like Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all have a significant presence here, offering competitive fares and frequent flights. Whether you’re heading to the coast or a neighboring state, you’ll find a convenient option.

Popular routes include frequent flights to major hubs like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. You can also easily catch a quick flight to destinations like Las Vegas for a weekend getaway or to cities across the Midwest and East Coast for business.

The extensive domestic network makes DEN a fantastic connecting airport as well. Below are some of the top airlines and a few of their key domestic hubs accessible from Denver.

Airline	Key Nonstop Destinations from Denver
United Airlines	Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO)
Southwest Airlines	Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Dallas (DAL)
Frontier Airlines	Orlando (MCO), Atlanta (ATL), Philadelphia (PHL)
Delta Air Lines	Salt Lake City (SLC), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK)

International Connections and New Routes

Denver is growing as an international city every year. More airlines are bringing in new routes. The airport gives people so many options for international flights. It helps connect Colorado with Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Big news outlets like The New York Times have talked about how Denver is becoming a global hotspot.

It is now even easier for you to travel to other countries. For instance, Aer Lingus now flies direct to Dublin. Turkish Airlines has started a new route to Istanbul. These flights make travel better for people who want to go on vacation or have to travel for work. If you are a business traveler, there are more choices for you now.

Here are some international flights you can get from Denver, including popular and new routes:

London, England
Frankfurt, Germany
Tokyo, Japan
Mexico City, Mexico
Dublin, Ireland (via Aer Lingus)

Transportation Options to and from Denver Airports

When you get to Denver, you will see there are many ground transportation options to help you get where you want to go. At the airport’s main transit center, you can find trains, buses, and shuttles. It does not matter if you like public transit or want a private ride. Getting to downtown is easy.

You have a few ways to go, like the airport rail that takes you right to Denver Union Station. There are also other options, such as taking an airport shuttle or a Denver Yellow Cab. In the next parts, we will talk more about these choices. This will help you decide the best way to travel from the airport.

Airport Rail Services

One of the best and easiest ways to get between Denver International Airport and downtown is to take the airport rail. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs the A Line commuter train. This train goes right from the airport to Denver Union Station, which is in the heart of the city.

The ride takes about 37 minutes. The trains come and go often, so you do not have to wait long. This makes it a good choice for people who want to relax and not worry about being stuck in traffic. You will also have lots of space for your bags. The train platform sits at the airport’s transit center. It is just a short walk from where you pick up your bags.

The train does not share the tracks with other buses, like a frequent airport express bus service might. This helps the travel time stay the same, no matter the day or time. Once you get to Union Station, it is very easy to catch other trains, buses, or walk to most hotels and fun places nearby. The airport rail stations are clean, modern, and simple for anyone to use.

Shuttles, Taxis, and Rideshares

If you want to get right to your hotel or a certain address, you can pick a shuttle, taxi, or rideshare. These ways to get around are easy to find. The airport shuttle or a shared-ride service can save you money, but you may have to stop for other people. You can set these up before you arrive or after you land.

If a private ride sounds better to you, you can pick a Denver Yellow Cab or use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. The pickup spots for all these rides are on Level 5. This helps you meet your driver fast. This is a good fit if you have people with you or a lot of bags.

Here are some of your options:

Rideshare Apps: Book rides using your phone when you need them.
Taxis: You can catch one any time, day or night, for a fast trip.
Shared-Ride Shuttles: Save money if you do not mind a few stops on the way.
Courtesy Shuttle Service: Many hotels give free rides for their guests.

Rental Cars and Parking Solutions

For those who want the freedom to explore Denver and the surrounding Rocky Mountains at their own pace, renting a car is an excellent choice. More than 10 major car rental companies operate at Denver International Airport. You can find their counters and pick up your vehicle after a short courtesy shuttle service ride from the Jeppesen Terminal.

If you are driving your own car to the airport, there are plenty of parking solutions available on the airport property. Options range from short-term garage parking, convenient for seeing off travelers, to more economical long-term lots for extended trips.

The airport offers several parking options to fit different needs and budgets.

Parking Option	Location	Best For
Garage Parking	Adjacent to Jeppesen Terminal	Short-term stays
Economy Lots	A short shuttle ride from the terminal	Long-term savings
Short Term	Garage, Level 4	Hourly parking
Valet Parking	Garage, Level 4	Ultimate convenience

Amenities and Traveler Services at DIA

Traveling through DEN Airport is made easy and smooth, thanks to many helpful amenities. The Jeppesen Terminal, along with all three concourses, offer lots of helpful services. These are here to help business travelers, families on a trip, and anyone passing through.

You can find places to eat and shop, plus many key services for international travel. The airport offers something for every person and every need. Take some time to see what is available for you during your stay at DIA.

Dining and Shopping Options

You will not go hungry or get bored at Denver International Airport. The airport has a lot of places to eat and shop. You will find both local Colorado spots and big national names here. There is something for everyone, whether you just want a snack, a sit-down meal, or something quick to grab and go. These amenities make the international airport a great place to spend time.

One great place to check out is the Denver Central Market. This food hall is in Concourse A. It has many different foods and drinks from local makers. You will also see top choices on both the east side and west side of every concourse. This means there is always a good meal not far away when you need it or if you need something for your trip at the last minute.

Take a look at some best spots in the airport:

Root Down: This is a favorite restaurant that gets ingredients from local places.
Smashburger: This is a burger place from Colorado.
Tattered Cover Book Store: Stop here to find a good book to read while you travel.
New Belgium Hub: You can sit here and try a local craft beer before your flight.

Free Wi-Fi, Lounges, and Accessibility

Staying connected at DIA is simple because the whole airport has free Wi-Fi. You can use your devices right when you arrive. It does not matter if you are waiting by the airline ticket counters or if you are at your gate. This is good for both work and fun trips.

You can also have a more special time by going to one of the airline lounges. These lounges have nice seats, free snacks and drinks, and a quiet place to work or rest. This lets you get away from the crowds in the main terminal. After you go through the security checkpoint, you will find lounges like the United Club, Delta Sky Club, or American Airlines Admirals Club.

DIA is the largest airport in the country. It wants every traveler to feel welcome. It always gets high marks in customer surveys for being easy to get around. Features like moving walkways, restrooms for everyone, and good signs make it easy for people to travel with comfort.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around Denver’s airports can be easy when you have the right information. If you know what to expect at Denver International Airport and also think about other airports in the area, you can make your trip smoother. There are many ways to get around and a lot of services and places to relax, so your time there can be good and stress-free. If you will travel to Denver, take some time to look over this guide. You will feel more ready for your trip. If you want more help, you can always ask or set up a meeting. Have a safe trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main airport in Denver and what makes it unique?

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main airport. This international airport is the largest airport in the U.S. when it comes to land area. You can spot it by seeing the tent-like roof on the Jeppesen Terminal. DEN Airport is a big center for travel in the country and the world. The airport is also known for having a large art collection.

Are Denver airports open 24 hours and how can I find updates?

Denver International Airport stays open all day and night. But the security checkpoint and airline counters are open only at set hours. These hours depend on when flights are set to go. If you want the latest news on passenger traffic, airport property, or what’s happening with flights, you should check the airport’s official website or follow its social media.

What are the best transportation options from the airport into Denver?

The best ground transportation for you will depend on your needs. If you want something fast and not too expensive, the airport rail called the A Line will get you to Denver Union Station quickly. If you want to go straight to your stop, you can use an airport shuttle, a rideshare, or even a Denver Yellow Cab. Rental cars are there for anyone who wants to have more freedom to get around.