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Denver International (DEN) — Airport Guide

Complete guide to Denver International (DEN) in Denver, United States. Find lounges, restaurants, sleep options, transport links, and jetlag recovery facilities.

Top Lounges

Airports/DEN/Guide

Denver International Airport Guide

Lounges, food, WiFi, sleep, hotels, and transport at DEN

Official website

Terminal Transfers

How to navigate between terminals

FromToWalkRecommendedSecurityTransport
JeppesenA8 min25 min
Recheck
Train
BC18 min35 min-
Train
AC22 min40 min-
Train
JeppesenC25 min55 min
Recheck
Train
AB15 min30 min-
Train
JeppesenB20 min50 min
Recheck
Train

Lounges at Denver International

13 lounges · 9 terminals

13 lounges found

American Express The Centurion Lounge

American Express The Centurion Lounge

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse C, near gate C46, mezzanine level
Priority Pass
American Airlines Admirals Club / British Airways Executive Club

American Airlines Admirals Club / British Airways Executive Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse A, central area, mezzanine level (next to bridge from Jeppesen Terminal)
Priority Pass
United Club East

United Club East

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse B, near gate B44
United Club

United Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse A, near gate A25
United Club

United Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse B, near gate B59
United Club Den West

United Club Den West

Terminal Denver
United Club Fly

United Club Fly

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse B, near gate B60
American Airlines Admirals Club

American Airlines Admirals Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse C, between gates C30-C32
Priority Pass
Capital One Lounge

Capital One Lounge

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse A, near gate A34
Priority Pass
Delta Sky Club

Delta Sky Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse A, central area, mezzanine level (next to bridge from Jeppesen Terminal)
Mercantile Dining And Provision

Mercantile Dining And Provision

Terminal Denver
Priority Pass
United Club

United Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse A, near gate A25
United Club

United Club

Terminal Denver, CO (DEN), Concourse B, near gate B59
All lounges at Denver International

Food & Drink

17 dining options

Cafes

Aviano Coffee

Aviano Coffee

cafe

Cafecito

cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe

cafe

Dazbog Coffee

cafe

Denver International Airport Coffee

Denver International Airside Cafe

Denver International Costa Airport

Denver International Starbucks Airport

Denver International Terminal Cafe

Einstein Brothers Bagels and Caribou Coffee Tuk Tuks

cafe

Kabod Coffee

cafe

Novo Coffee

cafe

Peet's Coffee

cafe

Starbucks Coffee Company

cafe

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

cafe

Woody Creek Bakery & Cafe

cafe

Ziggi's Coffee

cafe
All cafes

Sleep & Rest

Rest and recovery options

Lounge Beds

Some lounges offer lie-flat beds for rest.

Showers

Shower facilities in the terminal

Shower Facilities

Showers available in the terminal.

Modern US hub. Good facilities, efficient layout. Outdoor access: outdoor_terrace (requires re-security) Outdoor access: outdoor_terrace (requires re-security) Outdoor access: outdoor_terrace (requires re-security) Outdoor access: outdoor_terrace (requires re-security)

Layover Tips

Making the most of your time at Denver International

4h: With 4 hours at DEN, stay in or very near the airport. Clear immigration/security, then explore the terminal: check out the public art like the "Mustang" sculpture outside and the rotating exhibits in the Jeppesen Terminal. Grab a local coffee at Dazbog Coffee or Caribou Coffee and try a Colorado craft beer at Denver Chophouse or New Belgium Hub. If you need to rest, use the Plaza Premium Lounge or United Club (if eligible). Families can use play areas near some gates; business travelers can work at quiet seating zones with power outlets. Allow at least 60–90 minutes to re-clear security and reach your gate, more at peak times or for international flights.
8h: With about 8 hours, you can leave the airport and get a quick taste of Denver. Take the A Line commuter rail from DEN to Denver Union Station (about 35 minutes each way, trains every ~15–30 minutes). At Union Station, admire the restored Great Hall, grab coffee at Pigtrain Coffee Co. or Mercantile Dining & Provision, and stroll around LoDo (Lower Downtown). Walk or scooter to Confluence Park to see where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, then continue to Larimer Square for historic architecture, boutiques, and restaurants. If you prefer culture, take a rideshare to the Denver Art Museum and the nearby Clyfford Still Museum in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Head back to Union Station in time to catch the train to DEN, leaving downtown at least 2.5–3 hours before your departure to clear security comfortably.
24h: With 24 hours, you can enjoy a full Denver stopover. After arriving, ride the A Line to Union Station and check into a downtown hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the Golden Triangle Creative District: visit the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center. In the evening, head to LoDo and Larimer Square for dinner and drinks, or catch a game or concert at Ball Arena or Coors Field (in season). The next morning, walk or bike along the Cherry Creek Trail or visit the Denver Botanic Gardens in Cheesman Park. Beer fans can tour breweries in the River North (RiNo) Art District such as Great Divide Brewing Co. and Ratio Beerworks while enjoying street art murals. Plan to return to DEN via the A Line, leaving downtown at least 3 hours before your flight (more for international) to allow for transit and security.

By Layover Duration

4-Hour Layover

With 4 hours at DEN, stay in or very near the airport. Clear immigration/security, then explore the terminal: check out the public art like the "Mustang" sculpture outside and the rotating exhibits in the Jeppesen Terminal. Grab a local coffee at Dazbog Coffee or Caribou Coffee and try a Colorado craft beer at Denver Chophouse or New Belgium Hub. If you need to rest, use the Plaza Premium Lounge or United Club (if eligible). Families can use play areas near some gates; business travelers can work at quiet seating zones with power outlets. Allow at least 60–90 minutes to re-clear security and reach your gate, more at peak times or for international flights.

8-Hour Layover

With about 8 hours, you can leave the airport and get a quick taste of Denver. Take the A Line commuter rail from DEN to Denver Union Station (about 35 minutes each way, trains every ~15–30 minutes). At Union Station, admire the restored Great Hall, grab coffee at Pigtrain Coffee Co. or Mercantile Dining & Provision, and stroll around LoDo (Lower Downtown). Walk or scooter to Confluence Park to see where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, then continue to Larimer Square for historic architecture, boutiques, and restaurants. If you prefer culture, take a rideshare to the Denver Art Museum and the nearby Clyfford Still Museum in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Head back to Union Station in time to catch the train to DEN, leaving downtown at least 2.5–3 hours before your departure to clear security comfortably.

Overnight Layover

With 24 hours, you can enjoy a full Denver stopover. After arriving, ride the A Line to Union Station and check into a downtown hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the Golden Triangle Creative District: visit the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center. In the evening, head to LoDo and Larimer Square for dinner and drinks, or catch a game or concert at Ball Arena or Coors Field (in season). The next morning, walk or bike along the Cherry Creek Trail or visit the Denver Botanic Gardens in Cheesman Park. Beer fans can tour breweries in the River North (RiNo) Art District such as Great Divide Brewing Co. and Ratio Beerworks while enjoying street art murals. Plan to return to DEN via the A Line, leaving downtown at least 3 hours before your flight (more for international) to allow for transit and security.

Full layover guide for Denver

Getting There & Away

Transport options to/from the airport

tips: Altitude in Denver is about 5,280 feet (1,609 m), so stay hydrated and take it easy if you’re coming from sea level. Weather can change quickly; carry layers, especially in fall, winter, and spring. For layovers, factor in at least 60–90 minutes for security at DEN, more during peak times or for international flights. The A Line is usually the most predictable way between DEN and downtown; check RTD’s website or app for any service alerts. If you have limited time, focus on areas near Union Station like LoDo and Larimer Square to minimize transit.
from_airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 25 miles northeast of downtown. The easiest option is the A Line commuter rail operated by RTD, running between DEN and Denver Union Station in about 35 minutes, with trains typically every 15–30 minutes. Tickets are a regional fare; purchase at station machines or via the RTD app. Taxis, rideshares (Uber, Lyft), and shuttles are available from the Jeppesen Terminal; driving time to downtown is usually 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Several airport hotels offer courtesy shuttles for overnight stays near DEN.
public_transit: RTD operates light rail, commuter rail, and buses across the Denver metro area. From Union Station, you can connect to the 16th Street Free MallRide shuttle through downtown, light rail lines, and local buses. Fares are zone-based; day passes are available. Many central attractions—LoDo, Larimer Square, the Golden Triangle, and parts of RiNo—are walkable or reachable by short rideshare or scooter trips. B-Cycle-style bike-share programs have been replaced by private scooter and bike rentals in many areas; check current providers on arrival.
airportCoordinates: [object Object]
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Local Dining

Food areas and local cuisine near the airport

Food Areas

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Around Union Station and Coors Field, LoDo is packed with restaurants, brewpubs, rooftop bars, and cafes, making it an easy one-stop area for dining during a short layover.

Larimer Square

A historic block with string lights and a mix of upscale and casual restaurants, wine bars, and dessert spots, ideal for a walkable dinner and drinks experience.

RiNo Art District

A hotspot for food halls like Denver Central Market and The Source, plus food trucks, breweries, and inventive restaurants in converted warehouses, great for sampling multiple vendors.

Highlands / LoHi

Just across the Highland Bridge from downtown, this neighborhood offers trendy eateries, cocktail bars, and patios with skyline views, including spots along Platte Street.

Cherry Creek

An upscale shopping and dining district southeast of downtown with high-end restaurants, cafes, and hotel bars, suitable for a more polished meal or business dinner.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Mercantile Dining & Provision

New American / Farm-to-Table

Located inside Union Station, Mercantile serves seasonal Colorado-inspired dishes and excellent coffee, ideal for a refined meal or quick bite near the A Line train.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Union Station)

Breakfast / Brunch

A popular Denver-born brunch spot known for creative pancakes, eggs Benedict, and a fun atmosphere. Great for a hearty breakfast during a layover morning.

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

Casual / Sausages

A local favorite for wild-game and gourmet hot dogs with inventive toppings, offering a playful take on Colorado flavors in a quick, casual setting.

The Buckhorn Exchange

Steakhouse / Historic

Denver’s oldest restaurant, serving steaks and game meats like elk and buffalo in a taxidermy-filled historic building near downtown, for a classic Old West experience.

Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen

Gastropub

A downtown spot (check current status) known for elevated pub fare, sausages, and an extensive beer list, showcasing Denver’s love of craft brews and hearty bites.

Services

Airport amenities and facilities

Spa

5 locations

Medical

Medical services available

Currency & ATM

Currency exchange

Luggage Storage

Storage available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this airport

Yes, Denver International offers shower facilities for travelers. These are typically available in airport lounges and some terminals. A refreshing shower can help reset your body clock after a long flight.

Flying through DEN?

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Denver City Guide

Explore flights, hotels, attractions, and layover tips for Denver.

OverviewFlightsHotelsThings to DoLayover
DEN Airport (DEN) Guide — Lounges, Food, Sleep… | Aerobase