Denver International Airport, CO (DEN) DEN: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Denver International Airport

Plan your journey from/to Denver International Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by bus or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Travel to Denver International Airport from Denver city center

Denver, the capital of Colorado, is exactly one mile high (5,280' or 1.6 kilometers) above sea level which adds a bit of fun to a visit. The high altitude and rarefied air mean that golf balls travel 10% further, coffee always feels cooler and be careful - alcohol definitely packs more of a punch, whether it is a cocktail or a beer. Seriously, Denver is one of the United State's fastest-growing cities with lively arts, dining, and shopping scenes as well as plenty of beautiful inner-city green spaces. All of this is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, and both summer and winter outdoor activities. Denver has a public transit network of light railways and buses while bike-share systems allow visitors to take advantage of its numerous city bike trails. Denver International Airport (DEN) has the distinction of being the largest by land area in the States and the second-largest in the world! It is also Colorado's largest employer and serves North, Central, and South America as well as Canada, Asia, and Europe.

What is the best way to get to Denver International Airport from the city center?

Denver International Airport has a wide choice of car rental desks as well as taxi stands while many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services. To access it by car, visitors should leave the city center on the I-70 road and take exit 238 for Peña Boulevard and continue until reaching the airport. As the road approaches, the striking fiberglass roof of the airport appears through the mountains. Line A of the RTD Light Rail system also serves the airport with several stops along the way and local buses (145X, 169L, AA, AB, and AT) also link the city center to the airport.

How far is it from the city center to Denver International Airport?

Denver International Airport is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) from downtown Denver. Driving from the city center to the airport takes approximately 45 minutes depending on the time of day and driving conditions while making the journey by bus or light railway takes just over one hour. Apart from a short break in the early hours, buses and the light railway run almost twenty four hours a day, seven days a week with departures every 15 minutes during peak times.

What facilities are there at Denver International Airport?

The main Jeppeson Terminal has six floors accessed by elevators and escalators. The first four floors contain parking lots while the fifth one has a parking lot as well as baggage carousels, check-in, and security. The top level also has check-in counters. Facilities at the airport include free WiFi, children's play areas, currency and financial services, water bottle filling stations, business facilities, medical assistance, passenger lounges, and even a Therapy Squad of friendly cats which help relax nervous passengers. Other services include restrooms and showers, stores, bars, cafes and restaurants.

How accessible is Denver International Airport for those with limited mobility?

Both Light Rail trains and airport buses can take wheelchairs while there are accessible parking spaces in every car park. All areas of the airport can be reached by elevators, escalators or ramps while all restrooms are fully accessible. Service animals even have their own special areas with restrooms. Wheelchairs are available to borrow and many payphones have been adapted for use by deaf and hearing-impaired passengers. All cafes, restaurants, stores, and services are accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility while airport staff members are always on hand to assist as required.

Local tips: How to travel to Denver International Airport like a local

The Jeppeson Terminal and parking lots at Denver International Airport are very large so the most important tip is that passengers should leave plenty of time to reach their check-in point and for going through security. The Light Rail service and local buses depart from and arrive at a platform to the south side of the terminal but if passengers are unsure of where to go or need directions they should look out for DEN's Volunteer Ambassadors. These are easily spottable in their customized blue vests and are fully trained to provide directions and information.