How to Navigate Denver International Airport Inside & Out
Denver Airport Guide
Between its wide-open spaces and iconic architecture, understanding how to navigate the Denver Airport makes every step feel easier. This guide breaks down the airport’s flow, highlights what to look for, and helps you get oriented, whether you’re catching a connecting flight, exploring DEN’s highlights, or heading into Colorado with an Avis rental.
Denver International Airport Quick Facts
Official name: The airport’s full name is Denver International Airport, often shortened to DEN or even DIA. Unlike many major airports named after notable figures, DEN keeps things simple, letting its iconic white “mountain peak” roof and wide-open design do the storytelling instead.
Official website: https://www.flydenver.com/
Airport code: Denver’s airport goes by DEN, a simple derivation from the city name, though many longtime locals still affectionately call it “DIA” from early marketing. The dual naming can throw visitors off, but DEN is the code you’ll rely on for flights, luggage tags, and wayfinding.
Airport history: Denver International Airport opened on February 28, 1995, replacing the older Stapleton Airport, and has since become one of the largest and most modern air hubs in the U.S.
In recent years, DEN has undergone major upgrades to the Denver Airport layout to improve passenger flow and prepare for future growth. A multi-billion-dollar Great Hall renovation has relocated and modernized security checkpoints and expanded the terminal’s central areas, with work continuing through 2027.
Meanwhile, concourse expansions—including new gates and remodeled spaces in Concourse A, B, and C—have steadily opened, bringing fresh amenities and room for more flights.
Number of terminals: Denver International Airport has one main terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal, which handles check-in, security, and baggage claim. It’s also where you’ll find many of the well-known Denver Airport murals.
From the terminal, travelers can connect to three concourses—A, B, and C—with B and C accessed only by the underground train, while A is reachable by either the train or a pedestrian bridge.
Tricks to Navigating DEN
- Everything starts in one place: Because all check-ins and security happen in the Jeppesen Terminal, crowds can build up—give yourself a bit of extra time.
- Trains are essential: The Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) is the primary way to reach Concourses B and C, so expect a ride rather than a walk.
- Concourse A is the odd one out: It’s the only concourse with a pedestrian bridge that connects to the Jeppesen Terminal, but many travelers use the train to reach A gates anyway.
- Big spaces mean longer walks: DEN’s wide, airy concourses feel open, but reaching gates at either end can feel like a bit of a trek. Take advantage of moving walkways if you’re in a rush to catch a connecting flight.
Outside the Terminal
Arrivals and departures are on different roadway levels: departures on Level 6, and arrivals on Level 4. Levels are straightforward, but you’ll want to follow the signs closely so you don’t end up circling back.
Car rentals at DEN are located at a separate, centralized rental car facility just off airport property. Every major company—including Avis—uses dedicated shuttle buses that can pick you up at the east and west sides of Level 5 outside Jeppesen Terminal. Shuttles run frequently, and the ride only takes a few minutes.
As you leave the airport, Peña Boulevard feeds you straight to the major highways—I-70, E-470, and routes into the wider Denver metro area.
Inside the Terminal
The Denver Airport layout begins with the Jeppesen Terminal, a vast open space under the famous white-peaked roof. All check-in and security happen here (Level 6), with two large screening areas funneling travelers toward the underground train.
Once past security, you’ll head to Concourse A, B, or C, each sitting apart from the terminal like islands connected by the airport train. Concourse A can also be reached via a pedestrian bridge that has sweeping views of the airfield. Baggage claim sits on Level 5, along with several notable Denver Airport murals that many travelers spot before even reaching the exits.
How to Change Terminals at DEN
You can walk between gates within a single concourse at DEN, but you cannot walk between Concourses A, B, and C—the airfield separates them. Concourse A is the only one with a pedestrian bridge from the terminal; all other concourse transfers require use of the underground AGTS train.
Yes—DEN uses the Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS), an underground train that runs every few minutes between Jeppesen Terminal and all three concourses. There’s no shuttle between concourses, but rental car shuttles operate outside the terminal to the nearby facilities.
Hidden Gems at Denver International Airport
Knowing how to navigate Denver Airport will help you find these hidden gems, which are great for when you’re waiting for a flight or before heading out into the greater Denver metro area.
- The Art Walks: DEN features public art, including iconic Denver Airport murals, rotating installations, and sculptures tucked throughout Jeppesen Terminal and the concourses.
- The Pedestrian Bridge: The walkway to Concourse A offers some of the best airfield views in the airport and a rare chance to watch planes taxi beneath your feet.
- DEN Plaza: Located outside security between the Westin Hotel and the terminal, this open-air space hosts seasonal events, live entertainment, and pop-up activities.
- Quiet Nooks: Lounges like the American Airlines Admirals Club (Concourse C), United Club (Concourse B), and the USO Lounge (Concourse A) offer peaceful escapes. Travelers can also find tucked-away seating near the ends of concourses.
Beyond the Denver International Airport
Waiting through a layover? If you’ve got four or more hours before your next flight, you can step into Denver for a mini-adventure. Grab a coffee and wander the indie shops in the Highlands, check out the massive collection at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, or unwind lakeside at City Park.
For more quick-trip inspiration, explore our Denver Leisure Travel Guide and Denver Business Travel Guide. And if you want full freedom to explore, several Avis Denver locations make slipping into—and out of—the city simple.
Rent a Car at DEN from Avis
When you arrive at DEN, an Avis rental makes it easy to get around—drive into downtown for a meal, head toward Pike’s Peak for mountain views, or explore Denver’s neighborhoods and must-see attractions at your own pace without relying on shuttles, transit schedules, or expensive ride-share services. Start your reservation now.
Book a DEN Car Rental