17 Travel Tips for First-Time Denver Airport Travelers

Flying through Denver International Airport for the first time?

I wrote this guide specifically for you – whether you’re visiting Denver or you’re a local taking your first flight out of DEN.

After flying nearly a million miles through this airport, I’ve watched countless first-time travelers make the same mistakes – showing up without enough time, getting lost, or paying too much for transportation.

These are the insider tips I wish someone had shared with me during my first DEN experience. This isn’t generic travel advice – these are specific strategies that work at this unique airport.

Before You Go (Planning Tips – Departing Passengers)

1. Give Yourself Way More Time Than You Think You Need

Denver Airport is massive, and if you’re not familiar with the layout, things take much longer than expected.

For first-time travelers to DEN, I recommend arriving at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure time regardless of whether you’re flying domestic or international (it’s all the same terminal at DEN). This is not advice that I personally follow (I arrive much closer to my departure time, but I know the drill here and have all the bells and whistles when it comes to getting through security fast), but I highly recommend that first-timers arrive early.

The airport’s size works against first-time travelers. What looks like a quick walk can easily turn into a 20-45 minute journey from security to your gate. Build in extra buffer time so you can navigate comfortably and maybe grab food without rushing.

2. Know Your Parking Strategy Beforehand

Parking fills up during peak travel times. If you must drive, book parking in advance or have a backup plan. I almost always recommend the A-Line train over driving – it eliminates parking stress and gets you there just as quickly once you factor in parking and shuttle time.

For complete parking options, pricing, and booking strategies, check out my Denver Airport parking guide.

3. Take the A-Line Train for Transportation

As someone who’s taken this train close to 100 times, it’s the best way to get between DEN and downtown Denver. The 37-minute ride runs 7 days a week, 365 days a year. At $10 each way (free for kids), it’s also the most economical option.

For complete details on schedules, ticketing, and step-by-step instructions, check out my detailed guide to the Denver Airport train.

At the Airport (Navigation & Process – All Passengers)

4. Understand the Airport Layout

Everything starts in the Jeppesen Terminal – check-in, baggage drop, security, pre-security food, and passenger pickup. There are 3 concourses (A, B, C) that you access by underground train after security.

The process: check in and go through security in the main terminal, then take the underground train to your specific concourse where your gate is located. The train system runs every few minutes and connects all three concourses seamlessly.

5. Know the Difference Between Terminal East vs. Terminal West

“Terminal East” and “Terminal West” are just the east and west sides of the same building. You can walk between them in 5-8 minutes.

Airlines split between sides for check-in counters and baggage drop. If you’re checking bags, go to your airline’s designated side. Carry-on only? Use either side. All passengers use the same security checkpoints regardless of which side they enter.

For complete drop-off details, check out my guide to getting dropped off at Denver Airport.

6. Choose Your Security Checkpoint Wisely (Departing Passengers)

DEN has two main security checkpoints: South Security (Level 5) and West Security (Level 6). Both serve all airlines, but wait times vary dramatically. Peak times (early morning and late afternoon) average 30–45 minutes. Midday and late-night travelers see 10–20 minute waits.

For complete security options and strategies, check out my detailed guide to Denver Airport security.

7. Know How to Find Your Concourse and Gate (Departing Passengers)

Your boarding pass shows your concourse and gate – “A23,” “B45,” or “C32.” The letter is your concourse, the number is your specific gate.

Check display monitors for real-time flight info and gate changes. Don’t panic if you end up on the wrong concourse – just hop back on the train. Remember that distances are longer than most airports, so factor that into your timing.

8. Know How to Navigate Connections (Connecting Passengers)

Connecting at DEN is straightforward. Your boarding pass shows your connecting gate. Follow signage to that gate’s location. If it’s in another concourse, use the underground train – you don’t have to go through security again.

Connection timing depends on gate locations, how fast you deplane, and whether you’re changing concourses. Same concourse? 45 minutes works. Different concourses? I’d want at least an hour, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the airport.

9. Know the International Arrivals Process (Arriving International Passengers)

If you’re arriving internationally, you’ll need to clear customs and immigration before proceeding to baggage claim.

DEN has a dedicated International Arrivals area on the north side of the Jeppesen Terminal with its own baggage carousels.

While You’re There (Amenities & Services – All Passengers)

10. The Food Here is Great

With over 85 dining options, DEN has seriously stepped up its food game. My favorites include Mercantile, Tacos Tequila Whiskey, The Bagel Deli, Novo Coffee, Snooze, Garbanzo, Teatulia, Bar Dough, Root Down and so much more!

Bring snacks for late flights (many restaurants close early). Airport prices are higher, but the quality makes it worth it if you have the budget.

11. Take Advantage of the Free Wi-Fi

DEN offers completely free Wi-Fi with no time limits. The network “DEN Airport Free Wi-Fi” boasts impressive speeds (around 61.2 Mbps average). This is legitimately some of the best airport Wi-Fi I’ve experienced – you can actually get work done or stream videos.

12. Know Where to Rest if You Need To

For long layovers or catching sleep, the second floor of Concourse A has a bunch of reclining seats that are great for napping. The newer parts of Concourse A and B also have some great seating options.

The airport actually ranked as one of the top places in the world to sleep in airports, so you’re in good company.

When You Arrive (Getting Out – Arriving Passengers)

13. Know Where to Get Picked Up

Pickup locations depend on who’s picking you up:

• Friends and family: Level 4 (go down one level from baggage claim)
• Rideshares, hotel shuttles, taxis, rental car shuttles, off-airport parking shuttles: Level 5 (same level as baggage claim)

For rideshares specifically, there are designated pickup zones on both Terminal East and Terminal West sides of Level 5. Follow airport signage to “Rideshare Pickup/Drop-off.”

Generally, rideshares are more cost-effective than taxis at DEN.

For step-by-step instructions on exactly where to meet your driver, check out my guide on how to catch an Uber or Lyft at Denver Airport.

14. Know About the Cell Phone Waiting Lot (For People Picking You Up)

Tell your pickup person about the Cell Phone Waiting Lot – a large parking area with amenities like Dunkin’ Donuts where drivers can wait for free (7680 N Wenatchee St, Denver, CO 80249).

This matters because you can’t wait curbside at DEN. Drivers who try get stuck in long loops around the airport. The cell phone lot lets them park comfortably until you’re ready.

When to call them: Wait until you’ve collected your bags (or skipped baggage claim if you don’t have checked bags) and have gone down to Level 4. It takes about 5 minutes to drive from the cell phone lot to the terminal. Remember to tell them whether you’re on Terminal East or West side.

15. Know Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car

Rental cars aren’t at the main terminal. After collecting luggage, follow signs to rental car shuttles. The free shuttle runs every 3-5 minutes and the whole process takes 15-20 minutes from boarding to driving away.

Allow extra time – the shuttle ride and paperwork can add 30-45 minutes to your airport exit time.

For more info and tips on saving money, check out my complete guide to renting a car at Denver Airport here.

General Airport Wisdom (All Passengers)

16. Plan for the Unexpected

Construction is ongoing, train systems occasionally have issues, security lines can be unpredictable, and weather throws everything off schedule. Colorado weather changes fast – winter storms and summer thunderstorms both cause delays year-round.

Build buffer time into your plans, stay flexible, and always check flight status before leaving for the airport.

17. Embrace the Weirdness

First-time visitors are always curious about our famous blue horse statue with glowing red eyes (“Blucifer”), the conspiracy theories, and unique art throughout the airport. It’s all part of the DEN experience – embrace it!

Final Thoughts

 Denver International Airport can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics for your first time here – arrive early, use the train system, be strategic about security and transportation – it’s actually the best airport to fly through.

Safe travels, and welcome to Denver!