6 Reasons to Connect Through Denver Airport
When direct flights aren’t available, your choice of connecting airport can make all the difference in your travel experience.
While most travelers focus solely on price and timing, the connecting airport itself deserves serious consideration when comparing your options. The connecting airport is something that I personally give significant weight to when deciding between connecting options.
If Denver International Airport (DEN) is among your connection choices, it should be at the top of your list.
Here are six reasons why Denver consistently outperforms other major hubs for connecting passengers.
1. Exceptional Food Options
Food options are a crucial consideration when evaluating connecting airports, and I’m willing to argue that Denver Airport has the best food selection of any airport in the United States. There’s simply no better airport when it comes to both quality and variety.
Looking to eat healthy while traveling? Denver Airport has you covered with fresh, nutritious options. Is fast food more your style? You’ll find all the familiar chains. Craving pizza? Multiple options await. Want to experience Denver restaurants that have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? They’re right there in the terminals.
Farm-to-table cuisine? Check. Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, burgers, Asian, sushi? All available and more. The food options at Denver Airport are practically endless, and when you’re in the middle of a long travel day, having quality dining choices can transform your experience from tedious to enjoyable.
2. Seamless Terminal Transfers
Need to transfer terminals for a connecting flight? Denver Airport is one of the few major airports where you can move between terminals door-to-door within just a few minutes using the efficient underground train system.
This is particularly valuable if you’re switching airlines and need to reach another terminal quickly. It’s also convenient if you have a lengthy layover and want to explore the food, shops, or recreational areas in different terminals without worrying about missing your connection.
3. Outstanding Coffee and Beverage Selection
We all have our preferences when it comes to coffee and beverages. Some travelers prefer the consistency of major coffee chains, while others seek out local, artisanal coffee shops.
Regardless of your preference, Denver Airport delivers on all fronts—and then some. From Starbucks and Peet’s to local Denver roasters, you’ll find options to satisfy any caffeine craving.
There’s even a plethora of matcha options in each concourse.
The airport also features craft beer from Colorado breweries, perfect for those looking to sample local flavors during their layover.
4. Refreshing Outdoor Spaces
The importance of outdoor space at an airport never crossed my mind—until I experienced it firsthand at Denver Airport. These outdoor areas provide a welcome reprieve from recycled airplane air followed by stuffy terminal atmosphere.
It’s also a bonus feature if you’re traveling with a pet.
Denver Airport features outdoor spaces in each terminal, complete with different seating options ranging from comfortable lounge chairs to high-top barstools. There are also plenty of small tables if you want to catch up on work while enjoying fresh mountain air and natural light.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs, clear your head, and breathe some fresh air during a layover, these outdoor spaces are an unexpected luxury that most airports simply don’t offer.
5. Day Trip Opportunities
Facing a long layover or experiencing a significant delay? Denver’s location and transportation options make it feasible to escape the airport for a few hours and take a quick trip to downtown Denver.
You can explore the city’s vibrant downtown area, dine at acclaimed local restaurants, visit the Denver Art Museum, or even catch a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field during baseball season. The A-Line train provides convenient airport-to-downtown transportation, making these mini-adventures surprisingly accessible.
6. Excellent Backup Options When Things Go Wrong
Denver Airport is simply a good place to get stranded when travel plans go awry. As a major hub for three significant airlines—United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines—DEN offers extensive route networks with multiple daily flights to most destinations.
This means that if you find yourself dealing with a flight cancellation or major delay, Denver provides more rebooking options than most airports. The combination of multiple airlines, frequent departures, and helpful airport staff makes recovering from travel disruptions much more manageable here than at many other major hubs.
The Bottom Line
When you have a choice in connecting airports, Denver International Airport consistently delivers an experience that goes beyond basic functionality. From exceptional dining and convenient terminal design to unique amenities like outdoor spaces and downtown accessibility, DEN turns what could be a stressful connection into a genuinely pleasant part of your journey.
The next time you’re booking a trip that requires a connection, give serious consideration to routing through Denver—your travel experience will likely be better for it.
