Denver Airport (DEN) Terminal Guide 2026
Denver International Airport is the 5th busiest in the US — United Airlines' major western hub and the gateway to Colorado's ski resorts. DEN has one main terminal (the iconic Jeppesen with its white tent-like roof) and three concourses connected by underground train. This guide covers every airline, every concourse, the A Line commuter rail, and car service pricing to downtown Denver and every major ski resort.
How Denver Airport Is Organized
DEN has a distinctive layout: all check-in, ticketing, and security happens in the Jeppesen Terminal (also called the Great Hall), recognizable by its white Teflon-coated fiberglass tent roof. After clearing security, passengers take the Automated Transit System (ATS) underground train to one of three concourses. The train runs every 1–3 minutes and is free.
Concourse A
Airlines: Southwest, Frontier, international
ATS: First stop on ATS
Lounge: No airline lounge (Priority Pass options)
Concourse B
Airlines: United Airlines (hub)
ATS: Middle stop on ATS
Lounge: United Club + Centurion Lounge
Concourse C
Airlines: Delta, American, Alaska, Spirit
ATS: Last stop on ATS
Lounge: Delta Sky Club + Admirals Club
Important: Jeppesen Terminal is Check-In ONLY
After security, you must take the ATS train to your concourse — there are no gates in the Jeppesen Terminal itself. Allow an extra 10–15 minutes to reach your gate via the ATS, especially during peak periods. If arriving at DEN, you'll take the ATS from your concourse back to the Jeppesen Terminal to reach baggage claim and ground transportation.
Which Concourse Is Your Airline?
Complete airline-to-concourse reference for DEN.
| Airline | Concourse | Key Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Concourse A | All Southwest domestic routes — LAS, PHX, DAL, MDW, LAX, SEA |
| Frontier Airlines | Concourse A | Budget domestic routes — MCO, FLL, TPA, PHX, LAS |
| Air Canada | Concourse A | International — Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver |
| Aeromexico | Concourse A | International — Mexico City (MEX) |
| WestJet | Concourse A | International — Calgary, Edmonton |
| British Airways | Concourse A | International — London Heathrow |
| Lufthansa | Concourse A | International — Frankfurt, Munich |
| United Airlines | Concourse B | All United routes — ORD, IAH, EWR, SFO, LAX, ORD, SEA, international |
| Delta Air Lines | Concourse C | ATL, JFK, LGA, MSP, DTW, SLC, BOS, LAX, SEA |
| American Airlines | Concourse C | DFW, ORD, MIA, CLT, PHL, JFK |
| Alaska Airlines | Concourse C | SEA, LAX, SFO, PDX, SAN, PHX |
| Spirit Airlines | Concourse C | Budget domestic — LAS, MCO, FLL, DFW, LAX |
| Sun Country Airlines | Concourse C | Seasonal leisure routes |
Verify with your airline at check-in — gate assignments change seasonally.
Concourse B — United Airlines Hub
Concourse B is the largest concourse at DEN and United Airlines' primary western hub. From Denver, United operates nonstops to every major US city plus international routes to Europe, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Japan (via SFO connections), and more. United accounts for roughly 40% of all DEN departures.
United Club — Concourse B
United Club at DEN is located in Concourse B, post-security. Access with United Club membership (annual or per-visit), MileagePlus 1K/Global Services status, or Business/First class on long-haul international United flights.
- • Hot buffet, snacks, full bar
- • Business workstations + WiFi
- • Shower suites
Centurion Lounge — Concourse B
The American Express Centurion Lounge at DEN is in Concourse B. Access requires an Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion Card. Guest access is $75/person for Platinum cardholders.
- • Full hot food menu with local Colorado ingredients
- • Open bar (craft Colorado beers featured)
- • Spa treatments + shower suites
- • Family room with kids' activities
A Line Commuter Rail: DEN to Downtown Denver
The University of Colorado A Line connects Denver International Airport directly to Denver Union Station in downtown Denver. The 22.8-mile line opened in April 2016 and runs every 15 minutes during peak hours.
| Station | Travel Time from DEN | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver International Airport | 0 min | $10.50 | A Line origin — Level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal |
| 40th & Airport Blvd | 8 min | $4.50 | Northeastern suburbs |
| Peoria | 12 min | $4.50 | Aurora/eastern suburbs |
| Central Park (Stapleton) | 18 min | $4.50 | Central Park neighborhood |
| 40th & Colorado | 22 min | $4.50 | Cole/Clayton neighborhoods |
| 38th & Blake | 26 min | $4.50 | RiNo (River North Arts District) |
| Denver Union Station | 37 min | $10.50 | Downtown Denver hub — connects to all RTD light rail |
A Line Limitation: No Luggage Help, No Ski Equipment
The A Line is great for solo business travelers with a carry-on. For families, travelers with checked luggage, ski equipment, or strollers — a car service is far more practical. There are no luggage racks or dedicated storage cars, and the walk from Union Station to many Denver hotels requires additional transit.
Ski Resort Transfers from Denver Airport
Denver International Airport is the launching point for trips to the world's best ski resorts. All mountain transfers from DEN follow I-70 West through the Rocky Mountains — one of the most scenic (and weather-dependent) drives in the country.
| Ski Resort | Distance | Drive Time* | Sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loveland Ski Area | 75 mi | 1:15–1:45 hrs | $200–$250 | $250–$300 |
| Keystone Resort | 90 mi | 1:30–2:00 hrs | $220–$280 | $275–$340 |
| Breckenridge Ski Resort | 90 mi | 1:30–2:00 hrs | $220–$280 | $275–$340 |
| Copper Mountain Resort | 90 mi | 1:30–2:00 hrs | $220–$280 | $275–$340 |
| Arapahoe Basin | 90 mi | 1:30–2:00 hrs | $220–$280 | $275–$340 |
| Vail Mountain | 115 mi | 1:45–2:30 hrs | $280–$360 | $340–$420 |
| Beaver Creek Resort | 120 mi | 1:45–2:30 hrs | $285–$370 | $350–$430 |
| Steamboat Springs | 160 mi | 2:45–3:30 hrs | $380–$460 | $460–$560 |
| Aspen/Snowmass | 200 mi | 3:30–4:30 hrs | $480–$580 | $580–$700 |
| Telluride | 330 mi | 5:30–6:30 hrs | Call for quote | Call for quote |
*Drive times assume clear roads. Winter storms can add 30–90 min. All vehicles equipped for mountain driving.
Winter Mountain Driving: Why Professional Drivers Matter
I-70 West through the Eisenhower Tunnel (11,013 ft elevation) and the Rocky Mountains is subject to closures, chain requirements, and severe winter weather. Detailed Drivers' chauffeurs are experienced mountain drivers with AWD/4WD vehicles and winter-rated tires — not rental-car drivers who may be encountering mountain roads for the first time in a snowstorm. We monitor road conditions and CDOT alerts in real time and adjust routes when needed. For ski resort transfers, call (888) 420-0177.
Car Service Pricing from DEN to Denver Area
| Destination | Distance | Sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Denver (LoDo, 16th Street Mall) | 25 mi | $85–$110 | $110–$140 |
| Denver Convention Center | 25 mi | $85–$110 | $110–$140 |
| Cherry Creek | 27 mi | $90–$115 | $115–$145 |
| Denver Tech Center (DTC) | 28 mi | $90–$115 | $115–$145 |
| Aurora / Fitzsimons Medical Campus | 15 mi | $65–$85 | $85–$110 |
| Boulder | 50 mi | $120–$150 | $150–$185 |
| Colorado Springs | 95 mi | $195–$235 | $240–$285 |
| Fort Collins | 70 mi | $160–$190 | $200–$240 |
| Pueblo | 115 mi | $240–$280 | $290–$340 |
Rates are estimates. Contact Detailed Drivers: (888) 420-0177.
DEN Airport FAQs
How many terminals does Denver airport have?
Denver International Airport has one main terminal — the Jeppesen Terminal (Great Hall) — plus three concourses (A, B, C) connected by underground ATS train. All check-in and security is in the Jeppesen Terminal; all gates are in the concourses. The ATS runs every 1–3 minutes.
Which concourse is United Airlines at DEN?
United Airlines operates from Concourse B at Denver International Airport. As DEN's primary hub carrier, United occupies the largest concourse with 40+ gates. The United Club and Centurion Lounge are both in Concourse B.
How far is Denver airport from downtown Denver?
Denver International Airport is approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver (LoDo, 16th Street Mall). The drive via Peña Boulevard and I-70 takes 35–50 minutes in normal traffic, 50–75 minutes during rush hour. The A Line commuter rail covers the distance in ~37 minutes.
How do I take the train from Denver airport to downtown?
The UC A Line commuter rail departs from Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. It stops at Denver Union Station in approximately 37 minutes. Fare is $10.50 one-way. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours. From Union Station, connect to the rest of Denver RTD light rail network.
What ski resorts can I reach from Denver airport?
From DEN, you can reach Breckenridge and Keystone in ~1.5–2 hours, Vail and Beaver Creek in ~2–2.5 hours, and Aspen/Snowmass in ~3.5–4.5 hours via I-70 West. All major Colorado ski resorts are accessible from Denver airport. Detailed Drivers offers professional mountain car service with winter-experienced drivers.
Is there a hotel at Denver International Airport?
Yes — the Westin Denver International Airport is directly connected to the Jeppesen Terminal via sky bridge. The hotel has 519 rooms, a rooftop pool, spa, and multiple restaurants. It's ideal for long layovers, early departures, or when I-70 is closed due to winter storms.
How much does car service from DEN to downtown Denver cost?
Black car service from Denver airport to downtown Denver (Convention Center, LoDo, Cherry Creek) costs $85–$110 for a sedan and $110–$140 for an SUV. For ski resort transfers, pricing ranges from $200–$580+ depending on destination. Call Detailed Drivers at (888) 420-0177.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at Denver airport?
Rideshare pickup at DEN is at the TNC (Transportation Network Company) area on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, near the A Line train station. Exit baggage claim (Level 5) and follow TNC signs. Surge pricing is common during peak arrivals and holiday weekends (especially ski season: Christmas, Presidents Day, spring break).
Book Your Denver Airport Transfer
Detailed Drivers provides premium black car and chauffeur service from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver, Cherry Creek, Denver Tech Center, Boulder, and all Colorado ski resorts. Our experienced mountain drivers handle I-70 ski season conditions with AWD vehicles and winter-rated tires. Flat-rate pricing, flight tracking, 24/7 availability.