Whether you’re heading to the Rocky Mountains, exploring the Mile High City, or connecting to destinations across the West Coast, Denver International Airport (DEN) offers plenty to experience before your flight.
From Colorado craft beer and locally made gifts to memorable public art and legendary conspiracy theories, here’s how to make the most of your time at DEN.
Denver International Airport is Colorado’s largest airport and a gateway to the West. Whether you’re visiting one of the state’s ski resorts, exploring downtown Denver, heading into the Rocky Mountains, or setting out for a national park, your Colorado adventure can start right at the airport.
DEN features plenty of Colorado character, from local breweries and restaurants to mountain-inspired shopping and an extensive public art collection. Its three concourses are connected by an underground train, helping you get where you need to go while leaving time to explore.
Did You Know? Denver International Airport has inspired decades of conspiracy theories about secret tunnels, unusual artwork, and mysterious symbols. Today, DEN gets in on the fun with playful references throughout the airport. One of its most recognizable landmarks is Blue Mustang, the towering blue horse sculpture better known as “Blucifer,” which greets travelers along Peña Boulevard.
Denver sits 5,280 feet above sea level, leading to its famous Mile High City nickname. Known for craft breweries, an outdoor lifestyle, public art, and an adventurous spirit, the city’s character is reflected in the airport.
From hometown favorites to picks from CLEAR Ambassadors, here’s where to eat, shop, and explore before boarding.
Colorado’s food scene is known for craft breweries, independent coffee roasters, and restaurants inspired by local ingredients and flavors. You’ll find plenty of those local favorites at DEN.
CLEAR Ambassadors recommend starting in Concourse A at Williams & Graham, inspired by one of Denver’s celebrated speakeasies. In Concourse B, New Belgium Brewing serves Colorado craft beer alongside an all-day comfort food menu. Travelers departing from Concourse C can settle in at Coors Silver Bullet Bar for a Colorado beer, hearty fare, and a place to catch the game before boarding.
Concourse A is also home to Denver restaurants like Mercantile Dining & Provision and The Bindery, along with Tocabe, which serves Indigenous-inspired cuisine rooted in the traditions of the Osage Nation. You can also get a taste of Denver sports culture at Elway’s Taproom & Grill in Concourse A or Elway’s in Concourse B, both named for Denver Broncos legend John Elway and serving distinctly Colorado-inspired dishes. Need coffee before your flight? Novo Coffee, with locations in Concourses A and B, serves locally roasted coffee from the Denver-based roaster.
Colorado’s mountains, creative spirit, and outdoor lifestyle inspire plenty of shopping at DEN. From locally crafted goods to outdoor apparel, there are plenty of ways to bring a little Colorado home.
CLEAR Ambassadors recommend Arts District Market in Concourse C, where you can browse locally made artwork, handcrafted gifts, and Colorado-inspired products.
You can also stop by Björn’s Colorado Honey in Concourses A, B, and C for Colorado honey, locally made treats, and bee-inspired gifts. In Concourse B, 5280 Activewear Co. offers outdoor-inspired apparel and accessories with a nod to Denver’s famous 5,280-foot elevation.
Prefer some fresh air before your flight? Our CLEAR Ambassadors recommend visiting one of DEN's Outdoor Decks in Concourses A, B, and C, where you can watch aircraft arrive and depart. If you'd rather stay indoors, the free Rest & Recharge Area on the Concourse A Mezzanine offers lounge seating, privacy partitions, and charging outlets.
For a unique experience, stop by Golf DEN in Concourse A for virtual golf, food, and drinks. You can also grab a Colorado craft beer at New Belgium Brewing, browse locally made gifts at Arts District Market, or explore DEN's extensive public art collection before boarding.
DEN's underground train connects Concourses A, B, and C, making it easy to explore beyond your departure concourse without leaving the secure area.
Take time to discover another concourse, browse Colorado-made goods, explore the airport's public art, or visit one of the outdoor decks before your flight.
Have several hours between flights? The RTD A Line connects Denver International Airport with downtown Denver in about 40 minutes. Explore historic Union Station, grab a meal in LoDo, or check out the murals and galleries of the RiNo Art District before returning to DEN.
If you leave the airport, give yourself plenty of time for the trip back, airport security, and getting to your gate before boarding.
If your connection is short, stay airside and head directly to your departure concourse. DEN’s underground train connects Concourses A, B, and C, with dining, shopping, and traveler amenities available near the gates.
For more tips, check out our guide to making a tight airport connection.
A little planning can make your time at DEN more predictable and enjoyable. From accessibility services to helpful travel tools and dedicated support, these resources can help you navigate your travel day with confidence.
Before heading to the airport, download the free CLEAR App to enjoy a seamless experience from home to gate. With the app, know exactly when to leave based on current traffic, real-time airport conditions, security wait times, and the walk to your gate.
Want an extra set of hands on your travel day? CLEAR Concierge is available at Denver International Airport for CLEAR+ Members.
Your dedicated CLEAR Ambassador meets you at the curb when you arrive, helps with bags and check-in, and brings you straight through security and to your gate or lounge. CLEAR Concierge is perfect for anyone who could use a little help through the airport—whether you’re traveling with kids, juggling bags, in a rush, or simply looking for travel day peace of mind.
Denver International Airport offers accessibility services to support travelers throughout the airport. Accessible restrooms, family restrooms, companion care restrooms, and service animal relief areas are available throughout DEN. Wheelchair assistance can be arranged directly through your airline before your trip.
DEN also participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which gives travelers with non-visible disabilities a discreet way to indicate they may benefit from additional time, patience, or assistance. Complimentary Sunflower lanyards are available at airport information booths.
Travelers who are blind or have low vision can also use Aira, a visual interpreting service that connects them with a professionally trained live agent for help navigating the airport.
For extra comfort during your travel day, keep an eye out for DEN's Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS). The team includes more than 140 trained and certified therapy dogs and one cat, who visit the airport with their volunteer handlers. You might meet Alice the Great Pyrenees, Banksy the Landseer Newfoundland, Hilo the Dalmatian, Eleven the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and many more, depending on the day. Travelers are welcome to stop for a pet, hug, or photo when the CATS team is visiting DEN.
Denver International Airport has one main terminal and three concourses, making the layout simple to understand whether you’re departing, arriving, or connecting.
Jeppesen Terminal is home to airline check-in, ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transportation. After airport security, travelers continue to Concourses A, B, and C.
Each concourse offers its own mix of Colorado-inspired restaurants, local shopping, and public art, so give yourself a little extra time if you want to explore before your flight.
The underground train connects Jeppesen Terminal with Concourses A, B, and C and provides a quick way to travel between concourses. Travelers heading to Concourse A can also use the pedestrian bridge from Jeppesen Terminal, which offers views of the airfield and features the airport’s Colorado Trains & Planes exhibit. Concourses B and C are accessible by train only.
Both the East and West Security Checkpoints provide access to every concourse. CLEAR+ Members unlock access to the CLEAR+ Lane, where you can speed through airport security in seconds before heading to your gate.
Not a Member? Join CLEAR+ and turn travel days into great days.
Traveler Tip: Planning to walk to Concourse A using the pedestrian bridge? Give yourself a few extra minutes compared with taking the train, especially if you’re heading to a departure gate or making a connection.
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