Denver International Airport spans over 53,000 acres, making it the largest airport in the United States by land area. Navigating its expansive layout requires understanding the central Jeppesen Terminal and its three distinct satellite concourses: A, B, and C. If you don't know how to move between these buildings, you'll easily miss your connection.
The airport uses a centralized landside terminal connected to airside concourses via an underground automated train system and a pedestrian skybridge. Knowing where to check-in, clear security, and board your flight before you arrive saves significant time. Here's how to navigate DEN efficiently without getting lost in the crowds.
Understanding the Jeppesen Terminal Layout
The main terminal is named after Elrey Jeppesen, a pioneer in aviation safety. It's split into two main sides: East and West. Your airline dictates which side you should use for drop-off, check-in, and baggage claim.
- East Side: Serves international carriers, Southwest Airlines, and several domestic airlines. Check your boarding pass carefully before your driver drops you off.
- West Side: Primarily handles United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and various other domestic partners.
The terminal itself has three primary levels:
- Level 5: Baggage claim and international arrivals.
- Level 6: Passenger drop-off, ticketing, and check-in counters.
- Level 4: Ground transportation, including taxis, rideshare pickups (Uber and Lyft), and hotel shuttles.
Security checkpoints are located on Level 5 and Level 6. The South Security checkpoint on Level 5 and the North Security checkpoint on Level 6 handle the bulk of standard screening, while the A Bridge checkpoint offers direct pedestrian access to Concourse A.
Navigating Concourses A, B, and C
Once you clear security, you must travel to your assigned gate located in Concourse A, Concourse B, or Concourse C. None of these concourses connect directly to the main Jeppesen Terminal building; they sit miles out on the airfield.
Concourse A
Concourse A handles both domestic and international flights. You can reach Concourse A in two ways:
- The Underground Train: Fast and frequent, running every few minutes.
- The Pedestrian Skybridge: A glass-enclosed walkway located past the A Bridge security checkpoint. It gives you a clear view of the tarmac and serves as an alternative when the train queues back up during peak morning hours.
Concourse B
Concourse B is the largest concourse at DEN and serves as the primary hub for United Airlines. It features dozens of gates, extensive dining options, and multiple airline lounges. You can only reach Concourse B via the underground subterranean train system.
Concourse C
Concourse C hosts several major domestic carriers, including Southwest Airlines. Like Concourse B, it's accessible exclusively through the automated underground train. Construction projects frequently modify gate numbers and walkway spaces in Concourse C, so checking the official Denver International Airport website for real-time terminal maps before your flight is a smart move.
Transportation Between the Terminal and Concourses
The subterranean train system runs beneath the airfield, connecting the Jeppesen Terminal to all three concourses. Trains arrive every couple of minutes, and the ride from the main terminal to Concourse A takes about one minute, extending to three minutes for Concourse C.
If the train system experiences an unexpected outage, airport staff activate emergency shuttle protocols. However, day-to-day transit relies entirely on this underground loop. Listen closely to the automated announcements and watch the platform screens to ensure you board the correct train heading back to baggage claim.
Ground Transportation and Parking Options
Arriving at or leaving DEN requires planning your ground transportation ahead of time, as traffic congestion on Level 4 is common during peak afternoon and holiday hours.
- Rideshares: Uber and Lyft pickup zones are located on Level 4 on both the East and West sides. Follow the overhead terminal signs from baggage claim.
- Taxis and Limos: Curbside service is available on Level 4 outside Island 1 on the East side and Island 3 on the West side.
- Parking Garages: Garage parking sits directly adjacent to the Jeppesen Terminal. Economy lots and the Pikes Peak shuttle lot require taking an airport-operated parking bus to reach Level 4.
For live parking availability and garage capacity updates, consult the Colorado Department of Transportation travel alerts if you're driving in from regional mountain corridors.
Common Navigation Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers frequently make a few avoidable mistakes that turn a smooth airport visit into a stressful rush.
- Going to the wrong terminal side: Dropping off at the West side for a Southwest flight means walking across the entire terminal or re-entering traffic. Check your airline's terminal assignment before leaving home.
- Ignoring security checkpoint lines: The main terminal checkpoints often see massive lines during peak morning hours. Using the A Bridge security checkpoint when flying out of Concourse A can bypass long terminal queues.
- Misjudging connection times: Minimum connection times at DEN require accounting for train travel and potential concourse changes. Give yourself at least 60 minutes for domestic connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get between Concourse A and Concourse B?
You can take the underground train from either concourse back to the Jeppesen Terminal and then switch to the train for the other concourse, or use the pedestrian skybridge if you're traveling between the main terminal and Concourse A. There is no direct train between individual concourses.
Where is international baggage claim located?
International arrivals clear customs on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, where you collect checked bags before exiting to the main arrival hall.
Can I walk to the concourses from the main terminal?
You can only walk to Concourse A using the pedestrian skybridge from the main terminal. Concourses B and C are too far apart and require taking the underground train.
Which airlines fly out of Concourse C?
Concourse C primarily hosts Southwest Airlines and a few other domestic carriers. Gate assignments change periodically, so check the live flight displays inside the terminal.
