Navigating Denver International Airport arrivals doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Whether you're landing on a domestic flight or clearing international customs, knowing your terminal layout before you touch down saves you time and stress.
Denver International Airport features a single main terminal known as the Jeppesen Terminal, flanked by three separate concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. Because planes deplane at the concourses rather than directly into the main building, every arriving passenger relies on the underground automated train system to reach the main terminal.
Understanding the Jeppesen Terminal Layout
When your flight lands, you'll exit the aircraft into your assigned concourse. From there, follow the overhead signs to the underground train, which runs every couple of minutes and connects all concourses to the Jeppesen Terminal. The train ride takes less than three minutes, dropping you off right in the center of the main terminal on Level 4.
The Jeppesen Terminal is divided vertically by levels, and knowing these floors helps you orient yourself immediately:
- Level 6: Passenger check-in and airline ticket counters.
- Level 5: Baggage claim and international arrivals processing.
- Level 4: Underground train station level and curbside passenger pickup.
- Level 1: The Transit Center, providing access to regional buses, public transit, and parking shuttles.
Collecting Your Checked Luggage
Once you ride the underground train from your concourse to the Jeppesen Terminal, you'll head straight to Level 5 for baggage claim.
Monitors display your flight number and its corresponding carousel number. Denver International Airport splits baggage claim into two distinct sides: East Side and West Side. Double-check your airline before you fly, as carriers are strictly split between these two sides. For example, Southwest flights typically utilize the East Side, while United uses the West Side.
If you're picking up an arriving friend or family member, don't wait right at the baggage carousels if you want to avoid crowds. Instead, coordinate a specific numbered door on Level 5 outside, or wait in the cell phone parking lot until they have their bags in hand and are ready at the curb.
Navigating International Arrivals
If you're flying into Denver from an international destination, your flight will arrive and process through Concourse A or the designated international arrivals area inside the Jeppesen Terminal.
- Customs and Border Protection: Follow the jetway straight into the queue for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Document Screening: Have your passport, visa, and declaration details ready. If you're a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Canadian citizen, you can use the Mobile Passport Control app to speed through a dedicated lane.
- Baggage Re-Check: Collect your checked bags from the international carousel, clear the final customs checkpoint, and hand in your form. If you have a connecting domestic flight, you'll drop your bags back off at the transfer counter immediately outside customs before heading back through TSA security.
Choosing Ground Transportation Options
Leaving the airport requires heading either outside to Level 4 for quick passenger pickups or down to Level 1 for public transit and scheduled services.
App-Based Rideshares and Taxis
If you're ordering an Uber or Lyft, you'll need to take the escalator or elevator down to Level 5 and exit outside to Island 1 or Island 2 on the terminal curbside. Follow the clear purple signs for rideshare pickup zones. Taxis are similarly available on Level 5 outside Jeppesen Terminal on the island curbs.
Public Transit and Rail
For budget-friendly transit into downtown Denver, head down to Level 1 at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal to access the Regional Transportation District (RTD) A Line train station. This commuter rail runs directly from the airport to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes, operating every 15 minutes during peak hours. You can purchase tickets directly at the platform kiosk using a credit card or mobile app.
Mountain Shuttles and Car Rentals
Passengers heading directly to ski resorts or regional mountain towns will find regional mountain carriers stationed on Level 5. Rental car shuttle pickups operate from Level 5 on the island curbs outside baggage claim, taking you to off-site rental facilities located just outside the airport perimeter. For official facility details and regional updates, check the Denver International Airport Official Site.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting on the wrong side of the terminal: If your party lands on the East Side and you're waiting on the West curbside, you'll face a frustrating walk across the crowded terminal. Always verify the airline's baggage side beforehand.
- Heading to the wrong floor for rideshares: Don't wait on Level 4 arrivals for an Uber. Rideshares require going outside on Level 5.
- Forgetting transit schedules: If you take the RTD train late at night, departure frequencies drop to every 30 minutes, so check the timetable before leaving baggage claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I meet someone arriving at Denver Airport?
The best spot for a quick pickup is curbside on Level 4. If you want to park and greet them inside, use the short-term parking garages adjacent to the Jeppesen Terminal or wait in the free cell phone parking lot until they call you from baggage claim.
How long does it take to get from the gate to baggage claim?
Plan for about 15 to 25 minutes. This accounts for deplaning, walking to the concourse train station, riding the underground train to the Jeppesen Terminal, and waiting for your bags to appear on the carousel.
Can I walk between the concourses at Denver Airport?
You can walk between the terminal and Concourse A via a pedestrian bridge, but you must take the underground train to reach Concourses B and C. There are no walkways operating between the individual concourses outside of secure zones.
What should I do if my checked bag is missing?
Head straight to your airline's baggage service office, usually located directly within the baggage claim area on Level 5. File a missing luggage report and make sure to get a file reference number before leaving the airport. For broader transit guidelines in Colorado, you can also cross-reference details with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
