Navigating Denver International Airport starts with one foundational rule: the main terminal has zero gates. When your boarding pass says Concourse A, you're heading to a separate island out on the airfield. Whether you are arriving on an international flight, catching a budget carrier, or trying to figure out how to avoid the underground train, knowing the exact layout of Denver airport Terminal A saves you from rushing across the massive Jeppesen Terminal.
Concourse A spans gates A14 through A84 and acts as the primary international gateway for the airport. It handles carriers like Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and several others. Because the airport layout confuses first-time visitors, this guide breaks down how to read the map, how to get there, and where to find key amenities without wandering in circles.
Understanding the Denver Airport Terminal Layout
The entire airport consists of the central Jeppesen Terminal and three isolated concourses labeled A, B, and C. You check in, drop bags, and clear security in the main terminal on Level 6. After security, you descend to the underground train platform or use the pedestrian bridge to reach Concourse A.
Concourse A is unique because it is the only concourse physically connected to the main terminal by a pedestrian walkway. All other concourses require the underground train. If you land on an international flight without border pre-clearance, you will disembark directly into Concourse A to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
How to Get to Concourse A: Train vs. Walking
You have two distinct ways to reach Concourse A from the Jeppesen Terminal after clearing security:
- The A-Bridge (Walking): Located on Level 6 at the north end of the terminal, the pedestrian bridge lets you walk straight into Concourse A. It spans 1,130 feet, features moving walkways, and takes about five to eight minutes. It offers floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the tarmac and mountains, making it a great option if you want to stretch your legs before a flight.
- The Underground Train: If you prefer riding, follow the signs past security down to the underground train. The train arrives every two to three minutes, and the ride from the main terminal to Concourse A takes roughly three minutes. It's the faster option if you arrive near the south security checkpoints or carry heavy luggage.
Concourse A Gate Layout and Concourse Map Navigation
Concourse A is a long, linear building running east-west. Gate numbers start at A14 near the center core and climb toward A84 at the far eastern tip.
- Gates A14 through A39: Situated closest to the center core where the train drops you off and the A-Bridge ends. Walking here takes just two to five minutes.
- Gates A40 through A53: Located down the eastern arm. Expect a five to ten-minute walk from the central escalators.
- Gates A54 through A84: Found at the far eastern end of the concourse. Walking from the main escalators to the 80s gates can take up to 15 minutes, so check your boarding pass carefully if your flight departs near the end of the concourse.
Essential Amenities and Lounges in Concourse A
You won't lack for food, drink, or resting spots while waiting in Concourse A. The central core houses the main cluster of shops, restaurants, and customer service desks.
- Airport Lounges: Concourse A features several notable spaces, including the Capital One Lounge on the mezzanine level near gate A34, a Delta Sky Club on Level 4 after security, and a United Club near gate A25.
- Dining Options: The concourse features a mix of local Colorado eateries and national chains, ranging from sit-down restaurants to quick grab-and-go kiosks near the middle gates.
- Family and Pet Facilities: Dedicated nursing rooms are located near gates A19 and A26. Pet relief areas sit near the center of the concourse as well as near gates A14, A18, and A25A.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at DEN Terminal A
Travelers frequently run into a few predictable traps when navigating through Denver:
- Confusing the Main Terminal with the Gates: Giving yourself only 15 minutes between arriving at the airport and boarding is a fast track to missing your flight. Remember that you must check in, clear security in the Jeppesen Terminal, ride the train or walk across the bridge, and walk to your specific gate.
- Ignoring Concourse B and C Separation: You cannot walk between Concourses A, B, and C airside because active aircraft taxiways block the paths. If you need to switch concourses for a tight connection, you must use the underground train system.
- Choosing the Wrong Security Checkpoint Side: DEN features two major security checkpoints on Level 6 (East and West). Both feed the same train station and terminal area, but queues vary wildly. Check the official Denver International Airport website or mobile app for live wait times before committing to a specific side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly out of Concourse A?
Concourse A primarily serves Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and international carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. Some United regional flights also use gates A14 through A23.
Can I walk from the main terminal to Concourse A?
Yes. Unlike Concourses B and C, Concourse A connects directly to the Jeppesen Terminal via the pedestrian A-Bridge on Level 6. The flat, enclosed walkway features moving sidewalks and takes roughly five to eight minutes.
Where are the international arrivals processed in Denver?
All international flights arriving without border pre-clearance land and discharge passengers into Concourse A, where they proceed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility.
How early should I arrive for a flight departing from Concourse A?
Airport officials recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. This accounts for peak security queues in the main terminal and the walk to the far end of Concourse A.
