Navigating Denver International Airport doesn't have to feel like a maze. Whether you're catching a tight connection or arriving hours early for a flight, understanding the layout of the massive Jeppesen Terminal and its three detached concourses saves you time and stress.
Denver International Airport—widely known as DEN—features a unique layout centered around one main passenger building and three separate concourses designated as Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. Because the concourses sit completely detached from the main terminal, mastering the underground train system and security checkpoints is the key to moving through the airport efficiently.
Jeppesen Terminal Layout
The iconic tented Jeppesen Terminal acts as the central hub for all check-in desks, baggage claims, and ground transportation. It's split into East and West sides, and matching your airline to the correct side before you arrive prevents long walks across the building.
The terminal spans several key levels that serve distinct functions:
- Level 6: Dedicated to airline check-in counters and curbside passenger drop-off.
- Level 5: Houses baggage claim carousels, international arrivals, and ground transportation access (taxis, app-based rideshares, and public buses).
- Level 4: Features the underground train station used to reach the concourses, alongside passenger pickup zones.
Check your airline app before heading to the curb. Dropping off on the wrong side forces you to cross the entire length of Level 6 just to reach your ticketing counter.
Security Checkpoints and Getting Through Fast
DEN operates multiple security checkpoints on Level 5 and Level 6. North security on Level 6 and the bridge checkpoint serve heavy passenger volumes, while the newer checkpoints help distribute lines.
If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, look for designated lanes to bypass standard queues. Arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight—and three hours before an international departure—gives you a safe buffer, especially during morning peak hours and holiday rushes.
The Three Concourses: A, B, and C
Once you clear security, you'll head down to Level 4 to catch the underground Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) train, which connects the main terminal to all three concourses.
- Concourse A: Handles many domestic flights as well as all international arrivals that require customs clearance. You can reach Concourse A either by taking the underground train or by walking across the pedestrian skybridge directly from the main terminal.
- Concourse B: Dominated heavily by United Airlines and its partners. It's the busiest concourse and requires taking the underground train.
- Concourse C: Primarily serves low-cost carriers like Southwest and other domestic operators. Like Concourse B, it is only accessible via the underground train system.
Connecting Between Flights
When you have a tight connection, don't panic. The underground train runs continuously, and trips between adjacent concourses or the main terminal take just a few minutes.
If you land at Concourse C and your next flight departs from Concourse A, simply follow overhead signs down to the train platform, board the train heading toward the terminal or Concourse A, and exit at your destination. You never need to exit security or re-check your bags when making a standard connection. For more details on airport amenities and official updates, check the Official Denver International Airport Website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even frequent flyers make simple errors that delay their journey through DEN. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Heading to the wrong terminal side: Dropping off on the West side for an East-side airline adds unnecessary walking time. Always check your boarding pass.
- Walking to Concourses B or C: Unlike Concourse A, you cannot walk to Concourses B or C from the terminal. Trying to find a walking path wastes critical time.
- Underestimating security lines: DEN experiences heavy surges throughout the day. Skipping the real-time security wait time checks on the TSA Official Website can catch you off guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk between all the concourses at Denver Airport?
You can walk between the Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse A using the pedestrian bridge. However, walking to Concourses B and C is impossible; you must ride the underground train.
Where do international flights arrive?
International flights land at Concourse A, where passengers clear customs and immigration before exiting the airport.
How long does the airport train take?
The train runs every couple of minutes. The entire end-to-end trip from the main terminal to Concourse C takes a maximum of about 10 minutes.
Which side of the terminal is Southwest Airlines on?
Southwest typically operates check-in desks on the West side of the Jeppesen Terminal, but always verify your specific flight status before heading to the curb.
