Denver International Airport operates as a massive, high-volume hub where layout confusion costs passengers precious time. If you don't know your way around the sprawling Jeppesen Terminal and independent concourses, you'll easily miss a connection.
The airport relies on a central terminal structure connected to three midfield concourses via an automated underground train system. Understanding how these levels connect before you arrive cuts down your transit time and stops you from heading to the wrong security checkpoint.
Jeppesen Terminal Layout
The main building at DIA is the Jeppesen Terminal, named after aviation cartographer Elrey Jeppesen. It's split into East and West sides based on your airline, and handles all check-in, baggage claim, and ground transportation.
Level 5 houses baggage claim, while Level 6 manages passenger drop-off and ticketing counters. If you're arriving by rental car shuttle, app-based rideshare, or taxi, you'll want to pay close attention to whether your airline is on the East or West side to avoid a long walk across the terminal.
Security Checkpoints
DIA features multiple security checkpoints located on Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal:
- North Security: Located on the west/east sides depending on operational shifts, handling standard and TSA PreCheck screening.
- South Security: A major screening area that often experiences heavy morning bottlenecks.
- Bridge Security: Located on the north end of Level 6, connecting directly to Concourse A via a pedestrian bridge. This checkpoint often features shorter lines than the main floor checkpoints.
Checking wait times on the official Denver International Airport website before you enter the terminal helps you pick the fastest screening lane.
Navigating the Concourses: A, B, and C
Once you clear security, you'll head down to Level 1 to catch the underground AeroTrain or walk across the pedestrian bridge to Concourse A. The airport divides its gates across three parallel structures that sit far away from the main terminal.
- Concourse A: Accessible via the AeroTrain or the passenger footbridge from the main terminal. It handles a mix of domestic carriers and international flights.
- Concourse B: The largest concourse at DIA, primarily servicing United Airlines. It features an extensive range of dining options, moving walkways, and subterranean underground tunnels.
- Concourse C: Home to Southwest Airlines and several regional operators. It sits furthest from the terminal core on the train line.
Each concourse runs east-to-west, meaning gate numbers start low on the west end and increase as you move east. If your train drops you off in the middle of Concourse B, you'll need to check the overhead monitors to see whether your gate sits toward the 10s or the 90s.
Ground Transportation and Parking Maps
Getting away from the airport requires navigating outside the main terminal doors. The ground transportation level sits on Level 5, just outside the baggage claim carousels.
- Rideshares (Uber and Lyft): Pickups happen on Level 5 on the island outside Jeppesen Terminal, separated into specific zones.
- Taxis: Metered taxi stands sit right outside the terminal doors on Level 5.
- RTD A Line Train: For travelers heading into downtown Denver, the commuter rail station sits at the south end of the terminal adjacent to the Westin Hotel. You can take the elevator down from the main terminal to catch the train directly to Union Station.
Common Navigation Mistakes at DIA
Travelers frequently make specific errors that disrupt their journey through Denver International Airport:
- Going to the wrong terminal side: Dropping off at the West side for an East-side airline adds significant walking distance through the busy ticketing lobby.
- Ignoring train delays: While the AeroTrain runs every few minutes, unexpected maintenance can force passengers to use crowded shuttle buses. Always factor in an extra ten minutes for train transit.
- Misjudging security lines: Heading straight to the South checkpoint without checking alternative lanes like the Bridge Security checkpoint leads to missed flights during peak morning hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk between the concourses at DIA?
You can walk between the main terminal and Concourse A using the pedestrian bridge. However, you cannot walk between Concourses A, B, and C; you must take the underground AeroTrain system.
Which side of the terminal is United Airlines on?
United Airlines operates primarily out of the West side of the Jeppesen Terminal for ticketing and check-in, with most of its gates located in Concourse B.
How early should I arrive at Denver Airport?
Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures due to heavy passenger volumes and security queues.
Where is the train to downtown Denver located?
The University of Colorado A Line station is located on the transit center level on the south side of the Jeppesen Terminal, just outside the Westin Hotel.
