Ultimate Guide to Denver International Airport for Travelers

With its striking white tops that match the surrounding Rocky Mountains, Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the most picturesque airports in the country. It’s also one of the quirkiest, with interesting art and nefarious stories behind it. Let’s learn everything you need to know about DIA, including its layout, transportation options, parking, dining, interesting tips, and more.

Airport Overview

DIA’s intuitive layout, modern features, and unique art make it an efficient airport easy for first-time visitors to navigate. If you have questions, staff members, maps, and courtesy phones can quickly provide the information you need.

Moreover, DIA’s main terminal is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation project. The information found below is as accurate as possible; however, construction may open and close portions of the airport throughout different phases. Therefore, visit DIA’s website before arriving to ensure you’re up to date on construction and what’s available.

Airport Code, Location, and Flight Information

• Denver International Code: DEN
• Location: 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249
• Website: https://www.flydenver.com/
• Flight Tracker, Departures and Arrivals: https://www.flydenver.com/flights

Know Before You Go

DIA is a medium-sized airport, and although it’s growing, it doesn’t experience the heavy traffic of larger airports. Consequently, you should arrive at DIA two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

DIA’s busiest times include the morning hours, days surrounding holidays, and typical peak travel periods. Therefore, if you are traveling during a holiday or the busy rush of commuter flights, provide yourself with extra time to prepare.

Airport Parking

DIA offers several parking options to accommodate different preferences and budgets, with 44,000 spaces available.

• Garage: $25/day | $4/hour | Includes East and West Garages. Closest public parking to main terminals, mostly covered.
• Economy: $16/day | $4/hour | Daily rate drops to $15 after the third day.
• Shuttle: $8/day | $2/hour | Large lot with shuttle service to the main terminal. Gated but uncovered.
• Valet: $33/day | $4/hour | $16 for the first hour (days 1-3); daily rate drops to $10 after the third day. Quick service directly to your terminal.
• Short-Term: $120/day | $5/hour | Designed for passenger drop-off and pickup, covered parking.
• 61st and Peña: $4/day | $2/12 hours | Pre-pay only.

There are also private parking options close to the airport property. Each private lot has its own rates and services. For further parking information, you can visit DIA’s parking page.

Driving Directions

To get to DIA, head to Peña Blvd, the airport’s main thoroughfare, ending at Jeppesen Terminal. All lots and services are accessible along Peña Blvd.

• From the South: Visitors coming from the south can take E470 for a direct route to Peña Blvd.
• From the East and West: Peña Blvd connects directly to Interstate 70 for visitors coming from either direction.
• I-225: If you’re coming from parts of Aurora or Denver Tech Center, use Interstate 225 for direct access to Peña Blvd.

Transportation to DIA

• Taxis: Major cab services in Denver, including Yellow Cab, Union, and Metro Cab, offer direct services to DIA. You can also hail a cab from various neighborhoods like Downtown and LoDo.
• Rideshare Services: Services like Lyft and Uber can take you directly to DIA. Prices vary based on time and distance.

RTD Airport Service

Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides numerous ways to reach DIA.

Light Rail Service

The A Line provides service from Union Station in LoDo Denver to DIA. The A Line departs every 15 minutes, 24/7/365. If Union Station is not accessible for you, alternative connections exist to meet the A Line.

Bus Service

The SkyRide Bus offers service from three Denver metro stops to DIA.

• SkyRide AA Route: Northglenn/Thornton to Denver Airport Station
• SkyRide AB Route: Boulder/US 36 to Denver Airport Station
• SkyRide AT Route: Denver Tech Center/Aurora to Denver Airport Station

Super Shuttle

The Super Shuttle provides pickup from your home or hotel directly to the airport. The service is timely, comfortable, and caters to all types of luggage, with rates ranging from $30 to $100, depending on the route and passengers.

Where to Eat and Drink

DIA is now known for its dynamic food scene, mirroring Denver’s renowned culinary reputation. You can find a variety of dining options, including:

• Denver Central Market (A48): A smaller version of the popular mixed market featuring diverse snacking and dining options.
• Elway’s Steakhouse (B Gates): Located at the airport, this acclaimed steakhouse offers fine dining with an extensive menu.
• New Belgium Hub (B60): An airport brewery offering various beers brewed in Colorado, alongside sandwiches and breakfast foods.

In addition to fine dining, fast food and quick-service options, including Starbucks and McDonald’s, are available throughout the Jeppesen Terminal and the gates.

Where to Shop

DIA hosts a variety of shops and boutiques, along with kiosks where you can purchase jewelry, clothing, and accessories such as chargers and neck pillows.

Popular shops include local favorites like Tattered Cover, Brookstone, and Urban Decay. For a comprehensive shop directory, you can explore DIA’s shop directory.

How to Spend Your Layover

If you have a long layover, you can enjoy the restaurants, shops, and art of DIA. Alternatively, hop on the A Line for a direct route to Denver’s Union Station and LoDo neighborhood. Explore the shops and restaurants around Union Station and perhaps catch a ballgame at nearby Coors Field.

DIA Tips and Facts

DIA is not only visually striking but also hosts numerous theories and curiosities. Spend some time examining the murals and construction signs—each holds stories of its own.

Murals and Artwork

This airport is known for its sprawling and enigmatic murals, which some believe harbor clues to a deeper narrative. Regardless of your stance on these theories, the murals are certainly worth checking out.

Additionally, look out for the Blue Mustang statue when entering or exiting DIA. This striking blue stallion has a fascinating and dark backstory involving its creator, making it a notable sight.

Conspiracy Theories

Numerous rumors about DIA circulate among conspiracy enthusiasts, often attributing the airport’s artwork and layout to secret operations. Interestingly, DIA has embraced these narratives during its renovations, featuring humorous construction signs that acknowledge and poke fun at the rumors.

Take Flight at DIA

DIA is a modern, aesthetically pleasing airport that caters to travelers flying across the nation and around the world. Start at Jeppesen Terminal, explore the available amenities, and take in the beautiful airport backdropped by the Rocky Mountains.