It’s no secret that the Mile High City is a cut above the rest and our airport is no different. The Denver International Airport is a gateway to adventure for intrepid travelers. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or looking to settle in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is excited to welcome you.
Here are a few things you might not know about DEN.
Where to Fly From DEN
Denver International Airport is a state-of-the-art airport built for passenger ease and convenience. Residents enjoy nonstop service to 212 international and domestic destinations across 24 premiere airlines.
There are 13 nonstop international routes as well as service to the Cayman Islands. These include:
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Mexico
- Panama
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
If you’re staying domestic, you can also enjoy a quick trip directly from DEN to 45 of our 50 U.S. States.
Things to Do on a Layover at Denver International Airport
Just stopping by for a layover? Visitors can catch the A Line commuter rail directly from DEN to Denver Union Station as well as explore the heart of downtown Denver in just a quick, 37-minute one-way trip. If you have a shorter layover, consider hopping off early to experience the lively River North Art District—or RiNo as the locals say.
If you’re spending your layover at the airport, you’ll enjoy DEN’s 140+ shops, restaurants, and spas. We also recommend a stop at the famous Boulder Beer Taphouse, located in the main Jeppesen Terminal. Here, you can enjoy Colorado’s distinct craft brews with a wide selection of year-round beers, seasonal offerings, as well as rotating brewer’s choice specialty beers.
Have you got an overnight layover at DEN? There’s also plenty of comfortable seating, lounge areas, and onsite hotels for weary travelers. The Westin is connected to the main terminal and offers complimentary shuttle services so you can catch up on your sleep and feel refreshed for the day ahead.
Secret Tunnels and an Underground City
The Denver International Airport has long been at the center of conspiracy theories. From our infamous horse sculpture—dubbed “Bluecifer” by locals—to strange ghoulish sculptures lurking around DEN, donning a tinfoil hat and scavenger hunting for conspiracy clues has become a fun pastime. Perhaps the most well-known conspiracy theory surrounds the alleged “secret tunnels” leading to an underground city beneath DEN, the Illuminati HQ.
While the truth is a bit less ominous, DEN does boast an impressive infrastructure of underground transport and baggage handling as well as space for future growth. In fact, DEN is twice the size of Manhattan! In 2020, DEN was the world’s third busiest airport, welcoming travelers from across the globe. The distinct architecture, art, and design also make this airport a destination in itself—and just a bit mysterious.
Close Encounters at DEN
Did you know that the Denver International Airport was once thought to be the coordinates referenced in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind? Curiously, the coordinates used in the movie do not match Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. However, they do align perfectly with a certain spot in Colorado! Once attributed to DEN, this theory was unfortunately debunked as the exact coordinates land in Ault, CO. Ault is an acronym for “A Unique Little Town.” But, all is not lost as this quirky landmark is just an hour away from DEN and makes a great stop on any Colorado road trip.
The Airport of the Rockies
Getting around Denver from DEN is quick and easy, with a myriad of public transportation as well as rental car options. Visit the Denver Zoo and the Denver Botanical Gardens, then head out for your adventures in nature with some of the best hikes in the continental U.S.
You can also catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver’s famous outdoor arena, tour Denver’s expansive art district alongside a brewery crawl, and end the night at a 5-star restaurant.
Denver is the gateway to other key attractions such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail and Aspen for ski bums, Durango for camping, and nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak. There’s an adventure for every traveler to enjoy.
It all starts at Denver International Airport. Contact Dyllan, your local adventure guide, for more great Colorado recommendations!