Denver International Airport (DEN) is located in Denver, Colorado, and is the largest airport in the United States and the second largest airport in the world by area. It serves as a major aviation hub in the Rocky Mountain region, playing a crucial role in connecting domestic and international flights.

Basic Information about Denver International Airport

  • Airport Code:
    • IATA: DEN
    • ICAO: KDEN
  • Location: Approximately 40 km northeast of Denver, Colorado
  • Area: 135.7 km² (largest airport in the U.S., second in the world)
  • Opened: February 28, 1995
  • Airlines Operating:
    • United Airlines hub
    • Southwest Airlines hub
    • Frontier Airlines headquarters and hub
  • Number of Terminals: Main Terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) + 3 concourses (A, B, C)
  • Number of Runways: 6 (Longest runway: 4,877 m, longest in the U.S.)
  • Passenger Volume: Over 70 million annually (3rd to 4th in the U.S.)

Features of Denver International Airport

Second Largest Airport in the World (by area)

  • 135.7 km² (about 53.5 square miles), it is the largest airport in the U.S. and the second largest in the world after King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
  • The airport site is larger than Manhattan.

Holds the Longest Runway in the U.S.

  • Runway 16R/34L (4,877 m) is the longest commercial runway in the U.S.
  • Due to its high altitude (near the Rocky Mountains), it is designed to be long to accommodate additional takeoff distance.

Major Hub Airport

  • A major hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
  • Headquarters and hub for Frontier Airlines.

Unique Airport Design

  • The main terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) is famous for its white tent-like roof resembling the Rocky Mountains.
  • The terminal design is unique and is considered a landmark of Denver.

Terminals & Transportation System

Terminal Structure

  • Denver International Airport consists of the main terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) and 3 concourses (Concourse A, B, C).
  • Transportation between terminals is via the Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS, automated people mover).

Airport Facilities & Amenities

Shopping & Restaurants

  • Steak & Barbecue: Numerous Texas-style barbecue and steak restaurants.
  • Coffee & Fast Food: Starbucks, McDonald's, Chipotle, etc.
  • Duty-Free & Souvenir Shops: Various brands available in the international terminal.

Hotels in the Airport

  • Westin Denver International Airport
    • A luxury hotel connected to Jeppesen Terminal.
    • Convenient accommodation for airport travelers.

Car Rental & Transportation Services

  • Car Rental Center: Located outside the airport, accessible via free shuttle.
  • DIA Transit Center: A public transport hub connecting the airport and downtown Denver.
  • A-Line (RTD Light Rail):
    • About 37 minutes to Union Station in downtown Denver.

Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the U.S. and a global aviation hub, being one of the most important international airports in the western and central regions of the United States. It is known for its unique design, the longest runway in the world, and its hub airport function, and it is also a unique airport that has been the subject of some conspiracy theories and urban legends. It serves as a crucial hub for those traveling to Denver and the Rocky Mountains, with plans for continued expansion in the future.