Layover in Denver (DEN)
Denver International (DEN). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Denver
Denver is the capital of the western U.S. state of Colorado and the dominant city of the Rocky Mountain Region. Founded in 1858 as the placer gold mining camp known as the Cherry Creek Diggings, the "Mile-High City" is today the most populous city within a 560-mile (900 km) radius and the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor of more than five million residents. Denver embraces its cowboy and mining past but also looks toward the future with a vibrant arts and performing arts scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals, and distinct neighborhoods each offering a unique experience. You'll find everything a cosmopolitan city has to offer including a spectacular view of and easy access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which arise only 12 miles (19 km) west of the Colorado State Capitol.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Stay at the airport |
| 6 hours | About 3h 10m in the city | About 1h 40m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 10m in the city | About 3h 40m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 10m in the city | About 7h 40m in the city |
Getting into Denver
About 40m each way by A Line train to Union Station, roughly 30 km (19 mi).
Worth seeing near the center
- Union Station café counters
- Diner breakfast, Capitol Hill
- Walk LoDo and Larimer Square
- Confluence Park and the river trail
- Denver Art Museum
- Colorado State Capitol tour
- Union Station dining hall
- LoDo brewpubs
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Denver?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Denver and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from DEN to central Denver?
Allow about 40m each way by A Line train to Union Station; the center is about 30 km (19 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to DEN?
Be back through security about 1h 15m before a domestic departure and 2h before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.