Flying into Denver Airport: Your Gateway to the Rockies

If you’re planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, chances are you’ll be flying into Denver International Airport (DEN). For many visitors, it’s the start of a ski vacation in Vail or Breckenridge, a summer trip to Aspen, or a few days in Denver before heading west. Knowing how the airport is laid out, where to collect your bags and where your ride will meet you makes that first part of the trip much easier.

At Blue Sky Limo, we’ve provided private airport transportation to Colorado’s mountain resorts since 2012. This guide covers Denver Airport’s terminal map, the route from your gate to baggage claim, and the different ground transportation pickup areas. We’ve also included useful airport services and contacts, along with a few things to consider before continuing to the mountains.

Denver Airport Layout

Denver International Airport has one main terminal, Jeppesen Terminal, and three concourses (A, B and C) that house the airport’s gates. For domestic or pre-cleared international arrivals, follow signs for the underground passenger train to reach the terminal, baggage claim and ground transportation. Concourse A also has a pedestrian bridge to the terminal; passengers arriving at B and C take the train. East and West refer to the two sides of Jeppesen Terminal, not separate concourses.

The map above shows the overall terminal and concourse layout. For current gates, facilities and security checkpoints, use DEN’s interactive airport map; the East and West security checkpoints are now on Level 6. Airline locations can change, so check your flight details and the airport airline directory as well as the table above.

Can you walk from Concourse A to baggage claim? Yes, for domestic or pre-cleared international arrivals. From Concourse A, go up to the mezzanine and follow signs for the pedestrian bridge to Jeppesen Terminal, then continue to Level 5 for baggage claim. The train is another option and may be easier with heavy bags or reduced mobility. This airport train stays inside DEN; it is separate from the RTD A Line that runs to downtown Denver.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Baggage claim at Denver Airport is on Level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal. After leaving the airport train, follow the signs up to baggage claim and check the monitors for your flight’s carousel. Carousels 1–9 are on the East side and 10–19 are on the West side. Collect all your luggage before heading outside to meet your ride; your arrival concourse does not determine your ground transportation pickup point.

If you arrive on an international flight that has not already cleared U.S. entry formalities, follow the signs and staff directions for International Arrivals. These passengers use a separate route for immigration, baggage collection and customs before entering the public terminal. Do not follow the domestic baggage-claim route described above.

If a checked bag is missing, speak to your airline’s baggage-service office before leaving the airport. Items left on an aircraft, at a gate or check-in counter, or in baggage claim are also handled by the airline. For belongings lost in public areas, including security screening, use DEN Lost and Found.

Ground Transportation Options

Taxis, ride-app cars and Blue Sky Limo collect passengers on Level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal, but at different islands. Friends and family use Level 4; RTD trains and buses use the Level 1 Transit Center. Choose the pickup area for the service you booked, rather than simply following other arriving passengers. If you’re heading to the slopes, the Colorado ski resort airport transfer planner lets you compare driving times, transportation options and transfer estimates for your destination, travel dates and group size. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular options:

Public Transit

• The RTD A Line offers direct service from the airport to Denver Union Station downtown. The ride takes about 37 minutes, with trains normally running every 15–30 minutes. Check RTD for the current schedule and service alerts.
• RTD buses and the A Line use the DEN Transit Center on Level 1, at the south end of Jeppesen Terminal beneath the Westin hotel plaza. Follow airport signs for Transit Center; this is separate from the Level 5 commercial pickup islands.

Taxis and Rideshares

• Taxis are available on Level 5, Island 1. Confirm the fare for your destination before departing.
• Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft pick up passengers on Level 5, Island 5. Follow the pickup location shown in your app. Friends or family collecting you in a personal car use Level 4 passenger pickup instead.

Car Rentals

Denver Airport lists 11 rental-car companies with facilities on airport property, reached by shuttle bus from the terminal. Rental shuttles depart from Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505–513 on the East side and 504–512 on the West side. Follow the signs for your rental company and allow time for the shuttle and rental paperwork before your drive.

Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore Colorado at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit several destinations. For a winter mountain trip, check the vehicle’s tires and suitability for the conditions rather than relying on an SUV or 4WD label alone. Reserve ahead during busy travel periods, and check your accommodation’s parking arrangements before deciding whether you need a car for the whole stay.

Shared Shuttles

Many travelers choose a shared shuttle for economical transport to Colorado’s mountain resorts. Seats are booked individually, and the journey may include scheduled departure times and stops for other passengers. Blue Sky Limo provides private transfers, with the vehicle reserved for your party; our pickup details are in the next section.

The table gives road-planning estimates, not the time from landing to your hotel. The estimates for mountain destinations follow our airport transfer planner; shared-shuttle waiting time and additional stops are separate, and winter weather or heavy traffic can extend the drive. For mountain carriers, follow the check-in instructions and exact terminal side, door and island supplied by your operator. Hotel shuttles, shared vans and charter buses do not all use the same pickup area. Book ahead, especially during ski weekends and holidays.

Private Airport Car Service

For travelers continuing to the mountains, a private car service takes you directly from DEN to your hotel, condo or vacation home. Blue Sky Limo provides non-stop transfers from Denver Airport to Vail, along with service to Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen and other mountain destinations. Your vehicle is reserved for your group, with room arranged for your passengers, luggage and ski equipment.

Where do Blue Sky Limo passengers meet their driver at DEN? Our pickup is at Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5: exit west door 512 or east door 505, then cross to the second island. Even-numbered doors are on Terminal West; odd-numbered doors are on Terminal East. Collect your bags first and follow your driver’s instructions. Our airport meet-and-greet guide explains the pickup procedure. Give us your flight information when booking; landing time is not the same as being ready at the curb.

Once your Vail hotel is booked, include its name and full address in your airport-transfer reservation. Blue Sky Limo’s Denver Airport transfers to Vail hotels cover the final hotel approach as well as the airport journey, with arrival details for selected properties. Once you arrive, Vail’s Welcome Centers can help with village maps and local plans.

Dining, Shopping, and Other Services

Can you eat at Denver Airport after landing? Yes. Domestic or pre-cleared international passengers can eat in their arrival concourse before heading to baggage claim. Many restaurants are beyond security, and you cannot simply walk back once you’ve left. International passengers who still need U.S. entry clearance must follow the International Arrivals route first.

For a meal before leaving your concourse, local choices include Root Down in Concourse C, Snarf’s Sandwiches near A73 and Denver Central Market near A48. Tapas Sky Bar is near C24. Check the DEN dining and shopping directory for locations and opening hours, particularly for an early-morning or late-night arrival.

Tattered Cover Book Store and the airport’s convenience shops are useful stops for reading material, snacks and travel essentials. If you have a prearranged pickup, allow time for any stops before giving your driver a ready-to-leave update.

Other useful services include free Wi-Fi, nursing rooms and pet relief areas. Use the interactive airport map to find the nearest facility before leaving your concourse. Lounge access depends on the airline, membership or pass involved; it is worth checking the individual lounge rather than assuming a credit card will provide entry.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

For wheelchair assistance at DEN, arrange service through your airline, preferably at least 48 hours before departure. Tell the airline about the assistance you need between the gate, baggage claim and ground transportation. Accessible restrooms and elevators are available throughout the terminal and concourses.

DEN has pet relief areas before and after security, including facilities for travelers with service animals. Ask airport customer service or use the interactive map for the nearest location. If you need assistance getting from baggage claim to your prearranged ride, discuss that with your airline and transportation provider before traveling.

Preparing for Your Trip

Now that you know what to expect when flying into Denver International Airport, here are a few final tips to help your arrival go as smoothly as possible:

• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport, especially during winter when weather delays are more common.
• Allow plenty of extra time to get from the airport to your final destination, particularly if you’re traveling to the mountains. Traffic and road conditions can be unpredictable.
• Book your ground transportation in advance, particularly for ski weekends and holidays. Keep your carrier’s contact details and pickup instructions handy, and include your hotel or vacation rental’s full address in the reservation.
• Dress in layers and pack a warm coat, even if you’re visiting in summer. Colorado weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.

A little preparation goes a long way: know which terminal side your bags arrive on, collect everything before heading outside, and check the pickup instructions for the service you booked. The answers and contacts below can help with common arrival questions or a change of plans.

Denver Airport Arrival FAQ

Useful Denver Airport Contacts and Links

Airport information checked October 18, 2026.

If you’re flying into Denver for a Colorado mountain vacation, we’d be happy to handle the drive to your resort. Blue Sky Limo has served mountain travelers since 2012, with private transfers to hotels, condos and vacation homes. Explore our Denver Airport transportation services or call (970) 376-7849 to arrange your trip.