Your stop at Denver International Airport should not be stressful or break the bank. Long-term travel out of Colorado should be as simple as possible – this includes your time spent traveling through DIA. There is some ongoing construction currently taking place at DIA, so this guide will help you navigate the airport through its construction efforts. From making it through security quickly to finding cheap long-term airport parking, here are a few of the best DIA airport travel tips.
How to Save Time at DIA
Tip #1: Plan Long-Term Airport Parking Options ahead of Time
Figuring out transportation to the airport might be the biggest hassle of all. Plan ahead when it comes to car storage and reserve a spot before you leave for your trip. This gives a sense of control over your time and planning regarding your arrival at the airport; it will provide you peace of mind knowing your car will be secure while you are traveling, and ready for you when you return to DIA. You can book long-term airport parking at DIA through STOW IT.
Tip #2: Be a Pro on the Security Line
It seems minimal, but taking off all belts, jewelry, and other accessories at security will cut down time in line and get you to the gate faster. Dress simply and comfortably to make security a breeze. Here are a few quick reminders for making it through security quickly:
- Make sure you have no liquids over 3.4 ounces.
- Empty your water bottle.
- Have your ID and boarding pass in hand while in line.
- Make sure all personal devices are out of your pockets and in the bin
- Be shoe conscious! Try to wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off, so you don’t get caught lacing up your kicks while in line.
You can view security wait times here to give yourself a good idea of how much time you can expect to wait in line and budget your time correctly when leaving for the airport.
Tip #3: Pack Early
Everyone dreads packing, and therefore it usually ends up happening last minute. Do your best to avoid packing the day before or the day of your trip. This will save you money and running through the airport to get to your gate.
Create a list beforehand and get your packing done a few days in advance. Here is a list that gives tips on how to best pack for long-term travel.
How to Save Money at DIA
Tip #1: Skip the Food
Food courts in the airport are notorious for being expensive and of sub-par quality. To save the hit to your wallet at the airport, avoid getting the case of the munchies at all costs. Airport restaurants typically charge a 10-15% markup on their costs than what they charge in their stores outside the airport. These prices occur because the cost of operating a restaurant in the airport is a lot more expensive than in the “real world.” High rent, security, and employee costs are just a few reasons why food prices are so steep. An easy way to avoid the food courts is to eat before the airport. You can make a stop at a fast-food spot along the way or pack a lunch to eat on the way to the airport.
If you do decide to eat at the airport there are a few popular and affordable options at DIA. Here is a list of the popular food options and where they can be found:
- Einstein Bros: This is a great breakfast option if you are traveling in the morning. You can expect to pay under $10. There are two locations in Gates A and Gates C.
- New Belgium Brewing: This is a great option if you are looking to grab a drink and some food before your flight. You can expect to pay $10-$20.You can find New Belgium Brewing in the B Gates close to gate B30.
- Breckenridge Brewery: This is another great option to try Colorado local beer while at Denver International Airport. You can expect to pay $10-$20. This location can be found in A gates near gate A71.
Tip #2: Remember to Bring your Entertainment
Download any movies or shows on your preferred streaming app before you make it to the airport. If you are more of a reader-take a look at the list of books you have been wanting to read and bring it with you or download it on your device. If you are someone who gets anxious or stressed during flights, it is important to have some form of entertainment to help take your mind off of the takeoff and landing. One way to do this is to download your favorite shows or movies on your phone or laptop before you get to the airport. That way, you can watch them during the flight without having to worry about Wi-Fi. If you are more of a reader, bring a book with you or download one on your Kindle. You can also download any music or podcast on Spotify or Apple Music. Do not forget those headphones either!
Any of these tips will keep you from buying magazines, books, or any other forms of entertainment while at the airport and keep you entertained while waiting for your flight and on the airplane.
Tip #3: Ditch the Ride Share
We all hate being the friend always asking for a ride to the airport, but the price of rideshares such as Uber and Lyft often give us no other choice.
We looked at the average cost of an Uber (one way) from popular cities in Colorado and the prices are below:
| City | Average Ride Share Cost* |
|---|---|
| Fort Collins | $96.52 |
| Boulder | $72.72 |
| Colorado Springs | $105.95 |
| Denver | $40.67 |
| Longmont | $62.34 |
*Prices were calculated on a weekday not during surge hours.
These prices are a major blow to the bank account, and if you consider traveling to and from the airport using rideshares, you will be spending hundreds of dollars just on airport transportation. There are other options available when it comes to car storage including airport parking.
Baggage Claim at DIA
Baggage claim at DIA is located in the Jeppesen Terminal on both the East and West sides. The airline you are flying will determine which side of the airport you are on. After you arrive, you will head to the train system within the airport to be transported to baggage claim. This is the same level of passenger pick-ups such as taxis, limos, ride app services, shuttles, and buses picking up arriving passengers. The baggage carousels are numbered 1-19. Carousels 1-9 are located on the east side of Jeppesen Terminal and carousels 10-19 can be found are located on the west side. You can find your baggage claim information on the display boards at baggage claim or on their website here.
International Denver Airport Travelers
There are a few extra steps for those traveling internationally at DIA and services provided for those. The security process is the same as for domestic travelers. If you are arriving from an international flight, you will arrive at the A gates and be directed to the US Customs and Border Protection. Here a Customs and Border Protection officer will examine your passport as well as any other documentation. After that, you will exit the baggage claim by handing your CBP Form 6059B to the CBP officer at the exit. The airport also offers services to those traveling internationally such as translation services and World-Wide Money Exchange locations. You can learn more about international traveling at DIA here.
Denver International Airport Artwork
The Denver airport does a great job of highlighting artists throughout their airport. Their art display is a great way to pass the time while you are waiting for your flight. The ongoing construction is the addition of 39 new gates to DEN, increasing the overall capacity at the airport by 30%. This growth is also an opportunity to bring new artwork to the airport.
DIA Lounges
Denver International Airport has a few lounges available at different concourses for those who would like a space to relax while waiting for their flights. Below is a list of the lounges available and you can learn more about access requirements here.
- Concourse A:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Open 4:45 am-12:30 am
- Located on the north of the A gates
- Delta Sky Club
- Open 5 am- 7:30 pm
- Located on the fourth floor on the south end of the A gates central core
- USO Lounge
- Open 5 am-10 pm
- Located on the fourth floor on the north end of A gates
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Concourse B:
- United Club
- Has two locations one is located on the west end of B gates near gate B32 and the other is on the east end of the B gates near gate B44
- Gate B32 is open 5 am- 9 pm
- Gate B44 is open 5:30 am-11:30 pm
- United Club
- Concourse C:
- American Express Centurion Lounge
- Located near on the east end of the concourse near Gate C46
- Open 5 am-9 am
- American Express Centurion Lounge
Traveling with a Pet at Denver International Airport
Another great thing about the Denver airport is that it is pet-friendly. They have pet-relief centers located post-security in the center cores of gates A, B, and C. There is also a pre-security pet relief station located in the Jeppesen Terminal with seating for the owners. The Denver airport also has an on-site pet boarding facility if you need someone to watch your pet while you travel. This facility is located at 24735 E. 75th Ave., at the WorldPort facility just east of the Pikes Peak shuttle lot along 75th Avenue. This boarding facility is more of a pet resort as they offer private suites, flat-screen TVs, massage therapy, on-site medical experts, and even obedience training. Here are a few tips for traveling with a pet at the Denver airport from their website:
- Certified service dogs are always allowed inside public areas at DEN. Visitors who are picking up arriving passengers or seeing off-departing passengers may bring their service dog, too.
- Check with your airline for their specific requirements for pets.
- Federal and state laws require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian for animals on a flight.
- Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to travel on an airplane.
- Try to book a nonstop flight, and try to avoid busy holidays or weekend travel. It is best to fly your pet during times when temperatures are moderate. For instance, fly in the morning or evening during the summer months to avoid the midday heat. Some airlines have restrictions if temperatures are above 85 degrees or below 45 degrees.
- Be sure your pet’s collar and kennel have identification tags that include your name, telephone number, and flight information.
- For your pet's safety, please do not take your pets on escalators or moving walkways.
- If the pet is flying in the cargo hold, make sure you put food and water in the kennel.
- If you travel outside the continental United States, be aware that some places, including Hawaii, require your pet to have special vaccinations and may impose a quarantine period when you arrive at your destination. Contact the host country, or ask your airline for assistance in learning the rules that pertain to traveling with your pet outside the U.S. mainland.
Hotel Options for DIA
The Westin Hotel is a comfortable 519-room hotel and conference center located right by the main terminal of the airport. This hotel offers shuttle and public transport services including the A-line commuter train that takes you to downtown Denver. There are also other hotel options located within ten miles of the hotel. Here is a list of a few off-site hotel options close to the Denver airport:
Public Transportation to Denver International Airport
If you are not considering airport parking there is a public transportation option available for those traveling to DIA out of Denver. This service is provided by Regional Transportation District (RTD). The train leaves from Denver Union Station which is in the heart of downtown Denver and it is a 37-minute ride to the airport. This commuter train runs every 15 minutes during daylight hours and every 30 minutes from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. You can learn more about this transportation option here.
Short-Term Parking Options at DIA
Park DIA
Park DIA is a lot near DIA that offers daily and long-term airport parking. Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport. Daily rates are $12/day for uncovered parking and $18/day for covered parking. All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term airport parking can be made through STOW IT.
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is another lot near DIA that also offers daily and long-term airport parking. Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport. Daily rates are $8.25/day for uncovered parking. All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term airport parking can be made through STOW IT.
DIA Daily Parking
Parking at the DIA short-term lots is another option for short trips to and from the airport. This option will be the most expensive at $30/day. The lots are located at the airport, so if convenience is your top priority, this spot will work best for you.
Affordable Long-Term DIA Parking Options
STOW IT has parking near Denver International Airport with off-site airport parking facilities. With STOW IT's monthly airport parking, you would be paying around $6.75 a day at the monthly rate. Other options like DIA’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable. This long-term airport parking option offered through STOW IT is the lowest rate you will find for monthly parking at the Denver International Airport. It is a great option for second homeowners, business travelers, college students heading home for holiday breaks, or any other individual who will be traveling for over 30 days.
STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer.