Denver Airport Arrival Tips

DIA Overview

Understanding the airport layout

Denver International Airport (DEN/DIA) is massive—the largest airport in North America by area. It's 25 miles from downtown Denver and over 100 miles from ski resorts. First-time visitors are often surprised by the distances involved, both within the airport and to their final destination.

Airport Layout

Jeppesen Terminal: Main terminal with ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation
Concourse A, B, C: Gates, connected to terminal by underground train
Train system: Automatic trains run every few minutes between concourses and terminal
Walking distance: Allow 15-20 minutes from gate to baggage claim

Ground Transportation Levels

Level 5: Arrivals, baggage claim (doors to ground transportation outside each claim area)
Level 6: Departures, ticketing
Transit Center: RTD train and bus, located at south end of terminal

After You Land

Step-by-step arrival process

Step 1: Get Off the Plane

Note your gate and concourse (A, B, or C)
Follow signs to "Baggage Claim" and "Ground Transportation"
Take the train from your concourse to the main terminal

Step 2: Collect Baggage

Monitors show which carousel for your flight
Baggage claim areas are on Level 5 (arrivals level)
Ski equipment usually comes out on regular carousel (sometimes oversized)
If bags don't appear, file claim at airline baggage office before leaving

Step 3: Find Ground Transportation

Doors from baggage claim lead directly outside to different transportation options:

Door 505-513 (West): Shuttle buses, limos, hotel shuttles
Door 505 specifically: Most ski resort shuttles
Door 506-510: Various shared ride services
Level 5 Island: Rental car shuttles
Transit Center: RTD A Line train to Denver (south end of terminal)

Step 4: Connect with Your Ride

Have confirmation number ready
Check in at shuttle company desk or call/text driver
Most shuttles track your flight and know when to expect you
Allow 30-45 minutes from landing to departure on ground transportation

Finding Your Transportation

Where each service picks up

Shared Shuttles (Ski Resorts)

Location: Level 5, Door 505-506 area (West side)
Process: Look for company signs or check in at counter
Companies: Epic Mountain Express, Colorado Mountain Express, Peak 1
Wait time: Usually departs on schedule, may wait for other passengers

Private Cars and Limos

Location: Level 5, meet driver at baggage claim or designated door
Process: Driver will have your name, contact them upon landing
Signage: Look for driver with name sign at baggage claim exit

Uber and Lyft

Location: Level 5, follow signs to "Ride App" pickup area
Area: Island 5 (between terminal and parking)
Process: Request ride in app, walk to designated pickup zone
Wait time: Usually 5-15 minutes, longer during peak times

Rental Cars

Location: Rental Car Center, 6 miles from terminal
Shuttle: Free buses from Level 5 island, every 5-10 minutes
Time: Allow 20-30 minutes from baggage to rental counter

RTD Train (A Line)

Location: Transit Center, south end of terminal, Level 1
Destination: Downtown Denver Union Station (37 minutes)
Cost: $10.50 one-way
Hours: 4:30am to 12:30am approximately

Hotel Shuttles

Location: Level 5, Door 505-513 area
Process: Call hotel for pickup or look for hotel van
Coverage: Airport hotels only (not downtown or resorts)

Timing Considerations

Building realistic schedules

From Landing to Ground Transportation

Activity	Time
Taxi from runway to gate	5-15 min
Deplane	5-10 min
Walk to train + train to terminal	10-15 min
Wait for baggage	15-30 min
Walk to ground transportation	5 min
Total	40-75 min

Plan for 45-60 minutes from landing to shuttle departure. Communicate flight delays to your transportation company—they track flights but appreciate direct contact.

Shuttle Departure Timing

Shared shuttles have scheduled departure times
If you miss your shuttle, you may have to wait for next one (could be hours)
Most include ~1 hour of wait time for delayed flights
Private cars wait for you specifically

Late Arrivals

Last shared shuttles to resorts typically depart by 8-9pm
Private car/limo available 24/7 but costs more
Uber/Lyft technically available but expensive for long trips at night
Consider staying at airport hotel if arriving very late

Common Mistakes

Avoid these first-timer errors

Underestimating Time

Mistake: Booking a shuttle that departs 30 minutes after scheduled landing
Reality: You won't make it through baggage claim in time
Fix: Book shuttles departing at least 1 hour after landing

Wrong Pickup Location

Mistake: Waiting at wrong door or level
Reality: Ground transportation areas are spread out
Fix: Confirm exact pickup location with your company

Not Communicating Delays

Mistake: Assuming shuttle company knows your flight is delayed
Reality: While they track flights, direct communication helps
Fix: Text or call your driver/company when delay is announced

Forgetting About Altitude

Mistake: Rushing around and feeling exhausted
Reality: DIA is at 5,400 feet—higher than most visitors are used to
Fix: Move at a reasonable pace, stay hydrated

Missing Last Shuttle

Mistake: Booking last possible shuttle with no backup plan
Reality: Flight delays happen frequently
Fix: Know backup options, have private car company's number

Oversized Baggage Confusion

Mistake: Waiting at wrong carousel for skis
Reality: Ski equipment sometimes goes to oversized baggage
Fix: If skis don't appear, check oversized area nearby

Pro Tips

Insider advice for smooth arrivals

Before You Land

Download transportation company's app if available
Have confirmation details easily accessible (not buried in email)
Charge your phone—you'll need it for coordination
Know your shuttle pickup door number

At Baggage Claim

Use restroom before leaving terminal (bathrooms less frequent on road)
Grab water or snacks if hungry (long drive ahead)
Dress in layers—it's cold outside and can be warm in vehicles
Have tip money ready for shuttle driver

Weather Contingencies

Winter storms can delay shuttles—be patient
Keep transportation company's phone number handy
Have backup plan (airport hotel, private car)
Road closures happen—shuttles know alternate routes

Returning to DIA

Confirm pickup time and location with shuttle company 24 hours ahead
Build in buffer time for I-70 traffic on return
Check in online before leaving resort if possible
Allow 2.5-3 hours before flight for mountain pickups

Frequently Asked Questions

Airport arrival

Is there Wi-Fi at Denver Airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Connect to "DEN Free WiFi" and accept terms. Useful for contacting transportation companies and checking shuttle status.

What if my luggage is delayed or lost?

File a claim at your airline's baggage service office (near baggage claim) before leaving the airport. Get a claim number. Most shuttles will still take you—contact them about the situation. Airlines can deliver bags to your resort later.

Can I get food at the airport before my shuttle?

Limited options on Level 5 (arrivals). More choices upstairs on Level 6 or in concourses before claiming bags. The drive to ski resorts is 1.5-4 hours with few stops—eat before you leave or bring snacks.

How do I know which door to go to?

Your shuttle confirmation should specify. If not, call them. Most ski shuttles use Door 505-506 area. Signs inside also direct to major shuttle companies. When in doubt, step outside and look for company signage.

What if my flight arrives late at night?

Shared shuttles have last departures around 8-9pm. For later arrivals, you'll need private car service (more expensive but available 24/7), Uber/Lyft (expensive for long distances), or an airport hotel with next-morning shuttle.