Let’s be real. Nobody actually wants to spend six hours in an airport. But if you’re going to be stuck anywhere between point A and point B, Denver International Airport (DEN) is arguably one of the most interesting places to lose a few hours.
Most people just think of the tent-like roof and the terrifying blue horse with the glowing eyes—Blucifer, as locals call him. But there’s a lot more to the "Mile High" transit experience than just conspiracy theories and gargoyles. From outdoor decks with fire pits to some of the best airport food in the country, knowing what to do at Denver International Airport can turn a miserable layover into a pretty decent afternoon.
Honestly, the airport is massive. It feels like its own city. If you’ve got a long wait, don’t just sit at your gate staring at a flickering flight board.
Get Some Fresh Air on the Outdoor Decks
Believe it or not, you can actually go outside after you've cleared security. This is one of those things that most people miss because they’re too busy rushing to find a Cinnabon.
DEN has three massive outdoor decks. They’re located at the far ends of the concourses:
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- Concourse A-West: Near Gate A15.
- Concourse B-West: Near Gate B7.
- Concourse C-East: Near Gate C67.
These aren't just little smoking areas. They have comfortable seating, fire pits for those chilly Colorado days, and incredible views of the Rockies or the prairie. If you have a pet, there are even pet relief areas right on the decks so your dog can stretch their legs too. It’s a total game-changer for your mental health when you’ve been breathing recycled airplane air for five hours.
Eat Something Better Than a Sad Sandwich
Denver’s food scene has exploded in the last few years, and the airport has actually kept up. You don't have to settle for lukewarm fast food.
If you’re in Concourse A, head to Mercantile Dining & Provision. It’s the sister restaurant to the famous one in Union Station. We're talking farm-to-table food that feels like a real meal. The Turkish eggs or the pork belly biscuits are legit. If you want something quicker but still high-quality, Maria Empanada (near A24) serves authentic Argentinian empanadas that are easy to eat on the plane.
Concourse B is home to Elway’s. Yes, named after John Elway. It’s a bit spendy, but if you want a steak and a glass of wine in a sit-down environment, this is the spot. For something more casual, Voodoo Doughnut is a classic. Just look for the people carrying the bright pink boxes.
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Over in Concourse C, you’ve got Mister Oso. It’s a Latin-inspired spot with great tacos and ceviche. If you’re feeling fancy, Santo (from Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg) serves up Northern New Mexico-inspired dishes with that famous Colorado green chile.
The Art and the Conspiracy Theories
You can’t talk about Denver’s airport without mentioning the art. It’s everywhere.
The airport has a permanent collection of about 30 works, plus rotating exhibits. A new iconic piece to look for is "It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back" by Denver artist Thomas "Detour" Evans. It’s a massive sculpture made of 183 donated suitcases, suspended from the ceiling in Concourse B-East.
And then there are the conspiracy theories. The airport actually leans into them now. You’ll find posters joking about the Illuminati or the secret tunnels underground. Keep an eye out for "Notre Denver"—the gargoyles sitting in suitcases near the baggage claim area. They used to "talk" to passengers, which was either hilarious or terrifying depending on how much sleep you’d had.
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Level Up Your Lounge Game
If you have a long layover and want to actually get some work done—or just hide from the crowds—the lounges here are some of the best in the U.S.
- Capital One Lounge (Concourse A): Near gate A34. This is widely considered one of the best airport lounges in the country. They have shower suites, relaxation rooms, and a grab-and-go food section that’s actually good.
- United Club (Concourse B): United has a massive presence here. Their West lounge near B32 is one of the largest in the world—35,000 square feet with a fireplace and even a robot that clears away dishes.
- American Express Centurion Lounge (Concourse C): Located on the mezzanine near C46. It’s almost always busy, but the food and cocktails are top-tier.
Getting Into the City (The A-Line)
If your layover is longer than five or six hours, you might want to leave. Don’t bother with an expensive Uber if you’re headed downtown.
Take the RTD A-Line train. It leaves right from the Transit Center underneath the Westin Hotel. It costs $10 for a day pass, and it takes exactly 37 minutes to get to Union Station in the heart of Denver. From there, you can walk to Coors Field, explore the RiNo art district, or grab a drink at a brewery before heading back. The trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours, so it's super reliable.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your concourse: Use the airport's "Dine-Shop-Relax" tool on your phone to see what's specifically near your gate.
- Locate a deck: If the weather is nice, immediately head to the outdoor deck in your concourse for a mental reset.
- Check the train schedule: If you're heading downtown, download the RTD MyRide app to buy your $10 ticket ahead of time.
- Find "Blucifer": On your way out (or in), make sure to look for the 32-foot blue Mustang sculpture. It’s the unofficial mascot of Denver's weirdness.