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By James WindsorReviewed August 31, 202632,000+ layovers planned10 curated experiences for Denver

Whether you are heading to the Rocky Mountains or connecting through the Western United States, a layover in Denver, united-states, offers a unique opportunity to experience the 'Mile High City.' With Denver International Airport (DEN) serving as the primary hub, travelers can enjoy world-class art, vibrant dining, and stunning mountain views without straying too far from the terminal. Despite being one of the largest airports by land area, the efficient connectivity to the city center makes it a manageable destination for a quick exploration.

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Layover-friendly tours in Denver

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Viator selectionLive recommendations
Mile High Hauntings: Guided Ghost Tour in Downtown Denver
View on Viator
Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Mile High Hauntings: Guided Ghost Tour in Downtown Denver

Explore the chilling tales of Denver's haunted history on this 2.5-hour walking ghost tour through the LoDo district. With an expert guide leading the way, you'll visit the city's most infamous haunted locations and hear spine-tingling stories that bring the supernatural to life. Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, this tour offers an immersive experience into the eerie past of Denver. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with ghostly legends and local lore. - 2.5-hour guided walking tour through Denver's haunted LoDo district - Discover chilling ghost stories and local legends from your expert guide - Perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking a spooky adventure - Experience the eerie atmosphere of downtown Denver's most haunted spots

Duration

2h 30m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4.5h total

Admission

YES

What you'll see

Attraction stop (2h 30m)

The area in which our entire tour will take place, Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the historic heart of Denver

Ready to book for your Denver layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator
Guided Hiking Tour in the Beautiful Rocky Mountains
View on Viator
Fits your layover6+ hours layover

Guided Hiking Tour in the Beautiful Rocky Mountains

Join us for an unforgettable half day hiking adventure! We will meet at a beautiful cafe located less than a mile from downtown Denver and after short introductions we will drive to the trailhead in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Once we arrive at the trail we will hike approximately 5k round trip. During the hike you will learn about nature, hiking, and take so many amazing photos you won’t know which one to post first. After the hike we will return to the cafe in Denver. I can provide transportation from the cafe to the hiking trail and back to the cafe upon request. Please let me know if you need transportation or if you have your own. If you do not let us know we will assume you have your own transportation to the trail.

Duration

4 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 6h total

Admission

Check on Viator

Ready to book for your Denver layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

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* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

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Airport Guides

Den Denver Airport

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Home to These Airports

Airports in Denver

DEN
Denver International Airport (DEN)

DEN is famous for its tented roof and public art. If you have a short layover, visit the outdoor West View Deck in Terminal B for mountain views or explore the 'underground' art installations. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available throughout the concourses.

Where to sleepDay-use & overnight
Day-use & overnight hotels in DenverFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

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Explore the City

Top Things to Do During a Denver Layover

10 experiences to discover

011-2 hours

Visit the Denver Union Station

Take the A-Line train from the airport to this historic 1914 landmark, featuring stunning architecture, shops, and bars.

24 miles from airport

023-4 hours

Explore Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

A world-famous outdoor music venue set between massive red sandstone formations. Perfect for a hike and photos.

45 miles from airport

032-3 hours

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Located in City Park, this museum offers incredible exhibits and one of the best views of the Denver skyline and mountains.

22 miles from airport

041-2 hours

Stroll through Larimer Square

Denver's oldest and most historic block, filled with independent boutiques and high-end chef-driven restaurants.

25 miles from airport

052-3 hours

Experience Meow Wolf Denver

An immersive and psychedelic art experience featuring 'Convergence Station,' a four-story exhibition of interactive art.

26 miles from airport

061-2 hours

Walk the 16th Street Mall

A mile-long pedestrian promenade in the heart of downtown, offering shopping, street performers, and a free shuttle.

25 miles from airport

072 hours

Denver Botanic Gardens

A 24-acre oasis in the city with a wide variety of themed gardens and a conservatory.

25 miles from airport

081 hour

Visit the Colorado State Capitol

See the gold-domed building and stand on the step that is exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level.

25 miles from airport

091 hour

Art Tour at DEN Airport

Stay in the airport and explore the unique (and sometimes controversial) murals and sculptures, including 'Blucifer' the blue mustang.

0 miles from airport

101-2 hours

Relax at City Park

Denver's premier park featuring lakes, the Denver Zoo, and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.

22 miles from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations
Mile High Hauntings: Guided Ghost Tour in Downtown Denver
View on Viator
Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Mile High Hauntings: Guided Ghost Tour in Downtown Denver

Explore the chilling tales of Denver's haunted history on this 2.5-hour walking ghost tour through the LoDo district. With an expert guide leading the way, you'll visit the city's most infamous haunted locations and hear spine-tingling stories that bring the supernatural to life. Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, this tour offers an immersive experience into the eerie past of Denver. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with ghostly legends and local lore. - 2.5-hour guided walking tour through Denver's haunted LoDo district - Discover chilling ghost stories and local legends from your expert guide - Perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking a spooky adventure - Experience the eerie atmosphere of downtown Denver's most haunted spots

Duration

2h 30m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4.5h total

Admission

YES

What you'll see

Attraction stop (2h 30m)

The area in which our entire tour will take place, Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the historic heart of Denver

Ready to book for your Denver layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator
Guided Hiking Tour in the Beautiful Rocky Mountains
View on Viator
Fits your layover6+ hours layover

Guided Hiking Tour in the Beautiful Rocky Mountains

Join us for an unforgettable half day hiking adventure! We will meet at a beautiful cafe located less than a mile from downtown Denver and after short introductions we will drive to the trailhead in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Once we arrive at the trail we will hike approximately 5k round trip. During the hike you will learn about nature, hiking, and take so many amazing photos you won’t know which one to post first. After the hike we will return to the cafe in Denver. I can provide transportation from the cafe to the hiking trail and back to the cafe upon request. Please let me know if you need transportation or if you have your own. If you do not let us know we will assume you have your own transportation to the trail.

Duration

4 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 6h total

Admission

Check on Viator

Ready to book for your Denver layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Denver.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat Near Denver International Airport

Root Down

Global/New American$$ - $$$Concourse C, DEN

Elway's

Steakhouse$$$Concourse B, DEN

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Breakfast/Brunch$$Union Station

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs

Exotic Hot Dogs$Downtown Denver

Mercantile Dining & Provision

Farm-to-Table$$$Union Station

Tamayo

Modern Mexican$$ - $$$Larimer Square

Denver Chophouse

American/Brewery$$$Downtown near Coors Field

Shop & Browse

Shopping Options

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

The Rocky Mountain region's premier upscale shopping destination with over 160 stores.

26 miles

Denver Premium Outlets

Designer and name-brand outlet stores located north of Denver in Thornton.

28 miles

Tattered Cover Book Store

A legendary independent bookstore located at Union Station and downtown.

24 miles

SkyMarket

Selection of local Colorado goods and travel essentials inside DEN airport.

0 miles

Navigate

Getting Around During Your Layover

The most efficient way to travel from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown is via the University of Colorado A Line commuter rail. The train leaves every 15 minutes during peak hours and takes approximately 37 minutes to reach Union Station. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available at designated pick-up zones. For those staying near the airport, many hotels offer complimentary shuttles. If you plan to head to the mountains or Red Rocks, renting a car is the most practical option.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for Denver Travelers

01

Check security wait times at DEN on their official website before leaving the airport.

02

The A Line train is cheaper and often faster than a taxi to downtown.

03

Denver is high altitude; drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

04

Weather can change rapidly—bring layers even if it looks sunny.

05

Storage lockers are not available at DEN, but luggage storage services are available at Union Station.

06

Allow at least 2 hours for security return if heading back during peak travel times.

07

Visit the outdoor decks at the ends of Concourse B and C for fresh air.

08

Use the free Wi-Fi at DEN to track your next flight's status.

09

If traveling with kids, there is a small play area in Concourse B.

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Den Denver Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

T
TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

A
AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

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Travel lightBag drop
Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Denver hands-free.Find storage →

Make Every Minute Count

Managing Your Layover Time

For a 2-4 hour layover, stay within Denver International Airport (DEN). Explore the diverse art installations or grab a meal at Root Down. For a 4-8 hour layover, take the A Line train to Union Station (approx. 40 mins each way). This gives you 2-4 hours to explore downtown, Larimer Square, or the 16th Street Mall. For layovers exceeding 8 hours, consider renting a car or booking a car service to visit Red Rocks Park or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science before heading downtown for dinner.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave Denver airport during a layover?

+

Yes, but ensure you have enough time to clear security upon return. A layover of at least 6 hours is recommended to see the city.

How far is Denver airport from downtown?

+

It is about 25 miles from downtown Denver, roughly a 35-45 minute drive or train ride.

Is there a train from Denver airport to downtown?

+

Yes, the A Line commuter rail runs directly from DEN to Union Station in downtown Denver.

Does Denver airport have luggage storage?

+

No, there are no luggage lockers at DEN due to security regulations. Some third-party services operate near Union Station.

What is the best thing to do at DEN airport during a short layover?

+

Explore the terminal art, visit the outdoor observation decks, or enjoy local Colorado craft beer at one of the airport bars.

How much does the train from the airport to downtown cost?

+

A regional day pass for the RTD train typically costs $10.50 and includes unlimited travel for the day.

Is 2 hours enough time for a connecting flight in Denver?

+

Generally, yes, as long as your incoming flight is on time and you don't need to switch terminals via a long security process.

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