Denver Airport Mini Guide
Tell me why I Should go to Denver
Denver is a much underrated city. It’s known as the ‘Mile High City’, because it’s almost exactly a mile above sea level, nestling into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Until very recently it pride rested with its mining and cowboy traditions. Today, as the city grows, it has embraced a more varied popularity as a centre for art and culture. Those that still hanker after the good old days can leave the city behind and head for the Rockies which are a mere fifteen miles out of Denver. There, amidst staggeringly beautiful mountains, some snow-capped for most of the year, you’ll see the America that needed to be tamed before the frontiersmen could move west.
How do I get to Denver?
Denver International Airport is ten miles east of the city and well connected by private and public transport. Although there is only one direct route from the
UK with BA, there are some interesting indirect ones including a stop off in
Iceland or
New York’s JFK. The airline mainly handles hundreds of internal flights.
What is the Airport Like?
It’s one of the world’s biggest airports no matter which measure you use and handled over fifty million passengers last year. Imagine something like
Gatwick or
Heathrow and you’re getting close. Whilst thoroughly modern and designed to ‘blend in’ with the Rocky Mountains which are its backdrop, the airport has ended up looking like a Bedouin encampment.
What Can I Expect When I Arrive at Denver?
The airport is huge and thankfully well organised. As you’d expect, to cope with the amount of traffic it receives, operations have to be tight and you’ll be off the plane very quickly across an air bridge and into the concourses. The gates are set out like the fins of a satellite and a shuttle is available to take you from each to the terminal building. Before you enter the terminal you’ll pass through security checks and collect your baggage. Then, if you need to find anything in this huge complex, head for the airport information desk which can help verbally or give you an airport map to help you find your way around.
People who need assistance should also report there so that you can be assisted to your onward transportation. For travellers collecting hire cars, you’ll need to get the rental shuttle from the Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5 and Island 4 which will take you to the onsite rental garage.
What About my Return Journey?
Get your bags checked in and tickets collected as soon as you can for you’re not going to believe what awaits you. Over a hundred shops, more than most malls and in an area the size of a small town, will treat you to almost every type of shopping you could imagine. Many people comment that they wish their local high street was as good as Denver Airport’s shops. The same goes for places to eat too. Again over a hundred places including ice cream shops such as Ben and Jerry’s, the usual slew of fast food outlets and superb high class dining await the hungry passenger and if you have any time left at the end of all this excitement, use the airport’s free Wi-Fi for further entertainment.