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How early should I get to DEN?

Denver International Airport, Denver, CO · Checked Oct 14, 2026

The short answer

Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight (DEN fall-break guidance, Oct 2026)

Those are blanket rules. Your real number depends on your terminal, the time of day, traffic from your door, and whether you have PreCheck or a bag. Leave By works out your exact leave time.

Source: cbsnews.com

Security lines at DEN

DEN expected about 965,000 travelers over fall break 2026 (Oct 8-19). It forecast security peaks of 7-11am and 2-6pm, with Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays the busiest days.

Busiest times: 7:00-11:00am, 2:00-6:00pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays.

Nationally, TSA checkpoints are busiest from 5 to 7 AM local time. See TSA's hourly numbers and the busiest days to fly.

TSA PreCheck: PreCheck lanes are at both Level 6 checkpoints, reportedly 4am to about 8:45pm (West) and to 8pm (East), so late-evening flyers may have only standard lanes. At the East checkpoint, PreCheck uses Entrance 3.

CLEAR: Available at this airport (see terminals below for which checkpoints).

Touchless ID: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is listed at DEN for Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest and United (opt in through your airline profile)

Terminals and checkpoints

Jeppesen Terminal (Great Hall)

United, Southwest, Frontier, Delta, American, Alaska

West Security Checkpoint, Level 6PreCheckCLEARWikipedia lists standard screening 3:30am-1am and PreCheck 4am-8:45pm daily; Upgraded Points lists 3am-1am. 17 lanes.
East Security Checkpoint, Level 6PreCheckCLEAROpened Aug 2025, 17 lanes, north of the Southwest ticket counters. Entrance 1 standard, Entrance 2 priority and CLEAR without PreCheck, Entrance 3 PreCheck. Wikipedia lists standard 3am-8pm and PreCheck 4am-8pm; Upgraded Points lists 3am-1am.
  • Check in on Level 5, then take escalators or elevators up to Level 6 for security
  • The old North, South and A-Bridge checkpoints are permanently closed; all screening is on Level 6
  • Concourse A is a walk across the pedestrian bridge after security; Concourses B and C (and A) are also served by the underground train inside security
  • Great Hall renovation has closed some terminal areas; DEN advises going to the east or west side for your airline

Between terminals: Single terminal. The train inside security runs from Jeppesen Terminal to Concourses A, B and C (about 6 minutes to the farthest stop), and the bridge to Concourse A can be walked.

Terminals are connected after security, so you can walk between them without re-screening.

Getting to DEN

Rideshare and taxi: Drop-off is on Level 5 outside your airline's check-in. Uber and Lyft pickup is on Level 5 outside doors 504-510 (west) and 505-513 (east).

Transit: RTD A Line train to Denver Union Station takes about 37 minutes; trains run about every 15 minutes at peak and every 30 minutes off-peak

Driving and parking: Peña Boulevard into the airport can get very busy, so leave extra time. Parking garages fill quickly at busy times; economy parking is $20/day and the Pikes Peak shuttle lot $10/day. Curbside waiting is not allowed; use the free cell phone lot.

Construction and changes in 2026

  • Great Hall renovation continues in Jeppesen Terminal, closing some areas, including parts of the food court
  • Eight more standard security lanes on the north end of Level 5 were scheduled for late summer 2026; this research could not confirm they have opened
  • Peña Boulevard widening and managed lanes are still being planned (preferred option due end of 2026); construction would follow the final decision expected in early 2028

Checking a bag

United: check in at least 45 minutes before domestic departure (60 minutes for international). Southwest: checked bags at the counter 45 minutes before domestic departure. Delta: bags 45 minutes before domestic departure.

DEN tips first-timers miss

  • Security is on Level 6, one floor above check-in on Level 5; the old Level 5 checkpoints and the A-Bridge checkpoint are closed
  • Go to the east or west side of the terminal that matches your airline; the East checkpoint is just north of Southwest's ticket counters
  • Flying from Concourse A? You can walk across the bridge after security instead of taking the train
  • Peña Boulevard traffic can get very busy and garages fill quickly at peak times, so build in a driving buffer
  • Reported evening closing times differ between sources (East may close around 8pm), so late-night flyers should check flydenver.com for current checkpoint hours

Leaving for DEN?

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Questions travelers ask

How early should I get to Denver airport?

DEN recommends arriving at least 2 hours before your flight. During busy periods its peaks run 7-11am and 2-6pm, so allow extra time for Peña Boulevard traffic and parking.

Where is security at Denver airport now?

All screening is at the East and West checkpoints on Level 6 of the Great Hall. The South, North and A-Bridge checkpoints closed when the East checkpoint opened in August 2025.

How do I get from Denver airport to downtown by train?

Take the RTD A Line to Denver Union Station, about 37 minutes. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes at peak times.

Sources

Airport conditions change. Always follow your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines.

Other airport guides

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