By: Marco Lopez, Farecast Frequent Flier
Make the most of the time you’re grounded, with our guides to the ten busiest airports in the U.S.
We continue our countdown of the busiest airports in the U.S. with #5 Denver. Whether arriving early, or using Denver as a connection, our guide will assist you in finding ways to occupy your time.
5. Denver International Airport
With its white tension-fabric roof echoing the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, this is easily the most architecturally interesting airport in the United States.
Best place to get a drink
Enjoy a cocktail at the Aviator’s Club, or sip a microbrew at the Red Rocks Bar (both in the main Jeppesen Terminal).
Best place to eat
Try the barbecue at Red Rocks Bar or hit Creative Croissant for 24-hour eats (both in Jeppesen Terminal).
Best place to amuse the kids
The bridge between Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse A is known for stunning views. Look to the west and see the Rocky Mountains; look down and see jets taxiing right underneath you!
Best shopping
Concourse B is tops for shopping, with BikeKulture, a cyclist’s dream store; Colorado Collection for upscale local jewelry and gifts; and the Images of Nature photographic gallery.
Best place to get online
Wi-fi is available in all terminals (for a fee). Internet kiosks are located in Concourses A, B, and C.
Best cheap way to escape the airport
Hop on a SkyRide Bus from level 5 of Jeppesen Terminal, transfer to light rail, and get to Downtown Denver for $8.
Best place to see something cool
Artwork abounds; one unusual installation is the “Kinetic Light Air Curtain” —over 5,000 wall-mounted propellers that catch the wind of passing trains in the airport’s train tunnel.
There is free WiFi as I was in DEN in March. It’s near a free business center in the United Airlines terminal, I forget who’s sponsoring it, Qwest or something like that.
@Matthew
WiFi is now free throughout the entire airport. BikeKulture is sadly gone from DIA altogether. Creative Croissants in the terminal has fairly pathetic, unthoughtful pastries. Concourse B (all United) now has a pretty good wrap place, in the center of the concourse near the trains. The best, though, is Heidi’s deli, which is a long hike to the commuter concourse at the far east end of concourse B, down the stairs.