Denver International Airport

Overview

Denver International Airport, known by the codes DEN and KDEN, is the main airport serving Denver in the United States and one of the country’s major air gateways. As a large airport set at 5,431 feet (1,655 m) above sea level, it operates in the America/Denver time zone, which is useful to keep in mind when checking flight times, transfers, and pickup plans. The high-altitude setting can also mean drier air and changing weather, so travelers often appreciate allowing a little extra time to get comfortable after arrival.

What Travelers Should Know

• DEN is the airport code used on tickets, baggage tags, and flight boards.
• The airport handles large volumes of domestic and international traffic, so early arrival is wise.
• Its official website, flydenver.com, is the best source for current airport information.
• Local time follows the America/Denver time zone, which matters for connections and ground transport.

Airfield Facts

Denver International Airport has an extensive runway system designed to support heavy traffic and varied operating conditions. Its six lighted concrete runways include 07/25, 08/26, 16L/34R, 17L/35R, and 17R/35L, each measuring 12,000 feet, plus 16R/34L at 16,000 feet. For travelers, that scale reflects the airport’s role as a major hub built for high-capacity operations, while for aviation-minded visitors it highlights why DEN is well known for handling a wide range of aircraft efficiently.

Why It Matters

For visitors, DEN is more than just an arrival point: it is the front door to Denver and the wider Rocky Mountain region. Its size and infrastructure make it practical for long-haul flights, connections, and year-round travel, while the airport’s official resources can help with live updates before you leave for the terminal or after you land.