Denver International Airport (DIA) is the primary international hub for the Denver metro area and one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
As your gateway to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, DIA welcomes millions of travelers each year. To ensure a smooth journey, we suggest allowing at least 90 minutes to reach your gate, with extra time recommended for international flights.
Check out these helpful tips to streamline your airport experience:
After exiting your plane, follow signs for baggage claim and ground transportation. When you arrive in the main terminal, head to Terminal East.
Denver International Airport (DEN) has two sides to its main terminal: East and West. It’s important to know which side you’re on to avoid delays when meeting your shuttle.
❗ Quick Tip
Once you’ve picked up your bags at baggage claim (Level 5), look at the door numbers:
Odd-numbered doors = East side
Even-numbered doors = West side
Exit Terminal East through the doors labeled 513, next to Baggage Claim 7.
Go down one level from baggage claim to reach ground transportation.
Exit through your assigned door—you’ll find curbside shuttle pickup just outside.
Check your confirmation for your exact pickup door number and side.
❗ Quick Tip
If you’re unsure which side you’re on, ask an airport staff member before heading outside. Switching sides after exiting can take extra time.
Exit Through Your Designated Door
Use the door number provided in your shuttle confirmation (e.g., Door 600 or 601). Once outside, you’ll be at the curb where transportation islands are located.
Look for Island 1 – Mountain Carriers
Cross the first traffic lane to reach Island 1. It’s typically the first island you come to outside the terminal doors. Look for overhead signs that say “Mountain Carriers.”
Look for Your Peak 1 Express Shuttle
Shuttles will pull into designated spots along Island 1.
❗ Quick Tip
Your Peak 1 Express shuttle will pick up on Island 1, next to the Mountain Carrier sign.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest and most visually distinctive airports in the world, making it a popular place for travelers to capture and share Denver International Airport photos. From iconic architecture to expansive terminals and unique artwork, DEN offers plenty of recognizable features you’ll see as soon as you arrive.
One of the most recognizable subjects in Denver International Airport photos is the airport’s signature white, tent-style roof. Designed to resemble snow-covered Rocky Mountain peaks, the Jeppesen Terminal roof is visible from multiple angles inside and outside the airport and is often photographed by arriving passengers. The scale of the terminal, combined with its open Great Hall design, makes it easy to spot key landmarks as you navigate toward baggage claim and ground transportation.
Inside DEN, travelers often photograph the wide-open Great Hall, high ceilings, natural light, and clearly marked signage. These interior features show up frequently in Denver International Airport photos because they help travelers recognize where they are within the airport. Moving walkways, train platforms between concourses, and large digital displays are all common visual reference points for first-time visitors.
Denver International Airport is known for its extensive public art program, which adds another layer to many Denver International Airport photos. Murals, sculptures, and rotating exhibits are located throughout the terminals, creating memorable visual markers as you move through the airport. These features not only add character to DEN but also help travelers identify their surroundings while heading toward shuttle pickup areas.
Looking at Denver International Airport photos before your trip can be helpful when planning your arrival and finding transportation. Familiar images of the terminal layout, baggage claim areas, and public spaces make it easier to recognize where you are once you land, especially when locating shared shuttle services like Peak 1 Express.
