Denver, Colorado Hotels and City Guide

Denver - Getting There

Denver is served by the massive Denver International Airport (DIA). This sprawling airport is 53 square miles, one of the largest in the world. Visitors can also take buses or trains into the city via Greyhound and Amtrak.

Approximate flight times to Denver: From New York is 4 hours; from Los Angeles is 2 hours 15 minutes; from Toronto is 3 hours and 4 minutes and from Sydney is 17 hours 37 minutes (times do not include layovers).

Denver Airport Information

Denver – Denver International Airport

The Denver International Airport is not only large – at 34,000 acres, it is one of the largest in the world and the 10th busiest – it is designed to meet the highest standards of quality, safety, convenience, customer satisfaction, and even an eye for beauty. Incredibly one of the terminals at DIA has Colorado’s second-largest art display. It has been open for air travel for 14 years and has won recognition from Business Traveler Magazine, among other publications.

DIA is just a short ride into the city – about 23 minutes by cab, car, or shuttle. Just twenty miles from Downtown, visitors can easily get to their hotel or other destination and enjoy their Denver vacation. But maybe they will start enjoying the sights even before leaving the airport. With interesting design and an enviable collection of art, visitors won’t mind waiting for their taxi or shuttle to arrive. Works of 39 artists, including sculptures and murals, are on display and work with the architecture to produce a visually pleasing, cohesive style.

DIA has an exhibition program which allows new exhibits to visit the airport. Holiday visitors will be especially pleased. When other airports add to the stress, frustration, and chaos, DIA brings in musicians, choirs, and other entertaining performers to create a little holiday cheer among passengers.

Denver International Airport caters to visitors who want to check in at home or work while on vacation; free WiFi access is available in the beautiful Jeppesen Terminal, as well as Concourses A, B, and C. In addition, the Interfaith Chapel and Islamic Prayer Halls on Level 6 and Terminal East atrium are open 24 hours a day for prayer or meditation.

Denver has nonsmoking rules in public places, but DIA accommodates smokers with four smoking lounges. These are the only areas in which smoking is allowed. They are located in the Aviator’s Club on the west side of the Jeppesen Terminal, the Level 6 atrium, in the center core mezzanine of Concourse A, Smokin Bear in Concourse C.

DIA has two five-level parking garages, two short-term lots, two economy lots (which are uncovered), two lots for shuttles, as well as valet parking.

Getting Into Denver

From Denver Airport

To get into the city of Denver, the following methods are most commonly used:

Car: Leave the airport via Pena Boulevard. This leads into Route 70 West. This leads into Downtown Denver.

Taxis: Taxis are available at Island 1, doors 505, 507, 510, and 512. (A convenient airport map can be found at the Denver International Airport’s website.) Here you can hire a taxi to take you into Denver. Remember that there is a $3.50 surcharge on fares originating from the airport.

Rental Cars: Several major car rental companies service DIA. Making reservations ahead of time to avoid delay and ensure a car is ready for you. These are located in Island 4, doors 505, 507, 511, 513, 504, 506, 510, and 512.

Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer a complementary shuttle service for guests leaving the airport. If your hotel does, it will be found at Island 3, doors 511 and 506.

Public Buses: You can also take one of RTD’s buses into Denver. These are at Island 5, doors 507, 511, 506, 510.

Always ask an airport employee if you need directions or help finding your way to the appropriate areas.

Tavelling to Denver by Rail

Many visitors come into Denver via Amtrak trains. The trains arrive at Denver’s Union Station. An Amtrak train, the California Zephyr, stops in Denver once a day before continuing east to Chicago or west to Emeryville, California. Union Station is open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Sunday. You can buy tickets from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Sunday.

Tavelling to Denver by Bus

The Greyhound Station is located at 1055 19th Street in Denver. Open Monday through Sunday 5:30 am to 11:45 pm, passengers will find themselves right in the middle of Downtown. There is also a station at 2147 North Broadway that is open from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Sunday.

In addition, there are two bus stops in Denver. The Greyhound buses stop here but passengers cannot buy tickets. These are at Union Station in LoDo and at the RTD Market Street Bus Stop at 16th Street and Market Street.

Tavelling to Denver by Car

Those driving to Denver can reach the city via N or S I-25, E or W I-70, and NE I-76. Traveling on I-25 brings travelers to Colorado Springs in the south and Cheyenne in the north. Using I-70 will bring visitors to many of the area’s best ski areas. Those coming from the Salt Lake City area can use US Highway 40, and those coming from Boulder or northwester suburbs can use US Highway 36.

Those wishing to avoid rush hour traffic on I-70 or I-25 can use either E-470 or the Northwest Parkway. These are toll roads. Each toll booth charges $2.00, and it is possible to spend up to $14. Depending on your tolerance for traffic, though, this may be worth it.

Drivers in Denver are required to have a valid driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

Hotels in Denver, Colorado