How long do I need for a layover at Denver International (DEN)?
We recommend at least 45 minutes for a comfortable connection at Denver International. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 25 minutes.
What is the minimum connection time at DEN?
Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 90 min. International-to-International: 90 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Denver International.
Is DEN easy to connect through?
Denver International is a sprawling, high-throughput hub built around a single terminal with three train-linked concourses, making it efficient for well-planned domestic connections but unforgiving if you're rushing across the airfield-length concourses. United and Frontier both hub heavily here, and Southwest treats it as a major focus city, so mid-day banks can get crowded at security and on the trains. The Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) train links the main Jeppesen Terminal to Concourses A, B, and C, with each leg taking roughly 2-4 minutes plus wait time. Concourse A can also be reached via an above-ground pedestrian bridge (about a 10-minute walk) if the train is delayed. All connections stay within one sterile zone, so passengers arriving on a domestic or international flight who cleared security once do not need to re-screen unless they exit through customs first.
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at DEN?
Below DEN's 45-minute domestic MCT, this is too tight given train transit times between concourses. See full 30 min guide →
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at DEN?
This matches DEN's published domestic-domestic minimum connecting time under normal conditions. See full 45 min guide →
Is 1 hour enough for a layover at DEN?
Meets the domestic-to-international minimum and gives good padding for domestic-only transfers. See full 1 hr guide →
Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at DEN?
Comfortable for domestic-international connections including a possible security recheck. See full 1¼ hr guide →
Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at DEN?
Matches DEN's international connection MCT, sufficient for customs clearance and re-screening. See full 1½ hr guide →
Is 2 hours enough for a layover at DEN?
Generous buffer covering customs, re-screening, and cross-concourse train transfers. See full 2 hr guide →
Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at DEN?
Well beyond any MCT threshold, ideal for international arrivals with slow customs lines. See full 2½ hr guide →
Is 3 hours enough for a layover at DEN?
Excess time for any combination of connections, including holiday peak congestion. See full 3 hr guide →
Is 4 hours enough for a layover at DEN?
Far more than needed; consider a lounge visit given DEN's ample concourse amenities. See full 4 hr guide →