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Is a 45 min layover in Denver long enough?

DEN · Denver International · Denver, United States
Probably Enough

Yes, 45 minutes is probably enough for a layover at DEN (Denver).

This matches DEN's published domestic-domestic minimum connecting time under normal conditions.
Quick Stats
Concourses
4
Max Transit
25m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
United Airlines
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
tight
Domestic → International
60min
✗
International → Domestic
90min
✗
International → International
90min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 45 min Connections
Check your concourse letter as soon as you land — A, B, and C all require a train ride from the main terminal.
If arriving internationally, budget extra time since you must clear Customs and Border Protection at Concourse A and then re-clear security to reach your next flight.
Use the pedestrian bridge to Concourse A only as a backup; the train is faster unless there's a service delay.
Southwest, United, and Frontier gates cluster on different concourses, so confirm your airline's home concourse before you deplane.
Download the United or Denver airport app for real-time gate and train updates, since gate changes are common during peak banks.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Denver International (DEN)?

This matches DEN's published domestic-domestic minimum connecting time under normal conditions.

What is the minimum connection time at DEN?

Minimum connection times at Denver International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 90 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at DEN on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 90-minute international MCT at Denver International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. 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.

What happens if I miss my connection at DEN?

If you miss your connection, head to your airline's service desk or nearest gate agent on your arrival concourse — United, Southwest, and Frontier all have staffed rebooking counters throughout the terminal and concourses at DEN.

Other Layover Durations at DEN
25 min30 min35 min40 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
45 min Layovers at Other Airports
ATLAtlantaDFWDallas-Fort WorthORDChicagoDXBDubaiLHRLondon
AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER