About Denver
Denver, Colorado’s capital, sits at 5,280 feet elevation (the “Mile High City”) and offers stunning Rocky Mountain views, world-class museums, craft breweries, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you have 3 hours or 12 hours between flights, Denver’s compact downtown and excellent airport transit make it an ideal layover destination.
Before You Leave
| Language | English; download offline translation apps before landing |
| Currency | USD; use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card for best rates – avoid airport currency counters |
| Airport Transit | RTD light rail connects APA to downtown Denver in ~37 minutes; A Line runs 24/7 |
Getting to Downtown Denver
RTD A Line (Light Rail) is the fastest and cheapest option from APA:
- Cost: $10.50 one-way, $19 round-trip
- Duration: ~37 minutes to downtown Denver (Union Station)
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours; every 30 minutes off-peak
- Hours: 24/7 service
- Booking: Buy tickets at airport kiosks or use the RTD app
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): $25-$40 depending on demand; 30-45 minutes to downtown.
Rental Car: Only recommended if you have 8+ hours and want to explore the mountains or surrounding areas.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
Stay near the airport or Union Station area:
- Union Station: Historic 1881 Romanesque building; grab coffee, snacks, or browse shops. Free to explore.
- 16th Street Mall: Pedestrian shopping district with restaurants and cafes; 10-minute walk from Union Station.
- Denver Central Market: Food hall with local vendors, craft beverages, and quick bites; 5-minute walk from Union Station.
- Airport Dining: APA has standard airport food options; expect 2-3x city prices.
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
Explore downtown Denver and nearby attractions:
- Denver Art Museum: World-class collection; $15 admission; 2-3 hours minimum. Located downtown, 5 minutes from Union Station.
- Colorado State Capitol: Free tours available; beautiful building with mountain views from the dome.
- Civic Center Park: Large public park with museums, sculptures, and green space; perfect for a walk.
- Craft Breweries: Denver has 150+ breweries. Great Divide Brewing and Wynkoop Brewing are downtown and offer quick tours/tastings (30-60 minutes).
- Lunch/Dinner: Eat in the city, not the airport. Denver has excellent Mexican, Asian, and farm-to-table restaurants at reasonable prices.
Long Layover (8+ hours)
Consider an overnight stay or day trip:
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Iconic natural landmark 15 miles west; stunning hiking and views; 30-45 minutes from downtown.
- Denver Zoo: 80-acre zoo with 3,500+ animals; $25-$30; 2-3 hours.
- South Platte River: Kayaking, fishing, or riverside walks; rentals available downtown.
- Overnight Stay: Budget hotels near Union Station start at $80-$120/night. Book in advance during peak travel seasons.
Luggage Storage
Don’t want to carry bags around Denver? Use a luggage storage service:
- Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero: Partner with local businesses near APA and downtown; typically $5-$10/bag/day
- APA Lockers: Check airport website for locker availability and pricing
- Hotel Day Passes: Some hotels offer day-use rooms for $20-$40 if you need a shower and rest
Airport Lounges & Rest
No lounge data is currently available for APA. However, you have options:
- Priority Pass: Gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide; some credit cards include it free
- One-Time Day Passes: Most airlines offer single-visit lounge passes ($39-$59); ask at the ticket counter
- Sleeping at the Airport: Check SleepingInAirports.net for reviews of APA’s sleeping spots
Quick Tips for Your Denver Layover
- Altitude: Denver is at 5,280 feet. Drink extra water and move slowly if you’re not acclimated – altitude sickness is real.
- Weather: Denver has 300+ days of sunshine annually, but weather changes fast. Check the forecast and bring layers.
- WiFi: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing. RTD and downtown Denver have free WiFi, but it’s not always reliable.
- Groups: Add 15-30 minutes to all time estimates. Designate a group leader and use WhatsApp to coordinate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave APA airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave APA during a layover. However, you need enough time to clear (if international), explore, and return to the airport for security. As a rule of thumb, you need at least 6 hours total layover time to leave comfortably. For domestic connections, 3-4 hours is the minimum, but it’s tight. Always factor in RTD transit time (37 minutes each way) and security lines.
What is there to do at APA during a layover?
If you stay at the airport, you can shop, eat, or rest. APA has standard airport amenities including restaurants, cafes, and retail shops. However, downtown Denver is only 37 minutes away by light rail, so most travelers prefer to explore the city. See the “What to Do” section above for downtown attractions.
How long of a layover do I need at APA?
Domestic connections: Minimum 1.5-2 hours; 3+ hours recommended to explore the airport or nearby areas.
International connections: Minimum 2-3 hours; 4+ hours recommended. If you want to leave the airport and explore Denver, you need at least 6 hours total layover time (1 hour + 2-3 hours return buffer + explore time).
Are there lounges at APA?
Lounge data is not currently available for APA. Check with your airline at the ticket counter for lounge access or day pass options. Priority Pass members can check the Priority Pass app to see if partner lounges are available. Alternatively, book a one-time day pass through your airline ($39-$59).
Is there luggage storage at APA?
Yes. Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near APA and downtown Denver – typically $5-$10/bag/day, much cheaper than airport lockers. Check the airport website for on-site locker availability and pricing as well.
Plan Your Perfect Denver Layover
Whether you have 3 hours or 12 hours, Denver offers something for every traveler. Use the Yopki layover calculator to figure out exactly how much time you have and what you can realistically do. Safe travels!