What to do during a 7 hour layover in Denver?

A 7-hour layover at Denver International Airport (DEN) offers enough time to explore beyond the terminal, but you’ll need to factor in travel time to and from the airport and allow ample time to get back through security before your connecting flight (at least 2 hours). Here are a few options, keeping that in mind:

Option 1: Quick Trip to a Nearby Attraction

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (approx. 20 minutes drive each way):

If you’re a nature lover, this could be a great option. You can enjoy scenic landscapes and potentially spot bison, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Admission is free. Check their operating hours as they vary by season.
- Source: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky-mountain-arsenal

Stanley Marketplace (approx. 15 minutes drive each way):

This is a repurposed aviation factory turned into a vibrant marketplace with over 50 independent businesses, including artisan food, craft drinks, and unique shops. It’s a good option for a quick bite and some local browsing. Check individual store hours.
- Source: https://stanleymarketplace.com/

Northfield Stapleton (approx. 15 minutes drive each way):

An outdoor retail space with popular stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a convenient place to grab a meal or do some quick shopping. Check individual store hours.

Getting There: Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) or taxis are readily available at the airport. Factor in potential surge pricing and traffic.

Option 2: Explore a Bit of Denver (Requires More Careful Timing)

Take the A-Line to Union Station (approx. 37 minutes each way):

This train directly connects the airport to downtown Denver’s Union Station. This beautifully restored historic station is now a hub with restaurants, bars, and shops. You could grab a quick meal or explore the immediate area around Union Station.
- Source: https://www.rtd-denver.com/fastr/a-line
16th Street Mall (accessible from Union Station): From Union Station, you can easily access the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian mall with free shuttle service, shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Important Considerations for Denver Exploration:

Travel Time: The 37-minute train ride each way, plus time to get to and from the platform, eats into your layover.
Security: You’ll need at least 2 hours to get back to the airport, go through security, and get to your gate. This leaves you with approximately 3 hours maximum in downtown.
Cost: The RTD A-Line has a fare, and you’ll need to factor in the cost of food and any shopping.

Option 3: Stay at the Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) has invested in making the layover experience more enjoyable:

Dining: DEN offers a wide variety of dining options, from local favorites like Root Down and Breckenridge Brewery to national chains. Explore the options in each concourse.
- Source: https://www.flydenver.com/dine-shop-relax/dine/
Shopping: Browse the diverse shops for souvenirs, travel essentials, and local goods, including Tattered Cover Bookstore for a local read.
- Source: https://www.flydenver.com/dine-shop-relax/shop/
Art Installations: DEN has an impressive public art collection throughout the airport. Take a walk and discover the various sculptures, murals, and installations.
- Source: https://www.flydenver.com/at-the-airport/art-culture
Relaxation: Some lounges offer a comfortable space to relax or work for a fee or if you have the appropriate airline status. XpresSpa in Concourse C offers massages and other treatments.
Plaza: The open-air plaza between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel can be a nice spot for fresh air.

Recommendation:

For a 7-hour layover, staying at the airport is likely the least stressful and safest option to ensure you don’t miss your connecting flight. You can enjoy the dining, shopping, and art that DEN has to offer.

If you are comfortable with a bit more risk and want to see something outside the airport, a quick trip to Stanley Marketplace or the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge via a rideshare might be feasible, but keep a close eye on the time.

Venturing into downtown Denver via the A-Line is possible, but requires careful planning and awareness of the time to ensure a smooth return to the airport.

People Also Ask:

1. Can I leave the Denver airport during a 7-hour layover?

Answer: Yes, you can leave Denver International Airport (DEN) during a 7-hour layover, but you need to be mindful of travel time to and from the airport and allow at least 2 hours to get back through security before your connecting flight. Consider nearby attractions like the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge or Stanley Marketplace for shorter trips. Exploring downtown Denver via the A-Line is possible but requires careful timing.

Source: Denver International Airport (DEN) Website (General information about the airport and transportation options)
Source: RTD Denver A-Line Information (For travel time to downtown)

2. What can you do at Denver Airport during a layover?

Answer: Denver International Airport (DEN) offers several options for layovers, including a wide variety of dining choices, from local to national brands. You can also explore numerous shops for souvenirs and travel essentials, and discover the airport’s impressive public art collection. For relaxation, some lounges are available, and XpresSpa in Concourse C offers treatments. The open-air plaza outside the terminal can also be a nice spot for fresh air.

Source: Denver International Airport (DEN) – Dine
Source: Denver International Airport (DEN) – Shop
Source: Denver International Airport (DEN) – Art & Culture

3. How far is downtown Denver from the airport and how long does it take to get there?

Answer: Downtown Denver is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Denver International Airport (DEN) by road. The fastest and most reliable way to get there is via the RTD A-Line train, which takes about 37 minutes each way. Driving can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes or more depending on traffic.

Source: Google Maps (For distance and estimated driving time)
Source: RTD Denver A-Line Information (For train travel time)

4. Are there any attractions near Denver Airport that I can visit during a short layover?

Answer: Yes, a couple of attractions are relatively close to Denver Airport and could be visited during a 7-hour layover, provided you manage your time carefully:

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: About a 20-minute drive from the airport, offering wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes. (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky-mountain-arsenal)
Stanley Marketplace: Roughly a 15-minute drive, a vibrant marketplace with food, drinks, and shops. (https://stanleymarketplace.com/)

5. How much does it cost to take the train from Denver Airport to downtown?

Answer: As of my last update, the fare for the RTD A-Line train from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Union Station in downtown Denver is typically around $10.50 USD for a day pass that covers regional buses and trains. It’s always a good idea to check the RTD website for the most current fares.

Source: RTD Denver Fares & Passes

6. What is the minimum layover time I need to leave the Denver airport?

Answer: To comfortably leave Denver Airport during a layover, you should ideally have at least 5 hours between flights. This allows for approximately 2 hours of travel time to and from a nearby location and at least 2 hours to get back through security and to your gate. For venturing into downtown Denver, a layover of 6 hours or more is recommended to reduce stress.

7. Is there luggage storage at Denver Airport?

Answer: Yes, Denver International Airport (DEN) offers luggage storage services. You can find Smarte Carte baggage storage on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, near the international arrivals area. This allows you to store your bags securely if you decide to leave the airport.

Source: Denver International Airport (DEN) – Baggage Services

8. Is Denver worth visiting?

Answer: Oh, definitely! Denver’s got a really cool mix of city stuff and amazing nature nearby. You can check out great museums, explore different and fun neighborhoods, and the food and beer scene is awesome. Plus, you’re super close to the Rockies, like Rocky Mountain National Park and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. So, whether you love hiking, art, history, or just chilling in a lively city, Denver’s got something for you.

Source: Denver.org – Why Visit Denver?

9. What is Denver known for?

Answer: Well, a few things! It’s famously called the “Mile High City” because it’s exactly a mile above sea level. People also know it for being really close to the Rocky Mountains, having a ton of craft breweries (if you like beer, you’re in for a treat!), a cool artsy vibe, and lots of sunny days.

Source: Wikipedia – Denver (Look at the parts about “Geography and climate” and “Culture”)

10. What are the top tourist attractions in Denver?

Answer: There’s a bunch of cool stuff to see! You should definitely check out:

Rocky Mountain National Park: For incredible mountain views and hikes. (https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm)
Red Rocks Amphitheatre: It’s an amazing outdoor place for concerts and the rocks themselves are awesome. (https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/attractions/red-rocks-amphitheatre/)
Denver Botanic Gardens: Such a peaceful and pretty place with all sorts of plants. (https://www.botanicgardens.org/)
Denver Art Museum: They have a really wide range of art from different places and times. (https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/)
Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Super interesting for everyone, with dinosaurs and space stuff and all sorts of things. (https://www.dmns.org/)
Larimer Square: It’s like stepping back in time with all the old buildings, but now there are cool shops and restaurants. (https://www.larimersquare.com/)
Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station: This is just wild – a really unique and immersive art experience. (https://meowwolf.com/visit/denver)
- Source: U.S. News & World Report – Best Things to Do in Denver

11. What is the best time of year to visit Denver?

Answer: It really depends on what you’re looking for!

Spring (around April-May): The weather starts getting nice, flowers bloom, and it’s good for walking around the city and seeing the gardens.
Summer (June-August): It’s warm and sunny, great for being outside and going to festivals. It’s also when a lot of tourists visit.
Fall (September-October): The leaves changing in the mountains nearby are beautiful, and the city often has nice, mild weather.
Winter (November-March): If you like skiing or snowboarding, Denver’s close to some amazing ski resorts. The city itself can be cold but it’s often sunny.
- Source: ThePlanetD – Best Time to Visit Denver: A Complete Guide

12. How do I get around in Denver?

Answer: Getting around Denver is pretty easy. You can use:

RTD (Regional Transportation District): They have light rail and buses that go all over the city and the areas around it. (https://www.rtd-denver.com/)
16th Street MallRide: It’s a free bus that goes up and down the 16th Street Mall downtown, which is only for walking. (https://www.rtd-denver.com/routes/free-mallride)
Rideshares (like Uber and Lyft): You can easily get these anywhere in the city.
Taxis: You can hail them or call for one.
Biking: Denver’s a good city for bikes, with lots of bike paths and places to rent them.
- Source: Denver.org – Getting Around Denver

13. What is the food like in Denver?

Answer: Denver’s got a really tasty food scene! You can find everything from fancy restaurants to laid-back breweries with great food. Some things to try are:

Rocky Mountain Cuisine: They often have interesting meats like elk and bison.
Green Chile: It’s a big deal in Colorado, usually a sauce poured over dishes.
Craft Breweries: Seriously, there are tons of them, so if you like beer, you’re set!
International Flavors: You can find all sorts of food from different countries.
Farm-to-Table Options: A lot of places focus on using fresh, local ingredients.
- Source: Eater Denver

14. Is Denver an expensive city to visit?

Answer: Denver can be a bit pricey, kind of like other big cities in the US. How much you spend on hotels, food, and things to do can change. But there are ways to save money too! You can find cheaper places to eat, do free stuff like visit parks and go for hikes, and look for budget-friendly hotels if you plan ahead.

Source: Budget Your Trip – Cost of a Trip to Denver, CO, US & Average Prices