The Denver Traveler

Denver International Airport, DIA- or Madonna’s Bra Rack, as I like to call it, is the 6th busiest in Airport in the nation and the 10th busiest in the world. DIA takes some getting to and maneuvering around once there. Much more complicated then Stapleton, Denver’s old airport- but then travel in general is a little more complicated these days.

Depending on traffic it can take up to a half an hour or more to get to DIA from downtown, and you’ll want to give yourself a cushion in case the roads are bad. If you do arrive early there is a 45 minute waiting area where you can park before driving into the swirls of road that lead to the parking garage and the airport itself. The signs will lead you to which terminal serves the airline you seek- so look up as you drive. There is a level for passenger pick up if you don’t want to park (rates are $2 per hour) and go in to meet the newly arrived. If you do want to meet someone inside- baggage claim is a good place to do so. If you were hoping for the very first glance possible, then stake a spot by the fountain at the top of the arrival escalators- this gets crowded but it is the first place you will be able to see the incoming passengers.

If you are planning on parking and flying the parking garage rates are $15.00 per day. DIA also has two Economy Lots, East and West with the rate of $7.00 per day. As the economy lots fill up fast, there are two Shuttle Lots, Pikes Peak and Mt. Filbert, as well with rates at $5.00 per day. These are a little further away, so there is a bus that takes you up to the airport. Worried about space for your vehicle? Call 303-DIA-PARK for parking lot updates.

Arriving into DIA for the first time? Prepare yourself for an adventure! Not only do you take a plane to get there- but once you land and de-board, to get anywhere you must ride the train. The run often and have newscasters announcing the stops. Look through the windows behind the train as it gains speed to catch a glimpse at the propeller art along the tunnels. When the train arrives at baggage claim/ground transportation/terminal- basically the last stop- there are two escalators to bring you up to everything you will need. Be mindful that the only option every single traveler has are these two escalators. They will more than likely be cramped, so make the most of it. On the positive side, these escalators will hopefully be the last of your travel worries before you can enjoy your stay in our fine city!

Have extra time in DIA, either before or after a flight or for a layover? Have no fear- there is plenty to do, see and eat. DIA offers many little shops to peruse- from books to candy to Colorado specific trinkets. Eateries range from coffee shops to fast food to restaurants where you may sit down and they serve you. Public Art is in abundance throughout the airport- don’t just look on the walls, look up at the ceiling and around at the sculptures on the ground. As you enter security there is a nice Aviation display, sharing aeronautical parts and history. Perhaps the best ambience to enjoy while at DIA is the hallway to Terminal A. As you walk through, listen for the voices of the Native American Souls whose burial ground resides under a part of DIA. Though not as sacred as it should be- it is a touching and moving tribute.

C.W. Fentress, J.H.Bradburn and Associates, a Denver based Architectural firm, designed DIA and its elaborate fabric roof. Their vision being that arriving passengers would see a beautiful snow covered mountain range. While it is an architectural tour de force, I ashamedly can only think of its resemblance to the pointy bras Madonna wore in the late 80’s when I see it. But hey, that bra was designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, so either way you look at it DIA is in High Fashion!

Happy Travels!

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