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TSA Wait Times at Denver International Airport (DEN)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Denver International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.

Peak Wait Time

47 min

Saturdays at 4 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

21 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Denver International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM 4m 4m 2m 2m 4m 5m 2m
1 AM - - - - - - -
2 AM - - - - - - -
3 AM 19m 15m 13m 19m 19m 17m 25m
4 AM 19m 15m 13m 19m 19m 47m 25m
5 AM 11m 13m 13m 9m 10m 34m 8m
6 AM 10m 11m 15m 6m 10m 27m 3m
7 AM 8m 9m 13m 8m 14m 27m 16m
8 AM 10m 19m 16m 6m 12m 14m 14m
9 AM 18m 18m 31m 18m 27m 24m 15m
10 AM 10m 11m 18m 10m 25m 15m 10m
11 AM 5m 10m 10m 5m 10m 4m 3m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Denver International Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 PM 16m 24m 18m 13m 16m 16m 17m
1 PM 10m 18m 15m 17m 13m 12m 12m
2 PM 7m 18m 7m 13m 12m 12m 8m
3 PM 9m 19m 15m 26m 19m 16m 9m
4 PM 16m 18m 17m 12m 40m 15m 9m
5 PM 8m 14m 16m 13m 40m 16m 10m
6 PM 9m 11m 6m 6m 19m 7m 8m
7 PM 6m 16m 10m 6m 7m 7m 5m
8 PM 15m 16m 6m 18m 27m 19m 17m
9 PM 18m 4m 3m 22m 18m 34m 15m
10 PM 18m 4m 2m 17m 13m 44m 13m
11 PM 15m 4m 2m 15m 5m 24m 4m

Wait Time Legend

- No data ≤5 min 6-10 min 11-15 min 16-20 min 21-30 min 30+ min

Tips for DEN Security

  • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
  • Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
  • Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
  • Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
  • Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck

DEN TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Denver International Airport?

TSA wait times at DEN vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 47 minutes on Saturdays around 4 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 21 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

What is the best time to go through security at DEN?

The best times to go through TSA security at DEN are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 21 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Saturdays around 4 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for DEN?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Denver International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.

How early should I arrive at DEN airport?

For domestic flights at Denver International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Saturdays at 4 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 47 minutes.