Planning to fly through Denver International Airport (DEN) and wondering where you can smoke? DEN closed its last indoor smoking lounge in 2018, but outdoor designated smoking areas are available outside the Jeppesen Terminal. Here’s your complete guide.
Smoking Policy at Denver Airport
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside Denver International Airport. The airport closed its last indoor smoking lounge in 2018 and now operates as a completely smoke-free indoor facility. However, designated outdoor smoking areas are available pre-security.
Designated Smoking Area Locations
Outdoor smoking areas are located outside the Jeppesen Terminal on both the east and west sides, across multiple levels:
West Side of Jeppesen Terminal:
Level 4: Door numbers 400 and 416
Level 5: Door numbers 500 and 516
Level 6: Door 616
East Side of Jeppesen Terminal:
Level 4: Door numbers 401 and 417
Level 5: Door numbers 501 and 517
Level 6: Doors 601 and 617
DEN Plaza:
Outside the south center doors of the terminal
To the far right or left before the plaza entrance
Cigarette disposal receptacles provided
Important: No Smoking After Security
There are no smoking areas at Denver Airport after you clear security. If you need to smoke while waiting for your flight, you’ll have to:
Exit the secure area
Return to the Jeppesen Terminal
Use one of the outdoor smoking areas
Go through TSA security screening again
This can add significant time to your journey, so plan accordingly - especially during busy travel periods.
Distance Requirements
You must be at least 20 feet away from any door or window when smoking or vaping in the outdoor smoking areas. This helps prevent smoke from entering the terminal.
Marijuana Policy
Important: While recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, federal law prohibits cannabis use on airport property. This applies everywhere at DEN - including the outdoor designated smoking areas. Marijuana consumption of any kind (smoking, vaping, edibles) is strictly prohibited at Denver International Airport.