Best MSP to Denver Flights: Complete Traveler Reviews & Booking Guide
Flying from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Denver, Colorado is one of the most popular regional routes in the United States, connecting two vibrant cities with excellent air service options. Whether you’re heading to Denver for business, outdoor adventures in the Rocky Mountains, or a weekend getaway, understanding your flight options and what travelers really think about each airline can help you make the best decision for your journey. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best MSP to Denver CO flights based on real traveler experiences, pricing trends, and service quality.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport serves as a major hub for multiple airlines, making it easy to find competitive fares and flexible schedules to Denver International Airport (DEN). Most flights on this route are direct or require just one connection, typically through hubs like Chicago, Dallas, or Denver itself. Flight times average between 2.5 to 4 hours depending on connections, and the route operates year-round with increased frequency during peak travel seasons.
With multiple carriers competing for your business, prices and service quality can vary significantly. We’ve compiled traveler reviews and insights to help you navigate this popular corridor and find the flight that best matches your priorities—whether that’s budget savings, comfort, on-time performance, or loyalty rewards.
Direct Flights & Schedule Options
The MSP to Denver route offers several direct flight options throughout the day, making it convenient for both early risers and those preferring afternoon or evening departures. Most direct flights depart Minneapolis in the morning or early afternoon, arriving in Denver by early evening Mountain Time. Return flights from Denver typically leave in the morning or early afternoon, getting you back to Minneapolis by evening Central Time.
Morning departures from MSP usually leave between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, offering travelers the advantage of arriving in Denver with the entire afternoon and evening ahead. These flights appeal to business travelers and those wanting to maximize their time at the destination. Evening return flights from Denver give you most of the day to enjoy activities before heading to the airport.
Afternoon and evening options provide flexibility for those who prefer not to wake up early or need time to get to the airport without rushing. These departures typically occur between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM from Minneapolis, arriving in Denver between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Mountain Time. Many leisure travelers appreciate these schedules as they allow for a relaxed morning before heading to the airport.
When considering the best times to book airline tickets, direct flights on this route often see price fluctuations based on day of week and season. Weekend flights tend to be pricier than midweek options, and summer months (June-August) command higher fares than shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October).
Airline Comparison & Traveler Reviews
Southwest Airlines dominates the MSP-Denver market with multiple daily flights and a strong reputation among budget-conscious travelers. Reviewers consistently praise Southwest for its generous baggage policy—two checked bags fly free, a significant advantage for families and those traveling with ski equipment. The airline’s open seating policy generates mixed reviews; some travelers love the flexibility while others find the boarding process chaotic. On-time performance is generally solid, and customer service receives positive marks. However, Southwest’s lack of assigned seating can be frustrating during peak travel times, and the airline’s frequent schedule changes sometimes inconvenience regular passengers.
United Airlines operates several daily flights on this route and appeals to frequent flyers with its extensive best airlines for frequent flyers program. Travelers appreciate United’s modern aircraft, seat-back entertainment systems, and reasonable legroom in economy. The airline’s hub operations at Denver provide convenient connections for those continuing beyond Colorado. However, baggage fees and seat selection charges frustrate budget travelers, and some reviewers note inconsistent customer service experiences across different flights.
Delta Air Lines offers competitive service on the MSP-Denver corridor with a focus on reliability and customer experience. Travelers report that Delta consistently delivers on-time performance and maintains clean, well-maintained aircraft. The airline’s SkyMiles program appeals to frequent flyers, and elite members appreciate priority boarding and lounge access. Some passengers note that Delta’s fares tend to be slightly higher than competitors, but many consider the service quality worth the premium.
Frontier Airlines serves budget-conscious travelers willing to accept basic amenities in exchange for lower fares. This Denver-based carrier offers competitive pricing and frequent sales, making it attractive for price-sensitive travelers. However, reviewers consistently mention that Frontier’s “à la carte” pricing model—charging for carry-ons, seat selection, and other basics—can quickly add up to match or exceed competitor prices. The airline’s customer service receives mixed reviews, with some travelers reporting difficulties during disruptions or cancellations.
Allegiant Air occasionally offers budget flights on this route, primarily appealing to travelers with minimal baggage and flexible schedules. While fares are often the lowest available, Frontier and Southwest generally provide better value propositions due to included baggage and more frequent schedules.
Pricing Strategies & Best Booking Times
Airfare on the MSP-Denver route typically ranges from $150 to $400 for round-trip economy flights, depending on booking timing, travel dates, and airline choice. Direct flights command premiums over connecting options, though the time savings often justify the additional cost for most travelers.
Booking windows matter significantly on this popular route. Travel experts recommend booking 3-6 weeks in advance for optimal pricing, though Southwest and some budget carriers may offer lower fares when booked further ahead. Last-minute bookings rarely yield bargains on MSP-Denver flights due to consistent demand. Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer lower fares than weekend flights, with Wednesday departures often providing the best pricing.
Seasonal pricing fluctuations are pronounced on this route. Winter ski season (December-March) sees elevated fares, particularly around holidays and winter breaks. Summer vacation period (June-August) also commands premium prices. The sweet spots for budget travelers are late April through May and September through October, when prices drop and weather remains favorable for outdoor activities.
Setting up price alerts across multiple booking platforms helps travelers catch deals as they emerge. Most major airlines and online travel agencies offer notification systems that alert you when fares drop on your preferred route. Flexibility with dates—even shifting travel by a day or two—can result in significant savings.
Considering airline luggage size restrictions helps avoid unexpected baggage fees that can inflate your total trip cost. Southwest’s free checked bags and carry-on policy makes it especially valuable for travelers with substantial luggage, while other carriers’ baggage policies may require additional fees.
Airport Experience & Ground Services
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) consistently ranks among America’s best airports for passenger experience. The airport features modern facilities, excellent signage, and efficient security screening. TSA PreCheck and Clear lanes expedite the security process for enrolled travelers, and the airport’s layout makes navigating from check-in to gates straightforward. Dining and shopping options are abundant, with both national chains and local Minneapolis restaurants represented. Free WiFi throughout the terminal allows travelers to stay connected while waiting for flights.
The airport’s ground transportation options include rental cars, rideshare services, light rail transit, and traditional taxi services. The light rail connection to downtown Minneapolis and surrounding areas provides affordable, convenient transportation without driving or paying parking fees. For those driving, MSP offers ample parking with various pricing tiers from economy to valet options.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the nation’s largest and most modern airports, known for its striking architecture and efficient operations. The airport is located about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver, requiring 30-45 minutes travel time depending on traffic and your final destination. The airport’s Denver International Airport website provides real-time flight information and ground transportation details.
Ground transportation from Denver includes rideshare services, rental cars, airport shuttles, and the RTD light rail connection to downtown Denver and surrounding areas. The light rail option is increasingly popular with travelers seeking to avoid rental car costs and parking expenses. The train takes approximately 37 minutes to reach downtown Denver and operates from early morning until late evening.
Both airports offer family-friendly amenities, including nursing rooms, play areas, and family restrooms. Business travelers appreciate quiet zones, charging stations, and workspace areas available throughout both terminals. Accessibility services are well-established at both airports, with clear signage and staff trained to assist passengers with mobility challenges.
Traveler Tips & Recommendations
Booking strategies vary based on your travel priorities. For maximum savings, book 4-6 weeks in advance and aim for Tuesday or Wednesday departures. Consider flying on less popular times—early morning or late evening flights often cost less than midday options. If schedule flexibility is possible, flying midweek rather than weekend can result in 30-40% savings.
For ski trips and winter travel, book even further in advance (8-12 weeks) as winter sports destinations command premium pricing. Many skiers find that flying the day before their ski day and returning the day after provides optimal time for mountain enjoyment while avoiding peak travel days.
Luggage considerations deserve careful attention on this route. If you’re traveling with ski equipment, boots, or substantial baggage, Southwest’s free checked bag policy makes it exceptionally valuable. Otherwise, calculate total costs including baggage fees when comparing airlines—a lower base fare may not represent the best overall value if baggage charges are substantial.
Loyalty program enrollment is worthwhile for frequent travelers on this route. United’s MileagePlus, Delta’s SkyMiles, and Southwest’s Rapid Rewards programs all offer benefits that accumulate quickly on regularly traveled routes. Even occasional flyers should enroll—elite status benefits and award flights provide meaningful value without additional cost.
For those continuing to other destinations, consider the flights from Denver to Las Vegas and flights into Yellowstone as onward options. Denver serves as an excellent hub for exploring the Rocky Mountain region, with numerous connections to outdoor destinations.
Timing your arrival at the airport matters. For domestic flights, arriving 90 minutes before departure provides comfortable buffer time, though TSA PreCheck holders can often arrive 60 minutes before departure. Arriving early allows time for unexpected delays and reduces stress.
Weather considerations impact this route seasonally. Winter flights may experience delays due to snow, though both airports maintain excellent snow removal and de-icing operations. Summer thunderstorms can occasionally cause minor delays in the afternoon. Spring and fall typically offer the most reliable on-time performance.
FAQ
What’s the average flight time from Minneapolis to Denver?
Direct flights from MSP to Denver typically take 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours, accounting for the one-hour time zone difference. Flights departing Minneapolis in the morning arrive in Denver by early evening Mountain Time. Connecting flights add 3-5 hours depending on layover duration.
Which airline offers the best value for MSP-Denver flights?
Southwest Airlines generally offers the best overall value due to its free checked baggage policy, no seat selection fees, and competitive fares. However, if you’re traveling light with just a carry-on, budget carriers like Frontier may offer lower base fares. For frequent flyers, United and Delta provide strong loyalty program benefits that can offset higher ticket prices through accumulated miles and elite status perks.
When is the cheapest time to fly MSP to Denver?
Tuesday and Wednesday departures offer the lowest fares, with late April through May and September through October providing the best seasonal pricing. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance typically yields optimal prices. Avoid flying during winter holidays, summer vacation season, and around major ski weekends for the lowest costs.
Are there non-stop flights from MSP to Denver?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct flights between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver daily. Southwest, United, Delta, and Frontier all offer non-stop service on this route. Direct flights are available throughout the day with multiple departure options.
What should I know about baggage policies?
Southwest includes two free checked bags with every ticket, making it ideal for travelers with substantial luggage. United, Delta, and Frontier charge for checked bags, typically $35-40 for the first bag. Carry-on policies vary by airline, so verify before booking if you plan to bring multiple carry-on items.
How do I get from Denver Airport to downtown Denver?
The RTD light rail (A-Line) provides the most affordable and convenient transportation, taking approximately 37 minutes to downtown Denver for around $10-15. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) typically cost $20-35 depending on demand. Rental cars are available at the airport if you plan to explore the region beyond Denver.
Should I book directly with airlines or use travel websites?
Both options can offer competitive prices. Travel websites like Kayak, Google Flights, and Expedia allow easy price comparison across airlines. However, booking directly with airlines sometimes provides better customer service options and loyalty program benefits. Price comparison across multiple platforms typically yields the best results.
What’s the best way to earn miles on MSP-Denver flights?
Enroll in airline loyalty programs with your preferred carrier—United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, or Southwest Rapid Rewards. Each flight earns miles based on distance and fare class. Credit cards affiliated with these programs offer bonus miles for sign-ups and ongoing purchases, accelerating your journey toward free flights and upgrades.
