Seattle (SEA) to Denver (DEN) is about 1,020 miles and typically takes 2 h 35 min by air. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
SEA to DEN at a glance
| Route | Seattle (SEA) to Denver (DEN) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,020 miles / 1,650 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h 35 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the Seattle to Denver route
With roughly 1,020 miles between SEA and DEN, this route sits in the middle range where both nonstop and one-stop options can be competitive.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 2 h 35 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 2 h 20 min to 3 h 05 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,020 miles (1,650 km), not a published schedule.
Denver is 1 hour ahead of Seattle on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, SEA to DEN is longer than about 36% of them.
For comparison, Seattle to San Diego (SEA to SAN) is about 1,050 miles, so Denver is about the same distance out from SEA.
The airports
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Sea-Tac is Alaska Airlines' home hub and a growing Delta gateway to Asia, which makes it a useful connecting point for Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific routes. Full SEA guide.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver is a United hub and one of Southwest's busiest airports, which gives travelers a wide choice of nonstops across the West and Midwest. Full DEN guide.
Nearby alternatives: around Seattle, Portland (PDX); and around Denver, Colorado Springs. Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both SEA and DEN. Delta Air Lines (at SEA), United Airlines (at DEN), Southwest Airlines (at DEN), and Alaska Airlines (at SEA) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Schedules change by season, and a nonstop that exists in summer may not operate in winter. Confirm the current options before you plan around a specific flight.
Common connection points
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like Delta Air Lines via Salt Lake City (SLC), which adds about 60 miles (5% beyond the direct distance) or Southwest Airlines via Las Vegas (LAS), which adds about 470 miles (46% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Timing matters here. At DEN, ski season brings holiday peaks, and spring snowstorms can cause sudden cancellations. At SEA, july through September has the clearest weather and the heaviest demand, including cruise-season traffic to Alaska.
Ground transport
Getting to and from SEA
Link light rail runs from the terminal to downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes without road traffic.
Getting to and from DEN
The A Line train reaches Union Station in about 37 minutes.
Booking tips
Denver is a leisure destination, so demand follows school holidays and peak travel seasons. Booking earlier for those dates usually helps, and the booking-timing guide explains the typical patterns.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Seattle to Denver?
A typical SEA to DEN flight takes about 2 h 35 min, with a likely range of 2 h 20 min to 3 h 05 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Denver from Seattle by air?
The great-circle distance between SEA and DEN is about 1,020 miles (1,650 km).
Which airlines fly from Seattle to Denver?
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at SEA or DEN, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Seattle and Denver?
Denver is 1 hour ahead of Seattle on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Seattle?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book SEA to DEN?
For leisure routes like this, book early for school holidays and peak seasons. Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Seattle (SEA)
- Atlanta to SeattleATL to SEA
- Austin to SeattleAUS to SEA
- Boston to SeattleBOS to SEA
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
- Dubai to SeattleDXB to SEA
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
More flights involving Denver (DEN)
- Atlanta to DenverATL to DEN
- Austin to DenverAUS to DEN
- Baltimore to DenverBWI to DEN
- Chicago to DenverMDW to DEN
- Chicago to DenverORD to DEN
- Cleveland to DenverCLE to DEN
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.