The Complete Guide to Renting a Car at Denver International Airport

Planning to rent a car during your visit to Denver? You’ve come to the right place. While Denver International Airport can feel overwhelming due to its size, renting a car there is actually pretty straightforward once you know the process.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting a car at DEN, from booking your reservation to returning the keys. Whether you’re visiting Colorado for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler looking for insider tips, I’ve got you covered.

Denver is an incredible base for exploring Colorado’s mountains, cities, and attractions. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to visit places like Boulder, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, or Vail at your own pace.

Plus, with DEN being 25 miles from downtown Denver, a rental car often makes more sense than other transportation options, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the city limits.

Before You Book: What to Know First

Before diving into the booking process, there are a few key things to understand about renting a car at Denver Airport that will help you make the best decision for your trip.

All rental car companies are located off-site. Unlike some airports where you can walk directly to rental counters, all car rental agencies at DEN are located at a consolidated facility that’s about 5-7 minutes away from the main terminal. You’ll need to take a free shuttle to get there, which I’ll explain in detail later.

Consider your itinerary carefully. Renting a car makes the most sense if you’re planning to explore multiple destinations around Colorado or if you need transportation for business meetings around the Denver metro area. If you’re staying downtown for your entire trip, the train or rideshare might be more economical.

Book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Colorado is a year-round destination, but rental cars can get scarce (and expensive) during ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-August). Booking ahead often saves you money and guarantees availability.

Age requirements matter. You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car at Denver Airport, though most companies charge an additional daily fee (typically $25/day) for drivers under 25. Some luxury vehicles require you to be 25 or older.

How to Book Your Rental Car

The easiest way to book your rental car is through Rentalcars.com. This platform compares prices across all major rental companies at Denver Airport, helping you find the best deal without having to visit multiple websites.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Go to Rentalcars.com and enter your details

• Pick-up location: Select “Denver International Airport (DEN)”
• Pick-up date and time: Choose based on your flight arrival (allow 45 minutes after landing)
• Return date and time: Based on your departure flight (allow 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international)
• Driver’s age: This affects pricing and vehicle availability

Step 2: Compare your options Rentalcars.com will show you available vehicles from all major rental car companies like Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, National, Alamo, and Sixt. Pay attention to:

• Vehicle type: Economy cars are cheapest, but consider an SUV if you’re heading to the mountains
• Fuel policy: Look for “full-to-full” policies where you return the car with the same fuel level
• Mileage: Most rentals include unlimited mileage, which is important for Colorado road trips
• Cancellation policy: Book options that allow free cancellation in case your plans change

Step 3: Review insurance options You’ll be offered various insurance packages. Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card provides rental coverage before purchasing additional protection. If you’re not covered, basic collision damage waiver is usually worth it.

Step 4: Add extras carefully Common add-ons include GPS (your phone probably works better), car seats (bring your own if possible), and additional drivers. One important add-on to consider in Colorado is a toll transponder for E-470, though you can also pay tolls by license plate.

Step 5: Complete your reservation You’ll need a credit card to hold the reservation. Print or save your confirmation email, as you’ll need it at pickup.

Airport Arrival & Pickup Process

Once you land at Denver Airport, here’s exactly how to get to your rental car:

From your gate to baggage claim: Take the underground train from your arrival concourse to the main terminal. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” and take the escalator down to Level 5.

From baggage claim to rental car shuttles: Exit the baggage claim area and look for signs directing you to “Rental Cars.” The rental car shuttles pick up from Level 5, Island 4 on both the east side (doors 505-513) and west side (doors 504-512) of the terminal.

Good news: It doesn’t matter which side you go to. All rental car shuttles pick up from both the east and west sides, so simply head to whichever side is closest to where you collected your bags. This means you don’t have to walk across the terminal – just step outside the nearest exit and look for the rental car shuttles.

The shuttle pickup location is outside, so grab your bags and head to the closest side. Each rental company has its own branded shuttle that runs every 5-10 minutes during peak hours.

Finding your shuttle: Look for your rental company’s shuttle bus. The shuttles are clearly marked with company logos and typically announce their destinations. If you’re unsure, ask any uniformed airport employee – they’re always helpful.

The shuttle ride: The ride to the rental facility takes about 5-7 minutes. Shuttles are free and run continuously from early morning (around 5 AM) until the last flight arrives (usually after midnight).

Important note for late-night arrivals: If you arrive on a super delayed flight around 2 AM, shuttle service can be limited. Budget, for example, runs shuttles until 12:30 AM or until the last flight arrives, but then doesn’t resume service until 3:30 AM. However, some companies like SIXT operate 24-hour shuttle service, and Enterprise is open 24 hours.

If you’re arriving very late, I recommend calling your rental company directly – many will send a shuttle to pick you up even during off-hours if you call ahead. If shuttle service isn’t available, you may need to take an Uber/taxi to the rental facility.

At the rental facility: Once you arrive at the consolidated rental car facility, follow signs to your specific rental company’s counter. The facility is well-organized with clear signage for each company.

Important Things to Know About Renting at Denver Airport

Tolls and E-470: Colorado uses license plate tolling on most toll roads, including E-470 which connects the airport to many destinations. Your rental car will automatically be enrolled in the toll system, but rental companies typically charge the toll amount plus an administrative fee (usually $3-5 per day you use toll roads). Ask about toll policies when you pick up your car.

Mountain driving considerations: If you’re planning to drive into the mountains, especially in winter, consider upgrading to an SUV or car with all-wheel drive. Colorado law requires traction tires or 4WD/AWD on many mountain roads from September 1 to May 31.

Fuel policies: Most rentals come with a “full-to-full” fuel policy, meaning you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. There are gas stations near the airport if you forget to fuel up before returning.

Required documents: Bring your driver’s license, credit card (must match the name on the reservation), and confirmation email. International visitors need their passport and may need an International Driving Permit depending on their country of origin.

Additional fees to expect:

• Airport concession fees (unavoidable)
• Additional driver fees (if applicable)
• Young driver surcharge (ages 21-24)
• One-way fees (if returning to a different location)

Peak time considerations: The rental facility gets busy during peak travel times, especially Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings during ski season or in the summer. Allow extra time during these periods.

Returning Your Rental Car

Returning your car is straightforward, but allow plenty of time, especially during busy periods.

Directions to the return facility: Follow airport signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach DEN. The rental return facility is the same location where you picked up your car. Take the “Rental Car” exit from Peña Boulevard and follow signs to your specific rental company’s return area.

The return process:

• Fill up with gas at one of the nearby stations if required
• Follow signs to your rental company’s return lanes
• Park in any available spot in your company’s area
• A return agent will inspect the vehicle and provide you with a receipt
• Keep your receipt until any charges appear on your credit card

Transportation back to the terminal: Free shuttles run continuously from the rental facility back to the airport terminal. The shuttles drop you off at the same Level 5 location where you were originally picked up. From there, take the escalator up to your airline’s check-in area.

Timing recommendations:

• For domestic flights: Allow 2 hours from rental return to flight departure
• For international flights: Allow 3 hours from rental return to flight departure
• Add extra time during peak travel periods and if you need to fuel up

After-hours returns: Most companies accept after-hours returns. Simply park the car in the designated return area, lock it, and drop the keys in the specified drop box. Take photos of the car’s condition and mileage for your records.

Money-Saving Tips

Want to save money on your Denver Airport rental car? There are several strategies that can significantly reduce your costs, from booking timing to choosing the right vehicle class.

While I cover this topic in detail in my complete guide to saving money on Denver Airport rental cars, here are a few quick tips to get you started:

• Book early for the best rates, especially during peak Colorado travel seasons
• Compare insurance options – your personal auto insurance or credit card might already cover rentals
• Choose your pickup time strategically – avoiding peak hours can sometimes mean better rates and shorter lines
• Consider the total cost, not just the daily rate – factor in gas, tolls, and parking fees

For the complete breakdown of money-saving strategies, including specific booking timing tips and insider tricks, check out my detailed guide to saving money on rental cars at DEN.

Airport vs Downtown Rental: Which Location is Better?

One question I get frequently is whether it’s better to rent a car at the airport or wait and rent downtown. The answer depends on your specific itinerary and priorities.

Airport rentals are more convenient if you’re flying in and immediately need a car, while downtown rentals can sometimes offer better rates and definitely save you money if you’re staying downtown for a few days before starting a road trip.

I’ve done a complete case study comparing the costs, convenience, and logistics of both options. You can read the full analysis, including real pricing examples and scenarios where each option makes sense, in my airport vs. downtown rental car pickup comparison.

Final Tips & Takeaways

Renting a car at Denver International Airport doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is understanding the process and planning ahead. Here are my final insider tips:

Allow extra time your first time. Even though the process is straightforward, everything takes a bit longer when you’re unfamiliar with the layout.

Download your rental company’s app. Many companies allow you to complete paperwork in advance and even locate your specific vehicle through their mobile apps.

Take photos before driving off. Document any existing damage on the vehicle to avoid disputes when returning.

Save important numbers. Keep your rental company’s customer service number handy in case you have issues during your trip.

Know your route. If you’re driving to the mountains, check current road conditions and requirements at COtrip.org before heading out.

Consider weather. Colorado weather can change quickly. If there’s any chance of mountain snow, make sure you’re comfortable with the vehicle you’ve chosen.

Denver is an amazing base for exploring Colorado, and having a rental car opens up countless possibilities for your trip. Whether you’re heading to the mountains for skiing or hiking, exploring charming towns like Boulder or Fort Collins, or taking a scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, your rental car will be your ticket to Colorado’s incredible diversity.

The process might seem daunting at first, but thousands of travelers successfully rent cars at DEN every day. Follow this guide, plan ahead, and you’ll be driving away from the airport stress-free and ready to explore everything Colorado has to offer.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in the Mile High State!