Alamo Car Hire
Colorado

Once you have your luggage from baggage claim on Level 5, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Shuttles." Proceed to Island 4, located outside doors 505–513 on the east side or 504–512 on the west side of the terminal. The dedicated rental car shuttles run continuously and will take you directly to the consolidated rental car facility. Alamo’s desk and vehicles are inside that building, so you won’t need to navigate different airport levels or train systems for this part of your journey.

The rental car facility at Denver International Airport is set up to accommodate travellers arriving on late flights. There may be fewer staff present, but the pickup process remains largely the same as during the day. You will still take the shuttle from the terminal to the rental centre to complete your paperwork and collect your vehicle. Having your reservation confirmation and driving licence ready will help ensure a smooth and efficient experience, even at night.

A practical approach is for the designated driver to go alone to the rental car facility by shuttle. The rest of the group can wait comfortably inside the main terminal, either near the baggage claim carousels on Level 5 or in the spacious seating areas on Level 6. Once the driver has the car, they can return to the terminal and pick everyone up at the passenger pickup area on Level 4. This keeps the group together and reduces the hassle of moving luggage multiple times.

Immediately after leaving the rental car facility you can use the Final Approach cell phone lot, a large, safe area designed for waiting. It’s located just a few minutes from the main terminal and provides a good spot to pull over and get organised without pressure. Alternatively, there are several petrol stations along Peña Boulevard as you head away from the airport. These offer convenient parking where you can set up navigation and get comfortable before joining I-70 or E-470.

To head directly to downtown Denver, take Peña Boulevard west from the airport. Follow signs for I-70 West, the main interstate into the city centre. As you approach the major interchange, it helps to stay in the middle lanes to avoid accidentally exiting onto I-225 South or the E-470 toll road. Watch the overhead signs for I-70 West and your satnav will guide you towards the downtown exits.

Driving out of DEN is generally straightforward, as Peña Boulevard is a wide, well-signed road. The trickiest part for a first-time visitor is the large interchange where Peña Boulevard meets I-70, I-225 and E-470. Lanes split for different destinations, so it’s crucial to know which highway you need in advance. Pay attention to the large overhead signs and allow plenty of space to merge, as traffic from several directions converges in this area.

The most direct and easiest route to Boulder avoids downtown Denver entirely. From the airport, take Peña Boulevard west to I-70 West for a short distance. Then take the exit for I-270 West towards Fort Collins. I-270 then merges smoothly onto US-36 West, the Denver–Boulder Turnpike, which takes you directly into the heart of Boulder. This route is well signed and is the standard path for airport traffic heading to Boulder.

To avoid the worst of Denver’s traffic, plan your departure from DEN outside peak rush-hour windows. The heaviest southbound traffic on I-25 typically occurs between 15:00 and 18:30 on weekdays. A good strategy is to start your drive mid-morning, after 09:30, or later in the evening. Many travellers also use the E-470 toll road, which bypasses the city and connects directly to I-25 south of the most congested areas.

Downtown Denver’s street grid includes many one-way streets, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. Major thoroughfares like 17th Street, 18th Street and Broadway are one-way. Keep your satnav on and pay close attention to street signs, especially "Do Not Enter" and turn-restriction signs. Enter your hotel’s address into navigation before you leave the airport to get turn-by-turn directions that account for these one-way routes, making arrival much smoother.

Travellers often find parking particularly difficult and expensive in LoDo (Lower Downtown) and Cherry Creek North. Rather than hunting for street parking in these popular areas, a better plan is to identify a public parking garage in advance. Park your rental car there for the duration of your visit to that neighbourhood. From there you can easily explore shops, restaurants and attractions on foot or use a rideshare for short trips.

For a concert at Red Rocks, plan to arrive several hours before the show starts, as traffic into the park can back up significantly. Parking is spread across several lots, some of which require a considerable uphill walk to the venue, so wear comfortable shoes. Exiting after the show takes patience; expect it to take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to get out of the car parks and back onto the main road. Many concertgoers choose to relax at their car for a while to let the initial traffic surge clear.

The least stressful approach is to pre-purchase parking online for one of the official lots or a nearby private garage. That guarantees you a spot and saves you from circling in heavy traffic. If you are dropping someone off, use the designated passenger drop-off zones but expect congestion. After the event, plan to either leave a few minutes early or wait in your seat for about 30 minutes to let the worst of the pedestrian and vehicle traffic dissipate before heading to your car.

To avoid the infamous I-70 ski traffic, timing is everything. When heading westbound into the mountains, avoid driving on Friday afternoons and evenings, and Saturday mornings. For the return trip eastbound towards Denver, steer clear of Sunday afternoons, the peak time for weekend travellers heading home. The best times to drive are mid-day during the week or very early in the morning at weekends, ideally before 06:30.

The drive to Breckenridge uses I-70 through the mountains and includes steep grades and high-elevation passes such as Vail Pass. In winter you should be prepared for variable conditions that can change rapidly, including snow and ice on the road surface. Drive at a reduced speed, leave significant following distance and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. The journey is scenic but demands your full attention, especially if you are new to mountain driving.

In winter months the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) often enacts traction laws on I-70 and other mountain highways. These set minimum tyre requirements to ensure safety in snowy or icy conditions. Before leaving the airport, check the current road status and any active laws on the CDOT website. That will help you understand what’s required for your journey and plan accordingly for a safe trip into the mountains.

For most visitors coming from Denver, the Beaver Meadows Entrance near Estes Park is the most common and direct access point. This entrance leads to the park’s most popular areas, including Bear Lake Road and the Trail Ridge Road scenic drive when open. To make the most of your day and secure parking, plan to arrive very early, ideally before 08:00. Always check the official park website for information on timed-entry permits, which are often necessary during peak season.

Finding parking at popular trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season is extremely difficult. Lots at key destinations like Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge often fill up before 07:00. The best strategy is to arrive at the park entrance before sunrise to get a spot at your desired trailhead. If you plan to arrive later, your best bet is to park at one of the larger park-and-ride lots and use the free park shuttle to move between popular areas.

Many visitors experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness when they travel directly from the airport to higher elevations. Common issues include headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath. To help your body acclimatise, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous physical activity on your first day. Since Denver itself is already a mile high, giving yourself some time to adjust before ascending further into the mountains can make a significant difference.

There are several convenient shopping areas located just off the main routes from the airport. The Northfield area, just off I-70, offers major supermarkets, department stores and outdoor retailers. Another good option is the Gateway–Green Valley Ranch area along Peña Boulevard before you reach the interstate. Stopping at one of these locations lets you stock up on food, water and other supplies without a significant detour from your route to the mountains.

The rental car centre at DEN is well equipped for travellers with bulky gear. After you complete the rental process at the desk, go to your assigned vehicle in the garage. The garage provides ample space to pull into a bay and take your time loading skis, snowboards and luggage. That allows you to get everything stowed and organised comfortably before you begin your drive, without feeling rushed or blocking traffic.

During your vehicle inspection, pay particular attention to a few key items for Colorado driving. Check tyre tread to ensure good condition for traction on mountain roads. Inspect the windscreen for any small chips or cracks, as temperature changes can make them expand quickly. Finally, test the windscreen wipers and make sure the washer fluid is full, as you’ll need them for sudden rain, snow or road grime.

Many highways around Denver, such as E-470, C-470 and sections of I-25 and US-36, have toll or express lanes. Most rental vehicles are fitted with a transponder that automatically registers tolls, which are then handled through your rental agreement. To avoid charges simply stay in the designated general-purpose lanes. Watch for overhead signs that mark entrances to any "Express Lane" or toll sections and don’t cross the solid white lines into them.

A common area where visitors accidentally enter a tolled express lane is on US-36, the main highway between Denver and Boulder. The lane configuration can be confusing and satnavs don’t always distinguish between general and express lanes. Another tricky spot is on I-70 east of downtown, where the express lane entrance can appear suddenly. The best way to avoid this is to watch for overhead signs indicating "Toll" or "Express" and stay in the main lanes.

Mobile coverage is generally reliable along the main I-70 mountain corridor. However, once you venture onto smaller highways, scenic byways or into canyons and national parks, coverage can become spotty or absent. It’s highly recommended to download maps of your planned route for offline use in your phone’s navigation app. Do this while you are at the airport or in the Denver metro area to ensure you have reliable directions for the whole trip.

Wildlife, particularly deer and elk, are a common hazard on Colorado roads, especially at dawn, dusk and at night. As you drive from the plains towards the foothills and mountains, be vigilant and scan the sides of the road. These animals can move quickly and unpredictably. Reduce your speed in signed wildlife crossing areas and be prepared to brake suddenly to protect both your safety and theirs.

In the mountains, weather can change in an instant and intense but brief snow squalls can develop with little warning, causing visibility to drop rapidly. If you find yourself in a whiteout or heavy snow, slow right down and turn on your headlights. If conditions become too dangerous to proceed, do not stop in a travel lane; instead pull off at the next available exit or rest area and wait for the squall to pass.

To safely handle long, steep descents, avoid continuously riding the brakes, which can cause them to overheat. The best technique is to downshift into a lower gear. This uses the engine to help control your speed, a method known as engine braking. Doing this lets you maintain a safe speed and use the brakes only intermittently when needed, keeping them effective for the entire descent.

A day trip from DEN to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is very manageable. A realistic plan is to leave the airport in the morning, allowing about 90 minutes for the drive south. Spend several hours exploring the park and having lunch. Fatigue commonly sets in during the return drive north on I-25 in the late afternoon as you encounter more traffic heading into the Denver metro area. Planning a short stop for coffee or a stretch will help you stay alert for the final leg.

A practical plan is to choose a brewery-dense neighbourhood like RiNo (River North Art District) or the South Broadway area and park your rental car once in a central paid car park or garage. From that base you can walk between numerous breweries, taprooms and restaurants. For any a little further apart, using a rideshare service is a safe, convenient and stress-free way to get around without moving your car.

The common point of confusion when returning a rental car is missing the specific "Rental Car Return" exit off Peña Boulevard. That exit is on the left and appears before the main exits for the terminals and public parking. As you approach the airport, stay in the left-hand lanes and watch carefully for the large, clearly marked signs directing you to the rental car facility to avoid an unnecessary loop around the airport.

For the smoothest experience consider a two-step process. First, drive to the terminal’s "Departures" level and drop off the family and all the luggage with one adult. This allows them to go directly to the airline check-in. The driver can then return the car to the rental facility alone and take the quick shuttle back to the terminal, unencumbered by bags, to rejoin the group.

During peak travel times such as holiday weekends or a Sunday in ski season, it’s wise to add at least 30–45 minutes to your car return schedule. This buffer accounts for potentially heavy traffic to the airport, longer queues at the rental return desk and a possible wait for the shuttle back to the main terminal. Planning for this extra time helps ensure a low-stress end to your trip.

After dropping passengers at the Departures level, follow the overhead signs for "Airport Exit" or "Return to Terminal." This will guide you out of the immediate terminal area and back onto Peña Boulevard. Once you are heading away from the terminal, get into the left lanes to take the next exit for "Rental Car Return," which loops you back to the correct facility without getting trapped in terminal traffic.

If your satnav mistakenly directs you to the main terminal, don’t worry—this is common. Stay in the main flow of traffic and follow signs for "Airport Exit." This will put you back on Peña Boulevard heading away from the terminal. From there, move into the far left lane and look for the clearly marked "Rental Car Return" exit, which will guide you directly to the correct location.

If you discover any undocumented damage after leaving the rental facility, first pull over to a safe location. Use your phone to take clear, well-lit photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. It’s also useful to capture the surrounding area and the time of day. Once documented, call the rental location’s customer service number—usually on your rental agreement—to report the issue and ask for guidance.

Hail is a significant risk in Colorado, particularly in spring and summer. If hail is forecast, the best way to protect your rental car is to find covered parking. Prioritise hotels with parking garages or use a public covered car park overnight. If you’re caught in a sudden storm, a sturdy structure like a petrol station canopy or a multi-storey car park can offer temporary protection. Avoid parking under trees, as they provide little defence and risk damage from falling branches.

Before setting off on any high-altitude scenic drive it’s crucial to check for the latest road conditions and closures. High-elevation roads such as the Mount Evans Scenic Byway and Trail Ridge Road are subject to seasonal closures and can also close temporarily due to weather. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website is the most reliable source for real-time information on road status, works and any unexpected closures that could affect your plans.

Weekend construction on major arterials like I-70 is common, especially outside winter, and can cause significant delays and detours. To stay informed check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website before you leave the airport. Also, use a navigation app with real-time traffic updates such as Google Maps or Waze. These apps will alert you to closures and automatically suggest the most efficient alternate routes to the mountains.

To minimise backtracking, plan a logical route along a primary corridor such as I-70. For example, visit towns in order as you head west from Denver: Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Silverthorne, then Breckenridge or Vail. For a scenic loop, drive from Breckenridge south on Highway 9 to Fairplay, then return to Denver via the less-trafficked Highway 285. Planning your route linearly or in a loop will make for a more relaxed and efficient trip.

During a major event downtown Denver and the areas around the convention centre and sports stadiums can become heavily congested. If you know a large event is on, try to time your arrival to avoid peak ingress and egress times. Use a real-time traffic app to monitor conditions as you leave the airport. This will help you navigate around the worst of the gridlock and find a less stressful route to your hotel or first destination.