VERIFIED REVIEWS
About hiring a car in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in Colorado include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Colorado, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Colorado.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in Colorado when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Colorado are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Colorado charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
How do I pick up my Budget hire car at Denver International Airport in Colorado?
At Denver International Airport (DEN), picking up your Budget hire car in Colorado involves a short transit from the terminal. After landing, take the train to baggage claim on Level 5, then step outside to catch the Budget shuttle on Island 4. The vehicle lot is approximately 5 to 6 minutes from the terminal.
If you enrolled in Budget Fastbreak, you can skip the main counter line. Simply proceed to the Fastbreak line, present your identification, receive your hire agreement and keys, and go directly to your car.
One important note for late arrivals: the Budget shuttle at Denver International Airport runs until 12:30 AM or until the last flight arrives, then resumes at 3:30 AM. If you arrive between 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the hire lot. The facility itself is open 24 hours, so after-hours returns are not an issue.
At Colorado Springs Airport, the Budget counter is inside the terminal. A greeter with an Optimum board meets you at the bottom of the escalator in baggage claim, and your car waits curbside in front of the terminal. At Durango-La Plata Airport, proceed directly to the Budget counter in the baggage claim area.
What are the Budget counter hours at Colorado airports?
Budget operating hours vary by location across Colorado. Here is a summary of hours at the main Budget airport locations in Colorado:
- Denver International Airport (DEN): open 24 hours daily, Sunday through Saturday (shuttle runs until 12:30 AM, resumes at 3:30 AM)
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS): Sunday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO): Sunday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN): Sunday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 7:45 PM to 8:30 PM
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): Sunday through Saturday, 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Downtown Budget locations in Colorado have more limited hours. Denver Downtown (20th and Welton) is open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If your flight arrives outside these windows, plan accordingly, as Budget will hold your reservation for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time.
How do toll roads work when renting a Budget car in Colorado?
Colorado operates a fully cashless toll system, meaning there are no cash booths anywhere in the state. When you rent a Budget car in Colorado, all toll roads are billed electronically through overhead cameras that photograph licence plates.
The main toll roads you may encounter include:
- E-470: a 47-mile loop around the Denver metro area, including access to Denver International Airport
- I-25 Express Lanes: approximately 7 miles between US-36 and downtown Denver, with tolls ranging from US$0.50 to US$5.00 per trip depending on time of day
- US-36 Express Lanes and Northwest Parkway
When picking up your Budget hire in Colorado, you will be offered a toll programme such as PlatePass or e-Toll Unlimited. These typically cost between US$11.99 and US$14.99 per day, or US$59.95 to US$74.95 per week, for unlimited toll usage.
If you decline the toll programme, Budget will still receive the toll invoice and bill your credit card afterwards at the undiscounted Licence Plate Tolling (LPT) rate, plus administrative fees that can reach US$9.99 per day or US$15.00 per toll event. ExpressToll account holders save 25 to 35 per cent compared to LPT rates, so enrolling in a programme is often the more Budget-friendly choice for frequent highway driving in Colorado.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Budget hire in Colorado?
Yes, you can get cashback on tolls paid during your Budget hire in Colorado. All Hola Car Rentals bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses you up to 5 per cent of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental period.
This is especially useful in Colorado, where cashless toll roads like E-470, the I-25 Express Lanes, and US-36 Express Lanes can add up quickly, particularly if you are driving to or from Denver International Airport or travelling through the Denver metro area.
To claim your cashback after returning your Budget hire in Colorado:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a toll receipt or invoice showing charges paid
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. For example, if your Budget booking total was US$600, the maximum cashback would be US$30. If you paid US$20 in Colorado tolls, you would receive US$20 back. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What documents do I need to pick up a Budget hire car in Colorado?
To pick up your Budget hire car in Colorado, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name (original, not a digital copy)
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, for the security deposit hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight tickets or cruise tickets (required for visitors arriving from abroad)
At Denver International Airport and other Colorado airports, Budget may also ask for an additional form of ID such as a valid passport, UK military ID, or a recent utility or bank statement from the last 60 days showing your name and address.
If your driver’s licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation. The IDP is not a standalone document and must be presented alongside your original licence. Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling, as it cannot be issued abroad.
All documents must be physical. Digital versions displayed on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Budget counter in Colorado.
How does the Budget car return process work at Colorado airports?
Returning your Budget hire car at Colorado airports is straightforward. At Denver International Airport, follow the airport signs for hire car return. You do not need to return to the counter. Record the mileage and fuel level on your hire agreement, then drop it in the Budget Fastbreak return box. A closed hire agreement will be mailed to you within 48 hours. The Denver International Airport facility is open 24 hours, so after-hours returns are accepted at any time.
At Colorado Springs Airport, the return process follows the same Fastbreak procedure: record mileage and fuel level, drop the agreement in the return box, and a closed agreement will be mailed within 48 hours.
At Durango-La Plata Airport and other smaller Colorado Budget locations, returns are made at the same location as pickup.
For downtown Budget locations in Colorado, such as Denver Downtown (20th and Welton), returns are at the same address as pickup. If you return after hours, a key drop box is available, but you remain responsible for the vehicle and all charges, including any damage or theft, until the contract closes on the following business day.
Before returning your Budget car anywhere in Colorado, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location to avoid fuel shortfall charges under the Full-to-Full policy.
Is there a young driver surcharge for Budget hires in Colorado?
Yes, a young driver surcharge applies to Budget hires in Colorado for drivers under 25 years old. In Colorado, as in most U.S. states, the standard minimum age to hire without additional fees is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire but will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge at the Budget counter.
For Budget hires in Colorado, the underage fee is US$13 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes for the rental period.
Drivers under 25 are also restricted from hiring certain vehicle classes at Budget locations in Colorado. Categories typically limited to drivers aged 25 and older include full-size sedans, full-size SUVs, minivans, vans, convertibles, luxury, and premium vehicles. Economy, compact, medium sedan, standard sedan, compact SUV, and medium SUV categories are generally available to younger drivers.
One exception applies to drivers from Latin America and the Caribbean aged 21 to 24: if your Hola Car Rentals confirmation explicitly shows the underage fee is waived, you may avoid this surcharge on eligible Budget rates in Colorado. You must present a passport or government ID proving your nationality or residency at the Budget counter. This exception applies to the main driver only and does not extend to additional drivers aged 21 to 24.
Can I add an additional driver to my Budget hire in Colorado?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget hire in Colorado, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
If your Hola Car Rentals confirmation states that an additional driver is included at no charge, the first extra driver is free. If it is not included, Budget in Colorado charges US$13 per rental day plus taxes for each additional driver, with a maximum of US$65 plus taxes for the rental period.
To add an additional driver at the Budget counter in Colorado:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid driver’s licence
- They must meet the minimum age requirement (25 for Budget in Colorado, or 21 to 24 with applicable surcharge)
- For Budget specifically, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old; drivers aged 21 to 24 may be charged the underage fee or may not be accepted depending on the location
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. If someone not named on the contract drives the Budget car in Colorado and an incident occurs, cover may be void. Always add every driver you intend to share driving duties with before leaving the counter.
What travel assistance is included with my Budget hire in Colorado?
Most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget hires in Colorado, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This is particularly valuable in Colorado, where mountain driving on remote highways like those near Yampa Valley, Eagle County, or Gunnison can put you far from urban services if something goes wrong.
The travel assistance coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This coverage is not car hire insurance. It does not replace CDW/LDW for damage to your Budget vehicle or liability coverage for third parties. It is designed to assist with medical emergencies, legal situations, and travel disruptions during your Colorado trip.
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this travel assistance coverage on their Budget hire in Colorado.
What is the security deposit for a Budget hire in Colorado?
When you pick up your Budget hire in Colorado, a temporary authorisation hold will be placed on your credit card. This is not a charge but reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.
For Budget hires in Colorado, the typical security deposit hold is approximately US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicle classes. The exact amount varies depending on the specific Budget location in Colorado, the vehicle class you hire, and the length of your hire. Premium or speciality vehicles may carry higher holds.
To avoid issues at the Budget counter in Colorado:
- Bring a physical major credit card with your name printed on the card (debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit)
- Ensure your card has sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
- Notify your bank of your travel to Colorado to prevent fraud blocks on the authorisation
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined
After returning your Budget car in Colorado, the hold is released once the contract closes. Your bank or card issuer controls when the credit reappears on your account, which can take up to 15 business days.
Can I pick up a Budget car in Colorado and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way hires are possible with Budget in Colorado, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your specific route. Budget operates at multiple airports and cities across Colorado, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Durango, Montrose, Steamboat Springs (Yampa Valley), Eagle, Aspen, Gunnison, and Grand Junction, giving you flexibility for one-way trips within the state.
Whether a drop-off fee applies depends on the specific pickup and return locations you select. When booking through Hola Car Rentals, any applicable drop-off fee will be shown on the rate details page under the section labelled as payable at the destination. This fee is not prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© Coverage unless it was not disclosed during booking.
A few things to keep in mind for one-way Budget hires in Colorado:
- Same-city routes (for example, airport to downtown Denver) often carry no drop-off fee
- Routes between different Colorado cities or airports typically do carry a one-way fee
- Cross-border one-way trips, such as returning the Budget car in a different U.S. state, may be restricted or carry higher fees
Always review your booking confirmation to confirm whether a drop-off fee is listed before finalising your Colorado hire.
What insurance cover is included in a Budget hire in Colorado?
The insurance cover included in your Budget hire in Colorado depends on the rate plan you selected when booking through Hola Car Rentals. Here is a breakdown of the main protections to understand:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Budget vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero deductible. This does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Budget car in Colorado. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability cover; confirm whether it is included in your rate or available as an add-on.
Colorado does not have congestion charges or emissions zone fees, so there are no additional local compliance costs beyond standard hire taxes and airport fees.
CDW/LDW does not cover tyres, undercarriage, roof damage, or personal belongings. For personal items, Personal Effects Cover (PEC) is a separate optional add-on. Always review your Hola Car Rentals confirmation to see exactly which protections are listed for your Budget hire in Colorado, and verify the details on the hire agreement at the counter before signing.
What is the fuel policy for Budget hire cars in Colorado?
Budget hires in Colorado follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Budget agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your hire agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the lot.
When returning your Budget hire in Colorado, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive. Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address. This is especially important at mountain locations like Eagle County, Yampa Valley, or Gunnison, where petrol stations may be less frequent near the airport.
If you return the Budget car in Colorado with less than a full tank, you may be charged:
- The cost of the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices
- A refuelling service or administrative fee on top of the fuel cost
Some Budget counter locations in Colorado may offer a Prepaid Fuel option at pickup, which allows you to return the car at any fuel level. If you accept this option, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable, so it is only worthwhile if you expect to return the car nearly empty.
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