National Car Hire
Colorado

At Denver International Airport (DEN), all rental car companies, including National, are located in a consolidated rental car facility. This facility is a separate building a short distance from the main Jeppesen Terminal. You need to take a complimentary shuttle bus from the terminal to get there. The shuttles run continuously, providing convenient transport for arriving passengers. Once at the facility, you will find the National counter inside the main building and the vehicles parked in the adjacent garage.

When you land at Denver International Airport, proceed to the baggage reclaim area on Level 5 to collect your luggage. After you have all your bags, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Shuttles." These signs will direct you to the designated shuttle pickup islands just outside the Level 5 doors. Board the shuttle that serves the rental car facility; it will take you directly to the building where the National counter is located.

Arriving late at DEN is straightforward as the airport's rental car shuttles operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Expect shuttles to run frequently, although intervals may be slightly longer than during peak daytime hours. The route from the terminal to the consolidated rental car facility is the same at any hour. The facility is well lit and staffed around the clock, ensuring you can collect your vehicle safely and efficiently regardless of arrival time.

During peak travel times at Denver International Airport, allow extra time to get from the gate to your rental car. Deplaning, walking through the large terminal, waiting for checked baggage and catching the shuttle can take a while. The whole process from landing to driving away varies with crowd levels and shuttle wait times. For a group with luggage, allowing at least 60 to 90 minutes provides a comfortable buffer to complete each step without rushing.

A convenient meeting place for your group at DEN is the baggage claim carousel assigned to your flight. This lets everyone collect luggage in one central spot. Another excellent option is Level 5, near the glass doors leading out to the rental car shuttle pickup area. Regrouping there ensures everyone is together and ready to board the shuttle as soon as it arrives, streamlining your departure from the terminal.

The most efficient strategy is for the designated driver to proceed alone to the rental car facility while the rest of the group waits with the luggage. The best waiting area is inside the terminal on Level 5, near the baggage claim carousels. This keeps the group out of busy shuttle and kerbside traffic. Once the driver has the car, they can circle back to the terminal and pick everyone up at the passenger pickup area on Level 4 (Arrivals).

You needn't worry about finding the right building — all rental car companies at Denver International Airport are housed within one large, consolidated facility. The airport shuttle makes a single stop at this location for all rental customers. Once inside the building's main lobby, you will see clear overhead signs directing you to the counters for each individual company. Simply follow the prominent signage for National Car Rental to reach the correct desk.

After completing your rental agreement at the National counter, the agent will provide clear instructions on where to find your vehicle. They will typically direct you to a specific aisle or section within the parking garage. The garage is well organised with large, easy-to-read signs for rows and levels. Following the agent’s directions and paying attention to the overhead signage will lead you directly to your car's location efficiently.

Before leaving the DEN rental lot, do a quick walk-round inspection with Colorado conditions in mind. Check the windscreen for any small chips or cracks, as temperature changes can cause them to spread. Look at the tyres to ensure they have good tread — essential for mountain roads and variable weather. Also test the heater, demister and windscreen wipers to ensure they are functioning properly for safety and visibility.

A good place to stop safely after leaving the rental facility is the airport's Final Approach cell phone lot. It's located a few minutes from the rental car area and provides ample, safe parking away from the main traffic flow. This allows you to take your time setting up your sat nav, adjusting mirrors and seats, and getting comfortable for your drive. Alternatively, wait until you are a few miles down Peña Boulevard, where there are petrol stations and business parking areas to pull into.

When leaving the rental car facility, the main aim is to get onto Peña Boulevard, the primary artery connecting the airport to the interstate system. A common point of confusion is navigating the initial airport roadways. The key is to follow the large green overhead signs for "Airport Exit" and "To I-70." Missing the turn for I-70 West can send you towards I-225 or other routes, so stay alert for that exit as you approach the interstate.

The most direct and least complicated route to downtown Denver is to take Peña Boulevard from the airport to I-70 West. Stay on I-70 West until you see the signs for I-25 South. Take the I-25 South exit, which leads directly towards the downtown area. From I-25, exits such as Speer Boulevard or Auraria Parkway provide straightforward access to the heart of the city.

To minimise stress when driving into LoDo or the Union Station area, use a sat nav with live traffic and lane guidance. After taking I-70 West to I-25 South from the airport, consider using a major exit such as Speer Boulevard. This broad street is easier to navigate than some smaller, more congested downtown exits. Having your hotel's address loaded in advance will help your navigation app guide you through the final turns on the one-way streets common in that neighbourhood.

For a straightforward drive to the Cherry Creek neighbourhood, a good plan is to bypass the downtown core entirely. From the airport, take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West, then merge onto I-225 South. From I-225, exit onto a major east–west artery such as Alameda Avenue or Parker Road (CO-83), which leads directly into the area. This route is typically less congested and avoids complex intersections and heavy pedestrian traffic found closer to the city centre.

When driving near Denver's major sports venues during an event, expect significant traffic delays and numerous road closures. It's advisable to check the event schedule and plan to arrive early. Parking is available in large lots surrounding the stadiums, but they fill quickly and can be challenging to exit after the event. Many visitors find it easier to book a parking space in a nearby car park online in advance or to park further away and walk the final few blocks.

A great strategy for exploring downtown Denver is to park for the day in a central location. The parking garage at Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall is an excellent choice, placing you in the middle of the action. From there you can easily walk to Larimer Square, the Colorado Convention Centre and the State Capitol. The free MallRide shuttle runs the length of 16th Street, making it easy to get around without needing your car.

The main entrances to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre are clearly signposted off Highway 93 near Morrison. What often surprises first-time visitors is that the car parks are terraced along the winding roads inside the park. Depending on arrival time you may have to park some distance from the venue entrance. Be prepared for a scenic but potentially long, uphill walk from your parking spot to the amphitheatre itself.

For early morning hikes, some of the most popular trailheads near Denver fill up extremely fast, especially at weekends. The main car park for Chautauqua Park in Boulder is often full shortly after sunrise. Similarly, trailheads in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and near Evergreen can reach capacity very early. To secure a spot at these popular locations, plan on arriving well before 7.00 a.m.

The most efficient and direct route to Boulder from the airport is to take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West. Shortly afterwards merge onto I-270 West, which then connects to US-36 West. This highway, also known as the Denver–Boulder Turnpike, will take you directly into central Boulder. This path avoids the E-470 toll road and is the standard route used by most commuters and travellers.

For first-time visitors driving from the Denver area, the Beaver Meadows Entrance near Estes Park is the most common and straightforward choice. This entrance is easily accessible via US-36 West from Boulder or US-34 through Loveland. It provides direct access to the park's main visitor centre and the popular Bear Lake Road corridor, leading to many of the most famous trailheads and scenic spots. Check for any timed-entry reservation requirements before you go.

To get the most from a day trip, start very early from Denver to arrive shortly after sunrise — this gives you the best chance of finding parking at popular trailheads like Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge. Plan your hikes for the morning to avoid common afternoon thunderstorms. After your morning activities you can drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road (when seasonally open) across the park, enjoying the overlooks. This creates a natural progression through the park without backtracking for parking.

The drive from Denver to Colorado Springs is a simple, direct journey south on Interstate 25. The trip typically takes about an hour and a half without heavy traffic. A popular stop en route is the town of Castle Rock, home to a large outlet mall. Another interesting stop just north of Colorado Springs is the United States Air Force Academy, where you can visit the iconic Cadet Chapel and a visitor centre.

To have the best experience at Garden of the Gods, plan to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9.00 a.m., especially at weekends or during summer. This gives you the best chance of finding a space in the main car park near the north entrance, which provides easy access to the central rock formations. If you arrive later, be prepared to use one of the many smaller, outlying lots and enjoy a scenic walk into the main garden area.

When driving in the Pikes Peak region, be prepared for steep gradients and winding roads. The Pikes Peak Highway, a toll road, features many sharp switchbacks and significant elevation gain, so it is important to be a confident driver. On any mountain descent, use a lower gear so the engine helps with braking, preventing your brakes from overheating. Also remember that weather can change very quickly at high altitude, so always carry extra layers of clothing.

A very accessible and low-stress mountain drive from Denver is the trip to Golden and Lookout Mountain. Take I-70 West a short distance to the exit for Highway 58, which leads you directly into historic downtown Golden. From there the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway takes you up Lookout Mountain. While the road is winding, it is well paved, wide and not overly steep, making it a comfortable drive for those new to mountain roads.

The primary difference is the route. To reach Summit County towns like Breckenridge or Vail you drive on Interstate 70, a major multi-lane highway that goes through the Eisenhower Tunnel. While I-70 can have very heavy traffic, it is generally a less technically demanding drive. To get to Winter Park you take US-40 over Berthoud Pass, a high-elevation, two-lane mountain pass with more bends and steeper gradients, which can be more challenging in winter conditions.

Westbound traffic on I-70 typically starts to build near Idaho Springs, especially around the Floyd Hill area. To avoid the worst of it, try to leave the Denver area before 6.00 a.m. on weekend mornings or travel on a weekday. For the return eastbound trip, Sunday afternoon traffic is notoriously heavy. The best strategy is to either leave the mountains very early on Sunday morning or wait until after 7.00 p.m. to head back to Denver.

Express lanes in the Denver area are typically on the far left side of the highway and are separated from general-purpose lanes by a solid white or dashed line. They are clearly marked with overhead electronic signs indicating the current toll price. To avoid them, simply stay in the main, non-tolled lanes to the right. Accidentally entering an express lane can result in a toll, so pay attention to road markings and signage.

The I-25 and I-70 interchange, known locally as the "Mousetrap," can be complex for unfamiliar drivers due to multiple lanes and exits in quick succession. A common mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough for your intended direction. The best way to navigate it successfully is to use a sat nav app with lane-guidance assistance and to review your route before you start driving. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs to ensure you're following the correct path.

Denver's high altitude and dry climate can affect travellers, sometimes causing mild fatigue, headaches or slower reaction times. It's crucial to drink significantly more water than you might be used to, starting from the moment you arrive. If you are driving directly to even higher elevations in the mountains, take it easy on your first day and be mindful of how you're feeling. These effects are usually temporary as your body adjusts.

When heading into the mountains, the last towns before a major pass are key decision points. For example, Idaho Springs or Georgetown on I-70 are good places to stop and check the latest road conditions from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). If the weather is deteriorating rapidly, it is much safer to wait in town for conditions to improve than to risk getting stuck on a high-elevation pass like Loveland Pass or Berthoud Pass where services are scarce.

A snow squall is a sudden, intense burst of heavy snow and strong winds that can drastically reduce visibility to near-zero in minutes. Road surfaces can become slick and icy almost instantly. If you encounter a squall, the safest response is to immediately slow down, switch on your headlights, and dramatically increase your following distance. If conditions become too severe, pull off the road at the next available exit and wait for it to pass.

For winter travel into the Colorado mountains, a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) is highly recommended for superior traction and stability. Equally important are good tyres with sufficient tread, preferably those rated M+S (mud and snow). These features provide crucial grip on icy highway ramps, steep resort access roads and snowy car parks. Always check your rental vehicle's capabilities before heading into wintry mountain conditions.

When Colorado's traction laws are in effect on mountain highways like I-70, you will see large electronic signs announcing the requirement. The law typically requires vehicles to have snow tyres, tyres with an M+S rating, or to be a 4WD/AWD vehicle. As a rental driver, the best approach is to ensure your vehicle meets these standards before you leave Denver. Discuss your travel plans with the rental agent to ensure you have a suitably equipped vehicle for your trip.

During wildfire season, it's essential to check conditions before any mountain drive. The most reliable source for road closures and real-time traffic impacts is the Colorado Department of Transportation's website, cotrip.org, or their mobile app. For information on air quality and smoke, check the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website or major weather service apps. This lets you adjust your plans for safety and comfort.

If you'd like to get comfortable with a larger or unfamiliar vehicle, a good place to practise is in one of the large, often-empty car parks in business parks. The Gateway Park area, a few miles from the airport along Peña Boulevard, offers plenty of space at weekends or in the evenings. This allows you to practise turning, parking and getting a feel for the vehicle's size in a low-stress environment before you enter heavy traffic or navigate winding mountain roads.

When staying in central Denver or historic neighbourhoods, be aware that many hotel and public car parks can be tight with low clearance heights. If you anticipate parking in such structures, opting for a mid-size saloon or a compact SUV will make manoeuvring much easier. A larger SUV or truck might be challenging to handle in narrow spaces and could exceed the maximum height limits of some older garages, so consider this when selecting your vehicle.

Returning your rental car at DEN is straightforward as you approach the airport on Peña Boulevard. Well before you reach the passenger terminals you will see large, prominent overhead signs for "Rental Car Return." This exit directs you onto a dedicated roadway that leads straight to the consolidated return facility. By following these specific signs you will completely bypass the more congested traffic loops for passenger drop-off and pickup.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" (Level 6) as you approach the main terminal. Drop off your passengers and their luggage at the kerb corresponding to their airline. After they are safely on their way, simply rejoin the main airport roadway, Peña Boulevard, and follow the signs to circle around. On your next approach, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return", which will guide you to the correct facility.

The process for getting back to the terminal is simple and efficient. After you have returned your vehicle and gathered your belongings, walk from the garage into the main rental car facility building. From there, board one of the complimentary airport shuttles waiting just outside. These shuttles run continuously and will take you directly back to the main Jeppesen Terminal, dropping you off on Level 5, just steps from the airline check-in desks.