Car Hire
Colorado Airport

Once you have your luggage from baggage claim on Level 5, exit through the glass doors numbered 505-513 on the east side or 504-512 on the west side. Follow the overhead signs for “Rental Car Shuttles” to the designated shuttle pick-up islands in the centre median. Each rental company runs its own dedicated shuttle bus directly to its off-airport facility. Board the correct shuttle for your company, and it will take you on the short ride to the rental car centre to complete your pick-up.

The route to the rental car shuttles is the same regardless of arrival time and is designed to be direct. After deplaning, take the airport train to the main Jeppesen Terminal and proceed to baggage claim on Level 5. Once you have your bags, exit through the nearest set of doors on that level. The rental car shuttle stops are located just outside on Island 4, so there is no need to change levels or navigate long corridors to reach your transport.

A convenient and easily identifiable meeting point is the main baggage claim area on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. You can pick a specific baggage carousel number, even if your bags aren’t arriving there, as they are large and clearly marked. Alternatively, meeting under the large American flag at the south end of the terminal provides a central, less crowded spot. Once your group is together, you can all proceed outside to the rental car shuttles as one party.

The most straightforward path is designed for travellers with luggage. After collecting your bags and pushchair at baggage claim on Level 5, use one of the large Smarte Carte luggage trolleys available nearby. Head directly out of the terminal doors on the same level, using the crossings to get to Island 4 where the rental car shuttles pick up. The shuttles are equipped to handle luggage and pushchairs, ensuring a simple, single-level journey from the carousel to the bus.

During peak ski season, it’s wise to budget between 90 minutes and two hours from the moment your plane lands to when you’re driving away. This accounts for potential deplaning delays, a busy airport train, longer waits at baggage claim, and significant queues at the rental car counters. The shuttle ride itself is quick, but the volume of travellers picking up vehicles with ski gear can slow down the process considerably. Planning for this extra time helps reduce stress on arrival day.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is realising the rental car facilities are not inside the airport terminal itself. Many travellers expect to find rental counters near baggage claim, but at DEN, all companies are located off-site. Visitors sometimes get turned around looking for these counters inside. The key is to immediately follow the signs for “Ground Transportation” and then “Rental Car Shuttles” after collecting your bags, as the shuttle bus is the necessary next step.

For travellers with skis or snowboards, an SUV or a vehicle with a pass-through or split-folding rear seats offers the most practical layout. A 60/40 split-folding seat is particularly useful, as you can fold down the smaller section to slide your gear through from the boot. This allows you to keep the larger portion of the back seat available for a passenger while ensuring your equipment doesn’t obstruct your view out of the rear window. This configuration provides a good balance of passenger comfort, gear security, and driving safety.

When leaving any of the rental car lots, simply follow the main exit signs that direct you towards the airport and Peña Boulevard. All the rental facilities are designed with clear, one-way traffic flow that funnels you onto the main access roads. Once you merge onto Peña Boulevard, you will automatically be heading west, away from the airport and towards Denver and I-70. There are no complex turns required; just follow the primary flow of traffic from the rental exit.

The most critical lane decision occurs as Peña Boulevard approaches the major interchanges near the end of its run. To head west on I-70 towards the mountains, you’ll want to be in the middle or left lanes well in advance. The right-hand lanes often become exit-only for routes like I-225 South or Tower Road. Missing the large overhead signs for I-70 West can lead to stressful, last-minute lane changes across several lanes of fast-moving traffic.

A simple approach is to take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West, then exit onto I-25 South. From I-25, take the Speer Boulevard exit and head south-east towards downtown. Speer is a wide, diagonal street that simplifies navigation. As you get closer, use your GPS to guide you the final few blocks, but input your hotel’s address beforehand so you can anticipate the final turn. This route avoids the most congested parts of I-70 through the city and uses major thoroughfares.

For a straightforward drive to Cherry Creek, take Peña Boulevard to I-225 South. This route bypasses the downtown Denver spaghetti bowl interchange entirely. Continue on I-225 South until you reach the exit for Parker Road (CO-83 North). Follow Parker Road as it becomes Leetsdale Drive, which will lead you directly towards the Cherry Creek area. This path uses major roads and is generally less congested than cutting through the heart of the city.

When driving downtown, expect a busy environment where you need to be highly aware of your surroundings. Pay close attention to street signs, as many lanes are designated for buses or cycles only, particularly during rush hour. One-way streets are common, so trust your navigation system’s instructions. Be prepared for pedestrians and scooters, and always look carefully for cyclists before making a right turn. Driving cautiously and giving yourself extra time is the best strategy for a low-stress experience.

If your flight lands during weekday rush hour (typically 4:00pm to 6:30pm), consider waiting it out at the airport for a bit. There are restaurants and coffee shops in the main terminal where you can relax for an hour. Leaving the airport after 6:30pm often means the worst of the traffic on Peña Boulevard and I-70 has started to clear. This simple delay can turn a stressful, stop-and-go drive into a much more manageable one, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the roads.

For an easier exit after a game, consider parking in one of the large surface lots or garages located a few blocks north or west of the stadium, away from the direction of downtown. Parking slightly farther away, perhaps near the 20th Street or Park Avenue interchanges with I-25, often allows for a quicker getaway. This strategy helps you avoid the immediate post-game gridlock concentrated on the streets directly adjacent to Coors Field, letting you get back to the motorway more smoothly.

The most reliable route is to take I-70 West from Denver to Exit 259 for Morrison. After exiting, turn left and follow the signs for Red Rocks. The key is to stay on Hogback Road, which leads directly to the park entrances. Don’t turn into the town of Morrison itself. The park has multiple entrances, but following the main directional signs from the motorway exit will guide you to the correct roads without confusion.

The most reliable strategy for parking at the Denver Zoo is to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, ideally before 10:00am. The zoo has its own large, free car parks accessible from 23rd Avenue on the north side of City Park. By arriving before the peak crowds, you can usually find a space in the main lot without having to circle or use overflow parking. Following the official signs for “Zoo Parking” will lead you directly to these dedicated areas.

A practical plan is to park in the Cultural Centre Complex Garage, located directly next to the Denver Art Museum. This central garage provides easy access not only to the museum but also to the Clyfford Still Museum, History Colorado Centre, and the Denver Public Library, all of which are a short walk away. By parking here, you can leave your car for several hours and comfortably explore the entire cultural hub on foot without needing to move your vehicle.

On a busy weekend evening, driving in the RiNo Arts District can be challenging due to heavy pedestrian traffic and limited street parking. The best approach is to identify a paid parking lot or garage on the periphery of the main entertainment area, such as near Brighton Boulevard or Larimer Street. Park your car there once and plan to explore the district’s murals, breweries, and galleries on foot. Trying to find street parking close to your destination will likely lead to circling and frustration.

The most direct drive to Boulder from Denver is taking US-36 West. It’s a straight shot and offers beautiful views of the Flatirons as you approach the city. For parking near the Pearl Street Mall, the city-run parking garages are your best bet for availability and convenience. The garages on 15th and Pearl or 11th and Spruce are excellent options, placing you just a block or two from the pedestrian mall and allowing you to explore the area easily on foot.

To have the best experience, plan to leave the Denver area no later than 6:00am, especially if you’re visiting between June and October. This early start helps you beat the heavy traffic heading towards Estes Park and, more importantly, allows you to enter the park before the most popular car parks, like those at Bear Lake, fill up. Arriving early ensures you can access the trailheads you want to see and enjoy a few hours of relative quiet before the main crowds arrive.

First-time visitors are often surprised by how quickly the temperature can drop as you gain elevation on the drive to Estes Park. Even on a warm day in Denver, it can be 15-20 degrees cooler in the mountains, and conditions can change rapidly from sunny to rainy or even snowy. The altitude itself, rising from 5,280 feet in Denver to over 7,500 feet in Estes Park, can also cause mild lightheadedness. It’s wise to have a jacket handy and stay hydrated throughout the drive.

For a scenic drive without steep drop-offs, the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway is an excellent choice. This route takes you through Golden, up Lookout Mountain on a well-maintained road, and through the charming towns of Evergreen and Morrison. Another great option is driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway from Black Hawk to Estes Park, which offers stunning views but is generally a wide, manageable highway. Both drives provide a fantastic mountain experience without the intensity of high-altitude passes.

For drivers new to mountain conditions, two sections of I-70 West are often the most intimidating. The first is the long, steep climb up to the Eisenhower Tunnel, where vehicle performance is tested and lorry traffic is heavy. The second is the steep, winding descent from the tunnel down to the town of Silverthorne, which requires careful speed management and braking. Both sections demand your full attention, especially in adverse weather, due to the significant gradient changes and sharp curves.

To minimise stress on a winter drive to Breckenridge, aim to leave Denver very early, ideally before 6:00am at the weekend, or travel on a weekday if possible. This helps you avoid the peak ski traffic that builds rapidly after 7:00am. For the return trip, leaving Breckenridge either before 1:00pm or after 7:00pm can help you miss the worst of the eastbound congestion. Driving during daylight hours is also much less stressful if you encounter snowy or icy conditions.

The most common slowdowns on a drive to Vail typically begin on I-70 West just past the city of Idaho Springs, as the motorway narrows and begins its steep climb towards the Eisenhower Tunnel. This is a frequent bottleneck, especially on weekend mornings. Another significant slowdown often occurs on Vail Pass itself, where weather conditions or heavy lorry traffic can reduce speeds. Planning for these delays is essential for a timely arrival in Vail.

When planning a winter trip into Colorado’s mountains, it’s important to be aware that special travel requirements are often in effect for major highways like I-70. These rules are activated during snowstorms to ensure safety and keep traffic moving. For the best peace of mind and handling in potential snow and ice, selecting a rental vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) or one equipped with capable tyres is a highly recommended strategy. This preparation helps ensure your vehicle is ready for changing mountain weather.

A compact or mid-size SUV offers the best all-round versatility for a trip that includes both Denver city driving and mountain excursions. This vehicle class provides the higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive that inspires confidence on mountain roads. At the same time, it remains manoeuvrable enough to navigate tight downtown Denver parking garages and narrow streets without feeling overly cumbersome. It’s a practical compromise that handles both environments well.

After you’ve completed the rental paperwork, the best place to install car seats is in your assigned vehicle in the car park. Most rental facilities have wide parking bays. To avoid feeling rushed in the main pick-up lane, simply pull your car forward into a nearby empty parking space. This gives you ample space and time to properly install the seats, adjust mirrors, and organise your luggage and snacks for the kids before you head out onto the main road.

When arriving at a valet-only hotel, it’s helpful to have your luggage organised for a quick handover. Keep essential personal items like wallets, phones, and medications in a small bag with you in the cabin. When you pull up, the valet will typically assist with unloading your larger suitcases from the boot onto a luggage trolley. Simply let the bell staff know which bags are yours, and they will ensure they get to your room while the valet parks your car.

Out-of-state drivers are often surprised by the prevalence of very short slip roads onto major highways like I-25 and I-70. This requires you to get up to speed much more quickly than you might be used to. Additionally, Denver drivers tend to merge decisively, so it’s important to be assertive and match the flow of traffic. Be prepared for lanes that end abruptly or turn into exit-only lanes with little warning, and keep a safe following distance to give yourself time to react.

Denver’s express lanes are managed toll lanes, typically the leftmost lane on major motorways, designed to reduce congestion. To avoid entering them by mistake, watch for distinct signage that says “Express Lane” or “Toll” and look for the solid double white lines separating them from general traffic; it is illegal to cross these lines. Unless you have a specific transponder or plan to pay the toll, the simplest strategy is to stay out of the far-left lane on motorways where express lanes are present.

When navigating complex interchanges, it’s helpful to have a passenger act as a co-pilot to call out turns in advance. If you’re driving alone, review your route overview before you start driving to get a mental picture of the major motorway changes. Also, pay close attention to the large green overhead motorway signs, which often provide more warning than a GPS. If you do miss a turn, it’s always safer to proceed to the next exit and let your navigation reroute you than to make a sudden, unsafe lane change.

Sudden weather changes are common in Colorado, so the best plan is to be prepared to adjust your driving. If you encounter heavy rain or hail, slow down significantly, increase your following distance, and turn on your headlights. If visibility becomes extremely poor, it is safest to pull over to a secure location like a petrol station or under an overpass (if safe to do so) and wait for the worst of the storm to pass. Always be mindful that roads can become slick very quickly.

During the morning commute, Peña Boulevard itself is the primary route to the airport and can experience significant hold-ups, especially between I-70 and the terminal. The congestion is often worst on the final few miles leading to the airport exit. To mitigate this, allow at least 30-45 minutes of extra travel time compared to what your GPS might estimate for a non-rush hour drive. Leaving your hotel earlier is the most effective way to ensure a stress-free return.

There is a convenient cluster of petrol stations located on Peña Boulevard about four miles before you reach the rental car return area. You’ll see signs for “Final Approach,” which is a mobile phone waiting lot and retail plaza. This area has multiple major petrol station brands and is designed for easy on-and-off access from the main airport road. Refuelling here is the most popular and straightforward option for travellers just before they drop off their vehicle.

As you approach the airport on Peña Boulevard, stay in the right-hand lanes and look for the large, clearly marked signs for “Rental Car Return”. This exit comes up before the main terminal arrivals and departures loops. Following these specific signs will divert you onto a dedicated road that leads directly to all the rental company facilities. Avoid the signs for “Terminal East” or “Terminal West” unless you are dropping off passengers first.

The most efficient order is to drop off your passengers and their luggage first. Follow the signs for “Departures” to your specific airline’s drop-off area on Level 6. After your passengers are out of the car, follow the airport signs to circle back onto Peña Boulevard heading away from the terminal. From there, you can immediately take the next exit for “Rental Car Return”, which will lead you directly to the drop-off facilities without having to navigate terminal traffic again.

After you’ve dropped off your car and completed the return process, each rental facility has a designated waiting area for their return shuttles. Board your company’s shuttle bus, which will take you directly back to the main Jeppesen Terminal. The shuttles drop passengers off on Level 5, right outside the airline check-in and security screening areas. The drivers typically announce whether they are at the East or West terminal to help you orient yourself.

If you miss the rental car return exit, don’t worry. Continue following Peña Boulevard as if you were leaving the airport. Take the first available exit, which is typically for 75th Avenue or Tower Road. From there, you can easily and safely make a U-turn or follow signs to get back onto Peña Boulevard heading towards the airport. This allows you to re-approach the rental car return exit without getting entangled in the complex terminal departure and arrival loops.

A great way to structure your trip is to spend your first day or two exploring Denver’s neighbourhoods like LoDo, RiNo, or Cherry Creek. This allows you to acclimatise to the altitude and get comfortable with city driving. Then, plan your mountain day trip for a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend traffic on I-70. A mid-week trip to a destination like Idaho Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park, or Breckenridge will be a much more relaxed driving experience, saving your final day for any last-minute city sights before heading back to DEN.