Budget Car Hire
Colorado

At Denver International Airport (DEN), all car hire companies, including Budget, are located at a consolidated facility off-site from the main terminal. After you collect your luggage from baggage reclaim on Level 5, go outside to Island 4. This is where you’ll find the courtesy shuttles for all rental agencies. These shuttles run continuously, so you can simply board the one designated for Budget for the short ride to the car hire centre. The entire process is well signposted, making it easy to navigate from any arrival gate.

Arriving late at night at DEN is a routine occurrence, and car hire services are set up to accommodate you. The airport’s rental car shuttles typically operate 24/7 to transport passengers from the terminal to the off-site rental facility. Once you arrive at the consolidated car hire centre, you’ll find it well lit and staffed to handle late arrivals. The process remains the same as during the day: simply locate the Budget counter to complete your paperwork and collect your vehicle.

Planning enough time is key to a stress-free start to your trip. The total time can vary based on factors like how long it takes to disembark, wait for checked bags, and the frequency of the shuttle bus. A good estimate is to allow between 60 and 90 minutes from the moment your plane lands to when you’re driving away. During peak travel seasons or if you have a lot of luggage, it’s wise to add a small buffer to account for potential crowds or delays.

Denver’s airport design makes this quite simple, as all passengers eventually end up in the main Jeppesen Terminal. The most convenient meeting point is at the baggage reclaim carousels on Level 5, where you’ll collect your luggage. You can pick a specific carousel number or a landmark like one of the large statues to gather your group. Alternatively, each person can independently take the rental car shuttle and meet directly at the Budget counter in the rental facility.

This often comes down to personal preference and your group’s needs. The main terminal at DEN offers a much wider selection of restaurants and coffee shops than you’ll find near the car hire facility. Grabbing a quick snack or drink before heading to the shuttle can be a good idea if you’re hungry straight away. However, many travellers prefer to get their car first, load their luggage, and then have the freedom to drive to a nearby restaurant without the airport crowds.

The route from DEN to downtown is quite direct and well marked, making it manageable for visitors. From the rental facility, take Peña Boulevard, the main road leading away from the airport. Peña Boulevard feeds directly onto Interstate 70 (I-70) West. Stay on I-70 West for a few miles and then take the exit for Interstate 25 (I-25) South, which leads directly into downtown Denver. Using a sat nav for the final turns to your hotel is always the best strategy.

Arriving in busy downtown neighbourhoods like LoDo requires a bit of planning. The most efficient approach is to check your hotel’s parking options in advance, whether that’s valet parking or a designated garage. When you arrive, use the hotel’s temporary loading zone to pull over and unload your passengers and luggage first. Once your bags are with the porter/bell staff or in the lobby, one person can then drive the car to the car park without the stress of navigating crowded streets with a fully loaded vehicle.

For the best of both worlds, consider staying on the west side of Denver. Neighbourhoods like the Highlands, Sloan’s Lake, or the nearby suburbs of Lakewood and Golden are excellent choices. These areas provide much quicker access to major routes heading into the mountains, such as I-70 and US-6. This strategic positioning lets you bypass downtown traffic when heading out for a day of hiking or skiing, while still being just a short drive from the city’s central attractions.

Driving in downtown Denver can be challenging for first-time visitors, but it’s manageable with some awareness. The city has a grid of one-way streets that requires careful attention to signs. Roadworks are also common, so relying on a sat nav with real-time traffic updates is highly recommended. Be especially vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and the light rail system, particularly around busy areas like the 16th Street Mall and near Coors Field.

Parking varies significantly by location. At Red Rocks, parking for concerts is typically included and directed by staff, but for hiking you’ll use designated trailhead car parks. In the trendy RiNo Arts District, you’ll find a mix of metered on-street parking and paid lots, which can be competitive on evenings and weekends. The Cherry Creek area is more structured, with ample parking in the shopping centre’s garages, along with metered on-street parking in the surrounding neighbourhood.

A Red Rocks concert is an amazing experience that benefits from good planning. Plan to drive to the venue very early, as traffic on the roads leading into the park gets heavy hours before showtime. Parking is in large, sloped lots, so make a mental note or drop a pin on your phone to find your car easily in the dark. The most important thing to prepare for is the exit: be patient, as it can take a long time to get out of the lots and back onto the main roads after the show.

The most direct route to Boulder is typically by taking the E-470 toll road from the airport to US-36 West. This bypasses city traffic, and hire cars are usually equipped to handle the electronic tolls seamlessly. The biggest surprise for visitors is weekday rush-hour traffic on US-36, which can be extremely congested between 7–9am and 4–6pm, significantly extending the journey time. Planning your drive outside these peak hours will lead to a much smoother trip.

A day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is a must, and planning is essential for a great experience. The drive from Denver takes about 90 minutes to two hours, so an early start is crucial. Before you go, check the official National Park Service website for the park’s status, especially regarding the timed-entry reservation system required during peak season. To get parking at popular trailheads like Bear Lake, aim to be at the park entrance as early in the morning as possible.

The timed-entry system is a critical piece of your travel plan. If your reservation window is from 9am to 11am, for example, you must enter the park during that two-hour slot. To make sure you do, you should leave Denver at least two and a half to three hours before the start of your window. This accounts for driving time and provides a buffer for traffic or a quick stop, ensuring you don’t risk being turned away for arriving too late.

A great way to experience the Peak to Peak Byway is as a loop trip from Denver. Start by driving to Estes Park, the gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, head south on Highway 7, which is the start of the byway, and enjoy the stunning views as you pass through towns like Allenspark and Nederland. You can then continue to Black Hawk and take I-70 back to Denver. To do this comfortably with stops for photos and lunch, plan for it to take at least six to eight hours.

To avoid the infamous I-70 ski traffic, an early start is not just recommended—it’s essential. On a weekend morning, plan to be on the road from the Denver area before 6:00am. Leaving any later, especially between 7:00am and 10:00am, will almost certainly put you in slow-moving, heavy traffic heading into the mountains. The same logic applies to the return trip: leaving the resort before 2:00pm or after 7:00pm can help you miss the worst of the eastbound congestion.

Driving I-70 in winter requires your full attention, as conditions can change in an instant. The route involves long, steep grades and sharp bends, which can be slick with ice or snow. Visibility can drop quickly during a storm. It’s crucial to drive more slowly than the speed limit, keep a large gap to the vehicle ahead, and avoid sudden movements with the steering or brakes. Always check the CDOT website for road conditions and potential traction-law requirements before you set off.

When a snowstorm hits, safety should be your only priority. The best course of action is to consult official sources like the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website for real-time road conditions and closures. If travel is not advised or roads are closed, the safest decision is to stay put and wait for conditions to improve and for ploughs to clear the highways. Never blindly follow a sat nav app for detours, as it may lead you onto unmaintained and dangerous rural roads.

The I-70 mountain corridor has several convenient towns that are ideal for a break. Idaho Springs, about 45 minutes from Denver, is the first major stop with a variety of restaurants and petrol stations right off the motorway. Further along, the towns of Silverthorne, Dillon, and Frisco form a large hub with extensive options for food, shopping, and fuel. These towns are strategically located just before the final approaches to many major ski resorts, making them an ideal place to rest and regroup.

A day trip to Colorado Springs is very popular and easily doable with a hire car. The drive south on I-25 takes about 90 minutes. A great plan is to visit Garden of the Gods in the morning when it’s less crowded, then head to the Pikes Peak Highway for the afternoon. Driving to the summit and back takes several hours, and you may need a reservation, so check the official Pikes Peak website in advance. It makes for a full but rewarding day of sightseeing.

The key to a smooth visit to Garden of the Gods is to arrive early, especially at weekends and during the summer. Aim to get there before 9am to find parking in the main lots near the most popular rock formations. If those are full, don’t get discouraged—drive the complete loop through the park. There are numerous smaller pull-offs and parking areas further in that often have open spaces, requiring just a short, scenic walk back to the central trails.

When travelling with legal cannabis products, it’s important to follow state laws to ensure a hassle-free trip. All products must remain in their sealed, child-resistant dispensary packaging until you reach your private destination. Best practice is to place these items in the boot of your hire car, making them inaccessible to the driver or passengers. It is illegal to consume cannabis in any form in a motor vehicle, whether you are driving or not.

A classic Colorado road-trip loop connects these three destinations beautifully. From Denver, drive west on I-70, then take Highway 91 south to historic Leadville, and finally Highway 82 west into Aspen. This route takes you over the breathtaking Independence Pass, which is a highlight in itself. After visiting Aspen, head north on Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs. You can then return to Denver by taking I-70 East, completing the loop. Note that Independence Pass is closed in winter, so this itinerary is best for summer and early autumn.

High altitude can have a noticeable effect on your body, which can impact your driving. The thinner air can cause fatigue, headaches, and slower reaction times, so it’s vital to stay well hydrated by drinking more water than usual. Plan for shorter driving days than you might at sea level and take frequent breaks to stretch and get fresh air. Listening to your body and not pushing yourself too hard will make for a much safer and more enjoyable road trip.

In Colorado’s shoulder seasons, being prepared for any weather is key. Always keep layers accessible in the car, including a warm jacket, a rain shell, and a beanie, even if the day starts sunny and warm. It’s also wise to pack an ice scraper, as morning frost or a sudden snow flurry is always possible at higher elevations. Finally, don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, sun cream, extra water, and snacks, as services can be far apart in the mountains.

For a family-friendly day trip without intense mountain driving, you have several great options. A drive to Boulder via US-36 is mostly straight and leads to the fun, pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall and beautiful parks. Heading south on I-25 to Colorado Springs offers attractions like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with relatively easy motorway driving. Another excellent choice is the short drive to Golden, where kids can enjoy the Colorado Railroad Museum and walk along Clear Creek.

If you’re bringing your own child seat, be sure to factor in extra time at the car hire facility. You’ll need to carry the seat with you on the shuttle bus from the terminal. The rental lots provide enough space to install the seat comfortably, but remember you’ll be doing this outdoors. To make the process as smooth as possible, it helps to be familiar with how to install your specific seat model in an unfamiliar vehicle before you even start your trip.

Planning ahead makes it easy to avoid night-time mountain driving. Structure your itinerary so that any travel on mountain roads is done well before dusk. Check the sunset time for your travel dates and aim to be at your destination at least an hour beforehand. This might mean booking accommodation in a mountain town rather than driving back to Denver late. Mountain roads are often unlit, can have wildlife crossings, and are much more challenging to navigate in the dark.

Like any popular tourist area, trailhead car parks can be targets for theft. The most effective way to minimise risk is to make your car an unappealing target. Never leave bags, electronics, or valuables visible inside the car. Best practice is to lock any essential items in your boot or glove box before you arrive at the car park. Always lock your doors and take your keys with you on your hike.

The easiest and most secure solution is to ask your hotel to hold your luggage after you check out. Most hotels offer this service free of charge and will store your bags safely for the day. This allows you to enjoy your final hours of sightseeing with an empty, uncluttered car. You can simply swing back by the hotel to collect your luggage on your way to the airport to return your vehicle.

During peak departure times, typically from 5am to 8am, the entire airport is busier. To be safe, you should add at least 30 minutes to your standard airport arrival schedule. This extra time accounts for potential queues at the rental car return, a short wait for the shuttle bus, and the ride back to the terminal. Arriving with a comfortable time cushion helps ensure a relaxed, stress-free end to your trip.

When travelling with bulky gear, vehicle choice is crucial for comfort and convenience. For multiple sets of skis, snowboards, or large camping equipment, an SUV or a people carrier is strongly recommended. A standard saloon’s boot space is often insufficient for both luggage and recreational gear for more than two people. An SUV not only provides the necessary cargo capacity but also offers better handling and clearance for mountain roads, making it a practical choice for a Colorado adventure.

Denver’s main toll roads, like E-470, use an all-electronic system with no cash booths, which is convenient for travellers. Most car hire companies provide a tolling programme that automatically covers any tolls you incur. The system typically uses a transponder or number-plate photos to track usage, and the rental agency will handle the billing. The easiest approach is to ask about the specific toll programme at the counter when you pick up your car so you understand how it works.

You can enjoy beautiful mountain scenery without tackling intimidating roads. The drive up Clear Creek Canyon on US-6 towards Black Hawk is a gorgeous, gentle canyon route. Another great option is the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway, which connects the towns of Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen on well-maintained roads. This route includes a drive up Lookout Mountain that is winding but not overly steep and offers fantastic views of the city and plains.

A good rule of thumb for mountain driving is to never let your fuel tank drop below half full. While major towns along I-70 have plenty of petrol stations, services become much more sparse on scenic byways and smaller state highways. If you’re driving through a town and see a petrol station, it’s always a wise decision to top up. This simple habit prevents the stress of worrying about fuel and ensures you’re prepared for unexpected detours or long stretches between towns.

When heading into the mountains, you can’t rely on having consistent mobile signal for navigation. Before you leave the Denver metro area where signal is strong, download offline maps of your destination region using your preferred GPS app. This allows your phone to navigate even without a signal. It’s also highly recommended to have a physical paper map of the national forest as a reliable back-up in case of any technology issues.

For a low-stress hot springs day trip, consider visiting Idaho Springs, which is less than an hour’s drive from Denver on I-70. You can enjoy a relaxing soak at one of the local hot springs resorts and explore the historic mining town. This can easily be combined with a scenic drive on the nearby Mount Evans Scenic Byway (in summer) or a visit to Georgetown. Because it’s so close, you can have a full day of fun and be back in Denver well before dark.

Major events in downtown Denver can create significant traffic congestion and make parking very difficult. The best strategy is to plan ahead and arrive early. Use a parking app to find and even pre-book a space in a garage near your venue, which can save you from circling endlessly. Be prepared for road closures and diversions, and always allow much more time than you think you’ll need to reach your destination.

Before embarking on a multi-state journey, it’s good practice to review your rental agreement’s policy on out-of-state travel. While most major car hire companies allow driving to neighbouring states, confirming this at the counter provides peace of mind. Also, do a quick check of the vehicle’s condition, including tyre pressure, to ensure it’s ready for a long-distance trip. Remember that services can be very spread out in rural Utah and Wyoming, so plan your fuel stops accordingly.

This is a very common and smart strategy to make your departure easier. First, follow the airport signs for “Departures” and pull up to the kerb for your airline. Here, you can unload your passengers and all the luggage. After they are on their way to check-in, you can get back in the car and follow the clear signage for “Rental Car Return” to drop off the vehicle, saving everyone the hassle of taking bags on the shuttle.