Enterprise Car Hire
Denver

On arrival at DEN, collect your luggage from baggage claim on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. From there, 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. The dedicated shuttles run continuously and take you directly to the consolidated rental car facility where the Enterprise counter is located, making this the most efficient transport option.

Handling oversized items like ski or snowboard bags is common at Denver International Airport. After collecting your equipment from the oversized baggage area, it helps to use a luggage trolley, which is readily available throughout baggage claim. You can take the trolley with all your belongings straight to the rental car shuttle stop at Island 4. The shuttle buses can accommodate larger items, and drivers are used to helping passengers load and unload gear for the short trip to the rental facility.

A convenient meeting point for a group at DEN is the baggage claim area on Level 5. You can choose a specific carousel number as a landmark, even if your bags arrive elsewhere. Another excellent option is near the large windows at either the north or south end of the main terminal, which tend to be less congested. Once everyone has arrived and collected all luggage, you can head together to the rental car shuttle stop outside.

Arriving on a late-night flight at DEN is generally straightforward for rental car pick-ups. The rental car facility typically operates 24/7 to accommodate incoming flights, so the Enterprise counter should be staffed and ready when you arrive. The terminal shuttle service also runs around the clock. While the airport and roads will be much quieter, it’s sensible to have your navigation ready before leaving the car park to ensure a clear, low-stress start to your drive in the dark.

For a first-time driver, the route from the DEN rental car facility to I-70 west is very straightforward. As you exit the rental lot, follow the main signs for "Airport Exit", which will guide you on to Peña Boulevard heading west. Stay on Peña Boulevard for roughly 12 miles. The lanes are well marked and you’ll see large overhead signs directing you to merge on to I-70 West towards Denver and the mountains. This is the primary and most direct route, designed to be simple for visitors.

To reach Union Station from DEN with minimal stress, take Peña Boulevard west from the airport. Merge on to I-70 West and continue for about 8 miles. Instead of dealing with the more complex I-25 interchange, take the exit for Brighton Boulevard. This brings you into the downtown area from the north with fewer rapid lane changes. Brighton Boulevard leads directly into the River North (RiNo) district, from which it’s an easy drive on surface streets to the Union Station area.

Driving from DEN to the Denver Tech Center during peak commute times requires allowing for heavy traffic. The most direct route is Peña Boulevard to I-225 South, which can become very congested, particularly between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on weekdays. To reduce delays, use a navigation app with live traffic updates, which may suggest alternatives such as the E-470 toll road for a quicker (though less direct) journey. Allowing an extra 30-45 minutes is a sensible precaution.

After leaving the DEN rental facility, several convenient grocery areas sit along the main routes into Denver. The Gateway Park and Green Valley Ranch neighbourhoods, just off Peña Boulevard, have multiple large supermarkets. Use the Tower Road or Green Valley Ranch Boulevard exits to access them. Stopping here lets you stock up without straying far from your route towards downtown or the mountains, making it an efficient first errand.

Visitors leaving DEN sometimes get confused at the major interchanges linking Peña Boulevard to the wider motorway network. The split between I-70, I-225 and E-470 can be tricky if you’re not prepared. It’s crucial to know which road you need before you reach the interchange, as lanes divide quickly. Another common point of confusion is navigating the final exit from Peña Boulevard to the rental car return area, so pay close attention to the specific "Rental Car Return" signs on your way back.

At Denver’s altitude of 5,280 feet, remember how it can affect both you and the vehicle. You may feel slightly lightheaded or tired, so stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Thinner air can also slightly reduce engine power, which you may notice when accelerating or climbing hills. Drive conservatively, allow extra stopping distance and give yourself time to acclimatise before heading to higher elevations in the mountains.

Driving in downtown Denver requires attention, particularly due to the grid of one-way streets and frequent construction. Using GPS is strongly recommended to navigate the one-way system effectively. Expect lane closures or diversions, especially in fast-developing areas such as LoDo and RiNo. It’s also wise to be extra cautious of pedestrians, cyclists and electric scooters, which are common in the city centre. Planning your route ahead of time can reduce stress on busy urban streets.

In popular downtown neighbourhoods such as LoDo (Lower Downtown) and RiNo (River North), overnight parking for a rental car typically means using a paid car park or surface lot. Street parking is very limited and often time restricted, making it unsuitable overnight. Many hotels offer valet or self-parking for a daily fee, which is often the most secure and convenient option. It’s a good idea to research parking near your accommodation in advance to understand availability and costs.

Parking for events at Coors Field or Ball Arena is manageable with a bit of planning. There are many official and private car parks around both venues, with prices varying by proximity. Arriving at least an hour before your event starts is recommended to secure a space and avoid the worst congestion. Many visitors find it easier to pre-purchase a parking pass online, which guarantees a space and can simplify arrival considerably.

Driving to Red Rocks from Denver is scenic and relatively simple. The most direct route is I-70 West to the Morrison exit (Exit 259), then follow the signs. For a more scenic approach, take US-6 West through Golden. Parking at Red Rocks is included with your event ticket, and attendants will direct you into one of several large lots. Arrive early, as lots can fill and you may have a fairly steep uphill walk to the amphitheatre entrance.

An easy half-day trip is to take US-6 West directly from Denver into central Golden. After exploring the town, use the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway to drive up Lookout Mountain. The route is well signed and offers superb views of the plains and the Continental Divide. The drive itself is a highlight, with plenty of pull-offs for photos. Following the Lariat Loop eventually brings you back down, from where you can return to Denver via I-70 East.

Boulder is a popular day trip, so expect moderate to heavy traffic on US-36, especially on weekend mornings and during weekday commute periods. In Boulder, parking around the Pearl Street Mall is mainly metered street spaces and several public parking garages. The garages are often easiest, as street parking can be hard to find at peak times. Arriving earlier usually makes it much simpler to find a convenient space and gives you more time to enjoy the lively downtown area.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route to Rocky Mountain National Park is to drive north on I-25 to Exit 217, then take US-36 West through Boulder and Lyons to Estes Park. This scenic drive takes you to the park’s Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Check the national park website in advance for timed-entry reservation details, which are often required in peak season. The entire route is on paved, well-maintained roads suitable for any rental vehicle.

To catch a mountain sunrise, you’ll need a very early start from Denver. Check the exact sunrise time for your destination, such as Lookout Mountain or an overlook on the Peak to Peak Highway. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise for the best colours. Factoring in driving time, this often means leaving Denver between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., depending on location and time of year. Roads will be quiet, but watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk.

The I-70 mountain corridor is the main route to Colorado’s ski resorts and can be demanding for first-timers. Expect steep grades, sharp bends and weather that can change rapidly. In winter, traction laws are often in effect, so having a vehicle with appropriate tyres is essential for safety. Traffic can be extremely heavy, particularly on weekends and holidays, so plan for significant delays. Always check road conditions with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) before you set off.

When driving to Breckenridge or Keystone, the worst congestion is typically on I-70 West. Key bottlenecks include the stretch from Floyd Hill up to the Eisenhower Tunnel and the tunnel itself. At weekends, traffic often backs up early in the morning heading west and in the afternoon heading east. The final stretch from Frisco to Breckenridge on Highway 9 can also slow at peak arrival times. Leaving Denver very early or travelling on a weekday can help you avoid the worst delays.

The most direct, low-stress route to Colorado Springs is I-25 South from Denver. The drive is about 70 miles and is largely straight, multi-lane motorway driving. For Garden of the Gods, take Exit 146 for Garden of the Gods Road and head west, following clear signs. While I-25 can be busy at commute times, travelling mid-day or on a weekend morning is usually smooth. The park has a scenic loop road that’s easy to navigate in a rental car.

A day trip to Pikes Peak takes some planning. You can drive your rental car up the Pikes Peak Highway, a toll road starting near the town of Cascade. Check the road status online before you go, as weather can cause closures. The drive to the summit is spectacular but involves steep grades and hairpin turns. Alternatively, you can park in Manitou Springs and take the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top for a more relaxed option without mountain driving.

For a trip that combines Denver city driving with mountain travel, especially in winter, an all-wheel drive (AWD) SUV is an excellent choice. A mid-size SUV balances easy city parking with the stability and traction needed on potentially snowy or icy mountain roads. It also offers good luggage and gear space. Choosing a vehicle suited to changing conditions improves peace of mind and safety when travelling the I-70 corridor or other high-elevation routes.

For two adults with several large suitcases, a standard or mid-size SUV is usually the most comfortable and practical option. It offers much more boot space than a standard saloon, so you won’t need to crowd the passenger area with luggage. It also provides a higher driving position, which many people prefer for motorway visibility. If you also have skis or other bulky gear, upgrading to a full-size SUV is a sensible way to ensure everything fits easily.

Out-of-state drivers are often surprised by how quickly winter road conditions can change in and around Denver. A sunny day can rapidly turn into a snowstorm. While main routes are ploughed efficiently, neighbourhood streets and overpasses can stay icy, especially in shaded spots. "Black ice" (a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice) can be particularly hazardous. Reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking or steering when it’s cold.

The safest response to a major snowstorm is to postpone your mountain drive. If you must travel, check the CDOT website for closures and traction-law status before you even get in the car. If conditions are worsening, it’s far better to wait out the storm in Denver than risk getting stuck on I-70. Consider booking an extra night at your hotel and enjoying the city instead. Safety comes first, and mountain passes can become impassable very quickly during a storm.

When driving to popular trailheads such as St. Mary’s Glacier, be prepared for potentially rough access roads and limited parking. Many trailhead car parks are small and fill very early, especially at weekends. It’s wise to have a back-up plan if your first choice is full. Some access roads may be unpaved or poorly maintained, so drive carefully. Check recent trail reports online for updates on road conditions and parking before you set off.

Denver has several excellent scenic drives that work well as a half-day outing. The drive up to Lookout Mountain from Golden offers sweeping views with minimal time commitment. Another strong option is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: you can drive a section, for example from Black Hawk to Nederland, to enjoy dramatic mountain scenery. For foothills landscapes, consider Deer Creek Canyon or Bear Creek Canyon to Morrison and Evergreen, both short and pleasant drives from the city.

For a relaxed trip to Estes Park, make the journey part of the day. Take US-36 West from Denver and stop in Boulder for a stroll along the Pearl Street Mall. Continue on US-36 through Lyons, another good spot for a short break. The scenery becomes increasingly beautiful as you approach the mountains. In Estes Park, explore the town and the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance before heading back, or consider staying overnight to enjoy the area without rushing.

To avoid rush-hour traffic, plan day trips using a counter-commute approach. If you’re heading west into the mountains, leave Denver before 6:30 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. to miss the worst morning congestion. On the return, aim to be back before 3:30 p.m. or after 6:30 p.m. For trips north or south along I-25, the same timing principles apply. A navigation app with live traffic data is also invaluable for finding the clearest routes in real time.

The Denver area has several toll roads, such as E-470, and express lanes on major routes like I-70 and US-36. Most rental cars have an electronic transponder that automatically registers tolls as you pass through. The rental company then manages billing, typically settled after your hire period ends. It’s a good idea to ask at the Enterprise counter about their specific tolling programme so you understand how it works before you set off.

To avoid toll roads, adjust your navigation settings before you start driving. In your GPS app, open route options or settings and look for "Avoid tolls" or "Toll roads". Make sure it’s enabled. This will guide you along non-tolled public motorways such as I-70, I-25 and I-225, even if the route is slightly longer. Double-checking this can prevent unexpected charges and route confusion.

Refuelling before returning to DEN is easy thanks to several petrol stations along Peña Boulevard, the main route to the airport. A large service plaza with multiple fuel brands sits just before the airport exit for rental car returns, making it an ideal final stop. You can also find stations near the Tower Road exit, a few miles from the airport. Using these locations makes it easy to meet your rental agreement’s refuelling requirement without going out of your way.

The most common mistake when returning a rental car to DEN is missing the dedicated exit to the rental car facility off Peña Boulevard. Drivers sometimes continue towards the main terminal drop-off by accident. As you approach the airport, watch the large overhead signs and stay in the correct lanes for "Rental Car Return". The exit is well signed but comes up quickly. Following the signs from the first moment you see them will take you straight to the correct entrance.

For the smoothest sequence, first go to the main terminal and follow signs for "Departures" on the upper level. Drop off passengers and luggage kerbside at their airline. Once they’re on their way, loop back on to Peña Boulevard as if you were leaving the airport. You’ll immediately see signs for the "Rental Car Return" exit. This avoids navigating off airport property and then returning again.

For a morning flight, build in a generous buffer. Aim to arrive at the rental car return at least two and a half to three hours before departure. This covers vehicle check-in, the shuttle back to the main terminal, bag drop, and security screening. Security queues at Denver can be long, particularly in peak morning periods, so the extra time helps keep the experience stress-free.

On day one of a road trip to Utah or Wyoming, expect long stretches of open country with limited services. Before leaving the Denver metro area, fill the tank and bring snacks and plenty of water. For Wyoming you’ll likely take I-25 North; for Utah the trip typically starts on I-70 West. Both involve significant driving through rural areas, so an early start is best. Also check the forecast, as conditions can change quickly on the high plains and in the mountains.

A practical classic loop from Denver is to head west on I-70 to visit places such as Breckenridge and Vail. From Vail, continue west to Glenwood Springs, then head south on Highway 82 towards Aspen. From there, you can cross scenic Independence Pass (in summer) or use alternative routes to head back east via towns like Buena Vista and connect with US-285. This provides a beautiful, different return to Denver, completing a full loop with minimal backtracking.

In this scenario, the most efficient plan is to use public transport or a rideshare from the airport to your downtown Denver hotel. Enjoy the city on foot or by light rail for the first part of your trip. When you’re ready for the mountains, pick up your hire car from one of Enterprise’s neighbourhood (non-airport) locations in the city. After your mountain trip, you can return it to the same city location before heading to the airport, or return it directly to DEN for maximum convenience.

A simple strategy is to use your rental car for trips outside the city centre, such as Red Rocks, Boulder or the mountains. On days you want to explore central downtown Denver, leave the car parked at your hotel. The core areas, including LoDo, the 16th Street Mall and the Capitol, are very walkable. You can also use the free MallRide shuttle and the city’s light rail system to get around efficiently without the hassle of finding and paying for parking at each stop.