Avis Car Rental
Colorado

From baggage claim on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, follow the prominent overhead signs for “Rental Car Shuttles.” You will exit the terminal through the glass doors on either the east or west side. The Avis shuttle bus stop is located on Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505-513 (east side) or 504-512 (west side). These dedicated shuttles run continuously and will take you on a short ride directly to the Avis rental facility.

The Avis car rental facility at Denver International Airport is located off-site, not within the main Jeppesen Terminal building. To reach it, you will need to take a dedicated Avis shuttle bus from the terminal. After you collect your luggage on Level 5, follow the signs to the shuttle pickup area on Island 4. The ride is typically brief, usually taking about 5 to 10 minutes to get you from the terminal curb to the Avis counter and your vehicle.

For late-night arrivals at DEN, the process remains straightforward, though the airport will be quieter. The Avis shuttles continue to operate to accommodate all arriving flights, so you can still expect to find them at the designated pickup area on Level 5. The shuttle ride to the rental facility is quick, and once there, the counter will be staffed to handle your pickup. The vehicle lots are well-lit, making it easy to locate your car and get on your way, even late at night.

A great meetup spot at DEN is the baggage claim area on Level 5, near the carousel for the last arriving flight in your group. This allows everyone to gather their luggage in one place before heading out together. Alternatively, you could meet at one of the seating areas in the Great Hall on Level 6, which is quieter and has more space. Once everyone has arrived, you can proceed as a group to the Avis shuttle bus stop on Level 5 to pick up your vehicle.

During peak arrival times at DEN, it's wise to plan for approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the moment you deplane to when you drive off the Avis lot. This accounts for walking to the terminal train, waiting for the train, collecting your luggage, and taking the shuttle to the rental facility. The shuttle ride itself is short, but lines at the rental counter can be longer during busy periods like holidays or weekends. Having your reservation details ready can help make the process smoother once you arrive at the counter.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route is to follow the signs from the Avis lot directly onto Peña Boulevard. Stay on Peña Boulevard for about 12 miles until it merges with Interstate 70 (I-70) West. After a short drive on I-70 West, take exit 274 for Interstate 25 (I-25) South. This interchange is well-marked and will lead you directly toward the downtown Denver exits. Using a GPS for lane guidance is highly recommended for a stress-free drive.

The most common point of confusion for visitors leaving DEN is the merge from Peña Boulevard onto I-70. As you approach the end of Peña, you'll need to choose between I-70 West (towards the mountains and downtown) and I-70 East (away from Denver). Another tricky spot is the split for E-470, a toll road that bypasses the city; ensure you stay on Peña Boulevard to avoid unintended tolls. Pay close attention to the overhead signs and have your navigation app ready to avoid last-minute lane changes.

The easiest approach to LoDo is to take I-25 South to the 20th Street exit (Exit 212C). This exit puts you directly into the downtown grid near Coors Field and Union Station. Drivers often get tripped up by the prevalence of one-way streets, such as 17th, 18th, and Wynkoop, once they exit the highway. It's best to have your hotel's exact address in your GPS and be prepared for narrow lanes and pedestrian traffic, especially on evenings and weekends.

A less stressful route to Cherry Creek from DEN is to take Peña Boulevard to I-225 South, which you can access from I-70 West. This avoids the busier I-70 and I-25 interchange known as the “Mousetrap.” From I-225 South, take the exit for CO-83 North (Leetsdale Drive), which leads you toward the Cherry Creek area. This route generally has more predictable traffic flow and fewer complex merges than driving through the heart of downtown.

When driving in downtown Denver, be aware that many streets are one-way, which can make navigation tricky without a GPS. Pay close attention to protected bike lanes, often separated by curbs, and be watchful for cyclists at intersections. Also, be mindful of dedicated bus lanes, especially on 15th, 17th, and Lincoln/Broadway, to avoid fines. Driving slowly and staying alert for pedestrians, scooters, and cyclists is the key to navigating the downtown core safely.

If you're picking up your car during weekday rush hour (typically 7-9 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m.), plan for significant delays getting into Denver. The drive from DEN to downtown, which might take 30-40 minutes in light traffic, can easily stretch to 60-90 minutes. The heaviest congestion occurs on Peña Boulevard as it approaches I-70 and on both I-70 and I-25 near the city center. It's wise to build extra time into your schedule or, if possible, wait for traffic to ease before leaving the airport.

For easy parking near Coors Field, consider the large surface lots and parking garages located just north and west of the stadium, between Blake Street and the railroad tracks. These are well-signed and offer straightforward access back to the highway after the game. Arriving at least an hour early is recommended to secure a spot without stress. Many people also find parking in the garages a few blocks away in LoDo and enjoy the short walk to the ballpark.

When driving to Red Rocks for a concert, plan to arrive very early, as traffic on I-70 West and the Morrison exit can back up significantly. The parking lots typically open several hours before showtime, and arriving early allows you to get a better spot and enjoy tailgating. Parking is included with your ticket, but the lots are spread out on winding roads, so be prepared for a walk uphill to the venue. Following the directions of the parking attendants is the most efficient way to get settled.

To avoid parking headaches at the Denver Zoo, plan to arrive right when it opens in the morning, especially on weekends or school holidays. The zoo has its own large parking lots, but they fill up quickly. If the main lots are full, you can usually find free street parking along the perimeter of City Park, but this may require a longer walk. Entering the park from the York Street side provides the most direct access to the zoo's primary parking areas.

The most convenient place to park for the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park is the Cultural Center Complex Garage. Its entrance is on 12th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Street, and it provides direct, covered access to the museum and surrounding attractions. This garage is centrally located and eliminates the need to search for limited street parking. It's a popular choice for visitors to the museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center.

On a busy weekend evening, expect significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the RiNo Arts District, especially along Larimer and Blake Streets. Driving can be slow, and you should be extra cautious of people crossing the street unexpectedly between breweries and galleries. Street parking is highly competitive and mostly metered, so your best bet is to find one of the paid surface lots scattered throughout the neighborhood. Arriving early or using a rideshare from a less congested area can often be a more relaxed option.

For an easy day trip to Boulder, take US-36 West directly from the Denver area. The drive is about 45 minutes without heavy traffic. To park near the Pearl Street Mall, aim for one of the city's public parking garages, such as the ones on 11th or 15th streets. These garages are affordable and place you just a block or two from the pedestrian mall, making them much more convenient than searching for limited street parking. Arriving before lunchtime will give you the best chance of finding a spot easily.

The most straightforward route is to take US-36 West through Boulder to Estes Park, the eastern gateway to the park. This scenic drive takes about 90 minutes to two hours. Traffic typically builds up on US-36 approaching Boulder during morning rush hour and again through the town of Lyons, especially on summer weekends. To avoid the worst congestion, plan to leave Denver early in the morning, well before 8 a.m., to ensure a smooth journey to the park entrance.

First-time visitors driving to Estes Park are often surprised by the rapid gain in altitude, which can affect both you and your vehicle's performance. The drive itself involves some winding canyon roads, which can be narrow in places. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as a sunny day in Denver can quickly turn into a cool, rainy, or even snowy afternoon in the mountains, regardless of the season. Always check the weather forecast for Estes Park specifically before you depart.

A realistic day trip to Colorado Springs starts with an early departure from Denver, taking I-25 South for about 75-90 minutes. Plan to visit two main attractions, such as Garden of the Gods in the morning and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in the afternoon. This allows ample time for exploration and lunch in Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City without feeling rushed. Be sure to account for potential traffic on I-25 during your return trip to Denver, especially during evening rush hour.

Garden of the Gods is extremely popular, so expect parking to be challenging, especially from mid-morning to late afternoon on weekends and throughout the summer. The park has multiple small lots near the main rock formations, but they fill up very quickly. The best strategy is to arrive before 9 a.m. to secure a spot in the main lot near the visitor center. If you arrive later, you may need to circle the scenic loop drive multiple times or park further away and walk.

When driving in the Pikes Peak area, be prepared for steep, winding roads that require your full attention. Use lower gears on descents to avoid overheating your brakes, a common issue for drivers unfamiliar with mountain conditions. The weather can change dramatically with altitude; it can be warm in Colorado Springs but cold and windy with potential for snow near the summit of Pikes Peak, even in summer. Always bring extra layers of clothing and check the road status before heading up any mountain pass.

The most stressful sections of the I-70 drive to Breckenridge in winter are the steep climb to the Eisenhower Tunnel and the long, winding descent on the other side. These areas are prone to icy conditions, heavy snow, and poor visibility. The stretch from Idaho Springs to the tunnel often sees the heaviest traffic and most challenging weather. It's crucial to allow plenty of extra travel time and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, especially during active snowfall.

To avoid the worst I-70 mountain traffic to Vail or Beaver Creek, timing is everything. On winter weekends, avoid traveling westbound from Denver on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. For your return trip, avoid eastbound travel on Sunday afternoons, which is notoriously congested. The best strategy is to leave Denver before 6 a.m. on your travel day or wait until mid-day when the initial rush has subsided. Traveling on weekdays offers a much more predictable and pleasant driving experience.

In summer, the drive to Aspen via Independence Pass (Highway 82) is stunning but features narrow, winding roads and is not for nervous drivers. In winter, the pass is closed, requiring a longer route via I-70 to Glenwood Springs, which adds significant time. Weather can shift rapidly in any season, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer and sudden snowstorms possible from fall through spring. Always check the CDOT website for road closures and conditions before you depart, especially for Independence Pass.

For a less intimidating scenic drive, consider the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway from Black Hawk to Estes Park. While it has curves and elevation changes, it generally lacks the steep drop-offs and high-altitude exposure of I-70's mountain corridor. Another great option is driving to Golden and up Lookout Mountain, which offers fantastic views of Denver on a well-maintained road. A trip south to Castle Rock to see the namesake butte also provides a taste of Colorado's landscape without intense mountain driving.

Colorado's traction laws are often in effect on mountain highways like I-70 from September to May. This law requires vehicles to have appropriate tires for snowy and icy conditions. While you cannot put your own chains on a rental car, selecting a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and good all-season or mud-and-snow (M+S) rated tires is the best way to be prepared. Always check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website for current road conditions before heading into the mountains.

Express lanes in the Denver area, found on highways like I-25, I-70, and US-36, are managed toll lanes that run alongside the general-purpose lanes. They are clearly marked with overhead signs and separated by a solid white line that you should not cross. To avoid accidentally entering one, stay in the main lanes and pay close attention to signage indicating the start of an express lane. If you do not have a toll transponder, using these lanes will result in a bill being sent to the rental company.

Out-of-state drivers are often surprised by the fast pace of traffic on Denver's highways and the very short on-ramps, which require you to get up to speed quickly. Local drivers tend to merge decisively and expect others to do the same. Another common habit is the “zipper merge” during lane closures, where drivers use both lanes until the merge point and then alternate. Be prepared to be assertive but predictable, and always use your turn signal to communicate your intentions clearly.

If your navigation is frequently rerouting, it's likely due to heavy traffic or construction. A simple strategy is to review your overall route before you start driving to understand the major highway numbers and exit names you'll be using. Having a passenger act as a co-pilot to watch the signs and navigation can be extremely helpful. When approaching major interchanges like the I-25/I-70 junction, get into your needed lane well in advance, even if it means slowing down in traffic for a bit.

When traveling with skis or snowboards, vehicle size and features are key. An SUV or a minivan is often the best choice, as they provide ample interior space to lay your gear down with the rear seats folded. Check if the vehicle has a roof rack, which can be a great option for freeing up interior space for passengers and luggage. All-wheel drive (AWD) is also a highly recommended feature for the added traction and stability it provides on snowy mountain roads.

A mid-size or compact SUV is often the most practical choice for a mixed Colorado trip. These vehicles are large enough to be comfortable and capable on mountain roads, especially if you opt for an all-wheel drive (AWD) model, but they are still maneuverable enough to navigate Denver's city streets and fit into tighter parking garage spots. They offer a great balance of fuel efficiency for city driving and the versatility needed for changing weather and road conditions in the mountains.

At pickup, take a moment to plan your vehicle's layout before you start loading. Install any car seats first to ensure they fit properly and leave enough room for other passengers. When loading luggage, place larger, heavier bags at the bottom of the trunk and fill in spaces with smaller items. Keep a bag with essentials like snacks, water, and jackets easily accessible in the cabin rather than buried in the back, especially for long drives into the mountains.

Driving in snow around Denver is typically on flat terrain where main roads are plowed quickly, but side streets can remain slick. The primary challenge is navigating intersections and dealing with ice. In contrast, driving up I-70 involves steep grades, sharp curves, and higher altitudes where snow is heavier and conditions change rapidly. You'll contend with reduced visibility, potential chain laws, and heavy traffic from ski resorts, making it a much more demanding driving environment that requires slower speeds and greater caution.

During sudden weather changes in Colorado, the best plan is to prioritize safety by increasing your following distance and reducing your speed. For heavy rain or hail, pull over to a safe location like an overpass or exit if visibility becomes dangerously low. Rapid temperature drops can cause wet roads to freeze quickly, so be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast and being prepared to alter your plans is a smart approach to driving here.

Before arriving at a hotel with valet-only parking, it's helpful to organize your luggage for a quick handoff. Keep any personal items you'll need immediately, like phones, wallets, or medications, in a small bag that you can easily take with you. When you pull up, the valet will typically help with your larger bags. Remember to note where you've parked if you need to retrieve something later, and be aware that it can take 10-15 minutes to get your car back during peak checkout times.

Several gas stations are conveniently located along Peña Boulevard, the main road leading into DEN. The most popular option is the “Final Approach” cell phone lot area, which has multiple stations and is located just before the rental car return turnoff. You can also find gas stations at the Tower Road and Green Valley Ranch Boulevard exits, which are the last two exits before you reach the airport property. Using one of these ensures you can refuel easily without deviating from your route.

Returning your Avis rental at DEN is very straightforward. As you drive toward the airport on Peña Boulevard, follow the large, clear signs for “Rental Car Return.” These signs will direct you to a dedicated road that leads to all the rental facilities. Once you've dropped off your vehicle at the Avis lot, a shuttle bus will be waiting nearby to take you and your luggage directly to the main terminal for your departing flight. The shuttles drop you off on Level 5, right at the airline check-in areas.

For an early flight, plan to arrive at the gas stations near the airport about two and a half hours before your flight's departure time. This gives you about 15 minutes to refuel, 15 minutes to return the car and gather your belongings, and 15 minutes for the shuttle ride to the terminal. This schedule leaves you with a comfortable two hours to check your bags and get through security.

To minimize loops, first follow the signs for “Departures” on the upper level (Level 6) of the terminal. Drop off your passengers and their luggage at the curb corresponding to their airline. After they are safely on their way, simply follow the exit signs from the departures level, which will guide you back onto Peña Boulevard. From there, immediately take the next exit for “Rental Car Return” to proceed to the Avis facility, avoiding a full loop of the airport.