Hertz Car Rental
Colorado

Once you deplane at DEN, you will take the airport's automated train to the main Jeppesen Terminal. From there, proceed to baggage claim on Level 5 to collect your luggage. Follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Shuttles," which will direct you outside to the designated shuttle pickup islands. Board the clearly marked Hertz shuttle for a short ride directly to the rental car facility where you will find the customer service counter.

The process is designed to handle travelers with significant luggage, including ski equipment. After collecting your items from baggage claim, you can use a luggage cart to transport everything to the shuttle pickup area on Level 5. The Hertz shuttles are equipped with ample space for bags and oversized items like ski bags. The drivers are accustomed to assisting passengers, making the transfer to the rental car center smooth and manageable.

Denver International Airport's rental car center is designed for 24/7 operations, accommodating late-arriving flights. The Hertz shuttles run continuously, and the facility remains well-lit and clearly signed even after midnight. The process remains the same: you'll take the shuttle to the Hertz counter to complete your rental agreement. The exit from the rental car garage is also straightforward, with clear signage directing you toward Peña Boulevard, the main road leading away from the airport.

A convenient and easy-to-find meeting spot for a group is inside the Jeppesen Terminal at the baggage claim level. You can choose a specific baggage carousel number, perhaps one corresponding to the last flight to arrive, as a designated rendezvous point. Alternatively, meeting near one of the large art installations or information desks provides a clear landmark. Once your entire party has assembled, you can proceed together to the rental car shuttle stop.

While times can vary, a reasonable estimate is between 60 to 90 minutes from the moment you deplane. This timeframe accounts for walking to the terminal train, the train ride itself, collecting luggage at baggage claim, and waiting for and riding the shuttle to the rental facility. The final step is completing your paperwork at the Hertz counter and locating your vehicle. Planning for this duration helps ensure a stress-free start to your Colorado trip.

After completing the rental process at the counter, the Hertz agent will provide you with a specific stall number or direct you to a designated zone for your vehicle class. Your rental agreement and the key tag will have this information clearly printed on them. The parking garage is well-organized with large, easy-to-read signs for each row and section. Simply match the number on your paperwork to the signs to find your car efficiently.

A convenient and safe option is the airport's cell phone waiting lot, located just a few minutes from the rental car center on 75th Avenue. This lot provides ample space to park and get organized without the pressure of traffic. Alternatively, there are several gas stations along Peña Boulevard as you head away from the airport. These locations offer parking spots where you can safely set up your GPS and adjust your mirrors and seats before merging onto the interstate.

One of the most frequent mistakes is accidentally getting onto the E-470 toll road immediately after leaving the airport area, as the entrance ramp appears quickly. Another common issue is missing the dedicated "Rental Car Return" exit when coming back to the airport, which can force a lengthy loop around the airport grounds. To avoid these, pay close attention to the overhead signs for Peña Boulevard, which is the main, non-tolled road leading to I-70 and downtown Denver.

The drive is very straightforward. As you exit the rental car facility, follow all signs for Peña Boulevard West. Stay on Peña Boulevard for approximately 10 miles. As you approach the end of the boulevard, the lanes will split for I-70 East and I-70 West. Ensure you are in the middle or left-hand lanes to merge smoothly onto I-70 West, which is the primary route toward the mountains and downtown Denver.

The most direct route is to take Peña Boulevard west from the airport until it merges with I-70 West. Continue on I-70 West for several miles, then take the exit for I-25 South. From I-25 South, you will quickly see exits for the downtown area, such as the one for Speer Boulevard. Following signs for Downtown or Union Station from there will guide you directly into the heart of the city.

To reach the DTC, you will typically take Peña Boulevard to I-225 South. The main congestion point occurs where I-225 South merges with I-25. During morning and evening rush hours, this interchange can become very slow-moving. It's wise to add an extra 20 to 30 minutes to your travel time if you are driving during these peak periods to account for potential traffic delays.

Downtown Denver operates on a grid system, but it features many one-way streets which can be tricky for first-time visitors. It is highly recommended to use a GPS navigation app and trust its turn-by-turn directions. Streets like 17th, 18th, Broadway, and Lincoln are major one-way thoroughfares. Pay close attention to street signs and be prepared for your turn in advance to navigate the downtown area smoothly.

The most convenient areas for a quick stop are the commercial centers in the Green Valley Ranch or Gateway neighborhoods. These are located just off Peña Boulevard, about 5-10 minutes from the rental car facility. You can easily exit, visit a major grocery store or pharmacy, and then get back on Peña Boulevard or connect to I-70 without having to navigate complex airport traffic patterns.

Denver's high altitude can affect visitors, sometimes causing mild fatigue, headaches, or lightheadedness. It's crucial to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, even before you feel thirsty. Avoid strenuous activity on your first day to allow your body to acclimate. As a driver, being aware of these potential effects can help you stay more alert and focused on the road as you begin your journey.

A mid-size or standard SUV often provides the best balance for a versatile Colorado trip. This vehicle class offers sufficient ground clearance and capability for mountain roads, including potential winter conditions. At the same time, it remains maneuverable enough to navigate tight parking garages in downtown Denver and other urban areas. It also typically provides adequate cargo space for luggage and outdoor gear without feeling overly cumbersome in the city.

Before loading your luggage, inspect the vehicle's cargo configuration to ensure it meets your needs. For ski gear, look for a vehicle with a center pass-through in the back seat or a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. This allows you to fit long items like skis while still accommodating rear passengers. Confirming that your suitcases and gear will fit comfortably before you leave the lot will prevent issues down the road.

Once you have located your assigned rental vehicle, the best approach is to pull it forward into an empty, adjacent parking stall if one is available. This takes you out of the direct line of traffic within the garage aisles. Doing so gives you plenty of space and time to install the child seat correctly and safely without feeling pressured by other customers trying to exit the facility.

Before leaving the parking garage, take a moment to conduct a thorough walkaround of your vehicle. Check the tires for proper inflation and look for any pre-existing scratches, dents, or glass chips, ensuring they are noted on your rental agreement. Inside the car, confirm that the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning correctly. This quick inspection helps ensure a safe start to your travels and protects you upon return.

While many modern rental vehicles are equipped with these features, it's always best to verify functionality before you start driving. Before pulling out of the parking stall, use your own USB cable to connect your smartphone to the car's infotainment system. Confirm that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches on the screen and that you can access your preferred navigation app. This simple check ensures you'll have reliable, familiar navigation for your entire trip.

The primary bottleneck on I-70 West during weekends, especially during ski season and summer, begins near the Morrison exit (C-470) and extends through the foothills to Idaho Springs. Traffic often slows considerably on the inclines as vehicles climb into the mountains. The Eisenhower Tunnel can also be a major point of congestion, with traffic sometimes backing up for miles on either side during peak travel times on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

To avoid the heaviest weekend traffic on I-70 West, your best strategy is to travel during off-peak hours. Plan to be on the road from Denver either very early in the morning, ideally before 6:30 AM, or wait until later in the morning, after 10:00 AM. For your return trip on a Sunday, leaving the mountains before noon or after 7:00 PM can help you miss the significant eastbound congestion that builds throughout the afternoon.

The route to both Keystone and Copper Mountain is exceptionally straightforward from DEN. You will take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West and remain on this interstate for the majority of your journey. For Copper Mountain, you will take Exit 195, which leads directly to the resort entrance. For Keystone, you will continue just past the Silverthorne exit (Exit 205) and follow US-6 East for a few miles, with clear signage guiding you the entire way.

The most direct route from Denver to Boulder is to take US-36 West, also known as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. This highway leads you directly into the heart of Boulder. When visiting the popular Pearl Street Mall, avoid the stress of finding street parking by heading directly for one of the city-managed public parking garages. These are located just a block or two off Pearl Street and are well-signed, offering convenient and reliable parking.

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park requires planning, especially during the peak summer and fall seasons. The park often uses a timed-entry reservation system, which you should book online in advance. To secure parking at popular trailheads like Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge, it is essential to arrive very early in the morning, often before 7:00 AM. Arriving later in the day will likely require you to use the park's shuttle system from a larger park-and-ride lot.

To ensure a smooth arrival in Estes Park, try to time your drive to avoid the peak midday rush. A good strategy is to leave the Denver area mid-morning on a weekday, which allows you to miss morning commuter traffic and arrive in Estes Park in the early afternoon. This window is typically after the initial morning tourist rush but before the main afternoon check-in period, making it easier to navigate the town and find parking.

The easiest way to drive to Red Rocks from Denver is by taking I-70 West to the Morrison exit and following the signs. On event nights, traffic management is very organized. Parking is generally included with your ticket, and attendants will direct you into one of the large, tiered parking lots surrounding the venue. It's wise to arrive early to get a better parking spot and enjoy the scenery, as exiting after the show can take some time.

A simple and rewarding scenic drive is to take US-6 West from Denver directly into the historic town of Golden. From downtown Golden, follow the clearly marked signs for the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway, which will take you up Lookout Mountain. The drive features switchbacks with stunning views of the plains and the city. At the top, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave before descending back into Golden, making for a perfect half-day trip.

The route is very straightforward: take I-25 South from Denver for about an hour directly to Colorado Springs. To visit Garden of the Gods, take Exit 146 (Garden of the Gods Road) and head west, following the signs. The park has multiple parking lots, but the largest and most convenient one for first-time visitors is at the main entrance next to the Visitor and Nature Center. Arriving earlier in the day helps ensure you find a spot easily.

The entrance to the Pikes Peak Highway is located in Cascade, a small town just west of Colorado Springs off of US-24. It is highly recommended to make an online reservation for a specific time slot to guarantee entry. Plan to arrive at the toll gate at the beginning of your reserved window, as the scenic drive to the summit can take around two hours, including stops for photos. This allows plenty of time for the ascent without feeling rushed.

For a classic Colorado experience without the intensity of high mountain passes, consider driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. You can access it by taking US-6 through Clear Creek Canyon to Black Hawk. Another excellent option is the drive up Boulder Canyon via CO-119, which offers dramatic canyon views. Both of these routes provide beautiful mountain scenery, charming small towns, and are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate.

The most surprising winter condition for many visitors is the prevalence of black ice, which is often invisible on the pavement. It forms most frequently on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded areas, even when other roads seem clear. Additionally, conditions can change rapidly; a sunny day in Denver can coincide with snowy, icy roads in the western suburbs just a few miles away. Always drive with caution and reduce your speed when temperatures are near freezing.

When snow is forecasted, flexibility is key. Before you leave, check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website for real-time road conditions, traffic cameras, and any potential closures on I-70. Smart travelers often adjust their plans by leaving earlier than scheduled to get ahead of the storm or delaying their trip until road crews have cleared the highways. Having extra water, snacks, and blankets in the car is also a wise precaution.

Colorado implements traction laws on its mountain highways, primarily I-70, during winter weather to ensure safety. When these laws are in effect, vehicles must have either snow tires, mud/snow (M/S) tires, or be equipped with four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Rental vehicles from Denver are typically equipped with all-season M/S tires that satisfy the basic requirements, but it's important for drivers to be aware of the law and drive cautiously in winter conditions.

The main toll road to be aware of when leaving DEN is E-470, which begins right near the airport and circles the eastern metro area. This is an all-electronic toll road, meaning there are no cash booths. Many navigation apps will route you onto it by default if it's the fastest option. To avoid unintended tolls, it's best to follow signs for Peña Boulevard, which is the free public road connecting the airport to I-70 and the rest of the city.

Before you start your route from the rental car center, open your preferred navigation app, such as Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps. Go into the settings or route options menu and ensure that you have selected the "Avoid Tolls" or "Avoid Toll Roads" feature. Activating this setting will prevent the app from directing you onto E-470 or any other tolled express lanes in the Denver area, ensuring a toll-free journey.

Several gas stations are conveniently located along Peña Boulevard, just a few minutes from the rental car return entrance. As you drive toward the airport, you will see signs for a service area that includes multiple fuel brands. Exiting here allows for a quick and easy refuel before you proceed to the Hertz return lot. This is the most practical option to ensure you return the car with the correct amount of fuel.

The most frequent error drivers make is staying in the main lanes of Peña Boulevard for too long. The exit for all rental car returns is a dedicated ramp on the right-hand side well before you reach the main airport terminal. Drivers should move to the right lane and watch carefully for the large green signs that say "Rental Car Return" to avoid missing the exit and having to circle the entire airport.

The process is well-signed and efficient. First, follow the main airport signs for "Departures" to access the upper-level curb where you can drop off passengers and luggage. After they are safely on their way, simply get back on the main airport road and follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." The airport's loop system is designed to easily guide you from the terminal drop-off area directly to the rental car return entrance without confusion.

For an early flight, it is wise to budget at least two hours from the time you pull into the Hertz rental return lot to when you arrive at your departure gate. This allows ample time for the vehicle check-in process, the shuttle ride back to the main terminal, checking your baggage with the airline, and clearing airport security. During peak travel times, adding an extra 30 minutes provides a comfortable buffer and reduces stress.

A highly practical plan is to use the A-Line commuter train, which runs directly from DEN to Union Station in downtown Denver. You can spend the first part of your trip exploring the city car-free, using public transit and ride-sharing services. When you are ready to head to the mountains, simply take the A-Line train back to the airport to pick up your Hertz rental car. At the end of your trip, you can return the car to DEN and proceed directly to your flight.