Hertz Car Rental
Denver

Once you deplane and enter the Jeppesen Terminal, your first step is to collect any checked luggage from the baggage claim carousels. From there, follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and then specifically for "Rental Car Shuttles." You will exit the terminal on Level 5 and proceed to the designated island where the rental car shuttles pick up passengers. Board the clearly marked Hertz shuttle for a short ride directly to the rental facility where you will pick up your vehicle.

Navigating from baggage claim to the Hertz counter with luggage is a streamlined process at DEN. After you've collected all your bags, look for the signs directing you to Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. The airport provides luggage carts that you can take all the way to the shuttle pickup curb. The Hertz shuttles are equipped with ample space for luggage, allowing you to easily load your bags for the brief trip to the rental car center.

Arriving late at night at DEN is generally a smooth experience, as it's a major 24/7 airport. The Hertz shuttle service typically runs frequently, even during late hours, to accommodate incoming flights. The route to the rental car facility is well-lit and clearly signed, minimizing confusion. Once you have your vehicle, the exit signs from the rental car area onto Peña Boulevard are large and illuminated, making it straightforward to begin your drive into Denver.

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 for the entire process on a typical weekday afternoon is between 60 and 90 minutes. This timeframe accounts for walking from your gate to the main terminal, waiting for and collecting checked luggage, and taking the shuttle to the Hertz facility. The final step of completing your rental agreement and getting your vehicle can also depend on how busy the counter is at that specific time. Planning for this window helps ensure a low-stress start to your trip.

After you complete the check-in process at the Hertz counter, your rental agreement will clearly state the location of your assigned vehicle. This information typically includes a zone or section letter and a specific stall number. The rental car garage is organized with large, easy-to-read signs hanging from the ceiling that correspond to these zones. Simply follow the signs to your designated row to find your car quickly and efficiently.

A great option for getting situated is the airport's Final Approach facility, which includes a cell phone waiting lot, gas station, and casual restaurants. It is located just a few minutes from the rental car center on 75th Avenue and is designed for this exact purpose. Pulling into a parking spot here allows you to set up your GPS, connect your phone to the car's system, and adjust your mirrors and seat in a safe, calm environment before merging onto the busy Peña Boulevard.

The most frequent mistake drivers make when leaving the rental car facility is missing the main exit and accidentally following signs back toward the rental car return or the main airport terminal loop. It is crucial to pay close attention to the overhead signs that explicitly say "Airport Exit" and point toward Peña Boulevard. Following these signs will correctly position you to head toward I-70 and the greater Denver area without getting caught in the airport's internal road system.

The most straightforward route to downtown Denver is to take Peña Boulevard directly from the airport. Stay on Peña Boulevard for about 10 miles until it merges with Interstate 70 (I-70) West. Continue on I-70 West and then look for the exits for I-25 South. From I-25, you can take one of several exits that lead directly into the downtown area. This primary route uses major highways and minimizes the need for complex navigation on surface streets until you are very close to your destination.

For a smooth approach to the LoDo (Lower Downtown) and Union Station area, take I-70 West from the airport to I-25 South. From I-25, the Speer Boulevard or 20th Street exits provide direct access to this neighborhood. Because street parking is often limited and metered, most visitors find it easiest to use their hotel's valet service or a public parking garage. There are numerous multi-level garages in the area that offer secure overnight parking.

The RiNo (River North) Art District is a vibrant area with a mix of older industrial streets and new developments. You can expect to find a combination of metered street parking, paid surface lots, and some parking garages. The streets can be narrower than in suburban areas, and you may encounter some tight turns, especially around new construction. A compact or mid-size vehicle is often easier to maneuver and park in this dynamic neighborhood.

The drive from DEN to the Denver Tech Center typically involves taking Peña Boulevard to I-225 South. This route is heavily used by commuters, so you should plan for significant slowdowns during peak traffic hours. The morning rush, roughly from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM, and the evening commute, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays, can add considerable time to your drive. It's wise to check a real-time traffic app before you leave the airport.

For a convenient stop after leaving the Hertz facility, head toward the Tower Road exit off Peña Boulevard. This area, located just a few miles from the airport, has a large concentration of retail stores, including major grocery chains, pharmacies, and coffee shops. Making your stop here is very efficient as it's on the main route away from the airport, allowing you to get your supplies and then easily get back on the road toward your final destination.

While your rental car will perform well, you as the driver might notice some effects from Denver's high altitude. It's common for visitors to feel a bit more fatigued, lightheaded, or slower to react during their first day. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help mitigate these effects. It's also wise to plan for shorter driving stints initially and take breaks if you begin to feel tired behind the wheel.

Downtown Denver's street grid is composed largely of one-way streets, which can be challenging for first-time visitors. It's highly recommended to use a GPS navigation app and trust its turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, Denver is a growing city with frequent construction projects that can lead to unexpected lane closures or detours. Allowing a little extra travel time when driving downtown will help reduce stress and ensure you arrive on schedule.

A smart strategy is to enter a destination that is clearly outside the airport's complex road system. Instead of your final destination, first navigate to a nearby landmark like a gas station or coffee shop on Tower Road or Peña Boulevard. For example, setting your GPS for the Target or King Soopers on Tower Road will guarantee the directions guide you away from the airport. Once you are on the main boulevard, you can then enter your actual final destination.

A compact or mid-size SUV often strikes the perfect balance for a Denver trip. This type of vehicle is spacious and comfortable enough for highway driving on day trips into the mountains or to nearby cities. At the same time, it remains maneuverable enough to navigate the tight corners and compact spaces found in many downtown Denver parking garages. A full-size truck or very large SUV can be more challenging to park in urban areas.

For a group of four adults with luggage, a standard or full-size SUV is typically the best choice. Before leaving the Hertz lot, it's a good idea to do a quick test fit of your luggage. Ensure that all suitcases can fit in the rear cargo area without needing to stack them so high that they block the driver's rear view. This layout ensures both passenger comfort and safe visibility for the drive.

When traveling with long gear like skis or snowboards, an SUV is almost always necessary. Before you leave the lot, check if the vehicle has a rear-seat pass-through or 60/40 split-folding rear seats to accommodate the length of your equipment bag. Also, consider the loading height of the vehicle's cargo area to make sure you can comfortably lift your gear in and out. Confirming these features will make your trips to the mountains much more convenient.

The most practical and safest place to install a child car seat is in the parking stall where you pick up your vehicle at the Hertz facility. This location is out of the flow of traffic, allowing you to take your time and ensure the seat is installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. The well-lit garage provides a comfortable environment to get everything secured properly before you even start the car.

During your vehicle walkaround, it's important to check for any pre-existing dings, dents, or scratches and make sure they are documented on your rental agreement. Inside the car, take a moment to locate and test essential controls like the headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals. It's also a good idea to adjust your mirrors, seat, and steering wheel to a comfortable position before you begin your drive.

Before you drive away from your parking stall, take a moment to connect your phone to the car's USB port with your cable. The Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface should automatically launch on the vehicle's infotainment screen. If it doesn't, try a different USB port if one is available. Verifying this functionality while you are still at the Hertz facility makes it easy to ask for assistance or switch to a different vehicle if needed.

First-time visitors should be aware that Colorado frequently implements a Traction Law on mountain highways, like I-70, during winter and sometimes in shoulder seasons. This law sets minimum requirements for vehicle traction, often related to tire type and tread depth. While rental cars are typically equipped with all-season tires suitable for most conditions, it's important to drive cautiously and be aware that these laws are enforced for safety during snowy or icy weather.

When heading west from Denver on I-70, the most significant and often underestimated bottlenecks occur as the highway begins its steep climb into the mountains. The stretch of road from Morrison to Floyd Hill can become very congested, especially on weekend mornings. Further west, the approach to the Eisenhower Tunnel is another major point of slowdowns, as traffic merges and prepares for the high-altitude crossing.

To minimize traffic on the way to Breckenridge, timing is everything. The best strategy is to avoid peak travel periods, which are typically Friday afternoons and evenings heading west, and Sunday afternoons heading east back to Denver. Experienced travelers often leave Denver very early in the morning, even on weekends, to get ahead of the main rush. Traveling on a weekday will almost always result in a much smoother and faster drive.

The simplest driving plan is to take I-70 West from the Denver area. This single interstate will take you most of the way without any required turns or interchanges. For Copper Mountain, you will take the clearly marked Exit 195. To get to Keystone, you will continue just a bit further on I-70 to Exit 205 in Silverthorne, and then follow US Highway 6 east for about six miles. Both routes are very well-signed and easy to follow.

The most direct route for a day trip to Boulder from most parts of Denver is to take U.S. Highway 36 West, also known as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. This highway leads you directly into the heart of the city. For parking near the popular Pearl Street Mall, the easiest options are the city-managed parking garages located on Spruce Street and Walnut Street, just a block away from the pedestrian mall. These offer convenient and centrally located parking.

For a first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, it's crucial to plan ahead, especially regarding the park's timed entry reservation system which is often in effect. The easiest plan is to arrive very early in the morning, as parking at popular trailheads like Bear Lake fills up extremely fast. A great alternative is to park at the large Park & Ride Transit Hub and use the free park shuttle bus system to move between popular destinations, which eliminates parking stress.

To avoid the most chaotic traffic and parking situations in Estes Park, especially during the peak summer and fall seasons, it's best to plan your arrival for mid-week if possible. If you are arriving on a weekend, aim to get into town either before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. This helps you miss the peak influx of day-trippers, making the drive into town smoother and increasing your chances of finding parking near your lodging or downtown.

The most common and straightforward drive to Red Rocks from Denver is via I-70 West to Exit 259, which leads you to the town of Morrison and the park entrances. On show nights, parking is well-organized by event staff who will direct you into one of the large, tiered parking lots. Parking is included with your ticket, and arriving early not only secures a better spot but also gives you time to enjoy the venue's stunning views before the performance.

A simple and rewarding scenic drive is to take U.S. Highway 6 west from Denver, which follows Clear Creek Canyon directly to the town of Golden. Once in Golden, follow the clearly marked signs for the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway, which will take you up Lookout Mountain. The entire route is paved and well-maintained, offering spectacular views of the city and the plains without any difficult navigation.

The most direct route for a day trip to Colorado Springs is to take Interstate 25 (I-25) South from Denver for about an hour. To reach Garden of the Gods, take Exit 146 (Garden of the Gods Road) and follow the signs westward. The park has a main parking lot at the Visitor and Nature Center, as well as several smaller lots scattered along the scenic loop road near popular rock formations, making it easy to park and explore on foot.

When snow is in the forecast, the primary decision point is safety and road accessibility. Travelers should check the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website for real-time road conditions, chain and traction law status, and any potential closures on I-70. Another key consideration is timing; if the storm is expected to be heavy, it may be wise to delay the drive until road crews have had a chance to clear the highway. Your comfort level with driving in winter conditions is also a crucial factor.

Drivers from warmer climates are often surprised by the persistence of ice in shaded areas, long after the main roads appear clear. Bridges, overpasses, and exit ramps can remain icy and slick even on sunny days. It's also important to remember that stopping distances are significantly longer on snowy or icy pavement. Driving at a reduced speed and avoiding sudden braking or steering actions are key to staying safe.

The Denver metro area has several toll roads and express lanes, most notably the E-470 tollway, which is a common route from the airport. These lanes are clearly marked with overhead signs indicating that they are tolled. Most rental cars are equipped with a transponder that automatically handles toll payments, which are then settled with the rental company. To avoid them, simply stay in the general-purpose lanes and follow signs for non-tolled routes like I-70.

Before you leave the Hertz rental lot, open your preferred navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, and go into the settings menu. Look for the "Route options" or "Navigation" section and make sure to enable the "Avoid tolls" or "Avoid toll roads" feature. This simple step will ensure that the app calculates a route to your destination using only public, non-tolled highways, helping you avoid any unexpected charges.

The most convenient fuel stations are located along Peña Boulevard at the Tower Road exit, just a few minutes away from the rental car return area. This cluster of gas stations is designed for airport traffic, with easy-on and easy-off access from the main road. Refueling here allows you to get right back on Peña Boulevard heading toward the airport without any complicated U-turns or navigating unfamiliar side streets.

The most common mistake is staying in the main lanes of Peña Boulevard that lead directly to the passenger terminal. As you approach the airport, you must move into the designated right-hand lanes specifically for "Rental Car Return." The signs are large and frequent, but drivers can miss them if they aren't paying close attention. Missing this exit requires you to circle the entire airport terminal loop to get back to the correct entrance.

The process is quite simple. First, follow the main signs on Peña Boulevard for "Departures" and pull up to the curb corresponding to your airline to drop off passengers and luggage. After they are safely on their way, get back on the main airport road and follow the loop around. On your second pass, pay close attention to the signs and move into the correct lanes for "Rental Car Return" to proceed to the Hertz facility.

The process is designed to be very straightforward for travelers. After you have returned your vehicle and completed the checkout process, you will board the complimentary Hertz shuttle bus waiting right outside the facility. These shuttles run on a continuous loop back to the main Jeppesen Terminal. They will drop you off directly at the departures level, just steps away from the airline check-in counters and security checkpoints.