National Car Rental
Colorado

At Denver International Airport (DEN), all rental car companies, including National, are located in a consolidated rental car facility. This facility is a separate building located a short distance from the main Jeppesen Terminal. To get there, you will need to take a complimentary shuttle bus from the terminal. The shuttles run continuously, providing convenient transport for all arriving passengers. Once at the facility, you'll find the National counter inside the main building, with the vehicles parked in the adjacent garage.

Once you land at Denver International Airport, first proceed to the baggage claim area on Level 5 to collect your luggage. After you have all your bags, look for the overhead signs that direct you to "Rental Car Shuttles." These signs will guide you to the designated shuttle pickup islands located just outside the Level 5 doors. Board the shuttle designated for the rental car facility, which will take you directly to the building where the National counter is located.

Arriving late at night at DEN is a straightforward process, as the airport's rental car shuttles operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can expect the shuttles to run frequently, although perhaps with slightly longer intervals than during peak daytime hours. The route from the terminal to the consolidated rental car facility remains the same. The facility itself is well-lit and staffed around the clock, ensuring you can pick up your vehicle safely and efficiently regardless of your arrival time.

During peak travel times at Denver International Airport, it's wise to plan for a bit of extra time to get from your gate to your rental car. Factoring in deplaning, walking through the large terminal, waiting for checked bags, and then catching the shuttle can take a while. The entire process, from landing to driving away, can vary significantly based on crowds and shuttle wait times. For a group with luggage, allowing at least 60 to 90 minutes provides a comfortable buffer to navigate each step without feeling rushed.

A convenient place for your group to gather at DEN is at the baggage claim carousel assigned to your flight. This allows everyone to collect their luggage in one central spot. Another excellent option is on Level 5, near the glass doors leading out to the rental car shuttle pickup area. Regrouping here ensures everyone is together and ready to board the shuttle as soon as it arrives, streamlining your departure from the terminal.

The most efficient strategy is for the designated driver to proceed alone to the rental car facility while the rest of the group waits with the luggage. The best waiting area is inside the terminal on Level 5, near the baggage claim carousels. This keeps the group out of the busy shuttle and curbside traffic. Once the driver has the car, they can circle back to the terminal and pick everyone up at the passenger pickup area on Level 4 (Arrivals).

You don't need to worry about finding the right building, as all rental car companies at Denver International Airport are housed within one large, consolidated facility. The airport shuttle makes a single stop at this location for all rental customers. Once you step inside the building's main lobby, you will see large, clear overhead signs directing you to the counters for each individual company. Simply follow the prominent signage for National Car Rental to reach the correct service desk.

After completing your rental agreement at the National counter, the agent will provide clear instructions on where to find your vehicle. They will typically direct you to a specific aisle or section within the parking garage. The garage itself is well-organized with large, easy-to-read signs for rows and levels. Following the directions from the staff and paying attention to the overhead signage will lead you directly to your car's location efficiently.

Before leaving the DEN rental lot, it's wise to do a quick walk-around inspection with Colorado's conditions in mind. Check the windshield for any small chips or cracks, as temperature changes can cause them to spread quickly. Look at the tires to ensure they have good tread, which is essential for mountain roads and variable weather. Also, take a moment to test the heater, defroster, and windshield wipers to ensure they are all functioning properly for safety and visibility.

A great spot to safely pull over after leaving the rental facility is the airport's Final Approach cell phone lot. It's located just a few minutes from the rental car area and provides ample, safe parking space away from the main flow of traffic. This allows you to take your time setting up your GPS, adjusting mirrors and seats, and getting comfortable for your drive. Alternatively, you can wait until you are a few miles down Peña Boulevard, where you'll find gas stations and business parking lots to pull into.

When leaving the rental car facility, the primary goal is to get onto Peña Boulevard, the main artery connecting the airport to the interstate system. A common point of confusion is navigating the initial airport roadways. The key is to consistently follow the large, green overhead signs for "Airport Exit" and "To I-70." Missing the turn for I-70 West can lead you toward I-225 or other routes, so it's important to stay alert for that specific exit as you approach the interstate.

The most direct and least complicated route to downtown Denver is to take Peña Boulevard from the airport to I-70 West. You will stay on I-70 West for several miles until you see the signs for I-25 South. Take the I-25 South exit, which will lead you directly toward the downtown area. From I-25, exits like Speer Boulevard or Auraria Parkway provide straightforward access to the heart of the city.

To minimize stress when driving into the LoDo or Union Station areas, it's best to use a GPS with live traffic and lane guidance. After taking I-70 West to I-25 South from the airport, consider using a major exit like Speer Boulevard. This broad street offers easier navigation than some of the smaller, more congested downtown exits. Having your hotel's address pre-loaded will help your navigation app guide you through the final turns on the one-way streets common in that neighborhood.

For a straightforward drive to the Cherry Creek neighborhood, a good plan is to bypass the downtown core entirely. From the airport, take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West, then merge onto I-225 South. From I-225, you can exit onto a major east-west artery like Alameda Avenue or Parker Road (CO-83), which leads directly into the area. This route is typically less congested and avoids the complex intersections and heavy pedestrian traffic found closer to the city center.

When driving near Denver's major sports venues during an event, expect significant traffic delays and numerous road closures. It's highly advisable to check the event schedule and plan to arrive very early. Parking is available in large lots surrounding the stadiums, but they fill up quickly and can be challenging to exit after the event. Many visitors find it easier to book a parking spot in a nearby garage online in advance or to park a bit further away and walk the final few blocks.

A great strategy for exploring downtown Denver is to park your car for the day in a central location. The parking garage at the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall is an excellent choice, as it places you right in the middle of the action. From there, you can easily walk to Larimer Square, the Colorado Convention Center, and the State Capitol. The free MallRide shuttle runs the length of 16th Street, making it easy to get around without needing your car.

The main entrances to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre are clearly marked off of Highway 93 near the town of Morrison. What often surprises first-time visitors is that the parking lots are terraced along the winding roads inside the park. Depending on when you arrive, you may have to park a considerable distance from the venue entrance. Be prepared for a scenic but potentially long, uphill walk from your parking spot to the amphitheater itself.

For early morning hikes, some of the most popular trailheads near Denver fill up extremely fast, especially on weekends. The main parking area for Chautauqua Park in Boulder is often full shortly after sunrise. Similarly, trailheads in Golden Gate Canyon State Park and near Evergreen can reach capacity very early. To secure a spot at these popular locations, it's best to plan on arriving well before 7 a.m. to avoid disappointment.

The most efficient and direct route to Boulder from the airport is to take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West. Shortly after, merge onto I-270 West, which will then seamlessly connect you to US-36 West. This highway, also known as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, will take you directly into the heart of Boulder. This path avoids the E-470 toll road and is the standard route used by most commuters and travelers.

For first-time visitors driving from the Denver area, the Beaver Meadows Entrance near the town of Estes Park is the most common and straightforward choice. This entrance is easily accessible via US-36 West from Boulder or US-34 through Loveland. It provides direct access to the park's main visitor center and the popular Bear Lake Road corridor, which leads to many of the most famous trailheads and scenic spots. Be sure to check for timed-entry reservation requirements before you go.

To make the most of a day trip, start very early from Denver to arrive at the park shortly after sunrise, which is your best chance to find parking at popular trailheads like Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge. Plan your hikes for the morning to avoid the common afternoon thunderstorms. After your morning activities, you can drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road (when seasonally open) across the park, enjoying the overlooks. This creates a natural progression through the park without needing to backtrack for parking.

The drive from Denver to Colorado Springs is a simple and direct journey south on Interstate 25. The trip typically takes about an hour and a half without heavy traffic. A popular stop for travelers along the way is the town of Castle Rock, which is home to a large outlet mall. Another interesting stop just north of Colorado Springs is the United States Air Force Academy, where you can visit the iconic Cadet Chapel and a visitor center.

To have the best experience at Garden of the Gods, plan to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9 a.m., especially on weekends or during the summer. This will give you the best chance of finding a spot in the main parking lot near the north entrance, which provides easy access to the central rock formations. If you arrive later, be prepared to use one of the many smaller, outlying lots and enjoy a scenic walk into the main garden area.

When driving in the Pikes Peak region, be prepared for steep grades and winding roads. The Pikes Peak Highway, a toll road, features many sharp switchbacks and significant elevation gain, so it's important to be a confident driver. On any mountain descent, use a lower gear to let your engine help with braking, preventing your brakes from overheating. Also, remember that weather can change very quickly at high altitudes, so always have extra layers of clothing with you.

A very accessible and low-stress mountain drive from Denver is the trip to Golden and Lookout Mountain. Simply take I-70 West a short distance to the exit for Highway 58, which leads you directly into historic downtown Golden. From there, the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway takes you up Lookout Mountain. While the road is winding, it is well-paved, wide, and not overly steep, making it a comfortable drive for those new to mountain roads.

The primary difference is the route. To reach Summit County towns like Breckenridge or Vail, you will drive on Interstate 70, a major multi-lane highway that goes through the Eisenhower Tunnel. While I-70 can have very heavy traffic, it is generally a less technically demanding drive. To get to Winter Park, you will take US-40 over Berthoud Pass, a high-elevation, two-lane mountain pass with more curves and steeper grades, which can be more challenging in winter weather.

Westbound traffic on I-70 typically starts to build up near Idaho Springs, especially around the Floyd Hill area. To avoid the worst of it, try to leave the Denver area before 6 a.m. on weekend mornings or travel on a weekday. For the return trip east, Sunday afternoon traffic is notoriously heavy. The best strategy is to either leave the mountains very early on Sunday morning or wait until after 7 p.m. to head back to Denver.

Express lanes in the Denver area are typically on the far left side of the highway and are separated from general-purpose lanes by a solid white or dashed line. They are clearly marked with overhead electronic signs indicating the current toll price. To avoid them, simply stay in the main, non-tolled lanes to the right. Accidentally entering an express lane can result in a toll, so it's important to pay attention to the roadway markings and signage.

The interchange of I-25 and I-70, known locally as the "Mousetrap," can be complex for unfamiliar drivers due to its multiple lanes and exits in quick succession. A common mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough for your intended direction. The best way to navigate it successfully is to use a GPS app with lane-guidance assistance and to review your route before you start driving. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs to ensure you're following the correct path.

The high altitude and dry climate in Denver can affect travelers, sometimes causing mild fatigue, headaches, or slower reaction times. It's crucial to drink significantly more water than you might be used to, starting from the moment you arrive. If you are driving directly to even higher elevations in the mountains, take it easy on your first day and be mindful of how you're feeling. These effects are usually temporary as your body adjusts.

When heading into the mountains, the last towns before a major pass are your key decision points. For example, Idaho Springs or Georgetown on I-70 are good places to stop and check the latest road conditions from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). If the weather is deteriorating rapidly, it is much safer to wait in town for conditions to improve than to risk getting stuck on a high-elevation pass like Loveland Pass or Berthoud Pass where services are nonexistent.

A snow squall is a sudden, intense burst of heavy snow and strong winds that can drastically reduce visibility to near-zero in just a few minutes. When one occurs, road surfaces can become slick and icy almost instantly. If you find yourself in a squall, the safest response is to immediately slow down, turn on your headlights, and dramatically increase your following distance from the car ahead. If conditions become too severe, pull off the road at the next available exit and wait for it to pass.

For winter travel into the Colorado mountains, a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) is highly recommended for superior traction and stability. Equally important are good tires with sufficient tread, preferably those rated for mud and snow (M+S). These features provide crucial grip on icy highway ramps, steep resort access roads, and in snowy parking lots. Always check your rental vehicle's capabilities before heading into wintry mountain conditions.

When Colorado's traction laws are in effect on mountain highways like I-70, you will see large electronic signs announcing the requirement. The law typically requires vehicles to have either snow tires, tires with a mud/snow (M+S) rating, or to be a 4WD/AWD vehicle. As a rental car driver, the best approach is to ensure your vehicle meets these standards before you leave Denver. Discussing your travel plans with the rental agent can help ensure you have a suitably equipped vehicle for your trip.

During wildfire season, it's essential to check conditions before any mountain drive. The most reliable source for road closures and real-time traffic impacts is the Colorado Department of Transportation's website, cotrip.org, or their mobile app. For information on air quality and smoke, you can check the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website or major weather service apps. This allows you to adjust your plans for safety and comfort.

If you'd like to get comfortable with a larger or unfamiliar vehicle, a good place to practice is in one of the large, often-empty parking lots of business parks. The Gateway Park area, located just a few miles from the airport along Peña Boulevard, offers plenty of space on weekends or evenings. This allows you to practice turning, parking, and getting a feel for the vehicle's size in a low-stress environment before you enter heavy traffic or navigate winding mountain roads.

When staying in downtown Denver or historic neighborhoods, be aware that many hotel and public parking garages can be tight with low clearance heights. If you anticipate parking in such structures, opting for a mid-size sedan or a compact SUV can make navigation much easier. A larger SUV or truck might be challenging to maneuver in narrow spaces and could potentially exceed the maximum height limits of some older garages, so it's a good factor to consider when selecting your vehicle.

Returning your rental car at DEN is very straightforward as you approach the airport on Peña Boulevard. Well before you reach the passenger terminals, you will see large, prominent overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return." This exit directs you onto a dedicated roadway that leads straight to the consolidated return facility. By following these specific signs, you will completely bypass the more congested traffic loops for passenger drop-off and pickup.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" (Level 6) as you approach the main terminal. Drop off your passengers and their luggage at the curb corresponding to their airline. After they are safely on their way, simply get back on the main airport roadway, Peña Boulevard, and follow the signs to circle around. On your next approach, you will then follow the signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you to the correct facility.

The process for getting back to the terminal is simple and efficient. After you have returned your vehicle and gathered your belongings, you will walk from the garage into the main rental car facility building. From there, you will board one of the complimentary airport shuttles waiting just outside. These shuttles run continuously and will take you directly back to the main Jeppesen Terminal, dropping you off on Level 5, just steps from the airline check-in counters.