Tessa WilliamsAre you ready to hit the open road and explore the stunning Rocky Mountains? If you are, then finding the best car rental in Denver is the first step toward an unforgettable adventure.
After all, you don’t want to be stuck waiting for public transit while the mountains are calling your name. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to find hidden trails regardless of whether you’re on a tight schedule.
We researched the top local picks to get you behind the wheel quickly so you can start making memories today.
How much does a car rental cost in Denver?
Renting a car in Denver typically costs between $30 and $80 per day, with rates fluctuating based on vehicle type and the time of year.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Daily Cost |
| Economy/Standard Sedans | $33 – $44 |
| SUVs | $31 – $77 |
| Minivans | $35 – $61 |
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Denver International Airport (DEN)
Website: https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental-locations/us/co/denver-international-airport-12e1.html
Address: 23842 E 78th Ave
Contact: (833) 828-5715
Hours: Available 24/7
Stepping off your flight and right into your car sets a great tone for an epic road trip. Enterprise offers excellent access to major highways so you can kick off your Rocky Mountain journey without wrestling with public transit.
I actually rented a compact sedan from this branch last spring, and I loved how quickly I was able to merge onto the interstate. You can easily skip the long lines and get your keys fast.
They also let your spouse drive at no extra charge, which is a nice perk for couples sharing the wheel. To tell you the truth, I even used my saved time to hire the best carpet cleaners in Denver right from the passenger seat.
Plus, the 24-hour drop-off setup makes late-night returns completely painless after a long day of exploring.
One downside is that they don’t offer a pick-up service. You have to find your own way to the office if you’re not already at the airport.
Customer Reviews:
I am very satisfied with the service
I am very satisfied with the service at Enterprise Rent-A-Car at Denver International Airport. Everything went smoothly and without any issues. The staff was professional and helpful. The shuttle service to and from the airport takes only about 6 minutes, which is a big plus. There is a wide and excellent selection of vehicles, and I had no problem fitting all of my ski equipment into the rental car. Highly recommended.
- Igor Miletic | Google Review
Keep up the high standards and great team
Both pickup and drop-off were a breeze. It took only 5 minutes to get the keys, and the return was just as quick. Stephanie was incredibly friendly and easy to talk to. I’ll definitely be back with Enterprise on my next trip to Denver. Keep up the high standards and great team. Thanks a lot!
- Andrej Palusak | Google Review
2. National Car Rental – Denver International Airport (DEN)
Website: https://www.nationalcar.com/en/car-rental-locations/us/co/denver-international-airport-12e7.html
Address: 24530 E 78th Ave
Contact: (833) 886-0712
Hours: Available 24/7
Professionals who need to get to meetings fast will find that National offers a very smooth experience.
They have excellent fueling choices and corporate perks that are specifically tailored for busy people on the move. For instance, you can prepay for a full tank or fill it up yourself before returning the vehicle.
They also provide a 24-hour shuttle back to the terminal, which is incredibly helpful for late-night flights. Another great benefit is that spouses can drive for free, making it a very budget-friendly option for couples.
They even offer specialized coverage to protect your belongings during your trip.
However, you should be aware that younger drivers often face high extra fees. Renters under 25 are also restricted from booking some of the nicer vehicle categories.
For these reasons, you should double-check the age requirements before you finish your reservation so everything goes smoothly at the counter.
Customer Reviews:
Easy pick up and drop off
Had the opportunity to drive a newer, lo mileage 2025 VW Atlas. The car was clean, well maintained, and drove as expected. No mechanical issues whatsoever.
Upon drop-off, the national team were using some sort of hand-held screens while inspecting for damage from hail or whatever else. A bit unsettling as there was no adverse weather during the time of my rental.
The Emerald Isle was well stocked with numerous vehicles to choose from for just about any driver’s preference or need. Easy pick up and drop off. Highly recommend.
- Peter Graves | Google Review
No lines or waiting process
This was the easiest rental car process I have used in many years. I will say that I recently got elevated to executive level via credit card so I am not sure if that made it easier. We got shuttled to the lot and went right to the car and was out of the lot in less than 5 minutes. No lines or waiting process. Thanks for making it enjoyable.
- Bob Rowlands | Google Review
3. Alamo Rent A Car – Denver International Airport (DEN)
Website: https://www.alamo.com/en/car-rental-locations/us/co/denver-international-airport-12e2.html
Address: 24530 E 78th Ave
Contact: (833) 828-5714
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 24 hours
Vacationing families really need straightforward transport to kick off their outdoor trips. Alamo offers hassle-free rentals that give you quick access to the best local nature spots.
Just like you would when planning a major kitchen remodel in Denver, booking the right car requires looking at all your options carefully.
You can browse their fleet, which features a wide selection of sturdy minivans that are perfectly suited for those steep mountain drives. You can just hop on their direct shuttle from baggage claim and skip the usual airport confusion.
They also accept debit cards from ticketed passengers, which makes the payment process incredibly easy for everyone.
One thing to keep in mind is that they only allow your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver. You can’t add friends or extended family to the agreement at all.
This strict rule might complicate things if you’re planning a larger group vacation, so definitely plan accordingly.
Customer Reviews:
The online check-in for car pickup was a lifesaver
I have rented from here twice when I am in Denver and the service is always exceptional and the employees are so pleasant to deal with. The online check-in for car pickup was a life saver. It let me skip the long time at the counter and I went straight to the back for pickup. I was out of the rental location in like 5m. The Jeep was awesome in the heavy snow. Alamo will always be my go-to for all car rental needs!
- Kim Tran | Google Review
The service was fast
I chose Alamo after reading many positive reviews.
The service was fast, with plenty of cars to choose from. Most of the midsize AWD options were Mazda CX-5 and Cx50 which was totally fine since I wasn’t driving in heavy snow.
The car was clean and well maintained, and the staff were professional. One thing I really like about Alamo is that you can walk and choose your own car. Returning the car was also quick.
- Ciro | Google Review
4. Hertz Car Rental
Website: https://www.hertz.com/us/en/location/unitedstates/colorado/denver/dent11
Address: 24890 E 78th Ave
Contact: (303) 342-3800
Hours: Available 24/7
Winter sports fans really need cars that are ready for snowy alpine roads. Hertz is a great choice because they have a huge fleet with options for child seats and sturdy ski racks.
I actually rented an all-wheel-drive car from them last December, and having that ski rack really saved our trip.
Their courtesy bus runs every five minutes, so you can get from the terminal to the lot very quickly. You can also prepay for your gas to save time before your flight home.
Return-wise, they offer a generous grace period for returns, which helps you avoid those annoying late charges. Just be careful because returning a car more than 12 hours late will trigger heavy penalty fees.
They might even hit you with an extra daily charge for up to five days. You should definitely watch the clock closely so you don’t accidentally bust your travel budget.
Customer Reviews:
Staffs are so accommodating & very pleasant
I am Yolanda Doddato! I am so very pleased with the Hertz rental car company ! The staffs are so accommodating & very pleasant & helpful! I am keeping my rental car for 2 weeks while I am in Colorado! Thank you Hertz for your kind service 👍💕🙏🙏🙏! …
- August Doddato | Google Review
They gave me great service!
I had an unbelievable experience here! They gave me great service! They were super nice! Would rent from here again! The whole process was so smooth! They were amazing! They upgraded my rental for very cheap to give me a brand new vehicle! Hertz is the place to rent!
- Tzvi H. Kushner | Google Review
5. SIXT Rent a Car Denver Union Station
Website: https://www.sixt.com/car-rental/usa/denver/denver-union-station/
Address: 1660 17th Street, Suite 110
Contact: (888) 749-8227
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SIXT provides a premium fleet in Lower Downtown so you can effortlessly transition from urban streets to mountain passes. This branch sits right next to major public transit lines, which makes it extremely easy to find.
Fleet-wise, you can choose from compact sedans for tight city parking or upgrade to a rugged four-by-four for your adventure. They also allow you to customize your ride with useful add-ons like GPS units.
Dropping the car off is incredibly smooth thanks to their reserved spaces in a nearby parking garage.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will face significant underage driver fees if you’re a younger traveler. Younger renters also face tight restrictions on the luxury cars they can book.
Because of this, you should make sure to read their age policies before you hand over your credit card.
Customer Reviews:
Really happy with the process
Really happy with the process. First time using Sixt and will definitely use them again! My vehicle class wasn’t available so they upgraded the car. Friendly and helpful staff, easy pickup. You do have to walk 1 block to their parking garage but that wasn’t an issue at all.
- Scott Boyer | Google Review
Great customer service, quick and efficient
Great customer service, quick and efficient. I had insurance through my credit card and car insurance. I’ve rented many cars with many different companies. This is the first time that I wasn’t pestered or pressured to take out additional coverage, which always make you lose a bunch of time.
- David Burns | Google Review
