Best Car Rental Denver Airport: Companies, Vehicle Options, and Tips

Renting a car at Denver International Airport is the most convenient way to get around the city and nearby areas. More than 10 companies are present within the airport premises, offering multiple vehicle options, such as economy, compact, premium, vans, etc. With free shuttle service, flyers can directly access the car rental area from the main terminal. The average price of the vehicles ranges between $18 to $40, depending on the type of vehicle. Additionally, renters can use the loyalty programs to get affordable deals at the best car rentals at the Denver Airport.

Best Car Rental Denver Airport: Companies, Vehicle Options, and Tips

Advantages of Car Rentals at Denver Airport

Car Renting provides different advantages, offering flexibility and convenience to the flyers to move around the city easily.

  • Convenience: The on-site rental system gives direct access from the terminal through the complimentary shuttles. In addition, people can use the cars as they wish and explore the area of Denver.

  • Flexibility: Renting a car is always a beneficial option, as it's ideal for road trips, skiing, and visiting national parks. Also, the public transportation has time and crowd limitations.

  • Pricing: As compared to other modes of transport, DEN car rentals come up as an affordable option with multiple companies and several vehicle options.

How Car Rentals Work at Denver Airport

All car rental companies at this airport operate through level 5 of the DEN Jeppesen Terminal. Passengers can access the complimentary shuttles from the designated pickup points.

  • Shuttle pickups: Island 4, East doors 505-513, and West doors 504-512, Level 5 Jeppesen Terminal.

Working Process

The majority of these rental companies provide both online and walk-in reservations for vehicles. However, it’s recommended to book cars online due to limited inventory and spending more time at the counter. Some documents and eligibility criteria are a must for renting a car in Denver:

  • The drivers must be 18 years or older to rent a car.

  • A major global credit card registered under the renter’s name.

  • Local or international driving permit of the main and additional drivers. 

  • Debit cards can be used, but only with a return itinerary.

Pickup and Return

Renters must return the vehicle to the designated place from where they picked it up at the airport. And if someone selected a different location during booking, they must go to that place. 

  • Drive to the location and park the vehicle.

  • Make sure that the fuel tank is full and the car is clean.

  • If returning during off-working hours, use the key drop method. 

  • After parking, hand over the keys at the counter or drop them into the box.

  • Collect bags and again take the shuttle back to the terminal.

Best rental car company at Denver Airport

These are the best and most available rental car companies at Denver International Airport, located on the premises. Most of them provide 24/7 services for vehicle pickup and return.

DEN Car Rental

Location Type

Address

Phone Number

Vehicle Availability 

Avis Car Rental

On-site 

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(303) 342 5500

Economy, Compact, Luxury cars and vans.

Alamo Car Rental

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(877) 222 9075

Both Standard and Premium Vehicles.

Hertz Car Rental

On-site 

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(800) 654 3131

Regular-sized cars and SUVs.

Thrifty Car Rentals

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(800) 367 2277

Standard and Elite Cars

Budget Car Rental

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(303) 342 9001

Convertibles, Compact, Economy, and more.

Enterprise Car Rentals

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(800) 261 7331

Small or Medium Cars, automatic, electric, and hybrid cars.

Fox Car Rental

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(800) 225 4369

Mid-size, full-size, and premium vehicle alternatives.

National Car Rental

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(877) 222 9058

Convertible. Elite, Sports, and standard cars, trucks, and vans.

Payless Car Rental

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(303) 342 9444

Intermediate, Midsize Electric, Full-size Hybrid, Standard Recreational Vehicle, and Passenger Van. 

Dollar Car Rental

On-site

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(303) 317 0598

Economy, Compact, Intermediate, and Full-size cars and SUVs.

Sixt Car Rental

On-site 

24890 E 78th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249

(888) 749 8227

Luxury Cars

Top 5 Best Car Rentals at DEN Airport

Out of all eleven present car rentals at Denver Airport, these five companies are mostly used and considered to be the best.

  1. Alamo Car Rental

  • This company is best for families, as per customer ratings and service type.

  • Also offers the skip-the-counter feature for convenient check-in.

  • Appropriate options, including economy and compact cars.

  1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car 

  • The best company in overall experience with large fleet options.

  • Good for business and long-term renters.

  1. Hertz Car Rental

  • It is best for people who are a part of loyalty programs, as it has premium membership alternatives and upgrades. 

  • Hertz is also in partnership with multiple airlines, hotels, and other industries.

  • Pickup options are efficient. 

  1. Avis Car Rental

  • With several options of economy, compact, or mid-size cars, Avis is best for budget renters. 

  • It offers competitive pricing, lower than most other companies. 

  1. Sixt Car Rental

  • Best for renters looking for premium brands, including BMW, Audi, Tesla, Mercedes, etc. 

  • It’s ideal for upgrading the travel experience.

Standard Price at Denver Car Rentals

The average price of cars at Denver rentals depends on the type of vehicle rented. However, the most affordable ones starts from $18 to $20 per day.

Car Type

Average Daily Price

Best Use Case

Economy (Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa)

$18 to $23/day

Budget, short trips

Compact and Intermediate (Corolla, Cruze)

$20 to $30/day

Balanced comfort

Full-size (Altima)

$25 to $32/day

Longer drives, families

Luxury (Mercedes C-Class)

$34+/day

Premium experience

SUV (Durango)

$30/day+

Mountain trips, extra space

Van (Toyota Sienna)

$35 to $40/day

Group travel

Tips for Getting the Best Deal at Denver Car Rental

Renters must use these tips to get better deals at Denver Car Rental: 

  • Book Early: Reserve the cars at least 1 to 2 weeks before arrival in the city, and the rates are also less on the “pay now” option than paying at the counter.

  • Compare different platforms: Consider comparing prices at different websites, and use the comparison tool to avoid paying extra money.

  • Loyalty Programs: Enterprise, Hertz, and National offer points, upgrades, and discounts for frequent renters.

  • Insurance: Buying vehicle insurance at the counter can double the price. However, some credit cards already cover rental cars. 

  • Fuel Policies: Full to Full is the cheapest, if the renter returns the car with a full tank, as received.

  • Late fees: Confirm the late return fees and grace period at the time of pickup, and make sure to return at the selected time to avoid the fee.

People must evaluate their requirements to find the best car rental company at Denver Airport. Apart from on-site rentals, some off-airport rental companies are also present, which are located a few miles away. However, it is advised to rent from the available offices due to accessibility and the easy rental process.

Frequently Asked Questions

All major car rental companies operate from a dedicated facility connected to the Jeppesen Terminal via free shuttle service on Level 5.

You can take the complimentary shuttle from Island 4 on Level 5 (outside doors 504-513). The shuttles run frequently throughout the day.

Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, but some allow 18+ with an additional underage fee.

Popular choices include Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Sixt based on pricing, service, and vehicle options.

You’ll need a valid driving license, a credit card in the renter’s name, and, for international travelers, a passport and sometimes an International Driving Permit.

Prices usually start from around $18 to $20 per day for economy cars and go higher depending on the vehicle type and add-ons.

Yes, many companies allow one-way rentals, but you may have to pay an additional drop-off fee.

Yes, you must have valid insurance. You can either use your personal insurance, credit card coverage, or buy it from the rental company.

Most companies follow a full-to-full policy, meaning you receive the car with a full tank and must return it the same way.

Booking at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance usually gives better prices, especially during peak travel seasons.