Affordable Car Rentals in Denver are easy to find, with all major car rental companies having at least one branch at the local airport or downtown. Compared to other locations in the USA, the prices for car rentals in Denver are slightly above average. Read on to discover when prices are highest and the most common mistakes to avoid.
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Car Rental Prices in Denver
To get an accurate price quote, use the blue form below. It compares prices from all car rental companies in Denver to help you find the best possible rate.
How Much Does Car Rental in Denver Cost?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in Denver
The cost of a car rental in Denver depends on several factors. Beyond the rental period or the chosen company, consider the following variables:
🗓️ Booking Date
The timing of your booking can significantly affect the price. Based on my research, I recommend reserving a car 1-3 months in advance.
Car rental prices are calculated in 24-hour periods. Be sure to pick the same pick-up and drop-off times. For example, if you pick up the car at noon and return it at 1 PM, you could be charged for an additional day unnecessarily.
You can secure a good deal on RentalCars.com, which offers free cancellations. This means you can book a car for your preferred date and cancel it later if your plans change. RentalCars also provides a best price guarantee.
⏳ Current Car Demand
Demand for cars varies throughout the year. During summer holidays or around national holidays, prices tend to increase due to higher demand.
🗺️ Car Rental Location
There can be price differences between rentals at the airport and downtown locations. In my experience, airport rentals are usually cheaper. By renting at the airport, you can also save on transportation costs to the city center.
🏎️ Car Class
Economy cars are typically the most affordable but come with limited trunk space and basic features. For longer trips, consider intermediate or large cars, though these typically cost about 10% more than the base rate.
For even greater comfort and space, SUVs are an option, but expect to pay about 25% more compared to economy models. Premium options, such as convertibles, can be up to 100% more expensive.
Car availability at specific branches can also affect prices. It’s not uncommon to find premium cars priced lower than economy models or to receive a free upgrade to a higher class.
Always compare prices before booking. The first car rental company in Denver you encounter is unlikely to be the cheapest. I recommend using RentalCars.com, which compares prices from over 200 rental companies and guarantees the lowest price.
Economy Intermediate SUV Convertible 
from $30 from $28 from $29 from $75 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔞 Driver’s Age
Drivers aged between 21 and 24 should expect an extra charge of $16.00 to $37 per day. The specific fee varies by rental company and is due to the higher risk of accidents associated with young drivers.
Drivers aged 18 to 21 often face higher fees or may not be allowed to rent a car at all.
☂️ Included Insurance
Most car rental companies in Denver include liability and collision insurance in the total rental price. Verify in your contract that the coverage comes with zero deductible, ensuring you won’t have to pay anything in case of damage.
If certain risks (such as theft or windshield damage) aren’t covered, consider purchasing additional insurance for full protection.
🛰️ Extra Accessories
When booking, you can add optional services and accessories. One of the most useful is an additional driver, allowing another person to share driving duties. The fee varies by company, typically costing $13.00 to $15.00 per day. Avis caps the fee at $65 for the entire rental period. If an unauthorized driver causes damage, any insurance coverage may be void.
If you’re traveling with small children, you can rent a child seat or booster. All rental companies offer these options in multiple sizes.
Skip unnecessary extras like a Wi-Fi modem with mobile internet, which you can replace with a cost-effective eSIM from Airalo. GPS navigation is also redundant—just use your phone with Google Maps.
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Affordable Car Rental Companies in Denver
◻️ Car Rentals at the Airport
At Denver Airport, you can rent a car from Thrifty, Payless, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Sixt, National, Fox, Alamo, Enterprise, and Hertz.
All rental companies are located in a separate building accessible via a free shuttle bus from Jeppesen Terminal. You can board the shuttle on the 5th floor at Island 4 through doors 505-513 on the east side or doors 504-512 on the west side.
◻️ Downtown Denver Car Rentals
Downtown Denver is primarily served by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which operates multiple branches. Alternatively, you can rent cars from Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt.
Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Ideas Around Denver
1️⃣ National Parks in Colorado
Nature and mountain lovers will find paradise in Colorado. Just 74 mi from downtown Denver lies the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park. The rugged mountain scenery is perfect for clearing your mind, with 360 mi of scenic hiking trails to explore.
To the southwest of Denver, you’ll find around ten national parks within driving distance, including the popular Grand Canyon, Arches, and Bryce Canyon. To the northwest, you’ll find the iconic Yellowstone and Grand Teton. I recommend multi-day trips to fully enjoy these incredible destinations.
2️⃣ Aspen Ski Resort
Aspen is one of the world’s most renowned ski resorts, thanks to its heavy annual snowfall and ideal skiing conditions. The area is home to around 40 ski lifts and approximately 316 mi of groomed slopes.
The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about three and a quarter hours, covering 159 mi.
3️⃣ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
A 30-minute drive and 17 mi west of downtown Denver, you’ll find the natural Red Rocks Amphitheatre, surrounded by striking red sandstone formations. The venue hosts concerts, film screenings, and cultural events almost daily.
Before hitting the road again, you can participate in group yoga sessions or explore the area on hiking trails.
4️⃣ Mount Evans Scenic Byway
On the 28 mi stretch of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the journey itself is the destination. This is the highest paved road in North America, leading to the summit of Mount Blue Sky at 14,271 ft.
Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking viewpoints and possibly spot mountain goats, marmots, or golden eagles. The road is open only in summer due to snow and weather conditions.
5️⃣ Estes Park in Colorado
The mountain town of Estes Park is located about 65 mi northwest of Denver and serves as the gateway to the previously mentioned Rocky Mountain National Park.
One of the town’s standout attractions is the historic Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s famous psychological horror novel The Shining. Published in 1977, the novel was adapted into a film just three years later. You can take a guided tour of the hotel or even book a room to stay overnight.
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