Ready for a Colorado road trip? Enter your Colorado pick-up location (Denver International Airport, DEN, or any city/local branch) and travel dates above, then hit search. We work with dozens of rental suppliers in Colorado to bring you every option in one place. Need a fuel-efficient compact for running around Denver? An AWD SUV for a winter ski adventure in Aspen? Or a comfy minivan for the family visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? We’ve got them all. Filtering results is a breeze, sort by car type, passenger count, price, or rental company. Most rentals allow you to book now and pay later at pickup (no charge upfront), and free cancellation on most bookings means you can plan ahead with zero worry. Our goal: make renting a car in Colorado as straightforward and transparent as a mountain sunrise.
Welcome to Colorado, the land of majestic Rocky Mountains, sprawling high plains, and vibrant cities. Having a rental car in Colorado is your key to unlocking everything from Denver’s urban attractions to hidden alpine lakes at 10,000 feet. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Colorado. We’ve mixed great rental deals with local expertise so you can save money and drive confidently through mountain passes and city streets alike. Whether you’re flying into Denver for a ski trip, visiting national parks like Rocky Mountain or Mesa Verde, or cruising scenic byways for fall foliage, we’ll help you find the perfect wheels quickly, easily, and affordably. Buckle up and get ready to explore the Centennial State on your own terms!
Why Rent a Car in Colorado?
Colorado’s beauty is spread across high mountains, deep valleys, and wide-open plains, getting a rental car is the best way to see it all. Here’s why having your own car is a huge plus in Colorado:
Access the Mountains: Many of Colorado’s gems, from ski resorts like Vail and Breckenridge to trailheads in Rocky Mountain National Park, are not reachable by public transit. A car lets you drive up scenic mountain roads, find hidden hikes, and hop between charming mountain towns at will.
Freedom to Explore: Want to do a day trip from Denver to go rafting in Buena Vista? Or drive the San Juan Skyway loop in the southwest? With a rental car, you can explore beyond the city limits without having to join a tour. Stop at roadside hot springs, ghost towns, or scenic overlooks whenever you feel like it.
Urban & Rural Convenience: Denver has some transit and there’s a mountain shuttle here and there, but if you plan to explore beyond downtown, a car is far more convenient. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, or breweries in Fort Collins, all much easier with your own wheels.
All-Season Capability: In winter, a car (especially an AWD/4x4 rental) is crucial to reach ski areas or mountain lodges. In summer, drive up famous roads like Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.) or Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Each season offers unique adventures, and a car ensures you won’t miss out due to transportation limitations.
Our Colorado Car Rental Benefits
Choosing AirportVanRental for your Colorado car hire comes with distinct advantages:
Top Brands & Local Fleets: We partner with every major rental brand in Colorado, from Alamo, Hertz, and Enterprise to local specialists in mountain towns. This means whether you’re renting at Denver Airport or a smaller location like Colorado Springs or Grand Junction, you’ll see the widest selection of vehicles and companies, all in one search.
Competitive Deals & Discounts: We work hard to secure the best rates. Our search results automatically factor in any Colorado-specific promotions (like a free ski rack add-on in winter or a “end of summer” discount). You might find deals such as “Rent 4 days, get the 5th free” or free upgrades when available. Plus, if you have memberships (AAA, Costco, etc.), our site allows you to apply those where applicable to shave off even more from the price.
No Surprises Pricing: Colorado rentals do have some extra fees (for example, Denver Airport rentals include a customer facility charge and Colorado road safety fee), but don’t worry, we show you all of that upfront. You’ll see the estimated total including state taxes (Colorado’s sales tax is around 2.9% state + local taxes, and some rental-specific fees like a ~$2/day Colorado Road Safety Fee) before you book. We hate hidden fees as much as you do, so we make sure you’re informed.
One-Way & Flexible Plans: Whether you’re doing a one-way trip from Denver to Salt Lake City, or flying into Denver and out of Albuquerque, we can often accommodate it. Colorado is a gateway to many Rocky Mountain adventures, and one-way rentals are available (just check the “return to different location” when booking). Additionally, many Colorado rental offices offer seasonal equipment, like ski racks or even winter tire options, if you need them. We aim to fit the rental to your adventure.
24/7 Support & Winter Help: Our customer support is available around the clock if you need assistance. That can be especially reassuring if you’re driving in Colorado’s variable weather. Stuck on the road with a dead battery in the cold? Get in touch, rentals include roadside assistance and we’ll help coordinate help quickly. Flight delay into DEN causing a midnight arrival? We’ll inform the rental desk so your car is held. We’re here to ensure your Colorado journey goes off without a hitch.
Highly Rated by Renters: Our Colorado customers consistently give us glowing reviews, averaging 4.8/5 stars. We know mountain travel can be daunting, so we’ve made it our mission to provide knowledgeable service (we even update our driving tips seasonally). The positive ratings from fellow travelers should give you confidence that you’re booking with a trusted provider that understands Colorado’s unique needs.
Today’s Best Colorado Car Rental Deals
(Check out some sample deals in Colorado. These are updated often to reflect real-time pricing trends.)
Economy Car from $29/day, Example: Hyundai Accent or similar. Great for city sightseeing or if you’re sticking to the Front Range.
Compact SUV from $38/day, Example: Subaru Crosstrek or similar. Perfect for light adventuring, good ground clearance and AWD for drives like Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Standard SUV (AWD) from $45/day, Example: Toyota Highlander or similar, seats 5-7. Ideal for mountain trips and ski gear.
4x4 Truck from $50/day, Example: Ford F-150 SuperCrew or similar. If you’re headed into backcountry roads or moving gear, a pickup with 4-wheel drive offers power and space.
(Rates are base prices and can vary with season, e.g., summer tourist season and winter ski season might be higher. “From” prices here were recently found deals. Run a search above for your dates to see current Colorado offers.)
Driving in Colorado: Tips and Local Insights
Colorado driving is incredibly scenic, but it comes with unique challenges (especially with mountains and weather). Here’s how to navigate safely and smartly:
Mountain Driving Basics: When driving through the Rockies, remember this rule: going up, use lower gears if needed; going down, definitely use lower gears. Downshifting (or using “L”/mountain mode in automatics) will help control your speed on long descents and save your brakes. You’ll see signs like “Truckers: gear down”, that’s a cue for all drivers that a steep grade is ahead. Take it slow on hairpin turns and enjoy the view but keep an eye on the road, wildlife like elk or mountain goats can appear around bends.
Altitude Adjustments: If you’re not used to high elevations, be prepared, both you and the car might feel it. Your engine can lose some power in thin air, so don’t be surprised if it downshifts more often on steep climbs. For drivers, stay hydrated and take breaks if you feel lightheaded (common above 10,000 feet). Many high passes (Trail Ridge Road, Independence Pass, etc.) are above 11,000 feet, amazing drives, but take care of yourself too.
Winter Driving & Traction Laws: Colorado’s winters are serious business in the mountains. From roughly October through April (and sometimes early May in high country), snow and ice can impact travel. The state has a “Traction Law” (Code 15) and “Chain Law” (Code 16) that can go into effect on I-70 between Denver and Vail during storms: this means passenger vehicles are required to have either 4WD/AWD or winter tires (M+S rated) or at least carry chains/socks when the law is active. If you’re renting in winter and heading to ski areas, we highly recommend choosing an AWD vehicle if available. We also suggest adding the rental company’s winter package if offered (some provide free snow brushes, etc.). Always clear snow off your entire car (windows, roof, lights) before driving, it’s safer and it’s the law to have full visibility. And give yourself extra time, a drive that’s 2 hours in summer could be 4 hours in a snowstorm.
Tolls (E-470 & Express Lanes): Colorado has a few toll roads, mainly around Denver. E-470 is a toll highway that loops around the east side of Denver (convenient for bypassing city traffic on the way to Boulder or Fort Collins). There are also express toll lanes on I-25 and I-70 in parts of Denver, and on the I-70 mountain corridor near Idaho Springs on busy ski weekends. All tolls here are electronic (EXPRESSTOLL or license plate tolling), no cash. If you use them, the rental company will charge the toll to you later (plus an admin fee). As with Texas, ask about the rental’s toll policy. If you want to avoid tolls: for E-470, you can take I-70/I-270 through the city for free (more traffic though), and you can skip express lanes by staying in regular lanes.
City Driving & Traffic: Denver and Colorado Springs can have heavy traffic during rush hours, but overall it’s manageable compared to LA or NYC. Downtown Denver has a grid with some one-way streets, keep an eye out for bike lanes and pedestrians, especially around the Capitol and LoDo areas. Parking in downtown Denver and Boulder can be tight but there are garages and meters (use the ParkDenver or ParkMobile apps to pay by phone). In winter, watch for local street snow removal rules, some cities declare “snow emergencies” and restrict street parking on certain routes to plow; usually this won’t affect visitors much, but heads up if a big storm hits.
Wildlife & Weather Surprises: Colorado’s weather can change fast. A sunny morning in the mountains can turn to afternoon thunderstorms (especially summer, watch for lightning above treeline). Always check weather forecasts before a mountain drive. If a storm is forecast, consider adjusting timing, for example, summer thunderstorms often hit after 1pm, so plan to be off high-elevation roads by then to avoid hail or lightning. Wildlife: deer, elk, and even moose roam many areas, particularly at dawn and dusk. In autumn during elk rut or spring calving, they might be near roadways (like in Estes Park or around state parks). If you see one deer cross, slow down, more may follow. Hitting a large animal can total a car and ruin a trip (not to mention harm the animal), so be alert especially on forested or open range roads.
Scenic Road Trip Ideas in Colorado
Colorado is a road trip paradise. Here are a few fantastic drives to consider (with an interactive map on this page to help you plan these routes):
Rocky Mountain Highlights (4–5 days): Fly into Denver, pick up your car and head up to Estes Park (about 1.5 hours). Enter Rocky Mountain National Park and drive Trail Ridge Road (summer/fall only, as it’s closed in winter) all the way over the Continental Divide to Grand Lake, you’ll reach elevations over 12,000 feet with epic views. Next, drive west to Glenwood Springs to soak in natural hot springs. Continue south on the breathtaking Independence Pass (if open) to Aspen (enjoy the mountain town vibe). Finally, return to Denver via I-70, stopping in Georgetown or Idaho Springs for a taste of mining town history. This loop covers towering peaks, alpine lakes, and charming towns.
Southwest Colorado & Four Corners (6–7 days): Start in Denver or fly into Durango if available. From Durango, ride the historic steam train to Silverton (or drive US-550, the Million Dollar Highway, one of the most scenic, white-knuckle roads with sheer drop-offs and incredible views). Spend time in Ouray (the “Switzerland of America”) enjoying hot springs. Continue to Telluride, nestled in a canyon with a free gondola offering views over town. Next, drive to Mesa Verde National Park to explore ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. From there, you can dip down to the actual Four Corners monument (stand in four states at once). Loop back through Pagosa Springs and over Wolf Creek Pass (keep an eye out for moose) to end in Durango or Colorado Springs/Denver. This trip is all about dramatic scenery, Old West history, and cultural sites.
Denver to Moab Adventure (5 days one-way): Pick up in Denver and drive west on I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. Stop in Vail or Breckenridge for a quick mountain town experience. Continue past Grand Junction into Utah, detouring along the Colorado River road (Highway 128) which leads to Moab. Along the way, visit Colorado National Monument (near Grand Junction) for stunning red rock canyons without the crowds. Once in Moab, explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands. This road trip showcases the transition from Colorado’s Rockies to Utah’s red rock desert. Drop off your car in Grand Junction or even Salt Lake City if Moab was your final stop (one-way), or drive back to Denver the way you came for a round-trip with entirely different views eastbound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost every standard rental in Colorado includes unlimited mileage. That means you can drive all over Colorado (or take a detour to Yellowstone, go down to New Mexico, etc.) without worrying about extra per-mile charges. It’s perfect for a big road trip. Just keep in mind that if you venture extremely far (like cross-country), it’s allowed, but if you’re not planning to return to Colorado, you might have been better with a one-way rental. But for normal usage, unlimited miles mean you can fully explore the state. Some specialty vehicles (like high-end luxury or exotic cars, or unique campervan rentals) might have mileage caps, but those will be clearly noted. The everyday cars, SUVs, etc., are all unlimited.
Some rental SUVs and minivans in Colorado come with ski racks or roof rails, but it’s not guaranteed unless you specifically reserve it. A few companies allow you to request ski racks or cargo boxes as an add-on (for an extra fee). If you’re traveling with skis or snowboards and you rent a sedan, you might need to fold down seats to fit them inside. When booking with us, look for options or mention in your preferences that you have ski gear, if a company offers ski rack rentals, we’ll try to note it or you can ask at pickup. Alternatively, renting an SUV often provides enough space inside for skis (diagonally or with one seat folded). In summary: ski racks aren’t standard on every car, but with a little planning you can make sure your gear fits, either through a rack or vehicle choice.
If you’ll be driving in the mountains during winter, it’s very important to have proper traction. Many rental cars in Colorado are equipped with all-season tires that are usually sufficient for mild conditions. However, during active snowstorms or on icy roads, all-wheel drive or winter tires make a big difference. Colorado’s traction law (when in effect on I-70 and some other highways) requires either 4WD/AWD OR mud/snow-rated tires with decent tread OR chains/auto-socks for 2WD cars. Rental agencies at Denver Airport often have a lot of SUVs in winter for this reason. We recommend renting an AWD vehicle if you plan on mountain driving in winter. You typically don’t need to buy chains, if conditions are so bad that chains are required (Code 16), it might be best to wait it out because even many locals stay put then. If you’re unsure, ask at the counter, they’ll know current road conditions. And always check weather and CDOT road status before heading into the high country in winter.
Colorado weather can be unpredictable. If you hit a snowstorm, the first rule is don’t panic. Slow down, increase your following distance (at least 4-5 seconds behind the vehicle ahead, more if visibility is bad), and avoid sudden braking or acceleration, smooth and steady is key on slick roads. If the interstate (like I-70) closes due to an accident or avalanche control, follow official detours or wait it out at the closest town. CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) often clears minor incidents within a few hours. Use resources: tune to local radio or check smartphone apps like COtrip (if safe to do so, or have a passenger check) for updates on closures and conditions. If conditions are really severe and driving feels unsafe, consider stopping for the night, there’s no shame in waiting for daylight and plows. Many mountain towns have roadside motels just for this reason. Keep some emergency items in the car if you’re doing winter drives: a blanket, some snacks, water, and a flashlight. Rental cars usually have basic spare tire kits, know that calling roadside assistance in a major blizzard might take time due to many incidents, so sometimes staying put is the best choice. Colorado does a good job clearing roads, but Mother Nature can be intense, always prioritize safety and err on the side of caution.
Major resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, Winter Park, Aspen, etc., are accessible via well-maintained highways. I-70 is the main artery from Denver to many ski areas. It’s a divided highway but can get congested on weekends and holidays (expect slow traffic westbound Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, and eastbound Sunday afternoons as skiers head back). The roads are plowed regularly, but during heavy snow you’ll need to go slow and possibly use 4WD. Some resorts have specific tricky spots: the road to Steamboat Springs includes Rabbit Ears Pass (often snowy), Aspen can be reached via high passes (Independence Pass is closed in winter, so you go around through Glenwood Springs), and Telluride’s last stretch is a smaller mountain road but paved. If you’re heading to lesser-known ski hills or out-of-the-way lodges, ask locals about conditions. Overall, allow extra time in winter and try to travel outside peak traffic times to make your drive smoother.