Denver International Airport (DEN) Car Rental | Airport Van Rental

Welcome to Denver International Airport, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains! Renting a car at DEN is the smartest way to explore Denver and beyond, and Airport Van Rental makes it easy and affordable. We offer vehicles for every adventure: snag an economy car from just $19/day for city cruising, or upgrade to a 4WD/AWD SUV perfect for mountain trips. With our service, you’ll get competitive rates, no hidden fees, free cancellation, and expert support, ideal for both first-time visitors and Colorado regulars. Denver’s public transit can’t reach those ski slopes or national parks, but your rental car can. From the moment you land, we’ve got you covered with a quick shuttle to the rental lot and a smooth pick-up process, so you can hit the road to downtown (just 25 miles away) or head straight into Colorado’s stunning outdoors. Breathe easy at high altitude, we’ve handled the car rental details for you.

Denver Airport Car Rental, Quick Info

• Airport Location: Denver International Airport (DEN), 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, Colorado, USA.
• Rental Car Center:Off-site but nearby. All rental companies operate from facilities along Peña Boulevard, a 5–10 minute shuttle ride from Jeppesen Terminal. Shuttle pickup is on Level 5, Island 4 (outside Door 505–513 on the east side, or Door 504–512 west side). Shuttles run 24/7, frequently (every 5-7 minutes).
• On-Site Rental Brands:Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, and others. We’ll show you all available options, including specialty providers offering trucks and AWD vehicles.
• Vehicle Selection:Economy & Compact Cars (great for city use, highest fuel economy), Intermediate & Full-Size (comfortable for longer drives or extra luggage), SUVs, including 4WD/AWD models (ideal for mountains or winter driving), Minivans & Passenger Vans (for family vacations or group ski trips), and Luxury/Exotic Cars (arrive in style, some agencies even offer Tesla EVs or sports cars).
• Average Rates: Economy from ~$19/day (off-peak); Standard sedan ~$30/day; SUV from ~$40/day; 4x4 SUV or luxury models ~$60+/day; Minivans ~$50/day. (Winter ski season and summer can see higher prices, book early for best deals.)
• Included Mileage:Unlimited miles on nearly all rentals, drive freely across Colorado or on epic road trips (popular one-way routes include Denver to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, just check one-way fees).
• Pick-Up Tips: Upon arrival at DEN, follow signs to “Rental Car Shuttles” on Level 5. Board the shuttle for your specific rental company (they’re usually clearly marked with company logos). The ride is about 10 minutes to the rental car lots. At the rental center, you’ll present your license and credit card, then be directed to your vehicle. Pro Tip: If you’ve joined your rental company’s loyalty program (often free), you might skip the counter and go straight to your car on the lot, saving time.
• Returning Your Car: Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport on Peña Blvd. Return the vehicle to the same lot you picked up from (each company has its own area). Allow an extra 15–20 minutes to return and catch the shuttle back to the terminal, especially during peak hours. The shuttle will drop you back at Level 5, departures or arrivals. If you have an early flight, remember shuttles run 24/7, but giving yourself a time buffer is wise.

Tips for Renting a Car at DEN

• Choose the Right Vehicle for Colorado: Denver’s a mile-high city with even higher adventures nearby, so consider your itinerary when picking a car. If you’re sticking to downtown and suburbs in summer, a fuel-efficient compact or sedan is perfect. Heading to the mountains or visiting in winter? Opt for an SUV with all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. Companies offer plenty of 4x4 rentals (Jeep Wranglers, Subaru Outbacks, etc.) equipped to handle snowy roads or unpaved mountain trails. These provide better traction if you’re driving to ski resorts like Breckenridge or Estes Park’s Rocky Mountain National Park. Tip: Colorado law during winter storms can require vehicles to have all-wheel drive or snow tires on certain highways, renting an SUV can ensure you comply and travel safely. We also suggest reserving ski racks or GPS if needed, request these add-ons in advance as supplies can be limited.
• Understand the Shuttle System: At DEN, rental car shuttles are essential, but they’re well-organized. After you collect your bags, proceed to Level 5, Island 4 outside (the signage will say “Rental Cars”). Different companies’ shuttles stop at designated spots along Island 4; look for the sign or shuttle with your brand’s name. The shuttle ride is relatively short (about 5 miles) but can take 10–15 minutes including stops. During peak periods (e.g., holiday weekends), shuttles can be busy, if one is full, another is usually right behind. Plan on an extra 20 minutes from when you leave the terminal to when you arrive at the rental counter. On return, factor similar time to get back to the airport. The good news: shuttles run continuously 24 hours, so even if you have a red-eye or a crack-of-dawn flight, transportation is available.
• Fuel Up Smartly: Before returning your car, save money by refueling at a gas station away from the immediate airport vicinity. There are few stations on Peña Boulevard itself (and the ones very close to the airport often charge higher prices). Instead, look for gas along Tower Road or 56th Avenue a few miles from the airport, prices will be more normal. For example, there are stations on Tower Rd near 58th that are convenient. If coming from downtown, you might stop in the city or along I-70 well before the airport. Avoid the last-resort gas station right by the terminal exit (it’s notably expensive). Returning full will dodge the steep per-gallon refueling fees rental companies charge. Also, save your fuel receipt, occasionally agents ask for proof of fill-up if you drove limited miles. Pro tip: Denver has multiple Costco gas stations (members-only) on the way to the airport (one in Stapleton off I-70, another in Thornton), they often have some of the cheapest prices if you’re a member and want a top-up.
• Watch for Tolls (E-470) and Save on Them: Denver’s main airport highway, Peña Boulevard, itself is toll-free, but if you venture onto E-470 (the ring toll road) or Express Lanes on I-25/I-70, you’ll encounter electronic tolls. Rental cars are typically registered for toll billing, but the convenience can come with an added fee from your rental company (each company has its own toll policy). If you plan to use E-470 (popular for a fast route to the Tech Center or heading south toward Colorado Springs), consider opting into your rental’s flat-rate toll program if available, especially for multiple tolls. Alternatively, use mapping apps to avoid toll roads (there are usually toll-free routes that are just a bit slower). Not sure about tolls? Ask the counter agent at pick-up, they’ll explain how their toll charges work. With some planning, you can avoid unexpected fees and still enjoy quick routes.
• Be Altitude-Aware & Drive Safely: Driving in Denver and the Rockies is generally straightforward, but a few local tips: If you’re arriving from low altitude, drink water and take it easy the first day, the “Mile High” elevation can cause shortness of breath or fatigue until you adjust. When driving in the mountains, use lower gears on steep descents to avoid overheating your brakes (many rentals have a “L” or sport mode for this). Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk on mountain roads, deer and elk crossings are common. In winter, stock your rental with an ice scraper/brush (usually provided) and allow extra braking distance on snowy or icy roads. Denver requires headlights on when using windshield wipers. Lastly, watch your speed, Colorado State Patrol monitors the interstates leading into the mountains, and speeding tickets are an unpleasant vacation souvenir. With an unlimited mileage rental, feel free to wander, but do it safely and enjoy the incredible scenery at your own pace.