Denver Airport Car Rentals: Cheaper Outside?

can i rent cars more cheaply outside the denver airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with 33,534 acres of land. The airport offers interesting art exhibits, shops, restaurants, and even an ice rink. DEN also has car rental services, with companies like Budget, Enterprise, Payless, and Sixt offering vehicles at competitive prices. The cost of renting a car at DEN depends on factors such as the type of car, rental duration, and additional extras. DEN recommends booking in advance and picking up the car rental directly at the airport for the best rates and convenience.

Characteristics Values
Car rental companies Budget, Enterprise, SIXT, KAYAK, Payless
Car types Jeep, van, luxury vehicle, SUV, sports car, truck, sedan, convertible, hybrid
Rental duration Short or long stays
Additional extras Insurance, damage waiver, personal effects coverage
Rental costs From $22/day
Age requirements 21+ (25+ without surcharge at Payless)
Documents required Full, valid driver's license, passport or identity card
Shuttle availability Yes, from Jeppesen Terminal
Return process Quick and easy

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Car rental companies at Denver Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport offers car rental services from companies like Budget and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. These car rental agencies are located on airport property but require a courtesy shuttle service to and from the Jeppesen Terminal.

Budget

Budget offers a variety of cheap car rentals at the Denver airport, including Jeeps, vans, and luxury vehicles. To get to the Budget rental lot, take the Budget shuttle from Island 4 on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. To return a rental car to the Denver airport, drive to the rental car return area near the airport buildings and look for the branded Budget signs.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car at Denver International Airport offers a wide range of clean and sanitized vehicles, including minivans, SUVs, trucks, and luxury cars, at everyday low prices. The branch is located outside the main airport area and can be reached via a short 5-minute shuttle ride from the Jeppesen Terminal. Enterprise provides 24-hour airport transportation back to the airport and offers various protections and coverages, such as Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), for an additional daily charge.

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Rental costs and saving money

Rental car costs at Denver International Airport (DEN) vary depending on the type of car, rental duration, and additional extras. For example, Budget offers a range of vehicles, including Jeeps, vans, and luxury cars, at varying price points. Similarly, Enterprise offers everyday low prices on a wide variety of minivans, SUVs, trucks, and luxury cars. SIXT, another rental company, provides competitive rates on premium vehicles from trusted brands like Toyota, Audi, and BMW.

To save money, it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Additionally, some companies like Budget offer discounts for direct bookings and prepayment. When renting from Denver Airport, it is worth checking the cancellation policy, as some companies may offer perks like free cancellation if done in advance.

When it comes to rental agreements, it is important to read the fine print to avoid surprise fees. For example, some companies charge a surcharge for renters under 25, while others offer optional add-ons like damage waivers and personal effects coverage for an additional daily charge. It is also crucial to refuel your rental car before returning it, as failing to do so can result in a hefty surcharge.

Denver International Airport provides convenient access to rental car companies, with most located on airport property or a short shuttle ride away. The shuttle services are typically located near the baggage claim area and operate during specific hours, with some offering 24-hour availability.

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Vehicle types available

If you're looking for a vehicle to rent outside of Denver Airport, there are plenty of options available.

For those looking to rent a car, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles. If you're planning to go off-roading, a Jeep might be a good option. For those travelling as a family, a van or minivan could be a more suitable choice. If you're looking for something more premium, exotic sports cars and luxury sedans are also available.

For those who need more space, trucks and vans are available, with some companies offering large passenger or cargo vans. If you're looking for something more environmentally friendly, hybrid and electric SUVs are also an option.

If you're visiting during the winter, it is recommended to get a rental car with 4-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) to navigate snow and ice. Additionally, if you plan to bring your own skis, ensure your rental car has roof racks for your gear.

Some companies offer exotic and specialty vehicles, but these may not be allowed to travel outside of the US.

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Pick-up and drop-off processes

Picking up and dropping off a rental car at Denver International Airport is a straightforward process. Many rental companies are located on airport property, but most require a courtesy shuttle service to and from the Jeppesen Terminal. The shuttles pick up and drop off from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505-513 (east side) and 504-512 (west side). Some local hotels also provide shuttles to the airport if you need to pick up a vehicle that way.

Pick-up process

To pick up your rental car, follow these steps:

  • Exit the baggage claim area through the double doors on either the east or west side of the terminal.
  • Continue to the shuttle pick-up area marked with the name of your rental company. The shuttle pick-up area is located on the fourth island from the double doors.
  • Board the shuttle to your rental company's location. Some companies, like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, offer a shuttle service every 10 minutes, while others may have different schedules.
  • Once you arrive at the rental company's location, proceed to the counter to finalise your rental agreement. Present your identification and receive your rental agreement and car keys. Some companies, like Budget, have a Fastbreak Service where you can proceed directly to the counter or kiosk, present your identification, and receive your keys and directions to your car.

Drop-off process

Returning your rental car is also a simple process:

  • Follow the airport signs for Car Rental return. Most rental companies have a designated return area near the airport buildings. For example, Sixt requests that you return your vehicle at 23790 E 78th Ave, and Budget asks that you take I-70 to Pena Blvd, turn left, and then turn right onto 78th Ave to reach their rental lot.
  • Drive to the rental company's designated return area and park your vehicle.
  • Record your mileage and fuel level on the rental agreement. Some companies, like Budget, have a Fastbreak Return box where you can drop off your agreement without returning to the counter.
  • If you have any additional requirements, such as returning your car after hours or dropping it off at a different location, contact your rental company for specific instructions.
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Driving in Denver

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, covering 33,534 acres, making it the largest airport in the United States. Car rental agencies are located on airport property, but require a courtesy shuttle service to and from the Jeppesen Terminal.

Denver has a commitment to mass transit, so the streets in the older parts of the city are narrow and crowded. The downtown area has some one-way streets and multi-lane highways, where people tend to drive pretty fast. If you're used to driving in traffic, it's probably not too hard to navigate with a good GPS or map app. However, it might be stressful if you're not used to driving on the right side of the road.

When driving in Denver, it's important to know where you are in relation to your destination. Knowing which way is north or south can be a challenge because the streets are not always laid out in a grid. Denver is known as the "Mile High City", and while it gets 300 days of sun a year, it does occasionally snow.

If you're driving to and from the airport, allow extra time. Weather and construction can cause major delays on Highway 70, which goes from downtown Denver to the airport. Driving times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour.

If you're looking for alternative transportation options, Denver offers quirky choices like bike bars, pedicabs, and tuk-tuks. Local services like Co-Op Colorado and Colorado CarShare provide alternatives to traditional car rentals or rideshares.

Frequently asked questions

Denver International Airport offers car rental services from several companies, including Budget, Enterprise, SIXT, Payless, Europcar, Fox, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, Alamo, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. While I cannot determine which company is the cheapest, car rentals at Denver Airport are available from as low as $22/day.

The type of car you should rent depends on your travel plans. If you plan to go off-roading, a Jeep might be a good option. For a family trip, a van would be suitable. If you're looking for something classy, you might want to rent a luxury vehicle or a sports car. If you're concerned about the environment, you can also find hybrid vehicles at Denver Airport, although these may cost more than fuel-only vehicles.

Renting a car at the airport is convenient if you plan to explore the city and its surroundings, as Denver's public bus system doesn't cover all areas of the city. Additionally, having a car can save you time when travelling between destinations.

The return process for rental cars at Denver Airport varies depending on the company. Some companies, such as Budget, Enterprise, and Payless, offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport. Others, like SIXT, provide specific return locations and instructions. Be sure to check with your rental company for detailed information on returning your vehicle.

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