DEN Rental Car Guide: Denver International Airport
Renting a car at Denver International Airport (DEN) in Denver, Colorado. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, average prices, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at DEN that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at DEN
Rental cars are at the Pikes Peak Shuttle Center reached by free shuttle from level 5 of terminal.
The rental shuttle stop is on Level 5 (Ground Transportation). Go up from baggage claim, not down.
DEN pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: $55-$75 economy, $100-$150 SUV.
Mandatory airport fees: Concession recovery 11.11%, customer facility charge $4/day, CO state tax 2.9% + Denver tax 4%.
That means a $50/day economy rental at DEN actually costs $65-$75/day after fees. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at DEN
DEN hosts 10 on-airport rental brands:
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Budget
- National
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Thrifty
- Sixt
- Payless
Best for premium service: Hertz (largest premium fleet for ski trips)
Cheapest base rates: Alamo and Fox compete for budget travelers
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
DEN-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
DEN is 25 miles from downtown Denver. Off-airport options near the city require a 30-40 min drive each way and rarely beat on-airport for short trips.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Aurora and Centennial offer cheaper rates if heading south of Denver.
How to save the most at DEN
- Compare across all 10 brands. Price differences of 30-40% for the same car class on the same dates are common at DEN.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill at a station 3-5 miles from the rental return is cheaper in 85%+ of cases. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons.
- Decline counter insurance. Your credit card or auto policy almost certainly covers it. InsureItRight tells you which.
- Photograph everything at pickup. Every panel, the fuel gauge, the odometer, with timestamps on. Saves you in damage disputes 30+ days later.
- Read the agreement. Especially the fuel policy section — that's where the $9-$11/gal refueling charge hides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at DEN?
Rental cars are at the Pikes Peak Shuttle Center reached by free shuttle from level 5 of terminal. The rental shuttle stop is on Level 5 (Ground Transportation). Go up from baggage claim, not down.
What is the average rental car price at DEN?
$55-$75 economy, $100-$150 SUV. Plus airport fees that typically add 25-40% to the displayed daily rate.
What hidden fees should I watch for at DEN?
Concession recovery 11.11%, customer facility charge $4/day, CO state tax 2.9% + Denver tax 4%. These are mandatory and apply to every rental at this airport.
Which rental car company is best at DEN?
For premium fleet and reliability: Hertz (largest premium fleet for ski trips). For cheapest base rates: Alamo and Fox compete for budget travelers. Always compare total prices including the airport fees.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from DEN?
DEN is 25 miles from downtown Denver. Off-airport options near the city require a 30-40 min drive each way and rarely beat on-airport for short trips. Specifically: Aurora and Centennial offer cheaper rates if heading south of Denver.
Are there any quirks to renting at DEN?
DEN is the second-largest airport in the world by area. Snow chains may be required Nov-April for mountain driving — most rentals do NOT include them.