What to expect when you rent a car at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) has six rental car companies operating from the same facility: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Alamo. All of them are located in the Rental Car Center, a separate building connected to the main terminal by a free shuttle bus that runs every 5 to 10 minutes. You do not pick up your car at the terminal itself — you take the shuttle from the ground transportation level after you collect your luggage.
The rental process at DEN works the same way as at most major airports: you arrive at the rental counter with your driver's license and payment method, confirm your reservation, inspect the vehicle, and drive off. The whole transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have a reservation and your paperwork is in order. If you do not have a reservation, you can rent on the spot, but availability and pricing are less predictable, especially during peak travel times.
Rates at airport locations are typically higher than at off-airport branches because the airport charges rental companies a concession fee. You may find lower daily rates if you rent from a downtown Denver location instead, though you would need to arrange your own transportation to get there. The trade-off is convenience: renting at the airport means you do not have to navigate Denver traffic or find a rental office before you can start your trip.
Key Takeaways
- All six major rental companies operate from the Rental Car Center at DEN, reached by a free shuttle from the terminal's ground transportation level.
- You need a valid driver's license, a payment method, and a reservation (or willingness to rent on the spot) to complete a rental.
- Airport rental rates are higher than off-airport locations because of concession fees, so compare prices at downtown Denver branches if you have time.
- The rental process takes 15 to 30 minutes with a reservation; always inspect the vehicle and note any existing damage before you leave the lot.
- Shuttle buses run every 5 to 10 minutes between the terminal and the Rental Car Center, so plan for an extra 10 to 15 minutes to reach your car.
How to get from the terminal to the rental car facility
After you exit baggage claim, follow signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Rental Cars." You will see a dedicated area with shuttle bus stops. The Rental Car Center shuttle is clearly marked and free to ride. Buses arrive frequently — typically every 5 to 10 minutes during normal hours — so you should not wait more than 15 minutes. The shuttle ride itself takes about 10 minutes.
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or have mobility concerns, the shuttle has space for bags and is wheelchair accessible. During very busy periods (early morning, evening, holiday travel), the shuttle may be full and you might wait for the next one, so budget extra time if you are on a tight schedule.
What documents and payment methods you need
Bring your valid driver's license — this is required by law and no rental company will rent to you without it. Your license must not be expired, and some companies have age restrictions (usually 21 or older to rent, though drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge).
You will also need a payment method: a credit card in your name is standard. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but policies vary by company and you may face additional holds or restrictions. Some companies require a second form of ID, such as a passport or military ID, especially if you are renting an upscale vehicle or if your driver's license is from outside the United States.
If you have a reservation, bring the confirmation number or email. If you do not have a reservation, you can still rent, but the company will ask for your name, driver's license number, and payment method to search their system or create a new rental agreement on the spot.
How to compare prices and make a reservation before you arrive
Rental rates at DEN vary by company, vehicle class, and travel dates. Booking in advance — even a few days ahead — usually locks in a lower rate than walking up to the counter. Use the rental company websites directly or comparison sites to see what each company is charging for your dates and vehicle type.
When you compare, pay attention to what is included: some companies include unlimited mileage, others charge per mile. Insurance coverage, roadside information, and fuel policies differ too. Read the fine print before you book, because what looks like the cheapest rate may have hidden costs.
If you find a lower rate after you have booked, many companies allow you to modify your reservation online or by phone without penalty. Check the terms of your specific booking to see whether changes are free.
Insurance, fuel, and damage waivers explained
Rental companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. This is optional, but if you decline it, you are responsible for the full repair cost. The daily cost of a waiver ranges widely depending on the vehicle and company.
Before you buy a waiver from the rental company, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. Many credit card companies offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, which can save you money. Call your credit card issuer before your trip to confirm what is covered.
For fuel, you have two options: buy a full tank upfront at the rental company's price (usually higher than gas stations), or return the car with a full tank yourself. If you choose the latter, you must refuel before you return the vehicle, or the company will charge you for fuel at an inflated rate. Plan your return time so you have time to find a gas station near the airport.
What happens when you pick up and return your rental car
At pickup, the rental agent will show you the car, walk you through the controls, and ask you to inspect it for damage. Do this carefully. Point out any scratches, dents, or interior damage before you sign the agreement. The agent will note these on the contract so you are not charged for pre-existing damage when you return the car.
Take photos or video of the car's condition with your phone if the company allows it — this creates a record in case of a dispute later. Check the fuel gauge, test the lights and wipers, and make sure you know how to operate the locks and windows.
When you return the car, you will drive to the Rental Car Center return area. Follow signs for your rental company. An agent will inspect the vehicle, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your return. If there is damage beyond what was noted at pickup, you will be charged. The entire return process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Getting back to the airport terminal after you return your rental
After you return your car and complete the paperwork, you can take a free shuttle bus back to the terminal. Shuttles run regularly from the Rental Car Center, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Allow extra time if you are returning during a busy period, as shuttles may fill up and you might wait for the next one.
If you are returning a car late in the evening or very early in the morning, confirm that shuttle service is still running. During off-peak hours, buses may run less frequently. Check the rental company's website or call ahead if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I do not have a credit card?
Some rental companies accept debit cards, but policies vary and you may face additional restrictions or holds on your account. Call the specific company before you arrive to confirm whether they will rent to you with a debit card and what extra requirements they have.
What if I want to return the car to a different location, not the airport?
Most rental companies allow one-way rentals to other Denver locations or cities. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the car back. Mention this when you make your reservation so the rate reflects the one-way fee.
How much time should I budget between landing and driving away?
Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you land. This includes collecting luggage (10 to 20 minutes), finding the shuttle (5 minutes), riding to the Rental Car Center (10 minutes), and completing the rental transaction (15 to 30 minutes).
Do I need to buy insurance if my credit card covers rental cars?
Not necessarily. Check your credit card's rental car coverage before your trip. If it covers collision and theft, you may not need to buy the rental company's waiver. However, read the terms carefully — some cards have exclusions or require you to decline the rental company's coverage to set up the card's protection.
What if the shuttle is not running when I need to return my car?
Call the rental company or check their website for late-night or early-morning shuttle schedules. If no shuttle is available, ask the rental agent about alternative transportation options, such as a taxi or rideshare service from the Rental Car Center back to the terminal.