National Car Rental
Denver

Regardless of which concourse you land on at Denver International Airport, your first step is to take the airport's underground train to the main Jeppesen Terminal. Once you arrive, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Shuttles." These signs will guide you to Level 5, Island 4, where you'll find the designated shuttle bus pickup area. The buses run continuously, even late at night, and will take you on a short ride directly to the consolidated rental car facility where the National counter is located.

After completing the rental process at the National counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are located. The rental agent will provide you with specific instructions on which level and section to find your assigned vehicle category. The garage levels and aisles are clearly marked with large, easy-to-read signs to help you navigate. Simply follow the directions provided to locate your vehicle and begin your journey.

On a peak travel day like a ski Saturday, it's wise to budget a generous amount of time for the entire rental process. Factoring in deplaning, the train ride to the main terminal, potential waits for the rental shuttle, and lines at the counter, you should plan for approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This buffer accounts for the higher volume of travelers all heading to the mountains. Planning for this extra time can help ensure a more relaxed and stress-free start to your trip.

The most convenient meeting point for groups arriving on different flights is inside the main Jeppesen Terminal. Since all passengers must take the train from their respective concourses (A, B, or C) to this central building, it's a natural convergence point. A great landmark is the area near the main security checkpoints on Level 5 or the baggage claim carousels on Level 5. Once your group is together, you can proceed as one party to the rental car shuttle pickup area.

To ensure a smooth and courteous loading process, it's best to organize your gear before you get into the vehicle. After picking up your car, find a spot in the garage that is out of the main flow of traffic, if possible. Have your group gather all skis, boards, and luggage together on the curb or with your cart. This allows you to load everything efficiently in one go, minimizing the time you spend in the pickup lane and reducing stress for everyone.

After leaving the rental car facility, follow the signs for Peña Boulevard heading away from the airport. To avoid complex loops, take the exit for Tower Road and head south. Tower Road runs parallel to the airport and has numerous shopping centers with major grocery stores, coffee shops, and quick-service restaurants within a few miles. This route is direct and keeps you from accidentally re-entering the airport's confusing road system.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Denver, take Peña Boulevard from the airport directly to Interstate 70 (I-70) West. This is the primary and most well-marked route. Instead of navigating the more complex I-225 or I-270 interchanges, stay on I-70 West until you see the exits for downtown, such as Brighton Boulevard or Washington Street. This path involves fewer major highway changes and is generally the easiest for visitors to follow.

A simple route to the Cherry Creek area is to take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West, then merge onto I-225 South. From I-225, take the exit for Parker Road and head north. Parker Road will turn into Leetsdale Drive, which takes you directly toward the Cherry Creek neighborhood. To avoid the densest one-way streets, set your navigation for the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, which has large, accessible parking garages and serves as an excellent, easy-to-find initial destination.

When navigating to the LoDo (Lower Downtown) area, it's best to set your GPS for a major intersection or a public parking garage near your hotel rather than the hotel's front door. Good options include setting the destination to Coors Field or the intersection of 17th Street and Wynkoop Street. This approach helps you avoid the one-way streets, pedestrian-only zones, and valet lanes directly in front of many hotels, allowing you to park first and then walk the final block or two.

Driving near Ball Arena on an event night requires planning, as traffic becomes extremely congested. When coming from the airport, expect significant delays on I-25 and the downtown exits, particularly Auraria Parkway. It's highly advisable to reserve a parking spot in one of the official arena lots or a nearby private garage online in advance. Arriving at least an hour before the event starts will help you navigate the heavy traffic and find your parking spot with less stress.

Denver's rush hour significantly impacts the drive from the airport. The morning rush into downtown is typically heaviest from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM, while the evening rush leaving the city is worst from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The drive on Peña Boulevard and I-70 can easily double in time during these periods. For a much calmer experience, plan your drive during the late morning (10:00 AM to noon) or after 7:00 PM on weekdays.

The River North (RiNo) Art District is known for its vibrant street art and breweries, but parking can be challenging due to its popularity and ongoing development. Many streets have time-limited or permit-only parking, leading to frustrating searches for a spot. To avoid this, identify a paid public parking lot or garage near your accommodation before you arrive. Arriving in the mid-afternoon on a weekday is often easier than on a weekend evening when the area is most crowded.

Driving on Denver's main highways, I-70 and I-25, can feel fast-paced, with frequent and sometimes sudden lane changes from other drivers, especially during peak hours. To keep your drive low-stress, stay in the center or right lane unless you are actively passing. Maintain a safe following distance to give yourself ample time to react to changing traffic patterns. Using a navigation app with lane guidance can also help you anticipate your exits well in advance.

Denver is already a mile high, and driving immediately to higher elevations can amplify the effects of altitude sickness. It's crucial to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during your drive. Plan for a relaxed pace and avoid strenuous activity on your first day. If you feel lightheaded or fatigued, consider stopping in a town like Idaho Springs or Frisco for a short break to acclimate before continuing to your final destination.

The most direct route to Red Rocks from the Denver area is via I-70 West to exit 259, then following the signs for the venue. For concerts, arriving early is key, as traffic leading into the park can back up significantly. Parking is included with event tickets and is handled by attendants who will direct you into the nearest available lot. Rental cars are parked alongside all other vehicles in large, tiered lots, often requiring a bit of an uphill walk to the amphitheater entrance.

To enjoy Pearl Street without the stress of finding street parking, aim for one of the city's public parking garages. The garages located at 15th and Pearl or 11th and Spruce are excellent choices, offering central access to the pedestrian mall. By heading directly to a garage, you avoid circling the busy, narrow streets. This 'park once' strategy allows you to explore the entire downtown Boulder area on foot with ease.

At popular trailheads near Denver and Boulder, such as Chautauqua Park or Mount Falcon, parking lots can fill up extremely early, often by 7:00 AM on weekends. For easier access in a rental car, consider visiting state parks like Golden Gate Canyon or Roxborough. These parks have larger, well-maintained lots and entrance stations, making navigation and parking much simpler for visitors. Arriving on a weekday or in the early morning is always the best strategy to secure a spot.

For first-time visitors driving from Denver, the Beaver Meadows Entrance near the town of Estes Park is the most common and straightforward option. The route via US-36 is well-marked and leads you directly to this main entrance. Be aware that the park now uses a timed-entry reservation system during peak season, which you must book online in advance. Having your reservation and park pass ready will ensure a smooth entry process.

For a less demanding drive to Estes Park, taking US-36 West from the Boulder area is an excellent choice. This route is a well-maintained, multi-lane highway for a significant portion of the journey before narrowing as you approach Lyons and the final canyon drive. It generally has fewer tight curves and stressful passing situations compared to some of the more scenic but challenging back roads. The drive through the canyon is beautiful and the road is wide enough to feel comfortable for most drivers.

A common mistake when driving from Denver to Breckenridge is missing the correct exit off I-70. The primary exit for Breckenridge is Exit 203 for Frisco/CO-9 South. Some visitors get confused by earlier signs for other mountain towns or accidentally continue past the exit. Another potential issue is navigating the roundabout after exiting; be sure to follow the signs carefully for CO-9 South to head directly towards Breckenridge.

The westbound I-70 ski traffic is notoriously heavy on Friday afternoons and evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. The absolute worst times are typically between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends. To avoid the worst of it, plan to leave Denver either very early, before 6:00 AM, or wait until after 1:00 PM. Traveling on a weekday if your schedule allows is by far the best way to ensure a smooth, traffic-free drive to the mountains.

Staying in Frisco or Silverthorne provides a great central base for skiing multiple resorts. To simplify your daily logistics, take advantage of the free Summit Stage bus system, which connects the towns to Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Keystone. This allows you to avoid the daily hassle and cost of resort parking. If you do drive, plan to arrive at the ski area parking lots very early, especially on weekends and powder days, as even the large lots can fill up quickly.

Major ski resorts have well-organized but very busy parking and drop-off systems. Expect to be directed by parking attendants into large lots, some of which may be a considerable distance from the base area, requiring a shuttle bus ride. For drop-offs, follow the signs for the designated passenger drop-off zones, which typically allow for a brief stop to unload gear and people. Arriving early is the best strategy at all these resorts to get a closer parking spot and avoid the biggest crowds.

When Colorado's traction laws are in effect on I-70, specific vehicle requirements are enforced for safety. This means travelers should prioritize renting a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Additionally, checking that the tires have sufficient tread depth is crucial for compliance and safe handling in winter conditions. Selecting a vehicle equipped for mountain weather before you leave the rental facility is the best way to prepare for potential traction law enforcement.

Even if it's just flurrying in Denver, conditions can change dramatically as you gain elevation heading west toward the foothills. The first few miles of I-70 West or US-6 into Golden can become slick and icy very quickly during a snow squall. Visibility can also drop suddenly. It's important to reduce your speed immediately, increase your following distance, and be prepared for rapidly deteriorating road conditions as soon as you start the climb out of the city.

To avoid difficult exits in peak ski traffic, plan your stops at towns with easy-to-access services. Idaho Springs (Exit 241) and Silverthorne/Dillon (Exit 205) are excellent options with large gas stations, fast-food restaurants, and restrooms located right off the highway. These towns are accustomed to heavy visitor traffic and have infrastructure that makes it simple to get off and back on I-70. It's much less stressful than trying to navigate a small, congested exit in between.

For Garden of the Gods, the best strategy is to park at the main visitor center and consider taking the park's shuttle during peak season to avoid circling for spots at the smaller lots inside. When visiting the adjacent town of Manitou Springs, where parking is notoriously tight, head directly for one of the larger paid public lots on the edge of the main street. From there, you can easily explore the charming downtown area on foot or use the local shuttle.

When visiting the U.S. Air Force Academy, you must enter through the North Gate (Exit 156 off I-25) and be prepared to show identification. Follow the clear signage for the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, which has a large, dedicated parking lot for guests. Even during peak hours, the lot is typically large enough to accommodate visitors. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid the biggest crowds and ensure a more relaxed visit.

The best strategy for exploring Old Town Fort Collins is to use one of the public parking structures. The Old Town Parking Structure on Mountain Avenue or the Civic Center Parking Structure on Mason Street are both centrally located and affordable. By parking in one of these garages, you can leave your rental car for the day and comfortably explore all the shops, restaurants, and breweries of the historic Old Town square on foot.

To avoid the worst post-game gridlock at Coors Field, park in a lot or garage that is several blocks away from the stadium itself. Consider parking west of the stadium, closer to Union Station, or north in the RiNo neighborhood. This allows you to walk 10-15 minutes to the game but gives you much easier access to the highway when leaving. Pre-booking a spot online can also save time and guarantee you a space in a well-positioned lot.

When navigating a larger SUV into a tight downtown garage or hotel valet, the key is to go slowly and be mindful of your vehicle's dimensions. Don't be afraid to ask the valet or garage attendant for guidance, as they are experienced with all vehicle sizes. Before entering, fold in your side mirrors if possible to gain a few extra inches of clearance. Taking your time and being aware of your surroundings is the best way to avoid any scrapes or bumps.

To ensure a smooth pickup, look for designated accessible parking spaces within the rental garage, which are typically located near the elevators and customer service areas. The rental car shuttles at DEN are equipped with lifts and designated spaces for accessibility. When you get to your vehicle, find a safe, low-traffic area to transfer and load any equipment without feeling rushed. Don't hesitate to ask a National staff member for assistance if you need help finding the most convenient spot.

A great place to get organized is the Final Approach cell phone lot. After exiting the rental facility, follow signs for "Cell Phone Lot" before you merge onto Peña Boulevard. This large lot provides ample, safe space to pull over, program your navigation, adjust your mirrors and seats, and ensure your luggage is secure. It's a stress-free stop that allows you to get fully prepared for your drive without the pressure of moving traffic.

Visitors to Denver should be aware that turning right on a red light after a complete stop is permitted unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Be extra cautious of the city's extensive network of bike lanes, especially when making turns; always check for cyclists. In downtown areas like the 16th Street Mall and LoDo, pedestrian right-of-way is strictly enforced, so be prepared to stop frequently at crosswalks. Also, many downtown streets are one-way, so pay close attention to signage.

During a major convention or event at the Colorado Convention Center, the streets immediately surrounding it, such as Speer Boulevard, 14th Street, and Stout Street, become extremely congested. Similarly, on game days, the areas around Coors Field and Ball Arena are best avoided. It's wise to use a navigation app with real-time traffic updates and route your trip around the central downtown core if possible, using I-25 or Broadway as alternative north-south corridors.

For an early morning flight, the return process is very efficient. As you approach the airport on Peña Boulevard, follow the large, well-lit signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you directly to the dedicated return facility, separate from the main terminal traffic. Once you've dropped off the vehicle, frequent shuttle buses run 24/7 from the facility directly to the airline check-in level of the terminal, ensuring a quick and straightforward transfer.

The most efficient sequence is to follow the signs for "Departures" to drop off your passengers and their luggage at the airline's curb on Level 6. After they are safely out of the vehicle, stay in the left lanes and follow the signs that direct you to loop back onto Peña Boulevard. From there, you can immediately take the exit for "Rental Car Return." This avoids having to navigate through the airport's entire road system again.

The process is designed to be simple. After you return your vehicle, you will board a shuttle bus that serves all rental companies. These shuttles drop passengers off exclusively at Level 5 of the main terminal, which is the same level as baggage claim and airline check-in counters. The terminal is divided into East and West sides, so simply check which side your airline is on and walk to the appropriate counter.

When returning to DEN from the mountains, especially on a Sunday or during winter, it is crucial to build in a significant time buffer. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 90 minutes to your expected travel time to account for traffic, especially near the Eisenhower Tunnel and the Floyd Hill area. If there is active snowfall or a weekend afternoon, adding two to three hours is a safer bet to avoid any risk of missing your flight due to unexpected delays or road closures.

To avoid rush-hour traps, plan your final day's activities on the eastern side of the metro area. Suburbs like Aurora or areas near the E-470 tollway are strategically positioned for an easier drive back to DEN. If your last stop is in a western suburb like Lakewood or Golden, be sure to leave for the airport well before 3:00 PM to beat the eastbound afternoon traffic that clogs I-70 and I-25. Using E-470 is often a reliable, albeit tolled, option for bypassing central traffic.