Denver International Airport works well as a base if you want city neighbourhoods, outdoor stops, and mountain scenery in one trip.
Settle into the city first
Start with Union Station, LoDo, RiNo, or the Denver Art Museum. Park once, then walk between nearby restaurants, galleries, and city sights.
Keep the foothills within reach
Use the car for Red Rocks, Golden, Lookout Mountain, or Boulder. These places are easier with your own schedule.
Plan mountain drives properly
With a rental car, you can head toward Estes Park, Idaho Springs, or Summit County. Start early if your route uses I-70 west.
What cars can I hire at Denver International Airport
Choosing a car in Denver depends heavily on the season and where you plan to drive. A simple city itinerary may only need a smaller vehicle, while mountain roads, national park routes, and winter conditions may make a roomier option more comfortable.
Vehicle availability can vary by booking date and travel period, but Hertz may offer options such as:
- Compact and economy cars: Good for lighter luggage, city hotels, and short drives around Denver, Aurora, RiNo, Cherry Creek, and nearby areas.
- Sedans: A comfortable choice for couples, solo travellers, and business visitors driving between Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, or local suburbs.
- SUVs: Useful for families, larger bags, outdoor gear, snow-season travel, and routes toward the Rockies, Colorado Springs, or national parks.
- MPVs: A better fit when several passengers want more cabin room on airport transfers, day trips, or longer Colorado drives.
- Vans: Suitable for larger groups, ski gear, sports travel, or itineraries with several suitcases.
- Premium vehicles: Designed for travellers who want extra comfort for business appointments, highway drives, or scenic routes across Colorado.
Electric car rental at Denver International Airport
If you plan to hire a car at Denver International Airport and stay around Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Cherry Creek, Lakewood, or nearby suburbs, an electric vehicle can work well with route planning. Hertz electric car rental at Denver International Airport gives you a quieter, lower-emission option for city drives, hotel transfers, business trips, and planned routes along the Front Range.
With charging access growing across the Denver metro area, EV hire can be a practical choice for travellers who want flexibility while choosing a cleaner local drive.
Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience
Hertz offers various add-ons to simplify your journey for a better experience. Available VAS products include:
- Loss Damage Waiver: Reduces the amount you may be liable to pay for certain rental vehicle damage, theft, or accident-related costs.
- Liability Insurance Supplement: Reduces your financial liability if eligible third-party accident or bodily injury claims arise during the rental period.
- Infant seats: A travel add-on for babies who need rear-facing seating during transfers or road trips.
- Child seats: Designed for younger children who still need their own secured seat during the journey.
- Booster seats: Helps older children sit higher so the vehicle seat belt fits more safely.
- Personal Protection Package: Comprises Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage, with benefits that may include accidental death cover, limited medical expense benefits, and reduced liability in case of accidents or theft.
Explore places within 30 miles of Denver International Airport
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- 22 miles from Denver International Airport (approx)
- 550 parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 5 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 9 AM to 5 PM (approx)
Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a good first drive if you want family-friendly exhibits, planetarium shows, City Park access, and mountain views from the east side of Denver.
Denver Botanic Gardens
- 23 miles from Denver International Airport (approx)
- 320 parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 2 EV charging ports nearby (approx)
- Open Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 8 PM
Denver Botanic Gardens is a calm stop if you want walking paths, seasonal planting, glasshouse displays, and a slower break after landing. It also keeps you close to central Denver, Cherry Creek, and nearby dining areas.
Denver Art Museum and Civic Center
- 24 miles from Denver International Airport (approx)
- 675 parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 3 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 5 AM to 11 PM
Denver Art Museum works well if you want exhibitions, architecture, Civic Center Park, and the Golden Triangle district in one stop. Nearby garage parking makes it easier to leave the car and explore the surrounding cultural area on foot.
FAQs
1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at Denver International Airport?
Yes. After you arrive at Denver International Airport, follow the Rental Cars signs and use the courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal. The shuttle takes passengers from the terminal area to the Hertz rental lot.
2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from Denver International Airport?
Yes. You can usually select a different return location while booking. This can help if your route starts in Denver and finishes in Colorado Springs, Boulder, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, or another Hertz branch.
3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my Denver International Airport reservation?
Yes. Most bookings can be changed before pickup. Review your rate conditions first, as updates to travel dates, collection time, car group, or return branch may change the final cost.
4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the Denver International Airport branch?
To hire a car at Hertz Denver International Airport, the main driver should bring a valid driving licence, passport and another valid ID for identification, and an accepted payment card in their own name for the security deposit. If the licence is not in English, they should also carry an International Driving Permit along with their original national licence.
5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?
Yes, however, make sure to inform your original Hertz branch. If your Colorado route changes during the trip, ask Hertz to update the agreement so the new return branch and any one-way fee are confirmed.