When visiting Denver, there are a few must-see attractions that you won’t want to miss out on, such as the Denver Botanic Gardens and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, both of which you can easily reach by driving. When exploring Downtown Denver, keep your eyes open for Lawrence Street and Larimer Street, as these connect the entire neighborhood. Colorado Boulevard is one of the major roads and can be used to travel to many different areas of Denver and the surrounding region. Take note of the fact that some roads in the area charge tolls, such as the Northwest Parkway. It can be difficult to find free parking for car rentals in Denver, and most spots are metered. There are over 100 different car rental locations for you to choose from in the city.
Is it worthwhile renting a car while visiting Denver?
Finding parking for car rentals in Denver is easy, as there are many garages and metered spaces that are available. Denver is known for being a busy city that has several major interstates, including I-25, I-70, I-76, and I-270. The city’s rush hour is considered to be in the early morning and evening, so avoid driving on these major roads during these times if you don’t want to get stuck in a traffic jam. Renting a car will make it easier for you to visit attractions in the surrounding region, like Dinosaur Ridge and the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, which are just a short drive away. The city is not known for being particularly walkable, making a cheap car rental in Denver a convenient and affordable option for exploring the town. Many of its main neighborhoods are spread out, like LoDo, Cherry Creek, and the River North Art District. Denver car rentals will allow you to save time while sightseeing, and it can come particularly in handy during the winter months, as you won’t have to walk in the snow or colder weather.
Can I cross state or country borders with a rental car from Denver?
If you are renting a car in Denver with a major rental company such as Avis, Hertz, or Enterprise, you will be able to drive across state borders without an issue. These large companies typically include an unlimited mileage option, so you can make the journey without concern about surpassing a mileage limit. You may need to book interstate travel as a one-way journey, depending on the rental company policy and how far you plan to travel from Denver. Smaller rental companies and regional rental companies who do not have rental centers outside the Denver or Colorado area might not permit interstate travel because they lack the network to support it. For international travel, major rental companies allow travel into Canada with only a few exceptions. Passenger van rental vehicles and luxury car rental in Denver does not permit international travel. If you anticipate crossing an international border, consider an economy car rental from the various car rental locations in Denver to ensure you are able to cross the border smoothly. Major car rentals in Denver are similarly permitted to cross into Mexico, though you will need to communicate in advance with your rental company and purchase additional insurance.
Can you rent a rental car in Denver without a credit card?
Denver car rentals can be made without a credit card, though you will need to complete a few more steps during your reservation process. If you choose to use a debit card, you will need to prove your identity beyond just a driver’s license. For example, you may need to provide a plane ticket, insurance documentation, or recent utility bill with the name matching your driver’s license. The rental company will place a hold on your bank account, which may remain up to 14 days. This is to protect against any accidents or damages that you may accrue during your time with the vehicle. The rental company may also check your credit score, to determine the amount of money they will place on hold, or the type of rental insurance that you will be required to purchase. If you choose to pay with cash, you will also need to prove your identity and place a deposit in advance. Depending on your credit score, you may also need to purchase additional insurance. Denver car rental companies will generally limit you to smaller, less expensive vehicles if you choose to rent without a credit card, and might also exclude luxury or electric car rental options. With plenty of cheap car rentals in Denver, you should still be able to rent a quality vehicle that can take you where you need to be.
What driving laws should I keep an eye out for in Denver?
After picking up car rentals in Denver, drivers should be aware of some unique driving laws that apply throughout the city and in the state of Colorado. One of the most unusual laws is that cars are allowed to turn left on a red light onto a one-way street after coming to a complete stop, unless otherwise indicated by a sign at the intersection. Legally, you must follow what is referred to as the three-second rule, meaning that you leave a distance equivalent to three seconds between yourself and the car in front of you. You are not allowed to wear headphones at all while driving in Denver, and drivers under the age of 18 cannot use any type of phone behind the wheel—not even a hands-free device. All merging traffic must yield to the flow of traffic, so don’t cut into the road if you are going to cause traffic to slow down. Travelers who pick up car rentals in Denver will frequently find themselves climbing steep mountain roads, whether on the way to a ski day or exploring the wilderness. In any case, the vehicle going downhill on a narrow mountain pass must yield the right of way to the vehicle going uphill.
What documents does an international traveler need to rent a car in Denver?
International travelers who are looking for a Denver car rental will need to provide a valid driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit. The valid driver’s license should be from your home country, and will be used to obtain an International Driver’s Permit. You need to have your International Driver’s Permit before you rent a vehicle, so be sure to arrange this in advance before departing. You should also have a credit card to make the purchase. You may need to provide proof of insurance upon rental, and we recommend that you check in advance to determine whether your coverage extends to international travel. If your Denver car rental is not covered, consider purchasing insurance through the rental company to protect yourself abroad.