Last updated: March 16, 2026
Planning to pick up a rental car at Denver International Airport (DEN, but also sometimes referred to as DIA)? At DEN, rental car agencies are located on airport property, but you’ll need to take a courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal to reach the rental car lots. After you collect your luggage, follow signs for Rental Cars and head to Level 5, Island 4, where the airport’s rental car shuttles pick up on both the east and west sides of the terminal. This guide explains where to go, how the DEN rental car shuttle works, and what to know before you drive away. Since pickup procedures and counter hours can vary by provider, it is always smart to confirm your rental company’s latest instructions before travel.
Quick Facts: Renting a Car at Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Airport code: DEN
- Are rental cars inside the terminal?: No. Rental car agencies are located on airport property but require a courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal
- Where do I catch the shuttle?: Level 5, Island 4
- East side shuttle pickup: outside doors 505–513
- West side shuttle pickup: outside doors 504–512
- Best tip before pickup: Follow Rental Car signs after baggage claim and confirm your provider’s latest DEN pickup instructions before you fly
Step 1: Arrive at Denver International Airport
After landing at DEN, head to baggage claim in Jeppesen Terminal. Once you have your luggage, follow signs for Rental Cars so you can head toward the shuttle pickup area.
Step 2: Find the Rental Car Shuttle
DEN currently says rental car agencies are located on airport property, but travelers need to take a courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal to reach them.
Shuttle pickup locations are:
- East side: Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 505–513
- West side: Level 5, Island 4, outside doors 504–512
After baggage claim, follow airport signs for Rental Cars and head to the correct side of the terminal for your shuttle.
Step 3: Arrive at the Rental Car Lots
Once the shuttle drops you off, head to your rental company’s customer service area to complete the pickup process. Denver’s official rental car page says the airport has more than 10 major rental car companies serving travelers.
Current provider pages also confirm active service at DEN for brands such as Avis and Sixt, with shuttle pickup from Island 4 after baggage claim. Because the airport’s public page does not publish a full current company roster on the page itself, it is best to check your reservation confirmation if you want to verify your provider before arrival.
Step 4: Complete Your Rental Agreement
When you reach the counter, have your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation confirmation ready. Some providers may have additional rules for debit cards, extra drivers, or after-hours pickup, so it helps to review those details before your trip.
Before leaving the counter, review your paperwork carefully and make sure you understand:
- the final total
- the fuel policy
- the return time
- any optional extras or additional driver fees
Before driving away, inspect the vehicle for any scratches, dents, wheel damage, or interior issues, and make sure any existing damage is documented by the rental company.
Step 5: Leave the Rental Car Facility
After picking up your vehicle, follow signs to exit the rental car facility and connect to the major roads serving Denver and the surrounding region. If you are driving into downtown Denver or heading toward the mountains, it helps to plan your route before leaving the lot.
Step 6: Returning Your Rental Car
When it is time to return your vehicle, follow airport signs for Rental Car Return and your provider’s designated return area. After drop-off, take the courtesy shuttle back to Jeppesen Terminal.
If you expect to return the car outside normal business hours, check with your provider in advance for after-hours instructions.
Additional Tips
- Book in Advance: Rental cars in Denver, especially during peak travel seasons like winter and summer, can be in high demand. Booking ahead guarantees you get the best rates and availability.
- Mountain Driving: If you plan to head to the mountains, it’s wise to rent a 4WD or AWD vehicle, especially in the winter months when road conditions can be unpredictable.
- Toll Roads: Be aware that many routes out of Denver use toll roads, such as E-470, so check with your rental company to see if toll payment options are included.
Frequently Asked Questions About DEN Airport Rental Cars
Rental car agencies at DEN are located on airport property, but you need to take a courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal to reach them
DEN says rental car shuttles pick up from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 4. East side pickup is outside doors 505–513, and west side pickup is outside doors 504–512.
No. Denver says rental car agencies are located on airport property and require a courtesy shuttle from Jeppesen Terminal
Denver’s official rental car page says the airport has more than 10 major rental car companies serving travelers. It is best to check your reservation confirmation for your provider’s current pickup instructions before arrival
In most cases, you should bring your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation confirmation. Some providers may have additional requirements depending on your booking and payment method.
Follow signs for Rental Car Return to your provider’s designated area, then take the courtesy shuttle back to Jeppesen Terminal.
Conclusion
Picking up a rental car at Denver International Airport is usually straightforward once you know that the rental car agencies are reached by shuttle rather than directly from the terminal. After baggage claim, follow signs to Level 5, Island 4, take the rental car shuttle, complete your paperwork, inspect your vehicle, and you will be ready to hit the road.
To make the process smoother, confirm your rental company’s current DEN pickup instructions before your trip and allow a little extra time for the shuttle connection. A little preparation can make your Denver rental car pickup much easier
