Hotels & Car Hire Denver

Question

Hi, We are arriving at Denver Airport early evening and after a long flight from the UK would rather have a good nights sleep before picking up a hire car. Ideally we would like a hotel with car hire desk but there don't appear to be any. So, would we be better off staying in a hotel near the airport and getting a taxi back to the car hire at airport at 7am the next morning or staying downtown and collecting car from there?. Hiring from UK there is no difference in the price. After collecting the car we are heading to Cheyenne: Is leaving Denver easier from airport or downtown? We are keen to avoid heavy traffic and toll roads. Thanks

Answer

Given your scenario—arriving at Denver International Airport (DEN) after a long flight and wanting a restful night before picking up a hire car—staying near the airport is usually the most practical option. This allows you to avoid additional city traffic and simplifies your morning car pickup.

Here are some considerations:

Airport Hotels: There are several hotels directly adjacent to or within a few minutes of DEN that offer shuttle service to the car rental center. Staying here means you can check in, rest, and take a short taxi or shuttle to collect your car in the morning. This is the most convenient and least stressful option after an international flight.
Downtown Hotels: If you stay downtown, you’ll have a pleasant city experience for your first night, but you’ll need to factor in travel to the airport’s car rental facility. Early morning traffic is generally lighter, but you’ll still face a 30–45 minute drive depending on hotel location. Downtown hotels do not typically have onsite car rental desks for airport collections.
Traffic Considerations: For your drive to Cheyenne, starting from the airport actually helps you avoid most city congestion. I-25 north from downtown and the airport merges in different ways, but leaving from DEN gives you a more direct route onto I-25 north, bypassing some Denver city streets.
Toll Roads: Most routes from DEN to Cheyenne avoid toll roads entirely. Denver area toll roads exist mainly on E-470 and Northwest Parkway, which are not necessary for the I-25 northbound route to Cheyenne.

Recommendations:

Book an airport hotel for convenience and less stress after your long flight.
Use the hotel shuttle or a short taxi ride to reach the car rental center early the next morning.
Plan to leave DEN via Peña Boulevard connecting to I-70 and then I-25 north toward Cheyenne—this avoids city traffic and is straightforward.
Allow 30–45 minutes extra in the morning to accommodate any small delays at the rental desk or traffic within airport roads.

Overall, staying near the airport simplifies logistics, gives you a full night of rest, and positions you well for a smooth departure north toward Cheyenne without encountering heavy traffic.

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