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| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock Local Rentals | • No airport fees • Convenient to local accommodations • Shorter wait times |
• Very limited options (few rental companies) • Restricted business hours • Smaller vehicle selection |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | • Extensive vehicle selection • All major rental companies available • 24/7 service for late arrivals |
• 40+ miles (64 km) from Castle Rock • Airport fees and surcharges • Longer wait times possible |
| Colorado Springs Airport (COS) | • Closer than DEN for southern trips • Less crowded than DEN • Major rental companies available |
• Smaller selection than DEN • Limited flight options • Airport fees still apply |
On average, car rentals in Castle Rock cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare pickup spots: A quick rideshare from DEN or COS to a Castle Rock rental can dodge airport surcharges and still get you on the road fast—run the numbers before you book.
Peak vs off-peak strategy: Summer, big-event weekends and ski season sell out early, so lock in 2-3 weeks ahead. Visiting in shoulder months? Track prices and rebook if they drop (most suppliers let you cancel free).
Check weekly pricing: Even a 5-day trip can be cheaper on a 7-day "weekly" rate. Always price both options before hitting "confirm".
Skip pricey tolls: If you only need I-25, avoid E-470 and its rental "convenience" fees by taking I-225/Peña to DEN or sticking to I-25 for local runs.
Finding a Spot in Castle Rock:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Book a rental so you can get to:
Denver – museums, sports venues
Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods, U.S. Air Force Academy
Rocky Mountain National Park – lakes, trailheads
Pikes Peak – summit road, cog railway
Castlewood Canyon State Park – canyon trails, picnic areas
Outlets at Castle Rock – shopping center

Is Castle Rock a good base location for exploring both Denver and Colorado Springs?
Yes, Castle Rock is located about halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, which makes it a great base for visiting both cities. You can usually drive to either city in 40–50 minutes when there's not much traffic, so it's easy to take day trips in either direction.
Do I need an all-wheel-drive vehicle in Castle Rock?
For driving around Castle Rock and the I-25 corridor, a standard 2WD car is fine for most of the year. However, if you plan to visit the mountains or travel in the winter (from November to April), we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle to stay safe when it might snow.
How does the weather in Castle Rock affect driving conditions?
Castle Rock is higher up than Denver, so it can get different weather. The area often gets more snow and wind than the Denver metro area. In the winter, the weather on I-25 near Castle Rock can change suddenly. You should always check the forecast before you travel and be prepared for changing road conditions.
What scenic drives are accessible from Castle Rock?
You can easily find several scenic drives from Castle Rock. Take CO-86 east toward Franktown and Elizabeth to see the countryside, or head west toward Sedalia and into the foothills. For a longer trip, you can drive south to Palmer Lake and Monument for beautiful views of the Front Range. Rampart Range Road also offers pretty forest scenery to the southwest.
Are there alternative routes to Denver International Airport besides E-470?
Yes, you can avoid the E-470 toll road by taking I-25 north to I-225, and then getting on Peña Boulevard from I-70. This way is longer and might have more traffic, but you won't pay tolls. Plan for about 15 to 25 extra minutes if you take this route, especially during rush hour.