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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low rental car prices at Colorado Springs Airport (COS) with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare offers from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and others in seconds, then walk straight from baggage claim to your vehicle and drive toward Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods or the U.S. Air Force Academy in minutes.
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| COS Airport |
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| Colorado Springs City |
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| Denver International (DEN) |
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On average, car rentals at Colorado Springs Airport cost around $94 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Compare pickup spots – check prices at COS Airport, downtown Colorado Springs and even Denver. City branches can run cheaper, but add the Uber/Lyft cost (~$25) to be sure it's a real win.
Watch the calendar, not just the clock – July, Air Force Academy graduation and summer weekends spike rates. Book 3-4 weeks out for those dates. For April, October or winter weekdays you can often snag last-minute deals.
Test "weekly" pricing – a 5-day rental can cost more than a 7-day week. Punch in extra days and see if the weekly rate beats the shorter rental, then just return early (most companies allow it with no penalty).
Size matters for your wallet – a compact is plenty for Garden of the Gods and downtown parking. Skip the SUV surcharge unless you're heading into mountain snow.
Airport Parking: If picking up someone at COS, short-term spaces are available near the terminal. The first short period is free and hourly rates apply after that.
Colorado Springs Parking:
Local Driving Regulations:
Military Installations:
Rent a car so you can see:
Garden of the Gods – sandstone formations, visitor center
Pikes Peak Highway – summit, reservoirs
Manitou Springs – mineral springs, Incline trail
U.S. Air Force Academy – visitor center, chapel
Do I need a 4WD/AWD vehicle in Colorado Springs?
For regular city driving and visiting most spots around Colorado Springs, a 2WD vehicle is usually fine. But if you're visiting in winter or planning to drive in the mountains, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle to get better grip on snowy or icy roads. Crews keep the Pikes Peak Highway in good shape, but it can still get winter weather at the top, even in summer.
How does the car rental process work at Colorado Springs Airport?
You'll find the rental counters in the baggage claim area, and the cars are parked just outside the terminal, so you can walk there. No shuttle is needed. After you finish the paperwork at the counter, they'll direct you to your car in the nearby lot. Because the COS airport is small, the whole process is usually quick and easy.
Can I drive to the top of Pikes Peak in a rental car?
Yes, you can drive a standard rental car on the Pikes Peak Highway since it's fully paved. The road has steep parts and sharp turns, but crews keep it in good shape. You should use lower gears when coming down to save your brakes. You must also stop at a brake check station on the way down. You might need to make reservations during the busy season, so check the official Pikes Peak website before you go.
What is the best time to rent a car in Colorado Springs?
You can get a good deal and enjoy nice driving weather from April to May and from September to October. These months have fewer tourists. Summer, from June to August, is the busiest time and has higher rental rates. Winter, from November to March, has the lowest rates, but you might need an AWD/4WD vehicle for mountain trips. If you visit in the summer, try to book your car at least 3 to 4 weeks early.
Is it better to rent from Colorado Springs or Denver airport?
If you're heading to Colorado Springs and nearby spots, it's easier to rent at the Colorado Springs airport (COS). You'll save yourself a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. The COS airport usually has shorter lines and a faster pickup. But, you might find better rates and more car options in Denver, so you should compare prices if you have time for the extra driving.
Are there any toll roads around Colorado Springs?
E-470 is a toll road that goes around the east side of Denver, but it doesn't reach Colorado Springs. I-25 is the main highway running north and south through Colorado Springs, and it has express toll lanes in some parts near Denver. If you use a toll road, your rental company will charge the tolls and a service fee to your credit card.
What about parking at popular attractions?
You can park for free at Garden of the Gods, but the lots fill up by mid-morning in the summer. In Manitou Springs, you'll find paid parking all over town and should expect to pay $1 to $2 an hour. Downtown Colorado Springs has free street parking in the evenings and on weekends. You can find some free parking in The Broadmoor area as well as hotel parking if you get it validated. Many trailheads have very little parking, so you should get to popular hiking spots early.
Can I take my rental car to mountain towns like Breckenridge or Aspen?
Yes, you can drive your rental car to mountain towns. Just know that for winter driving, you might need an AWD/4WD car and the right tires. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge, and Aspen is about 4 hours away. You should plan for extra time if you're driving in the winter or during heavy traffic.
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