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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from leading companies at Grand Junction Airport with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up your car just outside baggage claim and hit I-70 for quick access to Colorado National Monument, Palisade wine country and Moab. Summer festivals drive up demand so reserve early for the best selection.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| GJT Airport | • Convenient for flight arrivals • All major rental companies on-site • Direct terminal access |
• Airport fees and surcharges • Higher base rates than city locations • Limited specialty vehicle selection |
| Downtown Grand Junction | • Lower base rates possible • Convenient to downtown hotels • No airport fees |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited business hours • Smaller vehicle selection |
| Nearby Cities (Delta, Montrose) | • May offer better availability during peak seasons • Lower rates possible • Alternative if GJT rentals are sold out |
• Requires transportation between locations • Limited rental company options • Additional travel time |
On average, car rentals at Grand Junction Airport cost around $107 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.
Compare airport vs. downtown pickups. GJT airport cars add extra surcharges. If you're staying near Main Street, grabbing a quick rideshare to a downtown branch can offset the cab fare and cut the daily rate.
Time your booking to local demand. Summer, Winefest (Sept) and fall-color weekends sell out fast, so locking in 3–4 weeks ahead beats surge pricing. In quieter winter months you can often snag better deals a week or even days out.
Shoot for a weekly rate if you're here 5+ days. At GJT a 7-day booking usually prices out cheaper than 6 individual days and often throws in an extra driver or mileage perk.
Stick with smaller classes. A compact or midsize handles I-70 and Colorado National Monument just fine and saves both upfront and at the pump compared to SUVs.
Finding a Spot in Grand Junction:
Local Driving Rules:
National Park Regulations:
Get a car to drive to:
Colorado National Monument – Rim Rock Drive
Palisade – wineries, orchards
Moab – Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – South Rim Drive
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to visit the national parks near Grand Junction?
You can drive a standard 2WD vehicle on the main roads in Colorado National Monument, Arches and most areas of Canyonlands. But for backcountry roads in Canyonlands, some areas of BLM land and rugged terrain, we recommend a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. In the winter, you'll want an AWD/4WD for mountain passes and snowy roads.
What's the best time of year to rent a car and explore the Grand Junction area?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) have the best driving weather because of the mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer lets you drive up to high mountain passes, but temperatures in desert areas can go over 100 °F. You need to drive more carefully in the winter, but you'll also find fewer crowds and lower rental prices.
How far in advance should I reserve a rental car at Grand Junction Airport?
For the busy season (May–September) and special events like wine festivals, you should book your car 3–4 weeks in advance to make sure you get one at a good price. During winter and the other seasons, booking 1–2 weeks ahead is usually enough. Still, if you book earlier, you will have more options and might get a lower rate.
Are there any restrictions for taking rental cars on unpaved roads?
Most rental car companies do not let you drive on unpaved roads. If you plan to explore backcountry areas, you should check your rental agreement. You can also rent from companies that allow off-pavement driving, or look for local Jeep rental companies that offer off-road vehicles.
What should I know about driving between Grand Junction and Utah destinations?
Driving to Moab and eastern Utah parks is easy on I-70. You won't need to change your clock, as Colorado and Utah are both in the Mountain Time zone. You might lose cell service in remote areas, and you won't find many gas stations or stores between Grand Junction and Green River. Remember to bring water and check the weather before you go.
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