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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower car rental prices at Gunnison Airport (GUC) with Road Genius. Find live rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and make reservations with no reservation fees. Compare on-airport and downtown Gunnison deals side by side, from fuel-saving compacts to 4WD SUVs built for Crested Butte's winter roads and lock in your ride early to dodge peak-season markups.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| GUC Airport | • Convenient upon flight arrival • No transportation needed to rental facility • Several rental companies on-site |
• Limited vehicle selection • Higher rates than urban locations • Minimal competition affects pricing |
| Gunnison Town | • Lower rates possible • Additional vehicle options • Convenient to in-town lodging |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited business hours • Fewer rental companies |
| Montrose (MTJ) | • Larger selection • More flight options • Lower rates possible |
• 65 miles (105 km) from Gunnison • Requires transportation between cities • Time-consuming to reach Gunnison/Crested Butte area |
On average, car rentals at Gunnison Airport cost around $126 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $2 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Check our site for prices at GUC Airport vs downtown Gunnison. A quick taxi or hotel shuttle into town can slice 10-20 % off the rental bill when it's not peak ski time.
Grab winter AWD early: For Dec-Mar powder season, reserve 3-4 weeks in advance. AWD/4WD stock is limited and day-of rates jump fast once storms roll in.
Travel in shoulder months: Late Apr-May and Sep-Oct bring clear roads, open trails and much cheaper rates than Christmas week or midsummer.
Book the full week: Staying 5+ days? Weekly pricing often beats four separate daily rates, even if the car sits for a day.
Finding a Spot in Gunnison and Crested Butte:
Local Driving Rules:
Winter Regulations:
Get a car so you can see:
Crested Butte – ski slopes, downtown
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – canyon overlooks, hiking trails
Monarch Mountain – ski area, Continental Divide views
Blue Mesa Reservoir – boating, fishing
Do I absolutely need a 4WD/AWD vehicle in Gunnison and Crested Butte?
During winter (November–April), we strongly recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle. You'll often need one, especially if you're driving to Crested Butte or over mountain passes. In the summer, you can get by using a 2WD vehicle on paved roads, but an AWD/4WD will help you reach remote trailheads and unpaved forest roads more easily.
How reliable is the drive between Gunnison Airport and Crested Butte in winter?
Crews keep CO-135 between Gunnison and Crested Butte in good shape, but it can close for a short time during heavy snowstorms. They usually plow the road quickly, but you should plan for winter driving conditions from November through April. Give yourself extra travel time and check the road conditions before you head out.
Are there any alternative transportation options if I don't want to rent a car?
Yes, but you don't have many options. You can book a shuttle in advance through Alpine Express that runs between Gunnison Airport and Crested Butte. The free Gunnison Valley RTA bus also connects the two towns several times a day, but its schedule might not line up with your flight. Once you're in Crested Butte, the free Mountain Express bus system can take you around the town and to the ski area. Keep in mind, if you don't rent a car, you will find it hard to visit attractions like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or remote trailheads.
What should I know about high-altitude driving in the Gunnison area?
You'll be driving at high altitudes. Gunnison is at 7,700 feet, and nearby areas are over 10,000 feet. Because of the thin air, your car's engine might feel a little less powerful. If you're coming from a lower place, remember to drink lots of water and don't push yourself on the first day. The sun's UV rays are also much stronger, so make sure to put on sunscreen, even inside your car.
Can I take my rental car on dirt or unpaved roads to reach trailheads?
Most rental car companies don't allow you to drive their cars on unpaved roads. If you plan to visit remote trailheads, you should read your rental agreement carefully. You could also think about renting from a company that lets you drive off-pavement or offers 4x4s made for that kind of driving.
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