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Finding a rental car in Lakewood, Colorado is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across Colorado with no booking fees. See real-time offers from Lakewood depots, downtown Denver and Denver International Airport in one search so you can grab an SUV for the Rockies or a compact for cruising Colfax. Book early to lock in low prices before the summer hikers and winter skiers roll in.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 565784
Rental Location Pros Cons
Lakewood City Locations • No airport fees
• Lower base rates possible
• Convenient to local accommodations
• Limited business hours
• Smaller vehicle selection
• May require advance reservations
Denver International Airport (DEN) • Largest vehicle selection
• 24/7 service availability
• All major rental companies present
• 30+ miles from Lakewood
• Airport fees and surcharges
• Longer wait times possible
Downtown Denver • Closer to Lakewood than DEN
• Good vehicle selection
• Multiple company options
• Urban traffic to navigate
• Parking limitations at rental locations
• Some locations close on Sundays

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Lakewood, CO?

On average, car rentals in Lakewood (CO) cost around $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $27 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare Lakewood city pickups vs. DEN airport. City branches skip the airport surcharge and usually have faster lines. Even after a rideshare or light-rail ride from the terminal you can still come out ahead.

  • Travel in shoulder season (Apr-May or Sept-Nov). Rates around Lakewood drop once ski crowds leave and before summer tourists arrive, so shifting your dates a week can slash the bill.

  • Check weekly pricing even for 5–6 days. Many Lakewood locations apply a lower "7-day" rate once you cross the five-day mark.

  • Decline pricey add-ons you already own. Phone mounts and ski racks run $10-25 a day; pack your own mount or slide skis through the split rear seat for free.

  • Park free at RTD Park-n-Ride lots and ride the W-Line into downtown Denver. You save on fuel, tolls and $20-plus garage fees while the rental meter sits still.

Local Parking and Driving

Parking in Lakewood:

  • Most shopping centers and businesses offer free parking
  • Belmar shopping district uses time-limited zones (usually 2-3 hours)
  • Street parking in residential areas may have restrictions; check signage
  • Park-n-Ride facilities available at RTD light rail stations

Local Driving Rules:

  • Right turn on red permitted after complete stop unless posted otherwise
  • School zones strictly enforced when flashing (usually 20 mph)
  • Speed limits: 25-35 mph in residential areas, 40-45 mph on major arterials
  • Complete stops required at all stop signs and red lights

Mountain Driving Regulations:

  • Traction Law often activated on I-70 during winter storms
  • Vehicles must have snow tires, all-weather tires or AWD/4WD
  • Chain stations located along I-70 corridor when conditions require them
  • Speed limits reduced during bad weather conditions
Why rent a car in Lakewood, CO

Get a rental car so you can easily:

  • Downtown Denver – museums, Union Station, stadiums

  • Red Rocks Amphitheatre – concerts, trails

  • Golden – Coors Brewery tours, Clear Creek

  • Front Range foothill parks – bike trails, trailheads

  • Rocky Mountain National Park – lakes, wildlife

  • Colorado ski resorts – Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain

Driving Distances from Lakewood

FAQs

Do I need an all-wheel-drive vehicle in Lakewood? For just driving around Lakewood and Denver, you can get by just fine all year using a standard 2WD car. But, if you plan to visit the mountains, especially in winter, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle for safety and to follow possible traction laws.

How do I avoid the worst traffic when heading to mountain destinations? During ski season (December–early April), you should avoid driving west on I-70 from about 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturdays and many holiday Sundays. You should also avoid driving east from roughly 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Try traveling mid-week, or leave very early (before 6 AM) or later in the evening (after 7 PM) on weekends.

Where is the best place to park for Red Rocks concerts? Your Red Rocks event ticket includes parking in several lots. You should arrive at least 90 minutes before the show starts to get the best parking spots. For sold-out shows, you can take a shuttle from Denver or a nearby park-and-ride to avoid trouble finding a parking spot.

Are there any restrictions for driving rental cars to high-altitude mountain passes? Most rental companies let you drive to the mountains, but you should check your agreement. Some companies don't allow you to drive on unpaved roads. You should also know that high mountain passes (above 10,000 feet) can make your engine lose power. Rental cars usually have all-season tires not winter tires.

What should I know about driving in winter conditions around Lakewood? Driving in winter is very different in Lakewood than in the mountains. In the city, road crews plow the streets quickly. However, mountain roads might close or require you to use chains or have an AWD vehicle. You should keep an emergency kit in your car, give yourself extra time to travel and check road conditions before you leave during the winter.