Car Rental Longmont, CO

Yes, we highly recommend you have a car when you visit Longmont. The city has a local bus system, but it doesn't go everywhere and you'll need your own car to get to most places in the surrounding areas. You can find taxis and rideshare services, but they can get expensive if you take many trips.

To get around all year, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle, especially if you plan to drive into the mountains or visit in the winter. If you're only driving in the city during the summer, any type of car will work. An SUV can give you a better view and a more comfortable ride for mountain driving.

Yes, you might use the E-470 (eastern Denver bypass) and Northwest Parkway toll roads when you travel to or from Denver International Airport. I-25 has express toll lanes between Denver and Fort Collins, but the regular lanes are still free. If you use toll roads, your rental company will charge the tolls and a service fee to your credit card.

The city does a good job of maintaining Longmont's roads in the winter. Crews plow the main roads quickly after it snows. If you plan to visit Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter, we strongly recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle that has good tires. You should always check the weather forecast before you drive into the mountains.

You can find one-way rentals from Longmont, but your options are limited. You'll find more one-way choices at bigger locations like Denver International Airport. You should check with specific rental companies because their rules and fees are different. For a fee, Enterprise and Hertz in Longmont may let you return cars to other branches they own.

No, you can usually find parking easily in downtown Longmont. Most spots are free but have time limits during business hours. Public lots offer more parking if you need to stay longer. Even when there are events, it's easier to find parking than in bigger cities like Boulder or Denver.

The most direct way is to take US-36 west through Lyons to Estes Park and then enter the park. The scenic drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. During the busy season, from late May to mid-October, you should start early to find parking and avoid traffic. You will need a timed entry permit to get into the park during the busy season.

When you drive to the mountains in the winter, Colorado's Traction Law might require your car to have special tires, chains or AWD/4WD, depending on the road conditions. In Rocky Mountain National Park, some roads have limits on how long your vehicle can be. Rental cars from Longmont usually meet the standard rules, but you should double-check if you plan to visit remote areas.