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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Montrose, Colorado. Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Grab a car at Montrose Regional Airport or a downtown branch and be on your way to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Telluride or the Million Dollar Highway in under two hours. Check live prices on economy, SUV and 4WD rentals and reserve early to dodge peak season sellouts.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
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| Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) |
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| Downtown Montrose |
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| Route 50 Corridor |
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Additional Notes: Airport rental counters are located in the main terminal near baggage claim. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer and winter peak seasons.
On average, car rentals in Montrose cost around $70 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $46 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport is handy but carries an ~11 % surcharge. If your arrival time fits, Downtown Montrose often beats the price (just watch the 8 am-5 pm hours and Sunday closures).
Shift your dates by a day or two: Spring and fall shoulder seasons run as low as $40–60 a day, versus $60–90 in July or ski season. A quick date tweak in the search box can slice the rate.
Book the right vehicle, not the biggest: In summer and on paved routes a 2-door economy does the job. Only upgrade to AWD/4WD if you're hitting snowy passes or backcountry trailheads.
Look for weekly pricing: Stays of 5+ days often trigger "pay for 4-ish, drive for 7" deals, knocking 15-25 % off the per-day cost.
| Area | Parking Options | Regulations |
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| Downtown Montrose |
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| Black Canyon National Park |
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| Telluride (day trips) |
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| Ridgway State Park |
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Local Driving Rules:
Get a car rental so you can easily:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – South Rim overlooks
Telluride – ski resort, valley trails
Ouray – springs, Box Canyon Falls
Grand Junction – Colorado National Monument, wineries
Is a 4-wheel drive vehicle necessary in Montrose? If you're just driving around Montrose and on paved highways, a standard 2WD vehicle is usually enough in good weather. However, we recommend a 4WD or AWD vehicle if you plan to drive mountain passes, visit during the winter or drive on unpaved roads to trailheads and recreation areas.
How far is Montrose from skiing areas? Telluride Ski Resort is about 65 miles (105 km) (1.5 hours) from Montrose. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is about 90 miles (145 km) (1.75 hours) away. Both drives can take longer in the winter.
Can I return my rental car in a different location? Most companies offer one-way rentals. This lets you pick up your car in Montrose and drop it off in a larger city like Denver or Grand Junction. One-way fees usually range from $50 to $200, depending on the drop-off spot and the rental company.
Are there any scenic drives near Montrose? You can take several spectacular scenic drives from Montrose. Some great ones are the San Juan Scenic Byway, the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, the West Elk Loop and Black Canyon Rim drives. The drive to Telluride on CO-145 is also very scenic.
What documentation do I need to rent a car in Montrose? You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance. If you're an international visitor, you also need a valid passport and driver's license. For licenses not in English, some companies may ask for an International Driving Permit.
Is it difficult to drive in the mountains around Montrose? When you drive in the mountains, you need to pay attention to steep hills, narrow roads and weather that can change quickly. Many roads are in good shape but can have tight curves and big changes in elevation. Driving in the winter is harder, and it's best if you have experience driving in snowy weather.
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