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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from major brands at Montrose Airport with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Check real-time deals at both the MTJ terminal and downtown Montrose and filter for AWD, ski racks or unlimited miles to gear up for drives to Telluride, Ouray or Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MTJ Airport | • Immediate availability upon arrival • Multiple rental companies on-site • Convenient terminal access |
• Higher rates during peak seasons • Airport fees and surcharges • Limited selection of specialty vehicles |
| Montrose Town | • Lower base rates possible • No airport fees • Convenient to local accommodations |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited business hours • Fewer rental companies |
| Nearby Cities (Grand Junction, Delta) | • May offer better availability during peak seasons • Lower rates possible • Alternative if MTJ rentals are sold out |
• Significant distance from Montrose • Additional travel time • Requires transportation between locations |
On average, car rentals at Montrose Airport cost around $108 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Run quotes for MTJ Airport and downtown Montrose. Airport can add extra fees while in-town desks may be cheaper even after a quick rideshare into town.
Peak ski season = book then re-check: Demand spikes Dec-Mar. Reserve 3-4 weeks out to lock something in, then revisit prices a week before arrival and rebook if you spot a drop.
Aim for shoulder months (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Fewer crowds, open roads and noticeably lower rental rates than winter powder or midsummer.
Test weekly pricing: Trips of 5-7 days often cost less under a "weekly" rate than paying day-by-day. Always run both options in the search box.
Where to Park in Montrose and Nearby Towns:
Driving Rules You Should Know:
Mountain Driving Rules:
Book a rental so you can get to:
Telluride – ski resort, gondola village
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – canyon overlooks, rim drives
Ouray – hot springs, Million Dollar Highway access
Crested Butte – downtown district, biking trails
Is a 4WD/AWD vehicle necessary when renting from Montrose Airport?
In the winter (November to April), we strongly recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle. You will often need one for trips to mountain spots like Telluride, Ouray and the Million Dollar Highway. In the summer, you can get by with a 2WD car on paved roads, but an AWD/4WD will help you reach remote trailheads and unpaved roads.
What should I know about driving the Million Dollar Highway (US-550)?
The Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton is one of America's most scenic drives, but you need to drive carefully. The road has steep drop-offs with few guardrails, narrow sections and tight curves. Take it slowly, stay in your lane, use pullouts for photos and avoid this route during bad weather unless you have experience driving in the mountains.
How reliable is winter access to Telluride from Montrose?
Road crews keep the route to Telluride on CO-145 in good shape, and it stays open all winter except during big storms. The road goes over Dallas Divide, where you can find tough winter weather. Give yourself extra travel time in the winter, check road conditions before you leave and use an AWD/4WD vehicle if you can.
Are there any restrictions for driving rental cars on scenic backroads?
Most standard rental agreements don't let you drive on unpaved roads. If you plan to explore backroads, read your rental agreement carefully and consider renting from companies that allow you to drive on unpaved roads. For serious off-roading, you can find special Jeep rentals in the area that are built for rough terrain.
What's the best time of year to rent a car and explore the Montrose region?
Every season has its own perks. In the winter, you can visit world-class ski resorts, but you need to be comfortable driving in winter weather. In the summer, the high mountain passes are open, and you can get to alpine areas. The fall has amazing colors, especially on Kebler Pass and Dallas Divide. If you want a good mix of open roads and smaller crowds, think about visiting in late spring (late May to June) or early fall (September to early October).
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