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| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Parker Local Rentals | • No airport fees • Close to local accommodations • Shorter wait times |
• Very limited options (few rental locations) • Restricted business hours • Smaller vehicle selection |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | • Extensive vehicle selection • All major rental companies available • 24/7 service for late arrivals |
• 30+ miles from Parker • Airport fees and surcharges • Potentially longer wait times |
| Southeast Denver Area | • Closer to Parker than DEN • More options than Parker proper • Avoids some airport fees |
• Limited availability of specialty vehicles • Standard business hours only • May still incur airport fees if within 20-mile radius |
On average, car rentals in Parker cost around $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Quotes from Parker, nearby Southeast Denver, and DEN can differ by 15-25%. Local Parker counters skip airport surcharges but close early, so price out all three and factor any shuttle rides before locking in.
Check the calendar, not just the clock: Summer/holiday dates around Denver fill fast, so locking in 3-4 weeks ahead often saves. In shoulder seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) last-minute deals pop up, so keep an eye on prices and re-book if they drop.
Skip the toll package unless you're living on E-470: Occasional trips on the toll road cost a few bucks; the daily toll bundle plus admin fees only makes sense if you'll hit E-470 multiple times a day.
Go long for better value: Weekly rates in Parker usually beat daily pricing after day five. Even a 6-day trip can be cheaper as a "7-day" booking.
Fuel up in town: Stations along Parker Road and the Costco on Twenty Mile Road are 20-30¢/gal cheaper than pumps near DEN. Fill the tank before driving back to the airport.
Avoid under-25 fees when possible: If you're traveling with someone 25 or older, list them as the primary driver. It can wipe out a $30/day surcharge in Colorado.
Finding a Spot in Parker:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Get a rental so you can visit:
Downtown Denver – museums, Coors Field, Union Station
Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak
Cherry Creek State Park – reservoir, trails, picnic areas
Castlewood Canyon State Park – canyon, trails, visitor center
Castle Rock – outlet mall, restaurants, Philip S. Miller Park
Rocky Mountain National Park – Trail Ridge Road, lakes, elk herds

Is it necessary to have an all-wheel-drive vehicle in Parker?
For driving around Parker and the Denver metro area, a standard 2WD vehicle will work just fine all year. But, if you plan to visit the mountains, especially in winter, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle for safety and to follow traction laws.
How do toll roads work with rental cars in the Parker area?
The E-470 toll road uses electronic tolling. It captures your license plate and sends the bill to the rental company. Most rental companies will charge you an administrative fee (around $3-7 per day) plus the actual toll. If you plan to use E-470 a lot, you should ask about toll packages when you pick up your car.
What's the best way to avoid traffic when traveling from Parker to downtown Denver?
You should try to avoid rush hour (7-9 AM going north, 4-6:30 PM going south) on I-25 and Parker Road. You can also take E-470 to I-225, but this route has tolls. To make sure you arrive on time, give yourself extra travel time during busy periods or use a traffic app to check real-time road conditions.
Are there any scenic drives accessible from Parker?
Yes, you can easily get to several scenic routes from Parker. You can take CO-83 south toward Franktown for rural views or head southwest to Castlewood Canyon State Park. For a longer trip, you can continue south to see Palmer Lake and the Front Range views along CO-105 or drive east toward Elizabeth to see pastoral landscapes.
Where can I find the most affordable fuel before returning my rental car?
You'll find that gas stations in Parker usually have lower prices than the ones near the airport. Stations along Parker Road (CO-83) and Lincoln Avenue have competitive prices. If you have a membership, Costco on Twenty Mile Road often has the lowest rates. We suggest you fill up in Parker before you head to the airport to avoid the high prices there.