How to find a cheap car hire deal in Aspen
Searching for a cheap rental car in Aspen? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 2,194 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.
R 958 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Aspen.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 6,701 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Around four weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Aspen car hire.
Browse the offers available from well-known providers like Budget and Avis.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Aspen car hire policy, whether you go with Budget or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Aspen.
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at R 2,271 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 2,047, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/alamo/650)) comes in next.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly R 2,601 a day with this supplier.
If you can't decide which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Aspen.
Flying to Aspen? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Aspen plans by booking a car hire at Aspen Airport. The city centre is about 5 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Aspen
Small: These cheap rental cars in Aspen may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Aspen car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Aspen that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group trips, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Aspen car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Aspen by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers at an extra cost, so always check the terms before locking in your reservation.
Add a car seat to your Aspen car rental reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in the United States may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
Best hotels in Aspen for drivers
Offering valet parking, W Aspen takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 0.48 kilometres from central Aspen and also comes with car hire options and a fitness centre.
The Innsbruck Aspen by Frias makes life simpler with parking and features like shuttle services and a fitness centre. It's roughly 0.64 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Aspen. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Aspen and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - Aspen Skiing Company, Aspen Mountain and Conundrum Hot Springs are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Aspen
The Inn at Riverwalk and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa are recommended accommodation options with parking in Edwards.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Aspen and then set out for Glenwood Springs. Roughly 56 kilometres northwest of Aspen, Hippy Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool are major attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Glenwood Springs has some great places to stay such as Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs and Holiday Inn Express Glenwood Springs (ASPEN AREA) by IHG. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Aurora, roughly 177 kilometres east of Aspen. First, swing past Plains Conservation Centre, then head to DeLaney Homestead Historic District.
Drift off to sleep in Aurora at either Americas Best Value Inn Denver or Best Western Plus Gateway Inn Suites. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
