# Car rental at Aspen airport

> Renting a car at Aspen airport: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National and SIXT at baggage claim, Go Rentals at the FBO.

Canonical page: https://aspenprive.com/aspen-car-rental/  
Updated: 2026-09-29 · Publisher: Aspen Privé (local Aspen stay planning and concierge)

Seven rental companies operate at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: **Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National and SIXT**, with counters in **baggage claim**; **Go Rentals** is at the private-aviation (FBO) terminal. In winter, Colorado's **traction law** applies on I-70 from September 1 to May 31, and **many rental cars don't meet it**. From **April 4 to November 19, 2027** the airport is closed, so summer rentals move to Eagle, Rifle, Grand Junction or Denver.

Company list and locations are from the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, checked September 2026; traction law from CDOT.

## Renting at the airport

- **Companies**: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National and SIXT.
- **Counters**: Baggage claim / arrivals area of the terminal.
- **Private aviation**: Go Rentals at the FBO terminal.
- **Returns**: Follow the rental return signs on the Frontage Road.
- **2027**: The airport, and its rental counters, is closed April 4 to November 19, 2027. See [the 2027 closure](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-closure-2027/).

## A driver instead of a car (what Aspen Privé arranges)

Most stays don't need a rental. We have a car at the airport, drivers for the evenings, and the free buses cover the mountains. [Arrange the drivers](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=arrival-transfer).

## What winter asks of the car

- **The traction law**: September 1 to May 31 on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero: tires with at least 3/16-inch tread that are winter, all-weather or mud-and-snow rated, or chains or an approved traction device. Four-wheel drive alone isn't enough, and many rental cars don't comply.
- **Ask for it in writing**: If you'll drive to or from Denver, ask the rental company to confirm the car's tires meet the law.
- **Know when not to drive**: Storms and canyon closures can turn a three-hour drive into a very long day. See [Denver to Aspen in winter](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-in-winter/).

## Do you need a car in Aspen?

- **Usually not**: Downtown is walkable, free buses run to all four mountains, and parking is metered or $15 a day in the garage. See [parking](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-parking/) and [Aspen without a car](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-without-a-car/).
- **When it helps**: Day trips over Independence Pass in summer, the hot springs, or a house up a valley road.
- **The alternative**: A private car from the aircraft or terminal, and a driver for the evenings that matter. See [airport transportation](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-transportation/).

## Questions

**Which car rental companies are at Aspen airport?**  
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National and SIXT at baggage claim, and Go Rentals at the FBO.

**Do rental cars in Colorado have snow tires?**  
Not necessarily. From September 1 to May 31 the traction law on I-70 requires winter, all-weather or mud-and-snow rated tires with 3/16-inch tread, or chains; many rental cars don't meet it, so ask.

**Can I rent a car at Aspen airport in summer 2027?**  
No. The airport is closed April 4 to November 19, 2027; rent at Eagle, Rifle, Grand Junction or Denver.

**Do I need a car in Aspen?**  
Usually not: downtown is walkable and free buses run to all four mountains. A car helps for day trips.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

A private car waiting at the terminal or the aircraft, and a driver for the evenings.

- [Private airport transfer](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-transportation/) (From $195 per vehicle): From Aspen's airport to the door in a private SUV, timed to your actual landing.
- [Denver to Aspen by private car](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-private-car/) (From $1,650 per vehicle): Winter-equipped vehicle and driver for the four-hour drive, re-timed as roads change.
- [Eagle to Aspen by private car](https://aspenprive.com/eagle-to-aspen-private-car/) (From $850 per vehicle): The 70-mile transfer from Eagle airport, flight tracked and re-timed around the canyon.
- [A driver for the evening](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=evening-driver) (From $210 per hour): A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.

## Sources (checked September 29, 2026)

- [Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: rental cars](https://www.aspenairport.com/parking/rental-cars/)
- [CDOT: traction law](https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw)

## Related

- [Airport transportation](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-transportation/): From the plane to the door.
- [Parking in Aspen](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-parking/): Rates and free hours.
- [Denver to Aspen in winter](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-in-winter/): The drive, honestly.

To plan or request any of this: https://aspenprive.com/plan-your-trip/ · https://aspenprive.com/contact.html