Where is Enterprise located at the Denver Airport?

So you just landed at Denver International Airport (DIA), or DEN, whatever you wanna call it. You get off that long flight, you walk what feels like five miles through the terminal, you take the train to the main hall, and you finaly get your bags from the carousel. Now what? You gotta get your rental car from Enterprise.

You start lookin around baggage claim on Level 5. You see the signs for Ground Transportation, but… wheres Enterprise? You might see a little desk or a phone kiosk, but you dont see a big counter with a line of people and cars out the window.

This is where everyone gets confused, and trust me, its super confusing.

Here’s the deal: Enterprise is NOT located inside the Denver Airport terminal.

You cant just walk there. You cant just go down an escalator and be at the rental car lot. It’s one of the biggest questions people have when they land, and it’s a total pain if you dont know where your going. All the rental car places at DIA are like this, they are all “off-site.” That means there all in their own buildings away from the main terminal.

So if you’re standing there with your luggage wondering where to go, dont worry. We got you. Heres exactly how to find the Enterprise rental car facility at DIA.

The Big Secret: Enterprise Isn’t in the Airport Terminal

I know I just said it, but I gotta say it again because its that important. You will not find the main Enterprise counter in the Jeppesen Terminal (thats the big main building with the tent roof).

All the major rental car companies, including Enterprise, are located in their own separate lots along a road called E 78th Ave. It’s still on airport property, technicly, but it’s miles away from where you are when you get your bags.

The actual address for the Enterprise location is: 23842 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO, 80249

You cant walk there. Please dont try to walk there. You must take a shuttle bus. This is the only way to get to your car.

How to Find the Enterprise Shuttle at DIA (Your Step-by-Step Guide)

Ok, so you need to catch the shuttle. This part is actually pretty easy once you know the secret. All the rental car shuttles pick up from the same level you get your bags on.

Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.

Step 1: Get Your Bags

First thing, grab all your luggage from baggage claim. This is on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal.

Step 2: Go Outside on Level 5

Once you have your bags, head toward the big glass doors to go outside. Do NOT go up or down. Stay on Level 5. You’ll be on the “Ground Transportation” level.

Step 3: Find “Island 4”

When you get outside, you’ll see a bunch of traffic lanes and concrete islands. These are the pickup lanes. You are looking for the one marked Island 4. It should be the fourth island you have to cross.

There will be signs above your head that say “Rental Car Shuttles” or something similar. Follow those.

Step 4: Look for the Right Doors and the Shuttle

This is the only tricky part. Where you wait on Island 4 depends on which side of the terminal you came out of (East or West). Honestly, just walk along Island 4 until you see the sign for “Enterprise”.

But if you want to be specific:

• If you’re on the East Side of the terminal, go to Island 4 and look for Doors 505-513.
• If you’re on the West Side of the terminal, go to Island 4 and look for Doors 504-512.

Here’s a little table to make it easy to remember:

Step 5: Wait for the Enterprise Shuttle

You’ll see a bunch of different rental car buses. Make sure you get on the one that says “Enterprise” on the side. They come pretty often, usualy about every 10 or 15 minutes. The driver will probably help you with your bags.

The shuttle ride itself takes about 5-10 minutes to get to the Enterprise facility.

What Happens When You Get to the Enterprise Lot?

The shuttle will drop you off right at the front doors of the Enterprise building on 78th Ave. This is where you’ll finaly see the rental counter.

Get ready to wait in line. Especialy if you’re landing at a busy time, this line can be long. This is the “real” check-in. You’ll do all your paperwork here, show your ID and credit card, and get your keys.

After you have your keys, they’ll tell you where to go find your car in their massive parking lot. Make sure you check the car for any damage before you drive off!

Why is Renting a Car at Denver Airport So Confusing?

You might be thinking, “This is so dumb, why is it so complicated?”. And you’re right.

The problem is that Denver International Airport does NOT have a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (or “ConRAC”).

Most other big airports in the country have one. A ConRAC is one giant building, usualy connected to the terminal by a train or a short shuttle, where all the rental car companies are in one place. It makes things so much easier.

Denver doesn’t have that. Instead, every rental company (or their parent company) has their own, separate, giant lot. This means there are a dozen different shuttle buses clogging up the pickup lanes at Island 4, and it’s super confusing for travelers who dont know the system.

They have been talking about building a ConRAC for years, but for now, this is the system we have to deal with. It means more hassle, more time, and more buses.

Returning Your Enterprise Rental Car

This is just as important! When your trip is over, you cant just drive your Enterprise car to the “Departures” level at the terminal.

You have to drive it all the way back to that same building: 23842 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO, 80249.

Put that address in your GPS. As you get close to the airport, you’ll see signs for “Rental Car Return.” Follow those, and then look specificly for the “Enterprise” signs.

You’ll drive into the return lane, an employee will come out and check your car, and then you’ll grab your luggage.

AND THEN… you have to get back on an Enterprise shuttle bus, which will take you back to the main terminal (Level 5) so you can go check in for your flight.

Super Important Tip: Always, always allow extra time when returning your car at DIA. I’d say give yourself at least an extra 45 minutes. Between driving to the lot, returning the car, and waiting for the shuttle, it can take way longer than you think. You dont want to miss your flight!

Are There Any Easier Options? (Thinking Outside the Rental Box) 🚙

Honestly, after hearing all that, you might be wondering if you even want to rent a car.

And for a lot of people, especialy if you’re heading up to the mountains, it might not be the best choice. Think about it. You go through all that hassle with the shuttle and the long lines… just to get a car you then have to drive in crazy I-70 traffic.

And if you’re coming in the winter, do you really want to drive a rental car you dont know in the snow? On icy mountain roads? Plus, you have to pay for parking everywhere you go, at your hotel, your condo, or your airbnb.

This is where a shuttle service just makes more sense.

Instead of all that stress, you could just book a ride with a service like Winter Wagon. We pick you up right at the airport—no rental car shuttles, no lines. We handle the mountain driving, the snow, and the traffic. We take you, your family, and all your ski gear directly to the front door of your destination, whether its in Winter Park, Breckenridge, Vail, or anywhere else.

It’s just way easier. You can actualy relax and start your vacation the second you get your bags.

Quick Tips for Renting from Enterprise at DIA

If you still decide that a rental car is right for your trip, here are a few final tips to make it a little less painful.

• Book Ahead. Always, always book your car online weeks or even months in advance. Dont ever try to just walk up and get a car, especialy during ski season. They will be sold out or the prices will be insane.
• Join the Club. This is the best tip. Sign up for the Enterprise Plus loyalty program (it’s free). A lot of times, this lets you skip that giant, long counter line and go straight to your car. It can save you an hour of waiting.
• Check Your Car. Before you leave the lot, walk around the car and take pictures of any scratches or dents. Make sure the heat works and that there is an ice scraper in the car. You will need it.
• Gas Up Before You Return. The gas stations right near the rental car lots charge a crazy amount for gas. Try to fill up a few miles away before you head back to the airport.
• Allow Time. Time. Time. I said it before, but it’s the most important rule of DIA car rentals. Give yourself extra time for pickup and especially for drop-off. Everything takes longer here.

So, Lets Recap

Finding the Enterprise at Denver Airport is a puzzle, but you can solve it.

The main thing to remember is: It’s not in the terminal.

You have to get your bags on Level 5, go outside to Island 4, and catch the Enterprise shuttle to their off-site lot on 78th Ave.

It’s a hassle, for sure. But now you know the drill. Or, you could just skip the whole mess and let someone else do the driving. 😉