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Car Hire In Montrose, United States: Great Value, Simple Pick-Up

Compare competitive prices and use this practical UK-focused guide to choose the right pick-up point, insurance, and fuel plan for stress-free driving around Montrose and beyond.

UK-Friendly Guidance
Montrose Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect
Hiring a car in Montrose is one of the easiest ways to explore Colorado’s Western Slope, nearby mountain towns, and scenic drives at your own pace. Public transport can be limited outside central areas, so a car is particularly convenient for early starts, trailheads, and onward journeys. For UK travellers, the main differences are larger road widths, automatic gearboxes being common, and fuel sold by the gallon. Plan for weather changes, especially if driving towards higher elevations, and check whether winter tyres or chains are required in season.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – Rental Car Area
Best for a quick, door-to-car start. Follow signs inside the terminal for rental desks/collection instructions, then collect your vehicle as directed by the provider (often in a nearby car park). Pros: longest opening hours, good choice of vehicles and add-ons, straightforward return for flights. Cons: airport fees/surcharges can make it pricier; queues can form at peak arrival times; after-hours returns may require key drop and photos for proof.
Central Montrose – Main Street Corridor
Convenient if you are staying in town first and want to avoid airport surcharges. Pros: often lower base rates, easier to change plans if you’re already in Montrose, good for local errands before heading out. Cons: shorter opening hours, limited fleet in busy periods, you may need a taxi/ride-share from your accommodation to collect the car.
Montrose Hotels & Commercial Area (North/South Town)
Useful for travellers based near larger hotels, retail parks, or business areas. Pros: easy parking and pick-up access, sometimes quieter counters, simpler returns if you’re staying nearby. Cons: fewer premium or specialist vehicles, availability can be patchy at short notice, and one-way options may be more limited than at the airport.
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Best Rental Cars for Your Montrose Colorado Adventure

Explore scenic byways, mountain passes and high-desert trails with our hand-picked rental picks for Montrose and beyond.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Mountain

SUV

Trail-Ready & Altitude-Confident
5
3
Auto

Montrose sits at the gateway to the San Juan Mountains and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where steep canyon roads, loose gravel pull-offs and elevation above 8,000 ft demand a vehicle with strong traction, generous ground clearance and confident braking. A mid-size SUV copes effortlessly with unpaved switchbacks, sudden weather changes and overnight frost, while still feeling composed on the open stretches of the Million Dollar Highway and the Scenic Byway 141. It is the most versatile companion for travellers who want to chase viewpoints without worrying about the surface beneath their wheels.

Winter

Pickup Truck

Snow-Proof & Gear-Hauling Beast
5
4
Auto

Between December and March, the Blue Mesa Reservoir loop, the Dallas Divide and Owl Creek Pass regularly close to two-wheel-drive traffic after fresh snowfall, and black ice is common on shaded sections of US-50 and CO-62. A four-wheel-drive pickup with all-terrain tyres gives you the muscle to plough through drifted lanes, the weight to stay planted on icy descents, and an open bed for skis, snowboards or a sled for the kids. Heated cabins and chunky tyres make early-morning starts from a frosty hotel car park far less of a chore.

Summer

Convertible

Open-Top Canyon Cruiser
4
2
Auto

Long daylight hours, dry air and reliably sunny skies between June and August turn every drive into a postcard, whether you are rolling down the East Portal Road, cruising through the Uncompahgre Valley vineyards or pausing at a roadside farmers' market. A convertible lets you drop the roof at scenic pull-outs, feel the cool mountain breeze and capture the brilliant blue Colorado sky in a way no saloon can match. Light, easy to park in Montrose's compact downtown and frugal on fuel for long, unhurried days on Route 62.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-Up
Downtown Pick-Up

Fastest Start From Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

Ideal if you’re landing in Montrose and want maximum convenience. Airport desks typically offer wider availability, longer hours, and easier returns for flights. Do factor in airport concession fees and allow time for paperwork during peak arrivals.

logo
Fuel MiserSmall
Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$484.22 - $584.22
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Fuel MiserSmall
Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$502.40 - $602.40
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Fuel MiserSmall
Kia Rio

Kia Rio

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$484.22 - $584.22
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
All-RoaderSUV
Mazda Cx-50

Mazda Cx-50

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$506.45 - $606.45
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
All-RoaderSUV
Mazda Cx-50

Mazda Cx-50

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$524.97 - $574.97
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
All-RoaderSUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$506.45 - $606.45
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family SpaceLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$519.31 - $619.31
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family SpaceLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$538.51 - $638.51
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family SpaceLarge
Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

ThriftyShuttle bus
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$616.99 - $916.99
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Car Hire at Montrose MTJ Airport – Reviews from Real Travellers

Browse honest ratings and feedback from drivers who collected rental cars at Montrose Regional Airport, and pick a supplier you can genuinely rely on.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
National
2.9
57 reviews
$147In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$158In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$88Shuttle busLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$138In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$111Shuttle busLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$96In terminal, Walk to counter
$339 - $555
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$124In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 7 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the dominant pickup point, handling ~500,000 annual passengers bound mainly for Telluride ski area; on-airport brands Avis and Enterprise dominate, with off-airport local agencies serving overflow demand."

Booking Patterns

"US LOR declined slightly in Q1 2026; leisure/ski-season demand drives Montrose bookings (winter peak Telluride), with SUVs and AWD vehicles preferred for mountain travel."

Customer Pain Points

"US insurers report ~35% of travellers misunderstand CDW vs LDW coverage; mountain-road and weather-related claims remain a leading complaint in Colorado ski destinations."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Wikipedia - Montrose Regional Airport (citing BTS Transtats)
  • Avis Car Rental - Montrose Regional Airport Location
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Montrose 4801 N Tower Rd
  • Auto Rental News - U.S. Length Of Rental (LOR) Declines Slightly in Q1 2026
  • Auto Rental News - Cross-Pressures, Evolving Trends Drive 2026 Rental Car Industry
  • Insurance Information Institute (III) - Auto Insurance Topics
  • Auto Rental News - Fleet Insurance (consumer confusion research coverage)

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Montrose

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Montrose

Montrose, Colorado: Your Ultimate American Road Trip Destination

Essential driving and travel information for exploring western Colorado's scenic mountains, valleys, and historic routes from the charming city of Montrose

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

32-56 km/h (20-35 mph in residential areas)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-121 km/h (65-75 mph on interstates and highways)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced for drivers 21 and over)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.20/L (National average $4.536/gallon)

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.95/L - $1.50/L (varies by region and season)

Montrose Self-Drive FAQs for UK Visitors

What British travellers need to know about hiring a car and driving in western Colorado

Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Montrose, or will my UK photocard licence do?
Your UK photocard licence is accepted by every major firm (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget) at Montrose Regional Airport for visits under 90 days — no IDP is legally required for British tourists. An IDP costs just £5.50 from the Post Office and is still worth buying before you fly: it avoids any desk-side confusion, helps if Colorado State Patrol ask for documents, and covers you on day trips into New Mexico or Utah, which have stricter rules.
Can I drive over Red Mountain Pass to Ouray in winter without snow chains?
Not safely, and probably not legally. Colorado's Traction Law (Code 15) is enforced on US-550 between Montrose and Ouray from the first lasting snowfall, usually November to April. You must carry chains, M+S tyres with 3/16" tread, or an AWD/4WD vehicle. Patrols will physically turn you back at the Ridgway or Ouray checkpoint — the on-the-spot fine is $500 and a tow from Red Mountain Pass costs $1,500+. Book an AWD SUV; a standard saloon with all-season tyres will be refused.
What speed limits will catch me out around Montrose?
Limits are in mph, not km/h — outside the town centre expect 55-65 mph on US-50, US-550 and SH-348, dropping to 30 mph in residential streets. The single biggest mistake British drivers make is pottering along at 35-40 mph on a 65 mph highway, which is itself an offence. Colorado State Patrol are active around Montrose; a 10-mph-over ticket starts at $80 and $200+ on-the-spot fines are routine. Watch for 20 mph zones near schools and around the airport.
I'm 23 — how much extra will the 'young driver fee' add to my Montrose hire?
Expect a $20-30 per day surcharge for drivers under 25, normally capped at $150-300 per rental. Enterprise, Hertz and Budget at Montrose Regional Airport apply this automatically and will refuse to rent full-size saloons, premium SUVs or vehicles with more than 6 cylinders to under-25s. Book an intermediate or compact, bring a credit card in your own name (debit cards are usually rejected), and add any additional young drivers up front — adding them at the desk is much costlier.
Are the mountain roads to Black Canyon and Ouray suitable for a standard hire car?
Mostly yes, but choose your car with care. The South Rim Road to Black Canyon of the Gunnison climbs from 1,780 m to 2,500 m on 8-10% gradients, and US-550 over Red Mountain Pass has 15 mph hairpins and unprotected drops. A 2.0-litre automatic struggles with four adults and luggage; book at least a 2.4-litre engine or a mid-size SUV. Refuel in Montrose before heading up — pumps on the plateau are sparse, closed in winter, and priced up to 30% higher.
How much will be frozen on my UK credit card, and is the basic insurance enough?
Plan for $300-500 held for the rental itself plus another $500-1,000 for the damage and liability excess — up to £1,200 blocked on a Visa or Mastercard. American Express is widely accepted, but Fox and Sixt at Montrose airport refuse non-US cards. Colorado's state-minimum third-party cover is only $25,000, far below UK norms, so the firm's $10-15-a-day SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) is well worth buying. Most UK credit-card CDW cover excludes 'premium' and 'specialty' vehicles — read the policy before you decline the rental company's LDW.

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