
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.






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.
Mountain
SUV

5
3
AutoMontrose 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

5
4
AutoBetween 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

4
2
AutoLong 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.
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.


Hyundai Venue
5
2
4
Auto

Hyundai Venue
5
2
4
Auto

Kia Rio
5
2
4
Auto

Mazda Cx-50
5
2
4
Auto

Mazda Cx-50
5
2
4
Auto

Toyota RAV4
5
3
4
Auto

Toyota Camry
5
3
4
Auto

Toyota Camry
5
3
4
Auto

Toyota Camry
5
3
4
AutoCar 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 company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2.9 57 reviews | $147 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $400 |
| |
![]() | 2.9 17000+ reviews | $158 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
![]() | 1.8 3700+ reviews | $88 | Shuttle bus | Low deposit |
| |
![]() | 1.8 23,900+ reviews | $138 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $400 |
| |
![]() | 1.4 3300+ reviews | $111 | Shuttle bus | Low deposit |
| |
![]() | 1.2 99 reviews | $96 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $339 - $555 |
| |
![]() | 1.2 5691+ reviews | $124 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
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Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
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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
Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Montrose, Colorado
Best Scenic Driving Routes:
Popular Day Trips By Hire Car:
Half-Day: Black Canyon Viewpoints & Short Walks
Perfect if you’ve only got a morning or afternoon: drive to the South Rim, hop between overlooks and fit in a brief rim walk before heading back to Montrose for dinner.
Ouray Hot Springs & Historic Main Street
A relaxing day out: cruise to Ouray for mountain scenery, stroll the historic centre, then soak in the hot springs before returning via golden-hour viewpoints.
Telluride Gondola Views & Box Canyon Scenery
Drive to Telluride for dramatic peaks and a lively town atmosphere. Take the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village for sweeping vistas, then return via the Dallas Divide.
Curecanti National Recreation Area: Blue Mesa Reservoir
An easy-going water-and-canyon day: follow US-50 towards Gunnison for reservoir lookouts, picnic spots and shoreline walks at Blue Mesa—excellent for families and slower travel.
Grand Mesa Lakes Picnic Loop (Seasonal)
Escape to higher elevation for cooler air, forest drives and lake stops. Bring layers and snacks, and plan extra time if you want an easy lakeside wander.
Car Hire Planning Tips For Montrose & The San Juan Mountains
Bring The Right Documents: Carry your driving licence, a second photo ID, and the payment card in the main driver’s name. If you’re visiting from abroad, check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your licence.
Choose A Vehicle For Mountain Grades: Routes around Ouray, Telluride and US-550 involve steep climbs and long descents. A mid-size car is fine in summer, but consider extra power (or AWD) if you’re fully loaded or travelling shoulder season.
Plan For Rapid Weather Changes: High passes can shift from sun to storms quickly. Check forecasts for Red Mountain Pass, Dallas Divide and the Grand Mesa, and keep a warm layer and water in the car.
Fuel Up Before You Head Into The Mountains: Fill up in Montrose or Ridgway before longer scenic stretches. Small towns can have limited opening hours, and prices may be higher away from the main corridors.
Download Offline Maps And Key Addresses: Mobile coverage can be patchy in canyons and on passes. Save offline maps, park entrances and your accommodation details before setting off.
Drive Descents Carefully: On long downhill sections, shift to a lower gear to reduce brake heat. Keep extra following distance and use pull-outs to let faster traffic pass if needed.
Check Road Conditions And Seasonal Closures: Before committing to high-elevation routes, review state road updates and park alerts. Snow, rockfall or maintenance can affect travel times significantly.
Understand Insurance And Deposits Up Front: Confirm what’s included (collision damage waiver, theft cover, windscreen/tyres) and the security deposit amount. Photograph the car at pick-up and return to avoid disputes.
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
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