Thrifty Car Rental - Denver International Airport

- 23520 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80249

For both Coloradans returning home and visitors eager to explore our beautiful state, securing reliable ground transportation from Denver International Airport (DIA) is often the first step. Thrifty Car Rental, a widely recognized name in the industry, operates a location conveniently situated near DIA at 23520 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80249. Like many off-airport rental companies, Thrifty aims to provide a broad selection of vehicles at competitive prices, along with a shuttle service to bridge the gap between the terminal and their lot.

The promise of a smooth, affordable rental experience is a key draw for any traveler. Thrifty promotes itself as offering "excellent customer service" and a "wide selection of vehicles." However, recent customer feedback regarding this specific DIA location presents a stark contrast to this ideal. While one reviewer found the company "pretty easy to deal with" and praised the efficient return process, another provided a highly concerning account of alleged billing scams, damaged vehicles, and difficult customer service interactions post-rental. These widely divergent experiences highlight the importance of thorough preparation and vigilance when choosing this particular Thrifty branch.

In a state like Colorado, where a reliable vehicle is often essential for exploring the vast landscapes, from cityscapes to mountain ranges, understanding the nuances of your chosen car rental provider is paramount. This article will delve into the services offered by Thrifty Car Rental at Denver International Airport, its accessibility, the features it promotes, and provide critical considerations for local users based on available public data. Navigating these details will help Coloradans make an informed decision for their next journey.

Thrifty Car Rental - Denver International Airport is located at 23520 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80249, USA. This address places it within the cluster of off-airport rental car facilities just a short distance from the main terminal of Denver International Airport (DIA). While not directly inside the Jeppesen Terminal, its proximity makes it a convenient option for air travelers.

Accessibility to and from DIA is managed primarily via a complimentary shuttle service. Upon arrival at DIA, customers are directed to proceed to Level 5, Island 4 (for off-airport rental car shuttles) outside doors 505-513 (east side) or 504-512 (west side). Shuttles typically run regularly to transport customers between the airport terminal and the rental car facility. The return process involves driving directly to the rental location, where an attendant will process the return, and a shuttle will then transport customers back to the airport.

Thrifty's website indicates that the Denver International Airport location operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This around-the-clock availability is a significant advantage for travelers with early morning departures or late-night arrivals, ensuring service is available regardless of flight schedules.

Thrifty Car Rental at Denver International Airport offers a comprehensive range of car rental services designed to meet various travel needs. These generally include:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Thrifty provides a wide selection of vehicles. This includes economy cars (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Versa), compact cars, mid-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Fusion), full-size sedans (e.g., Chevrolet Malibu), SUVs of various sizes (e.g., Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Subaru Outback), minivans (e.g., Dodge Grand Caravan), and sometimes specialty vehicles like convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible) or luxury cars (e.g., Chrysler 300, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz CLA250).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals: Customers can rent vehicles for various durations, including daily, weekly, or longer-term options, depending on their travel plans in Colorado.
• Shuttle Service to/from DIA: A complimentary shuttle service is provided for seamless transfers between the Denver International Airport terminal and the Thrifty rental facility.
• Optional Add-ons: Thrifty offers a range of optional additions to enhance the rental experience, such as GPS navigation, child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster), ski racks, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and various refueling options.
• PlatePass® All-Inclusive Tolling: Thrifty provides an electronic toll payment solution called PlatePass®. For a daily rate, this service offers unlimited toll usage, allowing renters to use covered cashless toll lanes without a personal transponder or needing to pay the toll authority directly. It is important to note, as a customer review highlights, that avoiding tolls by selecting "avoid tolls" on GPS if not opting into PlatePass can prevent additional administrative fees charged per toll incurred.
• Protection Products: Thrifty offers various rental protection options, including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and liability protection, to cover potential damages or incidents during the rental period. Renters should carefully review these options and consider their personal insurance coverage.
• Blue Chip Rewards Program: Frequent renters can join the Blue Chip Rewards program for perks like expedited counter service, a dedicated line, and earning free rental days.

Thrifty Car Rental at Denver International Airport aims to offer several features that enhance the rental experience for customers, although the degree of success can be variable based on customer feedback:

• On-Airport Proximity and 24/7 Operation: While not in the terminal, its location very close to DIA and its 24-hour operation are significant advantages, especially for travelers with unconventional flight times. This means the service is theoretically available whenever your flight lands or departs.
• Variety of Vehicle Types: The extensive fleet ensures that customers can usually find a vehicle suitable for their specific needs, whether it's an economical compact car for city driving or a robust SUV for Colorado's mountain roads and potentially snowy conditions.
• Streamlined Return Process: One positive review specifically notes the efficiency of the return process, with an attendant immediately handling the return and a quick shuttle pickup, which is crucial for making flight connections.
• Unlimited Mileage (often available): A positive aspect highlighted by a customer is the availability of unlimited mileage, which is highly beneficial for exploring the vast landscapes of Colorado without worrying about extra charges.
• Optional Fuel Service: The extra charge to forgo a full tank on return (pre-paid fuel or refueling by Thrifty) offers convenience for busy travelers who may not have time to refuel before drop-off.
• PlatePass® for Toll Convenience: For those traversing Colorado's growing number of toll roads, the PlatePass® system provides a convenient way to manage tolls, avoiding individual payments or violations, though understanding the associated fees is important.

However, it is imperative to address the severe concerns raised in one of the provided customer reviews. Allegations of credit card issues during check-in designed to push their own insurance, receiving a "damaged car" with pre-existing dents and scratches, and subsequent claims of new damages post-return point to serious operational and ethical concerns at this location. The customer's advice to "take photos to protect yourself" and "do not rent from this location" due to dishonesty are significant warnings that prospective renters must heed. These issues directly contradict the desired features of reliability, transparency, and good customer service.

For inquiries, reservations, or to address any issues with a rental from Thrifty Car Rental - Denver International Airport, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 23520 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80249, USA

Phone: (877) 283-0898

Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898

It is highly advisable for customers, especially in light of the negative reviews, to document all communication, retain rental agreements, and thoroughly photograph the vehicle's condition at both pick-up and drop-off. For issues that cannot be resolved directly with the location, contacting the corporate customer service or the parent company (Hertz) at the provided numbers might be necessary. Contacting the Colorado State Attorney General's office is also an option if disputes persist.

For Coloradans seeking a car rental from Denver International Airport, Thrifty Car Rental at 23520 E 78th Ave offers the fundamental convenience of an off-airport location with 24/7 service and a shuttle, along with a diverse fleet suitable for various Colorado adventures. The allure of competitive pricing and options like unlimited mileage for exploring our vast state can be appealing. When the service operates smoothly, as experienced by some customers, it provides a straightforward and efficient solution for ground transportation upon arrival or departure from DIA.

However, it is critical for locals to be fully aware of and prepared for the significant risks highlighted by recent, serious negative reviews. Allegations of dishonest billing practices, pressure to purchase unnecessary insurance, and disputes over pre-existing vehicle damage are extremely concerning. While Thrifty, as part of a major national brand, theoretically offers a wide range of vehicles and standard rental features, the execution at this specific location appears to be inconsistent and, at times, problematic.

Therefore, while Thrifty at DIA could be a suitable option for locals seeking a potentially budget-friendly rental, it comes with a strong recommendation for extreme caution. Thoroughly inspecting and photographing the vehicle (inside and out) at both pickup and drop-off, diligently reviewing all charges on your credit card statements, and being assertive about your rights as a consumer are not merely suggestions but essential precautions for anyone considering this location. For Coloradans, the convenience of proximity must be weighed carefully against the potential for significant hassle and financial disputes, making proactive self-protection paramount for a truly worry-free journey.

Thrifty Car Rental - Denver International Airport

23520 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80249, USA