Colorado Springs Airport (COS) car rental
A Colorado Springs Airport (COS) car rental starts you at the closest airport to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Compare the rental companies at COS in one search, then check the driving tips below.
Updated October 21, 2026 · We may earn a commission
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Status update, October 21, 2026.
- Colorado Springs Airport placed No. 8 among small US airports in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and it was the only Colorado airport on the list (Denver Gazette).
Why rent at Colorado Springs Airport
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is the closest airport to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, and downtown Colorado Springs is about 15 minutes away. If your trip is centered on the Springs, landing at COS saves the roughly 70-mile drive down from Denver.
Driving tips
- Any car can drive the paved Pikes Peak Highway in summer. Your rental contract probably forbids dirt and jeep roads, so take a jeep tour for those.
- From September 1 to May 31 Colorado's traction law can apply on mountain highways. If you're heading into the mountains in that window, book AWD/4WD or check the tires.
- Prices and fleets vary a lot by date. Compare COS with Denver (DEN) if you're flexible about which airport you use.
Colorado Springs tours
- Short summit trip if you're staying in the Springs
Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour
- Colorado Springs
- 3 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $140 pp
Check availability - Sunrise balloon flight
Colorado Springs: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
- Colorado Springs
- 3 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $290 pp
Check availability
Frequently asked questions
How far is Colorado Springs Airport from downtown?
About 15 minutes by car without traffic.
Should I fly into COS or DEN for Pikes Peak?
COS is much closer to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. DEN has more flights and is about 70 miles north, so compare fares and rental prices for both.
Do I need AWD in Colorado Springs?
Not in summer for city streets and the paved Pikes Peak Highway. From September to May, AWD/4WD or qualifying tires are a good idea for mountain driving because of Colorado's traction law.