Ace Rent a Car operates a counter at Denver International Airport, but you'll pick up your vehicle at an off-airport location
Ace Rent a Car has a rental desk inside Denver International Airport's main terminal, but the actual vehicle pickup happens at their off-airport facility. This matters because it changes your timeline and how you get to your car. When you arrive at the airport, you'll check in at the Ace counter, complete paperwork, then take a shuttle to their lot about 10 minutes away. The reverse happens when you return: you drive back to their facility, turn in the car, and take a shuttle back to the terminal.
This off-airport model is how Ace keeps rates lower than on-airport competitors. You're not paying the airport's facility fees, which get passed to you at the rental counter. The trade-off is time—plan an extra 20 to 30 minutes for pickup and return beyond what you'd spend at a traditional on-airport rental desk.
Key Takeaways
- Ace's Denver airport counter is in the terminal, but you pick up your actual car at their off-airport location, reached by shuttle.
- The off-airport model means lower rates because Ace avoids airport facility fees, but adds 20 to 30 minutes to your rental process.
- You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or the option to buy it from Ace, and a credit card for the deposit.
- Ace's vehicle fleet at Denver tends toward economy and compact cars; larger vehicles and specialty rentals may not be available.
- Return the car with a full fuel tank unless you prepay for a fuel option, or you'll pay premium prices per gallon for any shortfall.
What documents and payment method you need to bring
Bring your valid driver's license—a state ID, passport, or military ID all work. Ace will scan it and verify your driving record. You'll also need a credit card in your name for the security deposit, which is typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class. This deposit is a hold, not a charge; it releases when you return the car undamaged and with a full tank.
For insurance, you have three paths. If you already carry comprehensive and collision coverage on a personal vehicle or through a credit card, bring that documentation—Ace will accept it and you won't pay extra. If you don't have coverage, Ace sells daily insurance through their counter, usually $15 to $25 per day depending on coverage level. Some credit cards include rental car coverage; call your card issuer before you travel to confirm what's covered and what documentation Ace will need.
Bring proof of your return flight or itinerary if you're returning the car on a specific date. Ace uses this to confirm your rental period and prevent surprise charges if you keep the car longer than booked.
How Ace's fuel policy works and what it costs
Ace requires you to return the car with a full tank. If you don't, they charge you for any missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that is significantly higher than what you'd pay at a gas station—often $5 to $7 per gallon depending on current fuel prices. This is standard across the rental industry, but the markup is steep enough that it's worth the 10 minutes to fill up before you return.
Some Ace locations offer a prepaid fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a rate closer to market price. Ask at the counter whether this is available for your rental. If you prepay and don't use all the fuel, you don't get a refund, so this option makes sense only if you're confident you'll use most of a tank.
The fuel gauge in your rental car should match the gauge when you picked it up. Take a photo of the gauge at pickup and again at return—this protects you if there's a dispute about how much fuel was in the tank.
Vehicle condition inspections and damage liability
Before you leave the lot, walk around the car with the Ace attendant and inspect it together. Point out any scratches, dents, or interior damage you see. The attendant will note these on your rental agreement. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior condition on your phone—this is your evidence if Ace later claims you caused damage you didn't.
You're responsible for damage that happens during your rental unless you purchased their damage waiver. The damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) costs roughly $15 to $20 per day and covers most collision and theft damage. Without it, you're liable for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $1,000 for body damage. Your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage may cover rental damage; check before you decline the waiver.
Return the car in the same condition you received it. Excessive dirt, stains, or odors can trigger cleaning fees of $50 to $150. If you smoke in the car, expect a $200 to $300 smoking fee on top of any other charges.
What vehicle types Ace typically has available in Denver
Ace's Denver location focuses on economy and compact cars—sedans and small SUVs that are cheap to rent and straightforward to park. You can usually find a Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, or similar compact sedan. Small SUVs like a Hyundai Venue or Kia Niro are often available but at a higher daily rate than sedans.
Larger vehicles, trucks, and vans are less common at Ace Denver and may not be available on your travel dates. If you need a full-size SUV, truck, or van, call ahead to confirm availability rather than showing up and finding out they don't have it. Premium or specialty vehicles (convertibles, luxury brands) are not part of Ace's typical fleet.
Ace's reservation system shows you what class of vehicle you're booking, not a specific model. You might reserve a "compact car" and receive a Corolla, Elantra, or Civic depending on what's on the lot that day. All vehicles in the same class have similar features and fuel economy, so the specific model matters less than the class you booked.
How to reach Ace at Denver International Airport and make changes to your reservation
Ace's Denver airport counter is located in the main terminal near the rental car desks. You can call their Denver location directly at their main number to ask questions before you arrive, or call Ace's national customer service line to modify your reservation online or by phone. Your confirmation email will include both the counter phone number and the national line.
If you need to extend your rental, shorten it, or change your vehicle class, contact Ace as soon as you know. Changes made before your pickup date are usually free; changes made after you've picked up the car may incur additional charges or may not be possible depending on availability.
If you're running late to your pickup, call the counter when ready. Ace will hold your reservation for a reasonable time, but if you don't show up within a few hours of your scheduled pickup, they may cancel it and charge you a no-show fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the shuttle to the off-airport lot, or can I drive to it myself?
You must take the Ace shuttle from the terminal to their facility. You cannot drive yourself or arrange your own transportation. The shuttle runs regularly throughout the day and is included in your rental rate.
What if I return the car late or after hours?
Late returns incur additional daily charges, usually at the same rate as your rental or higher. If you return after the facility closes, you may not be able to complete the return process that day. Call Ace as soon as you realize you'll be late so they can advise you on options and fees.
Can I add a second driver to my rental?
Yes. Additional drivers must present a valid driver's license at the counter. Ace may charge a small fee per additional driver, typically $5 to $10 per day. All drivers must be listed on the rental agreement and meet Ace's age and driving record requirements.
What happens if I get into an accident?
Contact Ace when ready and report the accident. If you purchased their damage waiver, your liability is limited to the waiver's deductible (usually $500 to $1,000). Without the waiver, you're liable for the full repair cost. Take photos of the damage, get a police report if another vehicle was involved, and keep all documentation for your insurance company.
Is there a minimum age to rent from Ace in Denver?
Ace typically rents to drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee of $15 to $25 per day. Some vehicle classes may have higher age minimums. Confirm the age policy and any fees when you make your reservation.