Traverse City car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Traverse City
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Traverse City
- People travel to Traverse City to explore the architectural treasure at the Grand Traverse Commons and to check out the annual Cherry Festival in the spring. This former medical institution has impressive castle-like buildings, which have been converted into restaurants, galleries, and boutiques as well as office spaces, and has easy access to parking. Traverse City car rentals will allow you to take a scenic drive along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and take in the Traverse City Beaches located on West Grand Traverse Bay. Although there is a bus system in Traverse City called Bay Area Transportation Authority, it is limited to five city loops within miles of the downtown area. If you have your sights set on exploring more of the city and the surrounding area, a car rental in Traverse City will come in handy.
- Traverse City is served by the Cherry Capital Airport located a few miles east of the city center of Traverse City. The car rental offices of companies like Hertz, Alamo, and Budget and their rental car parking lot can be found just off the exit from the baggage claim at the Cherry Capital Airport terminal.
- Driving in Traverse City is pleasant with plenty of scenic options. The main highways serving Traverse City include the US 31, which takes you to Mackinaw City, the M-22, which is a scenic route around Lake Michigan, the M-37 that heads south to the Manistee National Forest or north to the Grand Traverse Bay, and the M-72, which connects the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with Lake Huron.
- South Airport Road and 14th Street, particularly in the summer, are the most likely to get congested, particularly during peak hours in the morning, 7am to 9am when commuters head downtown for work. Traverse City averages about 80 inches of snowfall a year. If you’re here during the winter months, practice safe snow driving techniques by driving slowly, alertly, and defensively. Allow for extra time on your trips and turn your low-beam headlights on.
- Book your rental car in Traverse City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Supplier choice rental cars in Traverse City are around 81% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Traverse City
What type of car is recommended for driving in Traverse City?
We recommend an economy or compact car for city driving so that you can find parking easily wherever you want to go. Alternatively, if you know you will be spending a lot of time on Traverse City’s scenic routes, you could opt for a car rental in Traverse City that is a standard or intermediate SUV for more legroom, more amenities, and more space for your luggage.
What’s the speed limit in Traverse City?
In Traverse City, expect 55mph speed limits on most state and county highways, and then reduce your speed to the 25mph speed limits when driving in business and residential areas. Speed cameras are not allowed in Michigan and speeding is controlled by the local Traverse City police officers on duty.
Where are the best places to park in Traverse City?
Wherever your destination in Traverse City, parking is plentiful. You’ll find meters for up to 2h and up to 10h parking throughout both the downtown and lakeside area. Parking meters accept coin payment, however, the easiest is to download ParkMobile on your smartphone for easy payment. Most meters offer the first 30min for free to make your quick errands even easier. If you need to make a stay even longer, simply head to the parking lots on Larry C. Hardy or in Old Town. Parking is free in Traverse City on the weekends and weeknights after 6pm. Check around Old Deck for free parking options.
How much is gas price in Traverse City?
The average gas price in Traverse City is 13.06 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 157 ﷼ and 209 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Traverse City?
Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Traverse City.
How can I find car rentals near me in Traverse City?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Special car rental in Traverse City costs 88 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Compact car rental in Traverse City costs 161 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Traverse City?
An Economy car rental in Traverse City costs 191 ﷼ per day, on average.
Traverse City car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Budget
8.6
Very good
Read 21 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.8
Value for money
8.2
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don't Drive
+1 231 947 3883
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Danny, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Passenger van
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Supplier choice
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jun 2024
8.0 Very good
Jamie, Apr 2021
Cons:
The car was not cleaned out at all when I picked it up8.0 Very good
Jamie, Apr 2021
Cons:
The car was not cleaned out at all, dusty, hair, dead bugThrifty
10.0
Wonderful
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
3.9
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
1655 South Garfield Avenue
+1 231 946 2371
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Justin, Jul 2021
Hertz
8.2
Very good
Read 12 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.2
Value for money
7.8
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don't Drive
+1 231 946 7051
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
the gentleman I spoke eith on the phone thursday evening at the Travers City airoort location was very rude . I had made a reservation online and had a confirmation number - I just called to check and make sure it would be available for sure at 8 am and he proceeded to tell me that there was no guarantees and it may not be available. He said a reservation is NOT a guaranteed car!! Which i then asked why and he said that is just a fact- very rude!!10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
Was as easy as possible. On site, walkable, location within steps of terminal. Very economical Toyota Corolla.6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Minivan not available, despite prepaid reservation. Very disappointed. Substitute was okay, but felt response to situation was limited. Did not have to return on full tank, not really a square deal.Cons:
Cleaner vehicle, COVID sticker on door was difficult to remove, left residue, interior was not as clean as should have been, very poor counter work. Blamed difficulties on busy season. NOT my problem, take care of your business! Fall colors happen every year, deal with it.6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
I got to the counter an they said your rental reservation has been changed to Enterprise so just go there. They have older cars and not nearly as good as Hertz.Cons:
To make sure the reservation stays with the company you reserved with.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Nothing traverse city is awful for anyone younger than 55Cons:
They had no cars anywhere in the city. Would be nice if they got some of those6.4 Okay
Colleen, Aug 2020
Pros:
The staff member at checkout was not friendly at all.Cons:
It was a brand new Jeep Wrangler but man was it an uncomfortable ride. We had a 6 hour each way trip. That vehicle is very utilitarian. You feel every bump in the road. Definitely not a vehicle I would like again.Alamo
7.8
Good
Read 4 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
8.0
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Dont Dr
+1 844 370 9797
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Kim, Sep 2024
Supplier choice
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Standard SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
Avis
7.8
Good
Read 16 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.9
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Dont Drive
+1 231 946 1223
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Cons:
As a person using a cane, to be required to park my car in n the airport lot (without notice) and then walk back to the Avis lot (without curb cuts for part of the walk) is quite an inconvenience!! In addition, the car did NOT have a radio. Each rental should require an attendance to explain the features or lack there of to the renter.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2023
Compact
4.0 Mediocre
Chris, Aug 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Terry, Jul 2023
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.5
Good
Read 6 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.6
3 locations in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
1789 Garfield Avenue South
+1 231 933 7000
3464 N Us Highway 31 S
+1 231 941 6657
727 Fly Dont Dr
+1 844 996 0645
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
David, Nov 2024
Minivan
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Luxury
4.0 Mediocre
Katie, Jul 2024
Minivan
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Standard
2.0 Poor
Eric, Jun 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
They could have actually had a car for me.One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Dont Dr
+1 844 370 9796
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jeff, Jul 2021
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don't Drive
+1 231 946 7051
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don't Drive, Traverse City, , USA Michigan
+1 914 368 0091
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Traverse City
When to book a rental car in Traverse City
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Traverse City
Traverse City car rental information
| Pick-up location | Traverse City |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 14 |
| Airport locations | 11 |