KAYAK’s insights & trends for Traverse City car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Traverse City with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Traverse City?
You should book your rental car in Traverse City around 79 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Traverse City?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget (₹ 29/day), Hertz (₹ 37/day) and Avis (₹ 39/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Budget 727 Fly Don't Drive (4.4 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Traverse City?
Hires in the SUV category (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar) are the most popular option in Traverse City, costing ₹ 8,408/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as ₹ 4,961/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Traverse City?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Traverse City is February at an average cost of ₹ 4,681/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Traverse City when prices are ₹ 9,648/day on average, which tends to be 14,975% above the yearly average hire price for Traverse City.
Which car hire company in Traverse City has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Traverse City, more than any other car hire company.
Traverse City car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Traverse City by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
₹ 3,247 - ₹ 8,454
All Car Types
₹ 5,957 - ₹ 11,382
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Traverse City?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Traverse City?
Small car hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 5,230 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 3,247 per day, which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 35% cheaper than the average car hire in Traverse City, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 7,047 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 5,636 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 12% cheaper than the average car hire in Traverse City, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Traverse City typically cost around ₹ 7,276 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average ₹ 4,394 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 9% cheaper than the average car hire in Traverse City, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 7,885 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average ₹ 5,540 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 1% cheaper than the average car hire in Traverse City, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 13,644 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 10,269 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 42% more expensive than the average car hire in Traverse City but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 7,427 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average ₹ 4,871 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 7% cheaper than the average car hire in Traverse City, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 9,256 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 7,164 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 15% more expensive than the average car hire in Traverse City but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Traverse City typically costs around ₹ 9,055 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average ₹ 3,343 per day, which is about 64% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 13% more expensive than the average car hire in Traverse City but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Small
Traverse City car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who rented a car in Traverse City
It was great to have the agency in the terminal. Very easy and convenient. There is a Costco that is in the parking lot right before the terminal. Very easy if you are a member.
Verified travelerJul 2024
Ensure the cars are available before booking
Verified travelerAug 2023
Recommended finding a rental with more payment options.
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.
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 can I find car hires near me in Traverse City?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Small car hire in Traverse City costs ₹ 9,250 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Medium car hire in Traverse City costs ₹ 9,401 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Large car hire in Traverse City costs ₹ 7,231 per day, on average.
They never let me pick up a car, they said they don’t do same day rentals
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Sept 2025
Intermediate SUV
The experience was great. I'm just not such a fan of the Volvo XC 60 we had to drive.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2025
Intermediate
The pick up agent was extremely rude. The vehicle had the engine light and maintenance required message was on dash. They would NOT give me a different vehicle. They have me a rental with warning lights on and expected me to drive it and told me if anything happens, just call roadside services. Cool!! Just what someone wants, to break down and be stranded on the side of the road!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2025
Minivan
Rude employees. Waited in hour in line. Was told they don’t have my rental van and tried to give me a small suv that had 5 seats when I needed 7. Had to wait another hour and a half for a van.
10.0 Wonderful
Joseph, May 2025
Standard SUV
Excellent car, price, and service.
2.0 Poor
Danny, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
The final cost was nearly $200 more than when I booked online and the car reaked of cigarette smoke.
I requested a receipt be sent by email, they did not and there is no way to call them.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
new car. long line.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Standard SUV
The State of Michigan does not issue a picture with their temporary Id's and I had other Id's but not one with a picture so they wouldn't rent me a car. Last time I checked the License was a legal government document. Apparently it's a worthless government document.
I rented a car online and did not get a car. Before I picked it up, I received a call that Enterprise didn’t have any cars despite the website still showing they have cars. I was inconvenienced and did not receive anything from Enterprise other than a robotic “sorry”. They didn’t even have the decency for customer service to call me back
4.0 Mediocre
Katie, Jul 2024
Minivan
It took 1 1/2 hours from when I got in line to when I got in the car during pickup. Drop off was very easy and fast.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Standard
They told me they did not have a car for me when I arrived at the airport even though I had a reservation. What is the point of a reservation?
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