Do it! Driving isn’t too bad— just keep an eye out for potholes and check the air pressure in the tires— temp swings make that an issue.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Get a toll box if your going to Chicago and traveling 2 days or less
RenataAug 2023
Just make sure you ask how to return the car....lol
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in South Bend
Discover hidden gems and historical attractions in South Bend by renting a car. Getting a rental car in South Bend allows you to explore the many fantastic destinations within the city and on its outskirts conveniently. Take a day trip to the serene Indiana Dunes State Park, which is about an hour away from the city. Adrenalin Junkies can even go as far as Rum Village Park, which will only take you around 10min by car. Car rentals in South Bend will get you to these and more destinations that are not accessible via public transport.
The South Bend Airport has multiple car rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Enterprise, and Budget, which you can book through KAYAK. There are several customer service desks located in the baggage claim section. From there, it’ll take you a few minutes to walk to the car pick-up area near the terminal.
South Bend city traffic is slow-moving, especially during rush hour. To avoid getting stuck in traffic during weekdays, be sure to leave for your destination before 7am. It can take you around half an hour to drive from most South Bend suburbs to the city center in good traffic, but during rush hour, between 7am-8am, and between 5pm-7pm, it will take at least an hour or more to arrive at your destination. Be extra cautious when passing through the Adams and Dylan intersection, as many drivers fail to adhere to all the traffic rules.
You may end up being stuck in traffic for at least an hour or more if you use heavily trafficked roads, like W Lasalle Avenue and W Colfax Avenue during rush hour. In case you intend to travel to the airport on the west side of the city, be sure to leave early before the morning rush hour. If you're in South Bend during winter, keep in mind that the harsh South Bend winters create icy roads, which can bring about serious accidents, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully.
Several South Bend car rentals, including Budget and Enterprise, are located near South Bend Union Station. The distance from the train station to South Bend is approximately 97 miles (156km). Driving a rental car takes about 1h 40 min, but a bus takes approximately 2h 30min to cover the same distance. The advantage of a rental car is the freedom and flexibility when driving to the city, unlike public buses that stop at several stations to drop passengers. In addition, picking up and returning your rental car to the train station is a smooth process.
Drunk driving is illegal in South Bend. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for adult drivers. Again, failing to complete a blood alcohol test when required is an offense. If found with a blood alcohol limit of 0.15% or above, you should pay a fine of up to $5000. You can also face a jail term of 30 to 60 days or up to one year. Again, your driver's license may be suspended between 90 days and two years. When booking cheap car rentals in South Bend, learn more about DUI laws in the city to avoid fines, driver's license suspension, or a jail term.
South Bend has several safe streets for pedestrians, including Lindsey Street, east of Sherman Avenue and West of Cushing Street, Riverside Drive & California Avenue, Riverside Drive & Hudson Avenue, and Van Buren Street & Cottage Grove Avenue. These streets are meant for the safety of the city's residents. In addition, South Bend has smart roads that are pedestrian-friendly downtown. For example, main Street has pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, finishing curbs, and widened sidewalks for pedestrian safety. Thus, when booking cheap car rentals in South Bend, research more about safe streets for pedestrians in the city, including the speed limit.
Book your rental car in South Bend at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Intermediate rental cars in South Bend are around 73% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in South Bend
What type of car is recommended for driving in South Bend?
If you’re traveling as a group, a spacious SUV is a comfortable option. A four-wheel-drive SUV is also an excellent choice if you intend to explore other attractions outside the city or if you’re driving in winter weather. In case you are traveling alone and would like to avoid the hustle of squeezing into tight parking spots at the city center, we recommend renting a compact car.
What’s the speed limit in South Bend?
When driving through school zones, be sure to maintain a maximum speed limit of 25mph. You must also maintain a speed limit of 30mph on residential roads and anywhere between 55mph and 70mph on the freeway. There are speed traps and traffic cameras set up near several intersections, with one being on St. Rd. 2 and Quince Road, so be sure to adhere to the recommended traffic rules to avoid getting a ticket.
Where are the best places to park in South Bend?
The charming South Bend city has multiple parking lots, garages, and marked street parking spots. There are several parking lots in Downtown South Bend that offer free parking for 2h each day and more than 2h after 5pm. You can also opt for cheap lots like the N. Main St. Lot, which charges around $4 per day. Walking to the city center from these lots will take you anywhere between 3 to 10min.
How much is gas price in South Bend?
The average gas price in South Bend is C$ 4.71 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 57 and C$ 75, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in South Bend?
Premium (Chevrolet Suburban or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in South Bend.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in South Bend?
A Premium car rental in South Bend costs C$ 202 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in South Bend?
A Compact car rental in South Bend costs C$ 124 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in South Bend?
An Intermediate car rental in South Bend costs C$ 48 per day, on average.
What are some of the toll roads in South Bend?
US 31 is a toll road in South Bend. Thus, be ready to purchase a ticket when using this toll road in the city. You may pay a hefty fine if you fail to buy a ticket after using the toll road.
What is the distance between Chicago Midway Airport and South Bend city center?
The distance is approximately 78 miles (126km) via 47th St I-90. Luckily, there are several car rentals, such as Budget, near this airport, where you can pick up and drop off a rental vehicle during your journey.
I wasn't given any receipt at pickup . Told I would get at return. When I returned car, I stood in line for about 10 min. Then was told it would be emailed to me. It's been 24 hrs. and I still haven't seen a receipt. I have no idea how much I was charged.. I had requested an economy car, but was upgraded to Jeep . That was a pleasant surprise.
10.0 Wonderful
Herbert, May 2024
Intermediate
The person who handled our rental was very polite and knowledgeable about the process. Thank you!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Compact
Guys at the counter were great !
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
While it would be nice if there was more than one employee to handle the counter when flights arrive, everyone was friendly and the entire process was pretty smooth from beginning to end. Car was great, too!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Economy
Good!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
Budget cancelled my reservation at the last minute and left me without a car.
It was the customer service when trying to call South Bend I was always routed to corporate. No one was at the Enterprise desk in South Bend so no one walked around the car with me. A supervisor on the phone used a phone and/or had a soft spoken voice. I could not hear him.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and efficient. I was in and out quickly. Great experience.
Cons:
Only odd thing about renting in South Bend is there are no assigned spots. You everyone is walking around the lot hitting their car lock fob listening for the noise. It was actually kind of comical. But if the weather was bad or you were in a big hurry I could see how it would be irritating.
9.2 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2020
Pros:
Drop off in Downtown Falmouth MA. was great, Attendant was helpful and friendly. Pick up in South Bend IN. Airport went well even though I forgot who was supplying the car and the Kayak email confirm was on my PC , not my phone, they found me, I got the car.
Cons:
The Ford Fusion hybrid has a weird feature where the engine turns off when you stop at a light or drive-through. This feature can be turned off by a button on the dashboard.
2.0 Poor
Karina, Sep 2020
Cons:
Enterprise called me a day before and told me they had to canceled my car as they had high demand for the Holiday and they did not had the car that I reserved many days ago. They told me they couldn’t do anything that put me on a waiting list to see what day they could have a car available.!
Car was confirmed and paid via credit card but no cars were available- location had a negative number of car inventory- many angry customers!! We spent time and Uber money going to pick up cars there TWICE and confirmed order cars were not available!!
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Pick-up truck
All went well, The car has a problem with re-fueling, The vent system is restricted somewhere.
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