Traverse City car rental information
| Pick-up location | Traverse City |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 13 |
| Airport locations | 10 |
Cheap car rentals in Traverse City
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger Van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Traverse City
- You may use the car rental services after getting to Traverse city station, the most popular train station in Traverse. However, you must arrange the drop-off location with your car rental company as there are no rental offices at the train station. Most cheap car rentals in Traverse, like Budget, will have the car waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the custom location per the client's request.
- Choose a car at Traverse City car rentals and explore what the city and the surroundings have to offer. Enjoy dinner, wine tours, and wine tasting in the beautiful room on Old Mission Peninsula at the Bowers Harbor Vineyards. The vineyard is 20min away from the city, an 11.8 miles drive. Go sightseeing in Leelanau State Park and climb the Grand Traverse Light House to see experience the view of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. The lighthouse is 53min away from Traverse, 37.1 miles. If you are a long-distance driving fan, catch the sunset as you enjoy the scenery at Frankfort Beach. It will take about 1h to cover the 42 miles distance.
- Even with the recommendable infrastructure, you may experience traffic hiccups during the annual festivities held in Traverse. In July, the National Cherry Festival is held for eight days. Due to the vast number of people attending the festivals, some roads may be closed. The road closure leads to traffic building up in the city. The Vasa Festival of Races, held in February, has many ski athletes visiting Traverse. Apart from the weather, the number of attendees leads to some road closures, causing traffic on the open roads. Downtown Traverse usually bursts with partygoers on New Year's Eve as they attend the Cherry T Ball Drop festival. Getting to the venue is challenging due to traffic, but you could use the back roads and be careful of the jaywalkers.
- 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.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Traverse City for C$ 119 or less
- Book your rental car in Traverse City at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Full-size rental cars in Traverse City are around 24% 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 does it cost to rent a car in Traverse City?
On average a rental car in Traverse City costs C$ 120 per day.
How much is gas price in Traverse City?
The average gas price in Traverse City is C$ 4.88 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 58 and C$ 78, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Traverse City?
Full-size (Toyota Camry or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Traverse City.
Which car rental companies are at Cherry Capital airport (TVC)?
The only car rental company onsite at Cherry Capital airport is Alamo.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Cherry Capital airport (TVC)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Cherry Capital airport to off-airport locations is Alamo.
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 Full Size car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Full Size car rental in Traverse City costs C$ 121 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Standard car rental in Traverse City costs C$ 148 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Traverse City?
An Intermediate car rental in Traverse City costs C$ 116 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Traverse City?
In Traverse City, cars are most frequently rented at Alamo 727 Fly Dont Dr (5 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Traverse City?
On average a rental car in Traverse City costs C$ 838 per week (C$ 120 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Traverse City?
On average a rental car in Traverse City costs C$ 3,591 per month (C$ 120 per day).
Is carpooling allowed in Traverse?
You can share a ride in your vehicle from cheap car rentals in Traverse with your friends. Carpooling is encouraged in Traverse as it is cost-effective, mitigates congestion, and is convenient for the environment due to lowered gas emissions. High Occupancy lanes for carpooling are available in Traverse.
Does Traverse have toll roads?
Enjoy driving toll-free while in Traverse. You can be sure that even the busy M-113 highway has no toll stations available. Always be updated about the road conditions due to weather changes and the traffic flow.
Traverse City car rental reviews and directory
Budget
8.9
Very good
85 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
8.6
One location in Traverse City
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Apr. 2021
Cons:
The car was not cleaned out at all when I picked it up8.0 Very good
Apr. 2021
Cons:
The car was not cleaned out at all, dusty, hair, dead bug10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2021
Pros:
Very friendly staff!7.2 Good
Sep. 2020
Pros:
The car was great. People were great.Cons:
The price I paid was way more that I was expecting. I’m they should tell you the cost of things when your in person. They didn’t tell me how much the insurance was. When I made the booking it was 395. They billed be $541..8.0 Very good
Nov. 2019
Cons:
Gas tank was not full when I picked it up, but agent asked me to return full. I did not have time to go in at pick up and ask them to verify that tank was not full. When I told her this upon return, she was surprised. I pointed out I was not asking for a refund, but that the cars are not as ready to be rented as they may be led to believe.10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2019
Pros:
Great deal! Easy to pick up and drop off. No hidden fees.Cons:
Nothing, it was great.Hertz
8.4
Very good
58 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.1
One location in Traverse City
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
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
Mar. 2021
Cons:
Was as easy as possible. On site, walkable, location within steps of terminal. Very economical Toyota Corolla.6.0 Okay
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
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
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
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.Avis
7.9
Good
36 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
8.0
One location in Traverse City
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
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.10.0 Wonderful
Feb. 2019
Pros:
Cars were readily available. Service was quick and easy. The car was new and clean and the price was just right.Cons:
The prices online differ from that at the desk. If you don't make a reservation then it is usually more expensive. I would let people know that.10.0 Wonderful
Nov. 2017
Pros:
Friendly and helpful person at the desk, No problems with the car, Car close to baggage claim. Easy to return.Cons:
Nothing5.6 Fair
Nov. 2017
Pros:
Car was new and cleanCons:
I reserved a full size sedan because I'm 6'8 and that's what fits, but got a mini SUV that was way too small. Also, it was a rav 4 with very annoying options and a console that dug into my right knee for the entire 7 hour drive. Oh, and the cruise control didnt work And the check engine light was on And the fuel cap was missing, I assume that was the reason for the engine light. None of these seemed to throw a flag when I mentioned it to their employees, but it was a cheap rental.....I guess they don't care too much about their vehicles, next time I'll have to make that 400 mile drive in second gear9.6 Wonderful
Jun. 2017
Cons:
I didn't like that there wasn't an Avis representative on the receiving end. I just had to put my keys in a drop box and hope that they didn't charge me for any extras.8.4 Very good
Jul. 2016
Pros:
Nice agent. Easy to rent.Thrifty
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
3.9
One location in Traverse City
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2021
Alamo
8.6
Very good
8 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.7
Value for money
8.7
One location in Traverse City
Filters
Reviews
8.4 Very good
Jul. 2017
Pros:
Car was the right size and comfort. We needed it. Drop off was easy. Location was perfect.Cons:
We arrived earlier that the reservation time and the rental desk would not give us a car. That made part of the group sit in the airport terminal for two hours. In the future we will check the pick up time carefully or if not acceptable will find another way to rent a car. The rating for the pickup/dropoff was downgraded due to this issue. It was a pretty expensive rental at over $1100/week.10.0 Wonderful
Dec. 2016
Pros:
The return process on my one way rental was easy and quick. Happy with their service.5.6 Fair
Dec. 2016
Pros:
It was a nice, clean rental vehicle.Cons:
Since my sons vehicle broke down on his way home from college for Christmas we had to find a rental car so he could make the 6 hour journey back. We were quoted $37 online plus $18 insurance but had to pay $53 plus the $18 insurance for the extra charges that wasn't included in the quote. Since he is 21 we were charged extra and since I was paying for the car they had to add me as an additional driver which resulted with an additional charge (even though I wasn't driving it).Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.1
Very good
10 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
6.9
3 locations in Traverse City
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2017
Pros:
I forgot my tablet under the back seat and they called right away to let me know. Thanks for going above and beyond!7.2 Good
Nov. 2016
Pros:
the car was clean and perfectly sized for what we needed.Cons:
the two people working at the enterprise pick up center were unfriendly, and short.2.0 Poor
Sep. 2016
Pros:
Seemed straightforward with a notice the night before from Enterprise for my Lic# and Enterprise# to expedite the rental process - presumably affirming my confirmation made a couple weeks earlier.Cons:
I arrive 90 min after the 1pm registered time due to a flight delay and was told they rented my assigned car and had nothing they could give me since the few remaining cars were claimed. When I asked why they said it was "policy" to not hold a confirmation after 60 min. They said they called my cell - they did not as there was no missed call registered on my phone. With a big smile they said "sorry". They said Enterprise all around was out and I should call other rental car places. Clearly they rented my car to a walk in for a higher rate and blew my reservation away. The perfunctory and impassioned response was most irritating. I called customer service - same thing.10.0 Wonderful
Sep. 2016
Pros:
Loved the car. Staff was wonderful. Kept the car a day longer than planned, and they were good with that too. Will be going back there.National
6.9
Okay
No reviews available
Cleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
5.7
One location in Traverse City
Easirent
4.7
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Traverse City
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Traverse City
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Traverse City
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Traverse City
Car rental locations in or near Traverse City
Good to know
Most popular agency | Alamo |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Full-size |
Average price | C$ 120/day |
Good deal | C$ 119/day |