Michigan Car Rental Deals – Save Big on Your Great Lakes Adventure

Introduction: Welcome to Michigan, the “Great Lakes State” known for its stunning lake shores, vibrant cities, and expansive forests. Having a rental car in Michigan is the key to experiencing every corner of this diverse state, from Detroit’s urban energy to the tranquil beauty of the Upper Peninsula. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Michigan. We’ve combined unbeatable rental deals with insider local tips so you can book with confidence and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re flying into Detroit Metro, planning a fall foliage tour up north, or need a convenient ride for a lakeside vacation, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore Michigan on your schedule, with extra savings in your pocket.

Michigan may not be the largest state, but its attractions are widespread and often far apart. Renting a car gives you total freedom to discover every part of Michigan at your own pace. Here are some top reasons having your own set of wheels is a smart move in Michigan:

• See More Beyond the Cities: Major cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids have some public transit, but Michigan’s charm lies equally in its small towns, scenic parks, and shoreline hideaways. Many of the state’s best spots, from Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan to the lighthouses of the Upper Peninsula, aren’t easily reached without a car. With a rental, you can venture beyond the limited bus routes and explore hidden gems on your own schedule.
• Iconic Scenic Drives: Michigan is home to epic road trips. Cruise M-22 along Lake Michigan’s shore under fall-color canopies, follow US-23 up the Sunrise Coast of Lake Huron, or drive M-119’s “Tunnel of Trees” near Harbor Springs. These experiences are best enjoyed by car, you can stop at small beach towns, farm stands, or scenic overlooks whenever inspiration strikes. In short, having a car turns your trip into a flexible adventure.
• Outdoor Adventures Year-Round: From summer lake outings to winter ski trips, a car is essential for outdoor fun. Michigan’s beaches, hiking trails, and ski resorts are spread out. Want to ski at Boyne Mountain or visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? You’ll need a car to get there. With your own vehicle, you can pack gear (coolers, skis, fishing rods) and head directly to the action, then adjust plans if the weather changes.
• Convenience & Time Savings: Michigan’s sprawling geography means a car can save you hours. Instead of coordinating around infrequent train or bus schedules (or pricey rideshares over long distances), you’ll drive on your own terms. This is especially handy if you’re doing a college tour (e.g. University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, then Michigan State in East Lansing) or visiting relatives across the state. You can cover more ground efficiently with a rental car.

AirportVanRental Benefits in Michigan

When you book your Michigan car rental through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car, you’re getting a seamless, budget-friendly experience from start to finish. Here’s what sets us apart in Michigan:

• Huge Statewide Selection: From economy cars for city cruising to 12-passenger vans for that family reunion, we’ve got it all. Thanks to our network of multiple suppliers, you’ll find thousands of vehicles available across Michigan. Need a hybrid for a long drive to the Upper Peninsula? A luxury sedan for a business trip in Detroit? No problem, browse and choose the exact type of car that fits your plans.
• Best Rate Guarantee: We continuously scan rates from all over Michigan to ensure you get the lowest price. Because we aggregate deals from so many providers, you’ll see special offers here that you won’t find on single-brand sites. If there’s a weekend sale at Detroit Airport or a long-term discount at a local branch, we highlight it so you never miss a bargain. Found a better rate? Let us know, we’ll match it. Saving you money is our mission.
• No Pre-Payment & Free Cancellation: Travel plans can change, especially with Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Most of our rentals do NOT require upfront payment, reserve now, pay at pick-up. You can also cancel most bookings up to 48 hours before pick-up with zero fees. This flexibility means you can book early to grab a great deal and adjust later if needed, without stress. (We think flexibility is a must, why should you be locked in if your itinerary shifts?)
• Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay, period. Michigan rentals can include taxes and surcharges (state sales tax 6%, maybe a small daily tourism or vehicle fee), but we display all mandatory charges upfront. No last-minute surprises at the counter. For example, Detroit Metro Airport rentals will include an airport concession fee (~10%) and any facility charges, our quotes show these so you can budget accurately. Planning to use Michigan’s few toll bridges? We explain those charges too. We hate hidden fees as much as you do, so we’ve made pricing clear and honest for peace of mind.
• Unlimited Mileage on Virtually All Rentals: Worried about mileage caps? Relax, nearly all rentals we offer in Michigan come with unlimited miles. Whether you’re driving 50 miles or 500 miles, you won’t pay extra for distance. Want to do a loop from Detroit through the Upper Peninsula and back? Go for it, no mileage fees. (If a rare exception applies, we’ll flag it clearly before you book.)
• Local Expertise & Support: We’re not just a booking site, we’re your travel ally. Our team knows Michigan, and we infuse local knowledge into this page, from driving law tips to road trip ideas below. Need advice on avoiding weekend traffic on I-75 northbound to “Up North”? Not sure how the Mackinac Bridge toll works? We have the answers. And if you hit any snags during your rental, our customer support is just a call away. With AirportVanRental, you have a Michigan travel partner in your corner, not just a car reservation.

Michigan Car Rental Deals

Economy Car, from $15/day.Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Why so cheap? High competition in big cities like Detroit keeps economy prices low, especially in off-peak months (think winter). Ideal for solo travelers or couples sticking to city and highway drives. Enjoy excellent fuel economy for those day trips from Detroit to Ann Arbor or Lansing.

• Midsize SUV, from $30/day.Example: Toyota RAV4 or similar. A versatile choice for families or groups up to 5. Plenty of cargo space for luggage or sports gear, perfect for a ski weekend in the Upper Peninsula or a summer camping trip by Lake Michigan. With winter-ready features and comfortable interiors, SUVs are a smart pick year-round (and they’ll handle Michigan snow better than a compact).
• Convertible, from $45/day.Example: Ford Mustang Convertible or similar. Perfect for summer cruising! Drop the top and enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Michigan’s shoreline or the famous Woodward Avenue on a sunny day. Convertibles are popular in Michigan’s warmer months, and advance booking can snag you surprisingly affordable rates. There’s nothing like feeling the lake breeze as you drive across the Mackinac Bridge in a convertible.
• Minivan, from $50/day.Example: Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Pacifica (7-passenger). Ideal for larger families or groups exploring Michigan together. Load up the kids and grandparents for a journey on the Sleeping Bear Dunes scenic drive or pack everyone in for a road trip to Mackinaw City. (Pro tip: splitting the cost among 6 or 7 people often makes minivans one of the cheapest per-person options.)

Note: “From” rates are based on rentals in major hubs (e.g., Detroit Metro Airport or Detroit downtown) during low season. Prices may be higher in smaller towns (e.g., Marquette or Traverse City during peak summer) or during high-demand periods (summer weekends, holidays, fall foliage season). Always search with your exact pick-up location and dates to see up-to-date rates. We update this list regularly to reflect current deals and seasonal specials.

Driving in Michigan: What to Know

Driving in Michigan can be very rewarding, you can watch the landscape change from urban skylines to rural farmlands and dense forests. To help you stay safe and stress-free, here are key Michigan driving tips, rules, and quirks to be aware of:

• Traffic & Rush Hours: Metro Detroit is known for heavy traffic at times. Weekday rush hours around Detroit typically peak from 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on highways like I-75 (north–south through Detroit), I-94 (east–west from Detroit to Ann Arbor), and I-696 (suburban loop). If possible, plan long drives during off-peak times or use navigation apps to find less congested routes. On summer Fridays, expect slowdowns on I-75 northbound as city residents head “Up North” to cottages and campgrounds. Similarly, Sunday afternoon/evening southbound traffic back to the Detroit area can be congested. Patience and allowing extra travel time will serve you well.
• Road Conditions & Driving Style: Michigan’s roads are generally well-marked, but be prepared for occasional rough patches and potholes, especially in spring after the freeze-thaw cycle. Keep a moderate speed on city streets you don’t know, hitting a pothole at high speed is no fun. Michigan drivers are generally polite, but on Detroit freeways, expect fast lanes to move 5-10 mph above the posted limits when traffic is light. Stay right except to pass and watch for sudden lane changes around construction zones (Michigan has lots of summer road construction).
• Weather & Winter Driving: Michigan winters are cold and snowy, especially from December through March. Highways are plowed and salted regularly, but you should still drive cautiously in snow or ice. Give yourself extra braking distance and consider renting an AWD/4x4 vehicle if you’ll be in snowy or rural areas. Before driving, clear all snow/ice off your car (it’s actually Michigan law to have an unobstructed view). In heavy snow, watch for “snow emergency” declarations in cities, you may need to avoid parking on certain streets to allow plows through. If you’re not used to winter driving, try to schedule long drives during daylight. On the flip side, summer driving is generally easy, just be ready for sudden thunderstorms and always have sunglasses (glare off the lakes can be strong!).
• Fuel Up: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is the standard fuel for most cars. A few luxury or specialty vehicles might recommend premium gas, check your rental’s fuel door or gauge. Gas stations are plentiful in cities and along interstates; in remote areas (like stretches of the Upper Peninsula), they can be 30-50 miles apart, so don’t let your tank get too low. Gas prices in Michigan average about ~$3.50/gal (give or take) and can be a bit higher near tourist areas. If you’re heading into the wilderness (Pictured Rocks area, for example), top off your tank when you can.
• Tolls: Good news, Michigan currently has no toll roads. You can drive the highways without worrying about toll booths or EZ-Passes. However, there are tolled bridges and tunnels: for example, the Mackinac Bridge (connecting Lower and Upper Peninsulas), the Blue Water Bridge (to Canada at Port Huron), and the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (to Canada at Detroit). These charge fees (usually ~$4–$6 for passenger cars each way). If you plan to cross into Canada, have some cash or a credit card ready for those tolls (credit is accepted at most). Aside from those crossings, you won’t encounter tolls, so any text message claiming you owe Michigan toll road fees is a scam.
• Rules of the Road: In Michigan, we drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. Seat belts are required for all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 16. It’s illegal to text and drive (and as of 2023, holding or using a handheld phone while driving is banned statewide), so use hands-free devices if you must make a call. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, drive sober. Speed limits are typically 70 mph on rural interstates (some segments allow 75 mph), 65 mph on urban freeways, 55 mph on most other highways, and 25–45 mph in city areas (watch the signs). Michigan has a unique intersection design called the “Michigan Left” (especially around Detroit suburbs): instead of a direct left turn at some big intersections, you go straight then make a U-turn at a designated turnaround, then make a right. Don’t be confused if you encounter one, follow the signs, they’re designed to improve traffic flow.
• Parking: Parking rules and costs vary by location. In downtown Detroit and other big cities, expect to pay around $1–2/hour at street meters (enforced typically 7 AM–10 PM Mon–Sat). Parking garages in Detroit average ~$10–$20 per day; near event venues (like Ford Field or Little Caesars Arena) event parking can be $20–$40 flat rate. In smaller cities and towns, parking is often free or a nominal fee, many tourist towns have free lots or inexpensive meters (just watch for time limits). Always check street signs, especially in winter, some areas prohibit street parking after certain hours for snow plowing. Michigan is quite strict about fire hydrant clearance (don’t park within 15 feet of one) and accessible parking (heavy fines for parking in blue handicap spots without a permit).
• Emergency Info: Dial 911 in any emergency (police, fire, medical). For non-emergency roadside help, use your rental’s roadside assistance number or call the Michigan State Police dispatch (they don’t have a universal *77 like some states, but you can reach local MSP posts via 911 or their direct lines). Along major highways, you’ll find periodic rest areas, great for a quick break or if you have car trouble. Always pull fully off the road if you need to stop on a highway shoulder and turn on hazard lights. Michigan’s freeway service patrol (in metro areas) or friendly locals may offer help if you’re stranded, but it’s best to contact official assistance. Overall, driving in Michigan is straightforward and enjoyable, just stay alert, especially for deer on rural roads (dusk and dawn are high deer-crossing times!), and you’ll do fine.

One-Way Trips & Flexible Rentals: Many travelers incorporate Michigan into larger itineraries. The good news, we accommodate one-way rentals and custom durations easily. For example, you can pick up a car in Detroit and drop it off in Chicago or Cleveland if your road trip plans take you out of state (just select a different return location in our search; we’ll disclose any one-way drop fee upfront). Or maybe you’re spending a week in Detroit for work and only need a car for 3 days to visit Mackinaw City, that’s fine too. You can rent just for the days you need, from a downtown location, and return it before heading back to the office. We encourage you to tailor the rental period to when you actually need the vehicle, it saves money and stress (no point paying for a car sitting unused at your hotel). With our flexible locations and one-way options, it’s easy to integrate a rental car into part of your Michigan adventure, not necessarily all of it.

Popular Road Trips from Michigan

One of the greatest perks of renting a car in Michigan is the ability to embark on amazing road trips. From coastal byways to cross-border adventures, the state offers diverse scenery and experiences packed into each journey. Here are three road trip ideas to inspire your travels (use these as a starting point and customize as you like):

1. Lake Michigan Coastal Tour (Detroit to Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes), Route: Detroit ➔ Grand Rapids ➔ Traverse City ➔ Sleeping Bear Dunes (Glen Arbor/Empire), ~350 miles total (Detroit to Sleeping Bear via Traverse, one-way).

Highlights: Start in Detroit, then head west on I-96 about 150 miles to Grand Rapids, Michigan’s vibrant second city. In Grand Rapids, stretch your legs with a visit to the Frederick Meijer Gardens (spectacular sculptures and botanical exhibits) or grab lunch in the trendy Downtown Market. Continue north on US-131 towards Traverse City (about 140 miles). Traverse City is known for its wineries and the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, if time permits, stop at a vineyard on the Old Mission Peninsula for a wine tasting with lake views. Once in Traverse City, you’re at the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Drive west about 25 miles to Empire or Glen Arbor to enter the park. Here you can cruise along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a roadway that winds through the forest and up to stunning dune overlooks of Lake Michigan (don’t miss the Lake Michigan Overlook stop, a panorama of dunes and turquoise water). Park the car and climb the dunes or take a hike on the Cottonwood Trail. Nearby Glen Arbor is a quaint town where you can grab a famous cherry pie (the region is cherry capital!) or some fresh smoked whitefish.

Pro Tip: Summer traffic heading into Traverse City can be heavy, especially during the Cherry Festival (early July), try to arrive early in the day. Also, cell signal can be spotty along the lakeshore drives, so consider downloading offline maps. This road trip offers a mix of city culture, charming small towns, and incredible natural beauty, all in a single day’s drive if you hustle, but far better enjoyed over a long weekend.

2. Up North Adventure (Detroit to Mackinac Island & Upper Peninsula), Route: Detroit ➔ Mackinaw City ➔ St. Ignace ➔ Pictured Rocks (Munising), ~300 miles Detroit to Mackinaw City (plus ferry), then ~100 miles onward to Munising.

Highlights: Leave the city behind and head north on I-75 for about 4 hours (roughly 290 miles) to reach Mackinaw City, located at Michigan’s northern tip. Along the way, consider a quick detour at Frankenmuth (about 1.5 hours from Detroit via I-75) if you like kitschy charm, it’s a Bavarian-themed village known for world-famous fried chicken dinners and the Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland shop. Continuing north, you’ll eventually cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge (pronounced “Mackinaw”), a five-mile engineering marvel spanning Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Cross over to St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula side, you’re officially “Up North” now! Park in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City and catch a ferry to Mackinac Island (no cars allowed on the island). Mackinac Island is a step back in time with horse-drawn carriages, historic Fort Mackinac, and lots of fudge shops. Spend a few hours biking or walking the island’s perimeter road for gorgeous water views. After returning to the mainland, continue your road trip west on UP’s scenic highways. About 100 miles west of St. Ignace via US-2 and M-77 is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising. This stretch of Lake Superior coastline features towering multicolored cliffs. Drive to the viewpoints or take a sunset boat cruise to see rock formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock. If you have more time, other UP gems include Tahquamenon Falls (great waterfalls about 1 hour north of Mackinaw) and Kitch-iti-kipi spring.

Pro Tip: This trip covers a lot, consider an overnight in St. Ignace or Munising. Watch out for wildlife on UP roads, especially deer and the occasional moose at dawn/dusk. And bring a jacket, even in summer, Lake Superior breezes can be cool. This adventure showcases the best of Michigan’s “Up North” magic, from a fairy-tale island to wild Superior shores.

3. Two-Nation Tour (Michigan to Niagara Falls via Canada), Route: Detroit ➔ Windsor, ON ➔ London, ON ➔ Niagara Falls, ON, ~230 miles (Detroit to Niagara via Ontario, one-way).

Highlights: Got your passport handy? One awesome road trip from Michigan actually hops into Canada to visit one of the world’s great natural wonders. Starting in Detroit, cross into Canada via the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (have your documents ready at the border). In just a few minutes you’ll go from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. From Windsor, take ON-401 East, Canada’s main highway, through Ontario’s farm country. About 2 hours in, you can stop at London, Ontario, for a break (grab some Tim Hortons coffee, when in Canada!, or visit the Covent Garden Market if you have time). Continue east and in roughly 3.5–4 hours total from Windsor, you’ll arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario. Park on the Canadian side of the falls for the best views: the Canadian side showcases the full panorama of both the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Feel the mist from the observation areas or take a Journey Behind the Falls tour. It’s worth staying until evening when they light up the falls in rainbow colors (and in summer, there are fireworks). If you want to extend the trip, the city of Toronto is just 80 miles further from Niagara, about 1.5 more hours, a great add-on to experience Canada’s largest city. When returning to Michigan, you can either backtrack to Detroit or make a loop by crossing back into the U.S. at Buffalo, NY and driving through Ohio (longer drive back).

Pro Tip: Crossing the border is usually quick, but avoid rush hour at the bridge/tunnel and expect some wait on holiday weekends. Rental cars from Michigan are generally allowed into Canada (just confirm with your provider, most major companies permit it without extra fees; we’ll highlight any requirements). You’ll need a passport (or enhanced driver’s license) to cross back and forth. Also, remember Canada is metric, speed limits are in km/h (100 km/h ≈ 62 mph on the 401). This international road trip is perfectly doable in a day each way, giving you a fantastic mix of urban skylines, rural landscapes, and the unforgettable roar of Niagara Falls. Just don’t forget to bring home some Canadian maple candy for souvenirs!

Quick-Reference Info Box, Michigan Car Rental at a Glance

• Primary Airports: Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), Grand Rapids (GRR), Flint (FNT), Lansing (LAN), Traverse City (TVC). DTW is by far the largest, about 23 miles from downtown Detroit.
• Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
• Speed Limits: 70–75 mph on rural interstates (65 mph for trucks); 65 mph on urban freeways; 55 mph on most state highways; 25–45 mph in cities/towns (watch for posted signs).
• Seat Belt Law: Mandatory for all front seat occupants and all passengers under 16. It’s strongly recommended that everyone buckles up, always.
• Child Safety: Children under 8 years old (or under 4’9” tall) must be in an appropriate child seat or booster seat, per Michigan law. Rental agencies can provide child seats for an extra fee if you don’t bring your own, reserve in advance.
• Fuel & Gas Stations: Regular gasoline ~87 octane (no lead) is standard. Many stations offer pay-at-pump. Average price ~$3–$4/gallon (varies). Credit cards widely accepted. In self-serve stations, pumping your own gas is the norm (only Oregon and New Jersey prohibit self-service).
• Tolls: No toll roads in Michigan, drive freely on I-75, I-94, etc. Tolls apply only on certain bridges/tunnels (e.g., Mackinac Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel). These require cash or card at booths; no state toll pass is needed.
• Winter Driving: Snow tires are not commonly provided on rentals, but all-season tires are standard and sufficient for most conditions. If driving in winter, allow extra time, keep an ice scraper in the car (usually provided), and consider renting an AWD vehicle for better traction. Major roads are plowed quickly after storms, but secondary roads can remain snowy, drive cautiously.
• Cross-Border Travel: Cars rented in Michigan can go to Canada (see FAQ above). Just inform the rental company and have passports ready. No travel to Mexico is allowed from Michigan rentals. One-way rentals to some U.S. cities or Canada may be possible with a fee, use our site to check options.
• Car Rental Taxes/Fees: Michigan rentals are subject to 6% sales/use tax. At airports, there is often a concession recovery fee (~10%) and a Customer Facility Charge (e.g., $X/day), these are included in your AirportVanRental quote breakdown, so you’ll see the “all-in” price before booking.