$54 Car Rental Alpena, MI

These Alpena insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 16, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Alpena

Renting a car in Alpena offers a great opportunity to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. This freedom is ideal for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities, scenic views, or romantic experiences. Key attractions like Devils Lake, perfect for beach outings and scenic enjoyment, are conveniently accessible. You can also visit the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a great spot for family adventures, and the Alpena County Library for a cultural experience. For further exploration, cities like Ossineke and Herron are just 11 miles away, featuring attractions such as the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues and the Thunder Bay River Lighthouse. Lachine, located 14 miles from Alpena, offers a combination of the Thunder Bay River Lighthouse and Devils Lake. With a rental car, you can enjoy the convenience of visiting these popular destinations and make the most of your trip to Alpena, whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or romantic getaways.

Top rated car suppliers in Alpena

• Avis: Avis is the most popular car rental supplier in Alpena, featuring one convenient rental location. Travelers often choose Avis for its reliable Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, perfect for exploring the area at your own pace. Customers appreciate the ease of managing their luggage and adjusting itineraries with Avis, making it a solid choice for flexibility during your trip.

Where to stay around Alpena

• Ossineke: Located 11 miles from Alpena, Ossineke is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Enjoy a romantic experience at Hubbard Lake, which offers beautiful beach scenery. Don't miss the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue for a cultural touch. Families can explore the Dinosaur Gardens Prehistorical Zoo for a fun outing. Ossineke also features nearby restaurants to satisfy your appetite after a day of exploration.
• Herron: Herron, situated 11 miles from Alpena, offers a captivating blend of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. The Thunder Bay River Lighthouse provides a glimpse into the region's history, while the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is ideal for family adventures. For a romantic outing, take in the scenery around local lakes and monuments. Herron also hosts recreational areas and an amusement park, along with dining options for relaxing meals.
• Lachine: Just 14 miles from Alpena, Lachine is a charming destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of romantic getaways. Discover the serene beauty of Devils Lake, perfect for a day by the water. You can also visit the historic Thunder Bay River Lighthouse and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for enriching experiences. Lachine features local wineries, making it a delightful spot to unwind after a day of activities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Alpena

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to book your car well ahead of your trip. By reserving in advance, you're likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience it provides may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Alpena

The best value period to rent a car in and around Alpena is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderate. October also offers average prices with steady demand, making it a good option. June tends to be slightly low in price but has high demand, while July and August see average prices with high demand as well. In contrast, April is typically the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand. March can be a decent choice too, as demand and prices are average.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Alpena

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Alpena into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Alpena and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Alpena

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Alpena. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Alpena

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $54.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals