Car Rental at Chippewa County Intl. Airport (CIU)

Reasons to book a car rental at Sault Ste. Marie International Airport

Renting a car at Sault Ste. Marie airport is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and families looking to explore the beautiful surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans while visiting key attractions nearby. Just 18 miles from the airport, the Soo Locks offers a marina perfect for adventure and beach experiences. You can also visit Lake Superior State University, located 17 miles away, for a taste of modern campus life. For a touch of history, the Point Iroquois Light Station, also 17 miles from the airport, provides a cultural experience that should not be missed.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to explore charming destinations such as Rudyard, only 6 miles away, featuring the Chippewa County Fairgrounds and Brimley State Park. The city of Brimley, just 11 miles from the airport, is home to the Wheels of History Museum and beautiful outdoor spaces. Kinross, only 3 miles away, also offers attractions like Soo Locks and Lake Superior State University. Overall, a rental car opens up a world of exploration around Sault Ste. Marie airport, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

Most popular car rentals near Sault Ste. Marie International Airport

• Midsize: The midsize car is a popular choice among travelers at Sault Ste. Marie airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers and 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for couples and families looking for a comfortable ride while exploring the surrounding areas. With ample space for luggage, it allows for a smooth journey without sacrificing comfort.
• Fullsize: If you're traveling with a larger group or family, the fullsize car is an excellent option. It also fits 5 travelers and provides room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This flexibility makes it ideal for families or groups who want to enjoy the freedom of road trips while having enough space for all their belongings.
• Compact: The compact car is a great choice for solo travelers, couples, or families who prioritize efficiency. It accommodates up to 5 passengers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those who want a smaller vehicle that is easier to maneuver and park, especially in busy areas, while still enjoying the freedom of exploring at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers near Sault Ste. Marie International Airport

• Enterprise: Known for its friendly service, Enterprise has a rental location situated a mere 0.1 miles away from Sault Ste. Marie airport. This supplier is a popular choice among travelers, offering a seamless rental experience. The most booked cars with Enterprise are Midsize and Fullsize, providing options that cater to various needs and preferences.
• National Car Rental: Located 0.2 miles from Sault Ste. Marie airport, National Car Rental is another top supplier favored by travelers. Known for its quality service, the most booked vehicles with this supplier include Midsize and Standard SUVs, making it a great option for those looking to explore the area with comfort and space.

Where to go near Sault Ste. Marie International Airport

• Kinross: Located 3 miles away from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Kinross is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a romantic getaway. Popular activities include exploring local campgrounds and recreational areas. Key attractions such as the Soo Locks and Chippewa County Fairgrounds are easily accessible, providing opportunities for adventure and family-friendly fun. Peak visitor numbers occur in January to February and July, making those months an excellent time to visit.
• Rudyard: Just 6 miles from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Rudyard offers a charming experience for visitors, particularly from June to August when traveler arrivals peak. The area is known for its outdoor and adventure experiences. Notable attractions include the Soo Locks, ideal for beach and outdoor activities, and Brimley State Park, a beautiful national park perfect for scenery and exploration. The Chippewa County Fairgrounds also offers seasonal events for families.
• Brimley: Situated 11 miles from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Brimley is a lovely spot for those looking to connect with nature. The best time to visit is from July to September, when visitor numbers are highest. Highlights include the historic Point Iroquois Light Station and Brimley State Park, which provides stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the Wheels of History Museum offers cultural insights, making Brimley a well-rounded destination for outdoor and cultural experiences.

9 tips to save on your Sault Ste. Marie International Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV with extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to accommodate additional luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: To secure lower rates and a wider selection, it's generally advisable to book your CIU car rental as early as possible. Aim to finalize your reservation 1-3 months ahead of time, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and specific vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might have limited availability. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to confirming your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals provide a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is usually the most cost-effective choice. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just remember to return the car with an empty tank in this case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the name of the driver for security deposits, as debit cards are not always accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you prevent unexpected expenses and offers added peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan on spending considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid additional charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Sault Ste. Marie International Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Sault Ste. Marie Airport is January, when both prices and demand are low. This is followed closely by November, which also offers slightly lower prices and average demand. March and April are decent options too, featuring average pricing with low demand. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and increased rental rates. June also sees higher prices and demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	16.7°F (-8.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Very Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	16.3°F (-8.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Very Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
March	25.9°F (-3.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
May	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
September	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	35.2°F (1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	25.2°F (-3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average