$35 Car Rental Detroit, MI

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Detroit

Renting a car in Detroit offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, couples, or anyone wanting a city-themed experience, as it allows for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions like the Henry Ford Museum, GM Renaissance Center, and Hart Plaza, all located within the metropolis. Exploring neighborhoods such as Downtown Detroit provides access to the Motown Museum and other cultural hotspots. The cities of Southfield and Dearborn are also easily reachable, featuring notable sites like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Greenfield Village. Having a rental car means you won't have to rely on public transportation and can enjoy a seamless travel experience. Whether you're planning to visit museums or simply enjoy the urban landscape, a rental vehicle makes navigating Detroit's rich offerings straightforward and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Detroit

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This option provides ample space for passengers and luggage, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore Detroit comfortably while enjoying the flexibility of a rental vehicle.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. A standard SUV offers a balance of space and maneuverability, perfect for navigating Detroit's urban areas and nearby attractions while still providing comfort and convenience for your journey.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases—ideal for families or groups. This option is designed for those who need extra room for passengers and their belongings, making it a great choice for longer trips or when traveling with more gear. Enjoy the spacious interior while exploring the sights of Detroit with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Detroit

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is known for its friendly service and customer-focused approach, making it a popular choice among travelers in Detroit. With 1 rental location in the area, Alamo offers a streamlined experience for picking up and returning vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, providing a comfortable ride for your adventures. Travelers appreciate the cleanliness of Alamo's vehicles and the hassle-free return process, ensuring an enjoyable rental experience.
• Budget: With over 10 rental locations throughout Detroit, Budget provides a wide range of convenient options for travelers. This supplier is particularly popular for offering Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to various needs and preferences. Customers value Budget's competitive pricing and the flexibility it offers, allowing you to easily manage your itinerary. The extensive presence in the area makes it easy to find a nearby location for both pickup and drop-off, enhancing your travel experience.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty stands out with 15 rental locations in Detroit, ensuring accessibility for travelers. Known for its focus on Midsize and Compact SUVs, Thrifty provides efficient options for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings. Customers frequently commend Thrifty for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, making it a solid choice for your car rental needs. The numerous locations also make it convenient to pick up and return your vehicle, adding to the overall ease of your travel plans.

Where to stay in Detroit

• Downtown Detroit: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Downtown Detroit is perfect for city-themed and romantic getaways. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including theater performances and arena entertainment. Key attractions such as the GM Renaissance Center and Motown Museum are within close proximity. The area also offers numerous dining options, from restaurants to breweries, making it a great choice for food lovers.
• Romulus: A family-friendly city, Romulus offers a blend of educational and cultural experiences. Notable attractions like the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village provide insights into history and innovation. The city features various dining establishments, including wineries and restaurants, ensuring that visitors have a delightful culinary experience. It's a quiet alternative for those looking to explore the Detroit area.
• Southfield: This city is another excellent option for families and couples alike, with access to shopping centers and theaters. The Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Museum offer rich cultural experiences for art lovers. Dining options abound, with several restaurants and wineries in the vicinity. Southfield's blend of attractions makes it a convenient base for exploring the greater Detroit area.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you need. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car to save on costs, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well before your travel date. By booking early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and can be easier to park 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 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well, but be sure to return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Detroit

The best time to rent a car in and around Detroit is January and February, when prices and demand are both slightly low. March offers average prices with slightly low demand, making it another good option. April and May see average prices and demand as well, providing a nice window for rentals. However, July through August are the most expensive months, with high demand and slightly high prices, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	26.2°F (-3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
April	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Detroit

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Detroit

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Detroit. 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 Detroit

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $35.

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.

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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