$71 Car Rental Merrillville, IN

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Merrillville

Renting a car in Merrillville offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, making it a popular choice for road trippers, family travelers, and business travelers alike. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. This is especially beneficial for families, as it provides ample space for strollers and gear while keeping everyone together on the road.

From Merrillville, you can visit key attractions such as Indiana Dunes National Park, located 19 miles away, perfect for outdoor adventures and scenic views. For those interested in educational experiences, Purdue University Northwest is just 11 miles away, while the historic Valparaiso University is 15 miles from Merrillville. Additionally, nearby destinations like Ogden Dunes and Hammond, both 13 miles away, offer beautiful parks and local culture. Exploring Gary, located 9 miles away, allows for more outdoor experiences at Indiana Dunes National Park. With so much to see and explore, having a rental car ensures a convenient and enjoyable trip in and around Merrillville.

Most popular car rentals in Merrillville

• Midsize SUV: This is a popular choice for travelers in Merrillville, fitting up to 5 passengers and accommodating 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking versatility and comfort. With ample space for both passengers and luggage, they allow for a relaxed travel experience as you explore the scenic attractions around the city.
• Fullsize: Offering similar capacity to the midsize SUV, the fullsize car fits 5 travelers and holds up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for families and groups who need extra space without sacrificing comfort. Enjoy the freedom to navigate Merrillville and nearby areas with a vehicle that caters to your travel needs while providing flexibility for your plans.
• Economy: An economical choice that fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases, the economy car is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families. This option provides a budget-friendly way to explore Merrillville, making it easier to manage costs while still enjoying the freedom of having a rental car at your disposal. Ideal for those looking for a practical solution without compromising on the adventure.

Top rated car suppliers in Merrillville

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in the Merrillville area, Enterprise is a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience and flexibility. They offer a diverse range of vehicles, with Midsize and Mini Vans being the most frequently booked options. This makes it easy for you to manage your luggage and enjoy your travels at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget provides a single rental location in Merrillville, making it a straightforward option for your car rental needs. Known for offering great value, their most booked vehicles include Standard and Midsize SUVs, which are ideal for families or groups looking to explore the area comfortably.
• Hertz: With 2 convenient locations in Merrillville, Hertz is another excellent choice for your car rental. They feature a selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Economy cars being the most popular among travelers. This supplier is well-regarded for making the rental process smooth, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to go in and around Merrillville

• Ogden Dunes: Located 13 miles from Merrillville, Ogden Dunes is an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The area is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor experiences, particularly at attractions like the Indiana Dunes National Park and Ogden Dunes Beach. These spots are perfect for beach vacations and outdoor activities. Founders' Square Park adds a modern touch to your visit, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Peak visitor numbers occur from June to August, making it the best time to explore.
• Hammond: Just 13 miles from Merrillville, Hammond is a vibrant city offering a mix of urban experiences. This destination is popular among families and couples, with attractions such as Purdue University Northwest and the Hammond Civic Center for entertainment. The city is also home to various recreational areas, perfect for leisurely outings. While visitor numbers peak in March and June to July, Hammond remains accessible year-round for those seeking a city vacation infused with culture and community.
• Gary: Situated 9 miles from Merrillville, Gary is a city brimming with outdoor adventures and scenic views. Attractions like the Indiana Dunes National Park provide opportunities for exploration and adventure. The city also features the historic University of Chicago and Indiana University Northwest, enriching your cultural experience. With a steady flow of visitors from June to August, Gary is a fantastic destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and local history.

10 tips to save on your Merrillville car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting specific vehicle types and features. Whether you need a spacious SUV, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, 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 with demand, so it's wise to secure your car well before your trip. Booking early often leads to lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—like SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be suitable. 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 added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively 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 straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent any extra 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 Merrillville

The best time to rent a car in and around Merrillville is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, providing excellent value. April also offers a good opportunity with similar low pricing and demand. As the year progresses, June through July sees higher prices and demand, making it the most expensive period for rentals. March is also a busy month, with average prices and high demand, while the months following July maintain average prices but with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	27.3°F (-2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	48.7°F (9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Merrillville

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Merrillville

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $71.

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