$46 Car Rental Traverse City, MI

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Top Car Deals in Traverse City

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Lowest prices found within the past 3 days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What you need to know for your Traverse City car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Traverse City

Renting a car in and around Traverse City is an excellent choice for those seeking adventure and exploration. It allows outdoor enthusiasts, wine country tourists, and family explorers the freedom to discover attractions at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key sites like Front Street, which is perfect for city experiences, and Traverse City Beach, ideal for a relaxing day by the water. For a touch of culture, don’t miss the historic Mission Point Lighthouse, which adds a romantic backdrop to your journey. Additionally, having a car makes it convenient to explore vibrant neighborhoods such as Downtown Traverse City and Slabtown, where you can find additional attractions like the City Opera House. If you're looking to venture beyond the city, Greilickville and the scenic Lake Leelanau are just a short drive away. The flexibility of a rental car also means you can manage your luggage effortlessly and adjust your travel plans as needed, making it a stress-free option for all types of travelers. Experience the beauty of Traverse City with the ease and convenience that comes from having your own vehicle.

Most popular car rentals in Traverse City

  • Midsize SUV: This car option is a popular choice among travelers in Traverse City, comfortably accommodating 5 passengers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the scenic beauty and outdoor activities in the area. With their spacious interiors, these vehicles provide a great balance of comfort and versatility, allowing you to easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
  • Fullsize: The fullsize car option fits 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it perfect for families or groups who need extra space for their belongings. This type of vehicle is well-suited for those planning longer journeys or day trips around Traverse City. The additional space ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create lasting memories during their visit.
  • Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV accommodates 5 passengers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is particularly appealing for those looking for a balance of comfort and practicality while exploring Traverse City. The standard SUV offers sufficient space for luggage while still being manageable for navigating the city and surrounding areas, ensuring you can enjoy your travels without feeling cramped.

Top rated car suppliers in Traverse City

  • Enterprise: Enterprise boasts 2 rental locations in the Traverse City area and is renowned for its friendly service. Travelers frequently highlight the approachable staff and their willingness to assist. The most booked vehicles with Enterprise are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, providing ample space and comfort for your journey. With the flexibility to manage your own itinerary, renting from Enterprise makes exploring Traverse City and its surroundings a breeze.
  • Budget: Budget has 1 rental location in the Traverse City area, making it a convenient choice for visitors. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the competitive pricing. The most popular rentals from Budget include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are ideal for both short trips and longer excursions. Renting from Budget allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region while having the vehicle that suits your travel needs.
  • Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car offers 1 rental location in Traverse City and is favored by many travelers for its efficient service. Known for its quick pickup process, Alamo provides a seamless experience for those looking to hit the road swiftly. The Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles are the top choices among Alamo's offerings, ensuring that you have a reliable ride for your travels. Alamo’s commitment to customer satisfaction makes it a solid choice for your car rental needs.

Where to go in Traverse City

  • Downtown Traverse City: Explore the vibrant Downtown Traverse City, where travelers are drawn for its outdoor activities, scenic views, and romantic atmosphere. This neighborhood features popular spots such as Front Street, ideal for a city vacation, and the beautiful Traverse City Beach, perfect for a beach getaway. The historic City Opera House adds a cultural touch to your visit. With its peak season from July to September, Downtown Traverse City is a great base for enjoying local recreational areas, shopping centers, and nearby national state parks.
  • Slabtown: Known for its outdoor charm and scenic beauty, Slabtown is another delightful neighborhood to consider. Visitors flock here for activities like skiing at nearby resorts and exploring recreational areas. Key attractions include Front Street and Traverse City Beach, both suitable for leisure and relaxation. The area also provides easy access to natural landmarks, including lakes and national state parks. Similar to Downtown, Slabtown sees peak visitor numbers from July to September, making it an ideal choice for those seeking romance and adventure during the warmer months.
  • Greilickville: Nestled in the Traverse City area, Greilickville offers a quaint village vibe appealing to travelers looking for romance and scenery. The neighborhood is home to stunning viewpoints and outdoor activities, with attractions like Lake Leelanau providing a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. Front Street and Traverse City Beach are also accessible, enhancing your stay with options for city life and beach enjoyment. Expect a seasonal influx of visitors during June to July and October, making it a lovely spot for those eager to experience natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

10 tips to save on your Traverse City car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, utilize filters on Expedia to identify the perfect vehicle for your trip.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well before your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a nice balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
  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 additional charges. This option is generally the most advantageous. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you 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 added convenience may justify the cost.
  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 when booking through 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 incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary in order to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Traverse City

The best value period to rent a car in and around Traverse City is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. November also offers slightly low prices with average demand, making it a good choice. March to May sees average prices and moderate demand, providing a nice balance for travelers. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and high demand, followed closely by June and August, which also experience busy rental conditions.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January22.8°F (-5.1°C)Light RainVery CloudyLowSlightly Low
February22.1°F (-5.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Very CloudyLowSlightly Low
March30.9°F (-0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
May53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainVery CloudyAverageAverage

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Traverse City

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Traverse City

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $46.

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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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.

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$46
 
Our second best deal of the day
$47
 
Our third best deal of the day
$52
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Traverse City?
Low-cost car rentals started at $46 a day in Traverse City, based on prices within the past seven days. With rates like this, we make it easy to pick up some keys and take off for less.
Can I rent a car from Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)?
Arrive at Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) and then head to Enterprise or Budget, both a short distance away. You'll be exploring Traverse City in your reliable rental in next to no time.
What happens if I need to cancel my Traverse City car reservation?
Our Customer Service Portal has all the info about cancellations. In most cases, full refunds are available if a prepaid booking is canceled at least six hours ahead of picking up the car. It's a good idea to read your rental policy to see if there are any exceptions.
Where can I go on a road trip from Traverse City?
There are so many adventures to be had in Traverse City, but venture farther afield and you'll find even more magic. Arrange a set of wheels and you can wander around the surrounding region at your own speed. Add these awesome places to your travel schedule:

  • Green Bay is approximately 120 miles from Traverse City. Well-known sights like Lambeau Field should be at the top of your list while you're in town.
  • Your next stop? Consider Mount Pleasant, which is around 90 miles away. Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort is one local hot spot you shouldn't miss.
  • Head to Gardens of the Fox Cities to reconnect with nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy or just relax in the fresh air. From Traverse City, it's approximately 140 miles away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Traverse City with Expedia?
Expedia makes it quick and easy to compare rates, offers and rental providers, and to check reviews. Bundle your Traverse City car rental with hotel or flight bookings to save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Traverse City?
The minimum age is 21. But there are a handful of age-related requirements to bear in mind before reserving your Traverse City wheels. If you're a young driver, most rental outlets will charge an extra fee and limit the types of vehicles you can rent. The precise surcharge, and which ages it applies to, varies between providers. It's always a good idea to compare the rules.
What do you need to rent a car in Traverse City?
You'll generally require a valid driver's license and credit card in your name when picking up the car. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you choose to opt out of the company's insurance policy. These requirements may differ between rental outlets, so it's a good idea to check the terms and conditions.
What is the cheapest car rental in Traverse City?
The two lowest daily prices offered in Traverse City within the past seven days were $46 and $47. Now that's what we'd call a fantastic deal! These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Traverse City?
Expedia makes it a snap to score an affordable long-term rental in Traverse City. Just visit our long-term car rental deals page, enter your details and compare your choices.
Where can I find a Traverse City car rental if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the rental companies located in Traverse City. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found an outlet that does cater to drivers under 25, take note that additional fees may apply. Do some research into what those charges could be before collecting the vehicle.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Traverse City?
You should have collision protection to safeguard your Traverse City rental car against accident damage, theft and vandalism. And with Expedia, it's easy to purchase this insurance for your vehicle at the time of booking. Providing up to $35,000 in primary coverage, it also offers 24/7 emergency support and no deductible should you need to make a claim. Plans changed? If you cancel your insurance before your scheduled pick-up time, you'll get all your money back.

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