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South Bend car rentals from $40/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in South Bend with a pick-up date of 5/2 and drop-off date of 5/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Sat 5/4
Sat 5/11

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Cheap car rentals in South Bend

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Economy$40/day
Compact$40/day
Intermediate$41/day
Standard$42/day
Full-size$43/day
Minivan$71/day
Full-size SUV$84/day
Premium$55/day
Luxury$66/day
Pickup truck$56/day
Premium SUV$93/day
Intermediate SUV$49/day
Standard SUV$51/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in South Bend

  • Several South Bend car rentals, including Budget and Enterprise, are located near South Bend Union Station. The distance from the train station to South Bend is approximately 97 miles (156km). Driving a rental car takes about 1h 40 min, but a bus takes approximately 2h 30min to cover the same distance. The advantage of a rental car is the freedom and flexibility when driving to the city, unlike public buses that stop at several stations to drop passengers. In addition, picking up and returning your rental car to the train station is a smooth process.
  • Drunk driving is illegal in South Bend. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for adult drivers. Again, failing to complete a blood alcohol test when required is an offense. If found with a blood alcohol limit of 0.15% or above, you should pay a fine of up to $5000. You can also face a jail term of 30 to 60 days or up to one year. Again, your driver's license may be suspended between 90 days and two years. When booking cheap car rentals in South Bend, learn more about DUI laws in the city to avoid fines, driver's license suspension, or a jail term.
  • South Bend has several safe streets for pedestrians, including Lindsey Street, east of Sherman Avenue and West of Cushing Street, Riverside Drive & California Avenue, Riverside Drive & Hudson Avenue, and Van Buren Street & Cottage Grove Avenue. These streets are meant for the safety of the city's residents. In addition, South Bend has smart roads that are pedestrian-friendly downtown. For example, main Street has pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, finishing curbs, and widened sidewalks for pedestrian safety. Thus, when booking cheap car rentals in South Bend, research more about safe streets for pedestrians in the city, including the speed limit.
  • Discover hidden gems and historical attractions in South Bend by renting a car. Getting a rental car in South Bend allows you to explore the many fantastic destinations within the city and on its outskirts conveniently. Take a day trip to the serene Indiana Dunes State Park, which is about an hour away from the city. Adrenalin Junkies can even go as far as Rum Village Park, which will only take you around 10min by car. Car rentals in South Bend will get you to these and more destinations that are not accessible via public transport.
  • The South Bend Airport has multiple car rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Enterprise, and Budget, which you can book through KAYAK. There are several customer service desks located in the baggage claim section. From there, it’ll take you a few minutes to walk to the car pick-up area near the terminal.
  • South Bend city traffic is slow-moving, especially during rush hour. To avoid getting stuck in traffic during weekdays, be sure to leave for your destination before 7am. It can take you around half an hour to drive from most South Bend suburbs to the city center in good traffic, but during rush hour, between 7am-8am, and between 5pm-7pm, it will take at least an hour or more to arrive at your destination. Be extra cautious when passing through the Adams and Dylan intersection, as many drivers fail to adhere to all the traffic rules.
  • You may end up being stuck in traffic for at least an hour or more if you use heavily trafficked roads, like W Lasalle Avenue and W Colfax Avenue during rush hour. In case you intend to travel to the airport on the west side of the city, be sure to leave early before the morning rush hour. If you're in South Bend during winter, keep in mind that the harsh South Bend winters create icy roads, which can bring about serious accidents, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in South Bend for $61 or less
  • Book your rental car in South Bend at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Off-airport rental car locations in South Bend are around 17% cheaper than airport locations on average
  • Mini rental cars in South Bend are around -29% cheaper than other car types, on average

South Bend car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in South Bend 
Verified travelerApr 2024
Small airport and easy in or out with rental car
Verified travelerNov 2023
Do it! Driving isn’t too bad— just keep an eye out for potholes and check the air pressure in the tires— temp swings make that an issue.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Get a toll box if your going to Chicago and traveling 2 days or less
RenataAug 2023
Just make sure you ask how to return the car....lol

FAQs about renting a car in South Bend

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in South Bend?

    If you’re traveling as a group, a spacious SUV is a comfortable option. A four-wheel-drive SUV is also an excellent choice if you intend to explore other attractions outside the city or if you’re driving in winter weather. In case you are traveling alone and would like to avoid the hustle of squeezing into tight parking spots at the city center, we recommend renting a compact car.

  • What’s the speed limit in South Bend?

    When driving through school zones, be sure to maintain a maximum speed limit of 25mph. You must also maintain a speed limit of 30mph on residential roads and anywhere between 55mph and 70mph on the freeway. There are speed traps and traffic cameras set up near several intersections, with one being on St. Rd. 2 and Quince Road, so be sure to adhere to the recommended traffic rules to avoid getting a ticket.

  • Where are the best places to park in South Bend?

    The charming South Bend city has multiple parking lots, garages, and marked street parking spots. There are several parking lots in Downtown South Bend that offer free parking for 2h each day and more than 2h after 5pm. You can also opt for cheap lots like the N. Main St. Lot, which charges around $4 per day. Walking to the city center from these lots will take you anywhere between 3 to 10min.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in South Bend?

    On average a rental car in South Bend costs $77 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in South Bend found in the last 2 weeks is $42.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in South Bend?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($40/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 1420 S Michigan St 46613-2214 (2 miles from city center).

  • How much is gas price in South Bend?

    The average gas price in South Bend is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in South Bend?

    Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in South Bend.

  • Which car rental companies are at South Bend/Michiana airport (SBN)?

    Car rental companies onsite at South Bend/Michiana airport include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Alamo, Avis and National.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at South Bend/Michiana airport (SBN)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from South Bend/Michiana airport to off-airport locations include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Alamo, Avis, and National.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in South Bend?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in South Bend?

    A Mini car rental in South Bend costs $135 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in South Bend?

    An Economy car rental in South Bend costs $69 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in South Bend?

    An Intermediate car rental in South Bend costs $76 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in South Bend?

    In South Bend, cars are most frequently rented at Budget 4643 Progress Drive (3 miles from city center).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in South Bend?

    On average a rental car in South Bend costs $540 per week ($77 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in South Bend?

    On average a rental car in South Bend costs $2,316 per month ($77 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in South Bend?

    Most car rental providers in South Bend offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in South Bend, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in South Bend?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 11 car rental agencies in South Bend.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in South Bend?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in South Bend?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in South Bend so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What are some of the toll roads in South Bend?

    US 31 is a toll road in South Bend. Thus, be ready to purchase a ticket when using this toll road in the city. You may pay a hefty fine if you fail to buy a ticket after using the toll road.

  • What is the distance between Chicago Midway Airport and South Bend city center?

    The distance is approximately 78 miles (126km) via 47th St I-90. Luckily, there are several car rentals, such as Budget, near this airport, where you can pick up and drop off a rental vehicle during your journey.

South Bend car rental reviews and directory

Hertz

7.6

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

7.2

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4639 Progress Drive

+1 574 234 3712

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday08:00 - 16:00
Sunday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

We tried to get the van a day earlier... we started that task 4 days before our original pick up date...what a nightmare. So much so that we will never use Hertz again. Unbelievable that no one could get their business together to be able to figure out how we could rent the vehicle a day earlier.

9.2 Wonderful

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Great staff, good value, so easy to get in and out fast.

Cons:

People were obviously vaping in the car. Didn’t do a great job at getting smell out. For a car with only 8,000 miles it smelled.

8.0 Very good

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick Up Staff was helpful and friendly. Pick up and Drop off Easy

Cons:

Being an elderly person, I wish there was a brief review of car options. I had to go on you tube to figure out how to open trunk and 3rd car door.

8.4 Very good

Oct 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

The car was clean, no smells. It served me well.

Cons:

The parking lot where the cars are parked was disappointing, but this was a small airport.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

Extremely disappointed as our agreement and payment was to/with Kayak NOT CarRentals.com. When we showed to pick up the rental, we turned away because of not having enough available credit on our major credit card. We were stuck with the $216 fee and NO car!!! At this point we're prepared to spread the word about Kayak car rentals....STAY AWAY and buyer beware. Please, we need our refund!

1 out of 7

Budget

6.0

Best rated

Cleanliness

5.6

Comfort

6.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.9

Value for money

6.1

2 locations in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

23134 Lincoln Way West

+1 574 232 1273

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday11:00 - 14:00

4643 Progress Drive

+1 574 234 4259

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2024

KAYAK
Guys at the counter were great !

8.0 Very good

Nov 2023

KAYAK
While it would be nice if there was more than one employee to handle the counter when flights arrive, everyone was friendly and the entire process was pretty smooth from beginning to end. Car was great, too!

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2023

KAYAK
Good!

2.0 Poor

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Budget cancelled my reservation at the last minute and left me without a car.

2.0 Poor

Sep 2022

KAYAK
You guys cancelled my confirmation and left me stranded at the airport. You can see my satisfaction on my google review. Then Budget was rude and hung up on me. Pitiful!!!

2.0 Poor

Sep 2022

KAYAK
Rental company had no cars available for me. Sent me to another location and they had no cars available there either.

1 out of 14

National

10.0

Wonderful

1 review
Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4637 Progress Dr

+1 844 914 1556

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 16:00
Sunday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2021

KAYAK
I have always had a great experience with Enterprise. I don’t like the fact to get great deals. I need a true credit card at the airport. So I have to pay a little more. Always professional and smile. Great job 👍

1 out of 1

Alamo

8.2

Very good

29 reviews

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

8.3

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4637 Progress Dr

+1 844 914 1555

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 16:00
Sunday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Jan 2024

KAYAK
All went well, The car has a problem with re-fueling, The vent system is restricted somewhere.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Desk agent very prompt and friendly

Cons:

Gave us free upgrade

2.0 Poor

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing.

Cons:

After arranging for the rental several days in advance and prepaying, I arrived to pick up my rental only to find that they did not have a car available for me. Instead I was offered my pick of dirty vehicles that had not been cleaned or refilled. Ended up going to Hertz and spending more money to rent a car spur of the moment but at least they had cars.

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Upgrade for free

Cons:

Nothing

9.2 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Price. Bringing the car to the front. Quality of car.

8.8 Very good

Feb 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly customer service agents.

Cons:

Too many hidden fees. Just use bottom line pricing when quoting costs.

1 out of 6

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.6

Most popular

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

7.9

3 locations in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

1420 S Michigan St

+1 574 289 1294

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4647 Progress Dr

+1 844 914 1554

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 16:00
Sunday08:00 - 16:00

52200 Indiana State Route 933

+1 574 273 0444

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2024

KAYAK
Very easy, and friendly

4.0 Mediocre

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes, staff was friendly.

Cons:

It was the customer service when trying to call South Bend I was always routed to corporate. No one was at the Enterprise desk in South Bend so no one walked around the car with me. A supervisor on the phone used a phone and/or had a soft spoken voice. I could not hear him.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and efficient. I was in and out quickly. Great experience.

Cons:

Only odd thing about renting in South Bend is there are no assigned spots. You everyone is walking around the lot hitting their car lock fob listening for the noise. It was actually kind of comical. But if the weather was bad or you were in a big hurry I could see how it would be irritating.

9.2 Wonderful

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off in Downtown Falmouth MA. was great, Attendant was helpful and friendly. Pick up in South Bend IN. Airport went well even though I forgot who was supplying the car and the Kayak email confirm was on my PC , not my phone, they found me, I got the car.

Cons:

The Ford Fusion hybrid has a weird feature where the engine turns off when you stop at a light or drive-through. This feature can be turned off by a button on the dashboard.

2.0 Poor

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Enterprise called me a day before and told me they had to canceled my car as they had high demand for the Holiday and they did not had the car that I reserved many days ago. They told me they couldn’t do anything that put me on a waiting list to see what day they could have a car available.!

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was excellent. Fast, efficient, friendly. The dropoff was super fast and easy.

Cons:

Nothing. Everything was perfect.

1 out of 6

Avis

7.2

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

6.5

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4643 Progress Drive

+1 574 234 1024

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

5.6 Fair

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

Cons:

Your website is misleading on the vehicle size. I wanted a chevy impala sized vehicle - emailed confirmation stated "chevy impala" . But at desk to pick up car i would have had to pay more for that class.. Clearly a bait and switch tactic. Wont use kayak again.

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was great, very smooth rental process

Cons:

car had a slight fragrance smell from cleaning products

3.6 Poor

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick up and drop off was very simple and easy.

Cons:

Didn't receive the type of car that I reserved. The vehicle had recently been smoked in and smelled nasty!!!!

2.0 Poor

Jul 2023

KAYAK
Did not have the vehicle reserved in stock. Did not contact prior to arriving to pick up rental.

6.0 Okay

Nov 2021

KAYAK
Customer service wasn’t so impressive. They don’t seem to have a good system of handing off calls made to the local rental desk when nobody’s there to cover the location. It gets sent off to a distant call center where they don’t have access to all the info. Their explanation: we use two different systems. Yeah, well that’s very uninteresting to the customer. Maybe you should use one system and stop the excuses. Also, include taxes and fees in your initial quote. Also, be more clear about how electronic tolls work. I’m waiting to be hit with all kinds of hidden charges, and the toll highways around chicago don’t allow cash payments.

2.0 Poor

Nov 2021

KAYAK
When we arrived we were told there was only one clean vehicle available (Toyota Tacoma) and if we wanted anything else it would be dirty. Other than that no real problem in south bend. When I tried to drop it off in Chicago the address given to me was just a hotel (Hotel Loews) and they were unable to accept the car. Apparently they're listed as an Avis location because their guests can reserve a car at the front desk. Instead I found an overnight garage and picked a new Avis location in the morning. Hotel Loews should never have been listed as a drop-off location if they don't accept drop-offs.

1 out of 3

Dollar

6.9

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

7.1

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4639 Progress Drive

+1 866 434 2226

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00
Saturday08:00 - 16:00
Sunday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing Very unprofessional

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was great friendly, helpful, I really liked the minivan, It was my first time driving that make and model car and I decided that I may just go bye me one.

Cons:

The instructions of use for the plate pass could of been explained, it's a metal box that is stuck on the windshield. I did.have to travel on the Indiana -Illinois toll way and did not know that the box contained a ez pass. So electronically the box was being picked up and I was pulling over to pay cash Lol. 3 days later I figured out what the metal thing on the windshield was. The staff did compensate me for my trouble with the platepass, and I was very pleased with the way they handled it.

9.6 Wonderful

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Great vehicle for family vacation.

Cons:

Air conditioning does not work well when car switched to alternative power. Works great when driving, but not when stopped.

6.4 Okay

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

The SUV.

Cons:

One poor employee was asked to staff all of Dollar and Hertz. I waited more than 20 minutes in line. He was a terrific employee who was asked to do far too much. Not fair to him or to the customers.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was brand new with only 400 miles!

Cons:

I had a hard time finding the car in the lot. The numbering was difficult to use.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Car gets great gas mileage.

Cons:

Restrictions when paying with Debit card.

1 out of 4

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

South Bend International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

South Bend International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4637 Progress Drive

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4637 Progress Dr, South Bend, , USA Indiana

+1 914 368 0091

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

215 travelers who rented a car in South Bend gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car rental locations in or near South Bend

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Mini

Average price

$77/day

Good deal

$61/day

When to book a rental car in South Bend

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches