This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Traverse City with a pick-up date of 2/10 and drop-off date of 2/20. 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.
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Cheap car rentals in Traverse City
Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Traverse City
People travel to Traverse City to explore the architectural treasure at the Grand Traverse Commons and to check out the annual Cherry Festival in the spring. This former medical institution has impressive castle-like buildings, which have been converted into restaurants, galleries, and boutiques as well as office spaces, and has easy access to parking. Traverse City car rentals will allow you to take a scenic drive along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and take in the Traverse City Beaches located on West Grand Traverse Bay. Although there is a bus system in Traverse City called Bay Area Transportation Authority, it is limited to five city loops within miles of the downtown area. If you have your sights set on exploring more of the city and the surrounding area, a car rental in Traverse City will come in handy.
Traverse City is served by the Cherry Capital Airport located a few miles east of the city center of Traverse City. The car rental offices of companies like Hertz, Alamo, and Budget and their rental car parking lot can be found just off the exit from the baggage claim at the Cherry Capital Airport terminal.
Driving in Traverse City is pleasant with plenty of scenic options. The main highways serving Traverse City include the US 31, which takes you to Mackinaw City, the M-22, which is a scenic route around Lake Michigan, the M-37 that heads south to the Manistee National Forest or north to the Grand Traverse Bay, and the M-72, which connects the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with Lake Huron.
South Airport Road and 14th Street, particularly in the summer, are the most likely to get congested, particularly during peak hours in the morning, 7am to 9am when commuters head downtown for work. Traverse City averages about 80 inches of snowfall a year. If you’re here during the winter months, practice safe snow driving techniques by driving slowly, alertly, and defensively. Allow for extra time on your trips and turn your low-beam headlights on.
You may use the car rental services after getting to Traverse city station, the most popular train station in Traverse. However, you must arrange the drop-off location with your car rental company as there are no rental offices at the train station. Most cheap car rentals in Traverse, like Budget, will have the car waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the custom location per the client's request.
Choose a car at Traverse City car rentals and explore what the city and the surroundings have to offer. Enjoy dinner, wine tours, and wine tasting in the beautiful room on Old Mission Peninsula at the Bowers Harbor Vineyards. The vineyard is 20min away from the city, an 11.8 miles drive. Go sightseeing in Leelanau State Park and climb the Grand Traverse Light House to see experience the view of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. The lighthouse is 53min away from Traverse, 37.1 miles. If you are a long-distance driving fan, catch the sunset as you enjoy the scenery at Frankfort Beach. It will take about 1h to cover the 42 miles distance.
Even with the recommendable infrastructure, you may experience traffic hiccups during the annual festivities held in Traverse. In July, the National Cherry Festival is held for eight days. Due to the vast number of people attending the festivals, some roads may be closed. The road closure leads to traffic building up in the city. The Vasa Festival of Races, held in February, has many ski athletes visiting Traverse. Apart from the weather, the number of attendees leads to some road closures, causing traffic on the open roads. Downtown Traverse usually bursts with partygoers on New Year's Eve as they attend the Cherry T Ball Drop festival. Getting to the venue is challenging due to traffic, but you could use the back roads and be careful of the jaywalkers.
25% of our users found rental cars in Traverse City for $59 or less
Book your rental car in Traverse City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Compact rental cars in Traverse City are around 67% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips
FAQs about renting a car in Traverse City
What type of car is recommended for driving in Traverse City?
We recommend an economy or compact car for city driving so that you can find parking easily wherever you want to go. Alternatively, if you know you will be spending a lot of time on Traverse City’s scenic routes, you could opt for a car rental in Traverse City that is a standard or intermediate SUV for more legroom, more amenities, and more space for your luggage.
What’s the speed limit in Traverse City?
In Traverse City, expect 55mph speed limits on most state and county highways, and then reduce your speed to the 25mph speed limits when driving in business and residential areas. Speed cameras are not allowed in Michigan and speeding is controlled by the local Traverse City police officers on duty.
Where are the best places to park in Traverse City?
Wherever your destination in Traverse City, parking is plentiful. You’ll find meters for up to 2h and up to 10h parking throughout both the downtown and lakeside area. Parking meters accept coin payment, however, the easiest is to download ParkMobile on your smartphone for easy payment. Most meters offer the first 30min for free to make your quick errands even easier. If you need to make a stay even longer, simply head to the parking lots on Larry C. Hardy or in Old Town. Parking is free in Traverse City on the weekends and weeknights after 6pm. Check around Old Deck for free parking options.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Traverse City?
On average a rental car in Traverse City costs $72 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 Traverse City found in the last 2 weeks is $45.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Traverse City?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar ($39/day), Hertz ($43/day) and Budget ($47/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Dollar 727 Fly Don't Drive 49686 (3 miles from city center).
How much is gas price in Traverse City?
The average gas price in Traverse City is $3.40 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $41 and $54, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Traverse City?
Compact (Ford Focus or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Traverse City.
Which car rental companies are at Cherry Capital airport (TVC)?
Car rental companies onsite at Cherry Capital airport include Avis, Alamo and Dollar.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Cherry Capital airport (TVC)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Cherry Capital airport to off-airport locations include Avis, and Alamo.
How can I find car rentals near me in Traverse City?
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Compact car rental in Traverse City costs $44 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Traverse City?
A Standard car rental in Traverse City costs $47 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Traverse City?
An Economy car rental in Traverse City costs $50 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Traverse City?
In Traverse City, cars are most frequently rented at Dollar 727 Fly Don't Drive (3 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Traverse City?
On average a rental car in Traverse City costs $507 per week ($72 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Traverse City?
On average a rental car in Traverse City costs $2,173 per month ($72 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Traverse City?
Most car rental providers in Traverse City offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Traverse City, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Traverse City?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 12 car rental agencies in Traverse City.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Traverse City?
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 Traverse City?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Traverse City so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Is carpooling allowed in Traverse?
You can share a ride in your vehicle from cheap car rentals in Traverse with your friends. Carpooling is encouraged in Traverse as it is cost-effective, mitigates congestion, and is convenient for the environment due to lowered gas emissions. High Occupancy lanes for carpooling are available in Traverse.
Does Traverse have toll roads?
Enjoy driving toll-free while in Traverse. You can be sure that even the busy M-113 highway has no toll stations available. Always be updated about the road conditions due to weather changes and the traffic flow.
The final cost was nearly $200 more than when I booked online and the car reaked of cigarette smoke.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Passenger van
Yes
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Supplier choice
It was great, the only thing that could be better is, if there was some type of shuttle to your own car from the rental car, that adds on quite a bit of time to have to park your personal car unload it then go over the rental car and pack it up and then the same as when you return
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Car was a bit smelly and banged up
8.0 Very good
Jamie, Apr 2021
Cons:
The car was not cleaned out at all when I picked it up
8.0 Very good
Jamie, Apr 2021
Cons:
The car was not cleaned out at all, dusty, hair, dead bug
Service at the location was fantastic. The one thing that was a little annoying is with Uber / Lyft not being very prevalent in Traverse City, we had to take a cab both to and from the airport, which cost us about $10 for about a mile trip (it's not really walkable from the airport). I have to think they could just move the Thrifty location inside the TVC airport to make it more convenient. Other than that, everyone was great. Car was great, service was great (they even offered to come pick is up if we hadn't found the cab first). Only issue was the one I mentioned above.
the gentleman I spoke eith on the phone thursday evening at the Travers City airoort location was very rude . I had made a reservation online and had a confirmation number - I just called to check and make sure it would be available for sure at 8 am and he proceeded to tell me that there was no guarantees and it may not be available. He said a reservation is NOT a guaranteed car!! Which i then asked why and he said that is just a fact- very rude!!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
Was as easy as possible. On site, walkable, location within steps of terminal. Very economical Toyota Corolla.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Minivan not available, despite prepaid reservation. Very disappointed. Substitute was okay, but felt response to situation was limited. Did not have to return on full tank, not really a square deal.
Cons:
Cleaner vehicle, COVID sticker on door was difficult to remove, left residue, interior was not as clean as should have been, very poor counter work. Blamed difficulties on busy season. NOT my problem, take care of your business! Fall colors happen every year, deal with it.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
I got to the counter an they said your rental reservation has been changed to Enterprise so just go there. They have older cars and not nearly as good as Hertz.
Cons:
To make sure the reservation stays with the company you reserved with.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Nothing traverse city is awful for anyone younger than 55
Cons:
They had no cars anywhere in the city. Would be nice if they got some of those
6.4 Okay
Colleen, Aug 2020
Pros:
The staff member at checkout was not friendly at all.
Cons:
It was a brand new Jeep Wrangler but man was it an uncomfortable ride. We had a 6 hour each way trip. That vehicle is very utilitarian. You feel every bump in the road. Definitely not a vehicle I would like again.
Conveince, while your waiting on your bags, the Avus counter is right there. Great service. Excelent car selection.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Cons:
As a person using a cane, to be required to park my car in n the airport lot (without notice) and then walk back to the Avis lot (without curb cuts for part of the walk) is quite an inconvenience!! In addition, the car did NOT have a radio. Each rental should require an attendance to explain the features or lack there of to the renter.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2023
Compact
I did not experienced a helpful service. There was no compromise with credit cards. No possibility to use debit option either. Staff wasn’t helpful at all. More about getting customers out of the way instead of helping find a solution. Ended stuck at the airport for hours.
4.0 Mediocre
Chris, Aug 2023
Full-size
I'd like to be able to get in the car without waiting on line or talking to a human
10.0 Wonderful
Terry, Jul 2023
Economy
No complaints. A breeze from start to finish!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2022
The price could've been lowered by a few dollars definitely, especially just for the short amount of time that I had my rental. But the reservation process was relatively easy, the vehicle itself was super clean and really nice. May now be tempted to buy one myself.
I requested a receipt be sent by email, they did not and there is no way to call them.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
new car. long line.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Standard SUV
The State of Michigan does not issue a picture with their temporary Id's and I had other Id's but not one with a picture so they wouldn't rent me a car. Last time I checked the License was a legal government document. Apparently it's a worthless government document.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
Great customer service at both pickup and drop-off.
I rented a car online and did not get a car. Before I picked it up, I received a call that Enterprise didn’t have any cars despite the website still showing they have cars. I was inconvenienced and did not receive anything from Enterprise other than a robotic “sorry”. They didn’t even have the decency for customer service to call me back
4.0 Mediocre
Katie, Jul 2024
Minivan
It took 1 1/2 hours from when I got in line to when I got in the car during pickup. Drop off was very easy and fast.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Standard
They told me they did not have a car for me when I arrived at the airport even though I had a reservation. What is the point of a reservation?
It couldn't be easier to rent from National or any other rental car at Traverse City airport. Friendly staff, they provided the exact car I reserved on Kayak. Much cheaper than renting directly from the rental car website!
Dollar
6.9
Okay
One location in Traverse City
from$45/day
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don't Drive
+1 231 946 7051
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 23:59
Sunday
10:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.6
Mediocre
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
Cherry Capital Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
Traverse City Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don`t Drive
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Traverse City
Locations in Traverse City
727 Fly Don't Drive, Traverse City, , USA Michigan
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
10:30 - 20:00
Tuesday
10:30 - 20:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 23:59
Thursday
10:00 - 23:59
Friday
10:00 - 23:59
Saturday
10:00 - 23:59
Sunday
10:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
2352 travelers who rented a car in Traverse City gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9
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