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South Bend car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Fri 2/8
Fri 9/8

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Cheap car rentals in South Bend

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People mover car
People mover
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in South Bend

  • 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.
  • Book your rental car in South Bend at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in South Bend are around 3% more expensive than other car types, on average

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

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired 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 is the price of fuel in South Bend?

    The average price of fuel in South Bend is $6.47 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $78 and $103, depending on the car size.

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

    Standard (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in South Bend.

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

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

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in South Bend?

    A Standard car hire in South Bend costs $138 per day, on average.

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

    An Intermediate car hire in South Bend costs $135 per day, on average.

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

    An Economy car hire in South Bend costs $133 per day, on average.

South Bend car rental reviews and directory

Budget

6.1

Best rated

Cleanliness

5.8

Comfort

6.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.9

Value for money

6.2

2 locations in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

23134 Lincoln Way West

+1 574 232 1273

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday11:00 - 14:00

4643 Progress Drive

+1 574 234 4259

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

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Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Jul 2024

KAYAK
I wasn't given any receipt at pickup . Told I would get at return. When I returned car, I stood in line for about 10 min. Then was told it would be emailed to me. It's been 24 hrs. and I still haven't seen a receipt. I have no idea how much I was charged.. I had requested an economy car, but was upgraded to Jeep . That was a pleasant surprise.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2024

KAYAK
The person who handled our rental was very polite and knowledgeable about the process. Thank you!

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.

1 out of 11

National

10.0

Wonderful

1 review

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 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

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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

7.7

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.7

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 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Jun 2024

KAYAK
Car was confirmed and paid via credit card but no cars were available- location had a negative number of car inventory- many angry customers!! We spent time and Uber money going to pick up cars there TWICE and confirmed order cars were not available!!

8.0 Very Good

Jan 2024

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

2.0 Poor

Sep 2023

KAYAK
THEY DON'T LET US RENT THE CAR BECAUSE IT COULDN'T SCAN OUR PASSPROT

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2022

KAYAK
Kim at the front desk was PHENOMENAL! I was having a rough day, which she noticed, and went above and beyond to flip that switch, and it changed the course of my day. The rest of my day went smoothly :)

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Great staff, easy process. Car was just what we needed for the weekend.

2.0 Poor

Sep 2022

KAYAK
I had a reservation but was made to wait several hours because there weren’t enough cars -only to discover that there were several cars in the lot! Also, I spent much more time on the phone with corporate office than the customer service at the rental desk.

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.6

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

8.0

3 locations in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

1420 S Michigan St

+1 574 289 1294

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
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 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

52200 Indiana State Route 933

+1 574 273 0444

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

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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 5

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 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

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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

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.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2021

KAYAK
Ease and efficiency at rental counter. Will use Avis again. Increase Number of Avis spots in parking lot. When returning vehicle I had to park in a National spot as all the Avis spots were taken.

1 out of 3

Hertz

7.0

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in South Bend

Show locations

Locations in South Bend

4639 Progress Drive

+1 574 234 3712

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

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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.

1 out of 1

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 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

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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.

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I always rent thru Dollar Rental when I go on trips because never once have I had unexpected charges or issues. Every time I get a great deal and it costs exactly what they said it would cost. I can't even tell you how much it is appreciated!

Cons:

There was an after hours key drop that was a little confusing because there was a sign that said charges continue to accrue until the rental place opens again. Fortunately that did not happen and I was charged only for the amount of the rental after dropping the keys off on time.

1 out of 1

Easirent

4.7

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in South Bend

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Locations in South Bend

South Bend International Airport

Opening times not available

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No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in South Bend

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Locations in South Bend

South Bend International Airport

Opening times not available

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No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in South Bend

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Locations in South Bend

4637 Progress Drive

Opening times not available

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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

99 travellers who rented a car in South Bend gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car hire locations in or near South Bend

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in South Bend

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

South Bend car hire information

Pick-up locationSouth Bend
Car types
Hire locations14
Airport locations11