Search
Deals
Tips
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

Traverse City car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Traverse City

Here is why travellers choose KAYAK

Save up to 41%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car rentals in Traverse City

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates
Choose your dates
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
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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.
  • Book your rental car in Traverse City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Traverse City are around 31% cheaper than other car types, on average

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 is the price of fuel in Traverse City?

    The average price of fuel in Traverse City is $5.85 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $70 and $93, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Traverse City?

    Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Traverse City.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Traverse City?

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

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Traverse City?

    An Intermediate car hire in Traverse City costs $69 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Traverse City?

    An Economy car hire in Traverse City costs $126 per day, on average.

Traverse City car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

8.6

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

8.3

One location in Traverse City

Show locations

Locations in Traverse City

727 Fly Don't Drive

+1 231 947 3883

Monday08:30 - 23:59
Tuesday08:30 - 23:59
Wednesday08:30 - 23:59
Thursday08:30 - 23:59
Friday08:30 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 23:59
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Danny, Jun 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Yes

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Car was a bit smelly and banged up

8.0 Very Good

Jamie, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The car was not cleaned out at all when I picked it up

8.0 Very Good

Jamie, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The car was not cleaned out at all, dusty, hair, dead bug

1 out of 7

Thrifty

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

3.9

One location in Traverse City

Show locations

Locations in Traverse City

1655 South Garfield Avenue

+1 231 946 2371

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

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Justin, Jul 2021

KAYAK
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.

1 out of 1

Hertz

8.2

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.8

One location in Traverse City

Show locations

Locations in Traverse City

727 Fly Don't Drive

+1 231 946 7051

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 23:59
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

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

KAYAK

Cons:

Was as easy as possible. On site, walkable, location within steps of terminal. Very economical Toyota Corolla.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 4

Alamo

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

8.0

One location in Traverse City

Show locations

Locations in Traverse City

727 Fly Dont Dr

+1 844 370 9797

Monday09:30 - 18:00
Tuesday09:30 - 18:00
Wednesday09:30 - 18:00
Thursday09:30 - 18:00
Friday09:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:30 - 18:00
Sunday09:30 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Kim, Sept 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
new car. long line.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Great customer service at both pickup and drop-off.

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

7.9

One location in Traverse City

Show locations

Locations in Traverse City

727 Fly Dont Drive

+1 231 946 1223

Monday08:30 - 23:59
Tuesday08:30 - 23:59
Wednesday08:30 - 23:59
Thursday08:30 - 23:59
Friday08:30 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 23:59
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Conveince, while your waiting on your bags, the Avus counter is right there. Great service. Excelent car selection.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
No complaints. A breeze from start to finish!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
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.

1 out of 6

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

6.4

3 locations in Traverse City

Show locations

Locations in Traverse City

1789 Garfield Avenue South

+1 231 933 7000

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

3464 N Us Highway 31 S

+1 231 941 6657

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

727 Fly Dont Dr

+1 844 996 0645

Monday09:30 - 18:00
Tuesday09:30 - 18:00
Wednesday09:30 - 18:00
Thursday09:30 - 18:00
Friday09:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:30 - 18:00
Sunday09:30 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Very friendly and very easy!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Luxury

KAYAK
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

People mover

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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?

2.0 Poor

Eric, Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

They could have actually had a car for me.

1 out of 2

National

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

5.5

One location in Traverse City

Locations in Traverse City

727 Fly Dont Dr

+1 844 370 9796

Monday09:30 - 18:00
Tuesday09:30 - 18:00
Wednesday09:30 - 18:00
Thursday09:30 - 18:00
Friday09:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:30 - 18:00
Sunday09:30 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jeff, Jul 2021

KAYAK
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

7.2

Good

One location in Traverse City

Locations in Traverse City

727 Fly Don't Drive

+1 231 946 7051

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 23:59
Sunday10:00 - 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

Monday10:30 - 20:00
Tuesday10:30 - 20:00
Wednesday10:00 - 23:59
Thursday10:00 - 23:59
Friday10:00 - 23:59
Saturday10:00 - 23:59
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

108 travellers who rented a car in Traverse City gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.0

Car hire locations in or near Traverse City

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

When to book a car hire in Traverse City

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

Traverse City car hire information

Pick-up locationTraverse City
Car types
Hire locations14
Airport locations11