Car Rental in Michigan

Why rent a car in Michigan?

The large midwestern state of Michigan is an ever-popular tourist destination. The state's largest city, Detroit, is a major city and destination for those interested in history. The rest of the state is full of forests, the shoreline of three of the Great Lakes, and inland lakes and rivers. 

Top ways to enter USA - Michigan

Detroit Metro Airport - The most popular way to enter Michigan is through Detroit's Airport — a major international airport. It can be reached via direct flights from most states and 30 different countries. 

Gerald R. Ford Int. Airport - Grand Rapids' airport is the second busiest in the state and is served by flights from many large and regional cities. 

Bishop International Airport - The airport serving Flint is also a popular way to reach Michigan being served by flights from surrounding states. 

Cherry Capital (Traverse City) Airport - Traverse City is in the northern part of the state and a popular tourist destination in the summer for its beaches and cherries. 

By road - Michigan can be reached from Ohio via I-75, from Indiana via I-69, from Chicago and Gary Indiana via I-94. You can reach the Northern Penisula of the state from Wisconsin via multiple US Highways. 

Via Canada - There are multiple places where you can cross the border from Ontario, Canada into Michigan. The most popular is via the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel between Windsor and Detroit. Many (but certainly not all) car rental companies allow you to take a vehicle from Canada to the United State, but make sure before you do so. 

Via ferry - From mid-May to mid-October, ferries cross Lake Michigan from Manitowoc and Milwaukee in Wisconsin to Ludington and Muskegon, respectively. You can book a spot for your car, but you are almost certainly not allowed to take a rental car via a ferry (due to the car rental companies' restrictions).  

Top cities and places to visit

Detroit - The Motor City (or Motown) is probably the place one thinks of when thinking of urban decay that has happened throughout the Rust Belt. However, downtown Detroit has seen revitalization efforts that have restored some of its former charm. Many parts of the city are still dangerous, but you are unlikely to want to visit them anyway. Stick to the major tourist attractions, and you'll have as pleasant a time as anywhere. 

Mackinaw Island - The resort island in the Straights of Mackinaw is mostly a state park. There is an old fort on the island along with a Victorian-era feeling. Personal cars are not allowed on the island, which can be reached either by ferry or a small airplane. 

Isle Royal National Park - If you seek more secluded nature than a resort experience, then this national park in Lake Superior is for you. It can be reached by ferry from Copper Harbour (or via a commercial flight). Once there, you will have to get around either by hiking or some form of boat whether it be a kayak, motor boat, or sailboat. 

Driver's license requirements

Michigan is one of two states in the US (the other being New York) that mandate that rental companies must rent to drivers that are at least 18 years old. As elsewhere, though, drivers that are under 25 are usually charged an additional fee. 

Crossing borders

There are multiple border crossings between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Most rental companies in Michigan allow their vehicles to be driven to Canada (though, you must return them in Michigan). Some smaller rental companies in Canada do not allow their vehicles to be taken to the United States, though. 

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Michigan. There are, however, several bridges with tolls. One example is the Blue Water Bridge which connects Port Huron with Point Edward and Sarnia in Ontario, Canada. Another is the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnell is also tolled. 

Tolls can usually be paid in cash. Some take credit and debit cards. While many bridges have their own prepaid toll passes, none of these are required as in other states. So don't worry when picking up a rental car; there are no toll packages that you have to purchase. 

Top driving routes

The Upper Penisula - Cross the Mackinaw Bridge and get ready to explore the rugged northern part of the state. From hiking trails to ski hills, the peninsula is the crown jewel of Michigan for those that love the outdoors. Any route taken through the peninsula will take you through state and national forests and past great beaches. 

River Road Scenic Byway  - Travel from Lake Huron through the Huron-Manistee National Forests along this scenic road. There are all kinds of outdoor opportunities along the way. You'll also stumble across multiple outlooks along the road from which you can take in all the gorgeous scenery no matter what season it is. 

M-22 - The entire western coast of Michigan is worth a visit, but of particular note is the northern section of it. Michigan Highway 22 takes you right along the coast through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. It routinely makes lists of the most scenic drives in the country, particularly for driving in the fall. You can plan your drive along it using the information at M-22 Michigan.

Car rental prices in Michigan

• Convertibles - from $123 per day
• Medium cars - from $49 per day
• Small cars - from $49 per day
• Premium cars - from $88 per day
• SUVs - from $71 per day
• Large cars - from $45 per day
• Vans - from $103 per day