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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. See up-to-date rates from downtown branches, Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, Briarwood Mall and Detroit Metro Airport, then pick the compact, SUV or minivan that matches your plans. Reserve early for University of Michigan football games, graduation or winter visits to boost availability and keep costs down.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor Municipal Airport |
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| Downtown/Central Ann Arbor |
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| Briarwood Mall Area |
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| Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) |
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Additional notes
- Detroit Metro Airport is often the arrival point for visitors flying to Ann Arbor
- Downtown locations may offer university discounts (check your department)
- Advance reservations strongly recommended during football weekends, graduation and move-in periods
Car Rental Prices
How to pay less?
- Skip the airport markup: Pick up in Downtown Ann Arbor or Briarwood Mall and avoid the ~11 % DTW concession fee. A $35 rideshare from the airport can still leave you ahead.
- Compare every pickup spot: Punch your dates into our search and sort by price. Mall, downtown and airport prices shuffle daily, so checking all three can save real cash.
- Book early only when campus is crazy: Football weekends, graduation and move-in month (Aug) spike fast—grab a car 3-4 weeks out. For off-peak weeks, keep watching; last-minute drops are common.
- Play with the clock: A 7-day "weekly" rate can be cheaper than 5 or 6 separate days. Shift pickup or return times online until the total falls.
- Trim the extras: Extra drivers run $10-15/day and SUVs cost more to rent and fuel. A compact fits Ann Arbor's tight garages and keeps the bill low.
- Rent only when wheels are required: Downtown & campus are walkable with decent buses. Plan those days car-free and shorten your rental span to slash the total.
Car rental prices in Ann Arbor 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Downtown/Campus Parking
- Metered street spots: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Payment through mobile app or credit card at meters
- Public garages available
- Time limits strictly enforced in high-demand areas
University Area
- Visitor lots require payment through app or kiosk
- Football game days have special event spots near the stadium
- Medical Center has dedicated patient garages
Driving Rules
- Downtown speed limit: 25 mph
- School zones: 25 mph when flashing
- Bike lanes present on many streets (watch for cyclists)
- Pedestrian crosswalks strictly enforced; drivers must yield to pedestrians
- Winter restrictions may be enacted during snow emergencies
Why rent a car in Ann Arbor
Having your own wheels lets you venture beyond the compact downtown and reach regional highlights.
- Detroit – sporting events, museums, concert venues
- Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) – terminal access, flexible flight schedules
- Lansing – Michigan State Capitol, campus landmarks
- Toledo, Ohio – waterfront zoo, art museum
- Huron River & Nichols Arboretum – kayaking spots, scenic trails
- Ypsilanti, Dexter, Chelsea – small-town cafes, craft breweries
Local Rental Locations
- Battle Creek, MI
- Brighton, MI
- Canton, MI
- Car Rental Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
- Car Rental Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Car Rental Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Car Rental Jackson, MI
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- Clinton Township, MI
- Dearborn, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Flint, MI
- FNT Airport
- Gaylord, MI
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Holland, MI
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Lansing, MI
- Livonia, MI
- Michigan
- Muskegon, MI
- Novi, MI
- Rochester Hills, MI
- Southfield, MI
- Sterling Heights, MI
- Traverse City, MI
FAQs
How far is Detroit Metro Airport from Ann Arbor?
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 25 miles (40 km) east of Ann Arbor. The drive usually takes 30 minutes on I-94 when traffic is light. You should plan for extra time during rush hour or when there's road construction.
Do I need a car if I'm only visiting the University of Michigan campus?
If you are only visiting the central campus and downtown Ann Arbor, you probably don't need a car. You can walk around those areas easily and use public transportation. We recommend you have a car if you plan to visit the North Campus, the Medical Campus or attend sporting events.
What is parking like during University of Michigan football games?
On game days, you will find it very hard to park near Michigan Stadium and it can be expensive ($50-100). The city restricts street parking in the nearby neighborhoods. You can try using a Park & Ride lot that offers shuttle service. Another option is to park downtown and walk about 1 mile (1.6 km) to the stadium.
Are there any toll roads in the Ann Arbor area?
You won't find any toll roads in the Ann Arbor area, and Michigan has no tolled highways right now. However, you will have to pay tolls on some state bridges. These include the Mackinac Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron and the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie. If you drive south into Ohio on the Ohio Turnpike, you will also have to pay tolls.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Ann Arbor?
We suggest a compact or midsize car to get around Ann Arbor's narrow streets and fit into tight parking spots. An SUV gives you a better view of the road and more comfort on long trips, but you might find it hard to park in busy areas.
Is winter driving difficult in Ann Arbor?
It snows a fair amount in Ann Arbor from December to March. The city does a good job clearing the main roads, but side streets can stay snowy for longer. You might want to get an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle for the winter months, especially if you plan to visit areas outside the city.
Can I find street parking in downtown Ann Arbor?
You can find street parking downtown, but spots fill up fast, especially around lunchtime and in the evening. The city strictly enforces time limits, which are usually 2 hours. For longer stays, you'll have a better chance finding a spot in a public parking garage. They charge about $1.80 an hour.
