EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from leading providers in Detroit with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Grab your ride at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) for round the clock pickup or choose a downtown branch to avoid airport fees and enjoy shorter lines. We pull live rates from Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and more so you can lock in a low price and start cruising I-94, Woodward Avenue or out to the Great Lakes fast.
| Location Factor | DTW Airport Rental | Downtown Detroit Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Providers | All major companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz) | Select agencies (Enterprise, Hertz) at city locations/hotels |
| Hours | Extended hours (many 24/7) for late flights | Standard business hours (often 8am-6pm) and limited after-hours service |
| Access | Free shuttles from terminals to rental center | Requires taxi/rideshare from DTW (approximately 20-30 min ride) |
| Cost Structure | Includes airport fees (10%+ concession fee); higher base rates | Avoids airport fees; potentially lower base rates but extra cost to reach location |
| Wait Times | Can be 30-60+ minutes at peak times; Monday midday is busiest | Usually shorter lines; quicker pickup if reserved |
| Vehicle Selection | Large inventory and wide selection (including one-way options) | Moderate inventory; may require advance booking for specific vehicles |
| After-Hours Support | 24-hour pickup/drop-off; key drop boxes available for returns | Limited – some branches lack after-hour return options |
Getting to the Rental Car Depot: At DTW, all rental agencies operate from a consolidated area along Lucas Drive (northeast corner of the airport). Free shuttle buses run from both terminals (McNamara and North Evans) to the rental car campus. Shuttles depart every few minutes and the ride takes approximately 5-7 minutes.
On average, car rentals in Detroit cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare DTW vs downtown pickup – airport rentals carry ~18-20 % in fees; even with a $30 rideshare into the city, a week-long trip can be cheaper off-airport.
Trim rental days – enjoy downtown attractions car-free, then collect wheels right before you head to Ann Arbor or "Up North." Fewer days = lower base rate and taxes.
Dodge the Monday-noon rush – DTW's busiest hour has long lines and dynamic price bumps. Shifting pickup to Sunday evening or early Tuesday often shaves dollars and stress.
Toggle dates & car classes while you search – Compact and Mid-size cars regularly run $10-$20 less per day than SUVs yet handle I-94 and I-75 just fine.
Plan cross-border drives upfront – choose a deal that already allows Canada travel; adding it later can trigger extra fees at the counter.
Skip pricey add-ons – bring your own phone GPS and refill at gas stations 5-10 miles (8-16 km) from the airport where fuel is typically 50¢ cheaper per gallon.
City Parking (Downtown Detroit):
Traffic Rules & Enforcement:
Michigan features unique "Michigan Left" turns on major roads. Rather than turning left directly, you proceed through the intersection, make a U-turn at a designated median turn-around, then turn right
Speed limits: 70 mph (113 km) on rural interstates, 55–65 mph (89-105 km) on urban freeways, 25–45 mph (40-72 km) on city streets
Seat belts: required for front-seat occupants and all passengers under 16
Mobile phone use: prohibited from holding or manually using a cell phone while driving; hands-free use only
Seasonal Driving Considerations:
Spring (March–May): watch for potholes as snow melts. Rain is common, so ensure wipers are in good condition.
Summer (June–August): peak tourism season offers excellent driving conditions but potentially heavier traffic, especially on weekends.
Border Crossing to Canada:
Get a car rental to get to:
The Henry Ford & Greenfield Village – Dearborn
Belle Isle Park – Detroit River
Lake St. Clair Metropark – shoreline recreation
Ann Arbor – University of Michigan campus, museums
Frankenmuth – shops, festivals
Traverse City – Sleeping Bear Dunes, wineries
Do I need a special license to rent a car in Detroit?
You just need a valid driver's license from your home country. If you're visiting from another country and your license isn't in English, you should also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Detroit?
Most companies ask that you are at least 21 years old. They will charge an extra fee of around $25-$35 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies will rent to 18-20-year-olds for an even higher fee.
Can I drive a rental car from Detroit to Canada?
Yes, most rental companies let you drive to Canada. You must tell the rental company you plan to go and bring your passport, rental agreement and proof of insurance. Be aware that border crossings can have long waits during busy times.
How do I handle tolls in the Detroit area?
You won't find many toll roads in Michigan. The main tolls are for the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel to Canada (around $5-$6 each way) and the Mackinac Bridge ($4) to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
What happens if I get a parking ticket with my rental car?
You should pay any tickets right away to avoid extra fees. If the rental company has to handle the ticket, they usually charge a processing fee ($15-$50) on top of the fine.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance for my rental?
If your own car insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you can say no to the insurance the rental company offers. If you are visiting from another country, you should check your coverage before you arrive.
What's the best way to pick up a rental car at the airport without long waits?
Try to avoid picking up your car on Mondays or during the busy noon hour (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM). You can join loyalty programs like Hertz Gold or National Emerald Club to skip the counter lines. If you arrive at a busy time, have one person from your group go to the rental counter while the others get the luggage.
Are there any special driving laws in Michigan I should know about?
On some big roads, Michigan has a special kind of turn called a "Michigan Left". You can turn right on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign tells you not to. Also, Michigan recently made it illegal to hold or use your cell phone while you drive.
What's the fuel policy for rentals in Detroit?
Most rental companies have a "return full" policy. This means you get the car with a full tank of gas and you must return it full. If you don't refill the tank, the company will charge you a lot to do it for you, around $9-$10 per gallon.
What should I do if I have a problem with my rental car?
You should call the roadside assistance number for the rental company. You can find this number on your rental agreement. For a serious emergency, call 911. If you are in a safe spot, you can also call the location where you rented the car for help.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support