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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Gaylord. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up downtown or at nearby Traverse City or Pellston airports, then cruise I-75 to ski Boyne Mountain, spot elk in Pigeon River or cross the Mackinac Bridge. Demand jumps in summer and ski season, so lock in your Gaylord car rental early.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaylord City | • No airport fees • Enterprise location on Main Street • Convenient for downtown stays |
• Limited vehicle selection • Business hours only (usually 8AM-5PM) • Closed Sundays and some holidays |
Best for travelers already in Gaylord or arriving by bus |
| Traverse City Airport (TVC) | • Multiple agencies • Greater vehicle selection • Airport convenience |
• 60 miles (97 km) from Gaylord • Airport fees • Transportation needed to Gaylord |
Largest nearby airport offering most rental options. Consider flying into Traverse City Airport for the widest choice. |
| Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) | • Closer than Traverse City (42 miles / 68 km) • Less crowded than larger airports • Quicker processing |
• Limited flight service • Smaller selection of vehicles • Seasonal availability fluctuations |
Good option for those flying into northern Michigan |
Transportation to Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Gaylord cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Skip the airport premium: Already in Gaylord? Grab a car from the downtown branch and avoid airport concession fees altogether.
Compare dates around peak seasons: Rates jump in summer and during fall-color weekends. Shifting pickup or drop-off by a day or two on our site can shave 10-20 %.
Quote a full week even for 5-6 days: Northern Michigan weekly deals often beat shorter rentals, so run both options before you book.
Pick the smallest ride that works: Compacts cost less to rent and to fuel. Outside heavy-snow months (Dec-Mar), you rarely need the pricier SUV.
Fuel up in bigger towns: Gas is usually 20-30¢/gal cheaper in Traverse City, Grayling or downstate. Fill the tank there before heading into the woods.
Dodge extra charges: Extra driver, child seats and under-25 fees stack up fast. Share one driver and pack your own booster seat when you can.
Downtown Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Seasonal Considerations:
Get a rental car so you can visit:
Pigeon River Country State Forest – elk herds
Mackinac Bridge – Straits of Mackinac
Traverse City – wineries, beaches
Boyne Mountain Resort – skiing
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Gaylord?
If you visit in the winter (November-April), we strongly recommend an all-wheel drive SUV because it snows a lot and the roads can get slippery. In the summer, you can use any kind of car, but an SUV will make it easier to reach unpaved recreation areas and forest roads.
Can I take a rental car on unpaved roads?
Most rental car companies let you drive on gravel or dirt roads that are kept up, which gets you to many recreation areas and state forests. However, they usually don't allow off-roading or driving on rough two-track trails. You should check your rental agreement or ask the company if you plan to explore remote areas.
Are there any toll roads around Gaylord?
No, Michigan doesn't have any toll roads. The only toll you might pay in northern Michigan is for the Mackinac Bridge ($4 per car). The bridge connects the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
How is the drive from Detroit to Gaylord?
The drive from Detroit to Gaylord on I-75 North is about 240 miles (386 km). It takes about 3.5–4 hours if traffic and weather are good. You'll be on an interstate highway the whole way and there are regular service areas. In the winter, the roads are usually better on the southern part of the drive than the northern part, which can get lake-effect snow.
Can I find hybrid or electric rental vehicles in Gaylord?
It's hard to find hybrid vehicles at the Gaylord Enterprise location. For electric vehicles, you'll have the best luck renting from Traverse City Airport, where they might have a few EVs available. If you drive an EV, keep in mind that northern Michigan is still building its charging network. You'll find most charging stations in larger towns and along I-75.
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