Car Rental Lansing, MI

FAQs

How far is the Lansing airport from downtown?
You'll find the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Lansing. It's a 10-minute drive when traffic is normal.

Do I need a car if I'm only visiting the State Capitol?
If you're only visiting the Capitol and the nearby downtown area, you probably don't need a car since you can walk around. However, we recommend renting a car if you need to visit other government offices, Michigan State University or attend meetings across the city.

Is parking available at the State Capitol?
You can find some metered street parking near the Capitol, but it fills up fast on days the legislature is meeting. You can also use several public parking ramps nearby. They offer all-day parking for about $15-20.

What's the best vehicle type for visiting Lansing?
Most visitors find that a standard sedan or compact car works well. You can easily park these cars in downtown garages and they get good gas mileage for trips between Lansing and East Lansing or other places in the area.

Is winter driving difficult in Lansing?
Lansing gets a fair amount of snow from December to March. Crews do a good job of keeping the main roads clear, but snow and ice can still make driving tricky. You might want to get a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) in the winter if you plan to do a lot of driving in the area.

Can I pick up a rental car in Lansing and return it in another city?
Yes, most major rental companies will let you rent a car one-way to other cities in Michigan or even to Chicago. You can expect a one-way fee, usually from $50-150. The exact cost depends on how far you travel and your drop-off city.

How is parking at Michigan State University?
As a visitor, you have to pay for parking at MSU in special lots. You can pay using the MSU ParkMobile app or at a kiosk. It costs about $1.80 an hour. Keep in mind that many lots have different rules during special events and sports games. Read the signs in the lot carefully so you don't get a ticket or have your car towed.

Are there any toll roads in the Lansing area?
No, you won't find any toll roads in the Lansing area. However, the state of Michigan charges tolls for a few bridges and border crossings, like the Mackinac Bridge and the Blue Water Bridge. All highways around Lansing are free to use.

What's the traffic like in Lansing?
Compared to bigger cities, traffic in Lansing is usually not too bad. The roads get more crowded during the morning rush hour (7-9 a.m.) and evening rush hour (4-6 p.m.). You'll see the most traffic on I-496 through downtown and on main roads like Saginaw Highway and Cedar Street. The area around MSU also gets busier when the university is in session.