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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 car rental deals in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Downtown fleets are small, so secure your Manitowoc car rental early if you are visiting between May and October when the S.S. Badger ferry is busiest. You can also compare one-way rentals from Green Bay or Milwaukee airports for a smooth trip along Lake Michigan.
Manitowoc has limited but adequate rental options for visitors.
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Best Times for Pickup:
On average, car rentals in Manitowoc cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
Shop multiple pick-up spots: run the numbers for Manitowoc downtown plus Green Bay (GRB) and Appleton (ATW). Bigger airport fleets sometimes beat tiny local inventory even after airport fees, especially for weekend rentals.
Peak ferry season hack: lock in a free-cancellation booking 4-6 weeks ahead, then re-check prices weekly. If rates dip, rebook and cancel the original.
Off-season patience pays: November–April demand tanks. Waiting until 2-3 weeks out often grabs markdowns because cars are sitting idle.
Stay within office hours: Manitowoc desks are usually 8-5 and closed Sundays. Plan pick-up/return inside those windows to avoid after-hours surcharges or taxis to a locked door.
Compare "weekly" vs daily: a 7-day rate can be cheaper than 5-6 days. Extend the search by a day to see if the weekly price drops the total.
Right-size the ride: compact or midsize fits downtown parking, the ferry deck and your wallet. Bigger SUVs cost more upfront and at the pump without adding much benefit on Manitowoc's smooth highways.
Finding a place to leave your car in Manitowoc is generally easy and affordable.
| Area | Cost | Time Limits | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Streets | Usually free | 2 hours | Limits enforced weekdays |
| Downtown Lots | Usually free or low cost | Varies | Several public lots available |
| Maritime Museum | Free for visitors | During visit | Museum lot for patrons |
| S.S. Badger Ferry Lot | Modest daily fee | Multi day allowed | Secure lot for ferry passengers |
| Marina Area | Free | Varies | Plenty of space near waterfront |
| Shopping Centers | Free | No limit | Harbor Town Center and other retail areas |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental car so you can easily:
Can I take my rental car on the S.S. Badger ferry to Michigan?
Most rental companies let you take their cars on the ferry, but their rules can be different. You should always check with the rental company before you book the ferry. You'll also need to give the ferry company your rental car's license plate number when you make a reservation.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Manitowoc?
Since the rental companies have a limited number of cars, we recommend booking 4-6 weeks ahead. This is especially true during the summer months from May to September. During ferry season, it can be very hard to find a car if you don't book in advance.
Are there rental locations near the S.S. Badger ferry terminal?
Yes, you can find Manitowoc's few rental locations mostly downtown. Some are even close enough to walk to from the ferry terminal. If you are arriving by ferry, make sure the rental office is open when you get there or plan a ride to their office.
Can I rent a car in Manitowoc and return it in another city?
Yes, you can usually do a one-way rental, but the company may charge you an extra drop-off fee. People often rent one-way to Green Bay, Milwaukee or Chicago. You should always ask about the company's rules and fees when you book, because a smaller town like Manitowoc might have fewer options.
Is there public transportation from Green Bay or Milwaukee airports to Manitowoc?
You have a few options, but not many. Maritime Metro Transit doesn't go to the airports. Lamers Connect runs several buses a day between Green Bay, Manitowoc and Milwaukee. However, the bus doesn't stop directly at the airport terminals. You'll have to get to the main bus stop in Green Bay or Milwaukee first. A taxi or rideshare from Green Bay Airport to Manitowoc costs about $70–100.
Do I need a car in Manitowoc if I'm just staying downtown?
Downtown Manitowoc is small and easy to walk around. If you plan to stay just in the downtown and harbor area, you might not need a car. However, we recommend you rent a car to get to the beaches, state parks and nearby towns.
What are the seasonal challenges for driving in Manitowoc?
In the winter, you can get lake-effect snow and strong winds from Lake Michigan. These conditions can suddenly make it hard to see. Spring often brings fog along the lakeshore. In the summer, more tourists mean more traffic, especially around the ferry terminal and lakefront areas.
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