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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Mishawaka. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. Whether you are in town for a Notre Dame game, a Riverwalk weekend or a flight through South Bend International Airport, we pull live prices from Enterprise, Hertz and other major brands at both city and airport locations. Lock in the car you need in minutes and skip the surprise fees.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 595534

Mishawaka has no commercial airport of its own, so South Bend International Airport (SBN) serves the area.

Location Pros Cons
Mishawaka Retail Areas
  • Near University Park Mall
  • Close to hotels and restaurants
  • No airport fees
  • Limited hours (usually 8am-6pm M-F, shorter on Sat)
  • Smaller selection of vehicles
  • Often closed Sundays
South Bend Airport (SBN)
  • Convenient for air travelers
  • Extended hours for flight arrivals
  • All major rental brands available
  • Airport fees added to rental cost
  • 15-minute drive from Mishawaka
  • Higher rates than off-airport locations

Available Rental Companies:

  • Enterprise (multiple locations in Mishawaka)
  • Hertz
  • Avis/Budget (primarily at SBN Airport)
  • Alamo/National (at SBN Airport)

Transportation to Rental Locations:

  • Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) available throughout the area
  • Limited public bus service via Transpo
  • Some agencies offer customer pickup in the metro area
  • Taxi service available from airport to Mishawaka locations

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Mishawaka?

On average, car rentals in Mishawaka cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs. city pick-ups: South Bend Airport adds extra fees. If your schedule fits the 8 am-6 pm hours, grabbing the car at a Mishawaka retail branch can shave 10-15 % off the rate.

  • Watch the Notre Dame calendar: Football and graduation weekends send prices soaring. Either lock in a car 2-3 months ahead for those peak dates or shift your trip by a day or two to dodge the surge.

  • Price out a weekly rate—even for 4-5 days: In Mishawaka, a seven-day booking can undercut the total of shorter daily rates, especially outside peak university events.

  • Skip paid extras: Use your phone for navigation and grab a cheap USB cable instead of the rental GPS package.

  • Fill up in town before return: Gas on Grape Rd or Edison Rd is usually 20-30 cents cheaper than stations near the airport or toll road plazas.

Parking and Local Driving

Finding a Spot:

  • Most shopping centers offer free parking, including University Park Mall
  • Downtown Mishawaka has street parking and public lots
  • Riverwalk area has dedicated lots
  • Most hotels and restaurants provide free parking
  • Few restrictions except in residential areas

Local Driving Rules:

  • Right turn on red permitted after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
  • School zones have reduced speed limits when flashing
  • Four-way stops are common in residential areas
  • Main thoroughfares like Grape Road can be congested during peak shopping hours

Speed Limits:

  • Downtown and residential streets: 25–30 mph
  • Main arteries such as Grape Road and Main Street: 35–45 mph
  • Highways: 55 mph
  • Interstate highways: 70 mph, 65 mph on the toll road in urban areas

Toll Road:

  • I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road) runs along the northern edge of Mishawaka
  • Requires payment at toll plazas or with E-ZPass/I-Pass
  • Cash and credit cards are accepted at toll plazas
Why rent a car in Mishawaka

Book a rental to get to:

  • University of Notre Dame – campus, stadium

  • University Park Mall & Grape Road corridor – shopping, dining

  • Studebaker National Museum – automotive history, downtown South Bend

  • Indiana Dunes National Park – Lake Michigan beaches, trails

  • Northern Indiana Amish Country – Shipshewana markets, quilt gardens

Driving Distances from Mishawaka

FAQs

Is Mishawaka and South Bend the same city?
No, they are two different cities right next to each other, so they feel like one big town. Mishawaka is just east of South Bend. When you drive down the main roads, you might not even realize you've crossed from one city into the other.

Do I need a car when visiting Mishawaka?
Yes, we strongly suggest you rent a car. The city doesn't have much public transportation and the attractions are far apart. Most shops and restaurants are set up for people to drive to them.

How far is Mishawaka from Notre Dame campus?
From the middle of Mishawaka, you can drive to the University of Notre Dame in about 10–15 minutes. It's about 4–5 miles (6–8 km). The campus is actually in its own town called Notre Dame, IN, which sits right next to both South Bend and Mishawaka.

Are there toll roads in the Mishawaka area?
Yes, the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) goes along the north side of Mishawaka. You will need to pay a toll if you are driving east to Ohio or west to Chicago.

How do I get to Michigan from Mishawaka?
Michigan is just a short drive north. If you take US-31 or M-51 north, you can cross the state line in about 10–15 minutes. From there, you can easily get to popular Michigan spots like Niles, New Buffalo and St. Joseph.

What's the best time to rent a car to avoid Notre Dame event prices?
You should avoid renting a car on Notre Dame home football game weekends and graduation weekend in May. You can check the game schedule online. You will usually find more cars available and better prices on weekdays compared to weekends.