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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Muskegon. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. Check live prices for cars at Muskegon County Airport, downtown pickups, or even nearby Grand Rapids Airport and lock in wheels for your Lake Michigan escape in minutes. Summer weekends sell out fast, so booking early keeps both choice and cost on your side.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 539234
Location Pros Cons
Muskegon County Airport (MKG)
  • Immediate access upon arrival
  • Convenient for air travelers
  • No transportation needed from airport
  • Limited rental companies
  • Smaller vehicle selection
  • Restricted hours based on flight schedules
Downtown Muskegon
  • No airport fees
  • Proximity to hotels and attractions
  • Convenient for downtown visitors
  • Limited hours (often closed Sundays)
  • Smaller vehicle selection
  • May require advance reservations
US-31/Laketon Avenue Area
  • Extended hours
  • Better vehicle selection
  • Major rental companies
  • Ample parking
  • Distance from downtown and beaches
  • Less convenient for tourists
  • May require transportation to reach
Grand Rapids Airport (GRR)
  • Multiple rental companies
  • Wide vehicle selection
  • Extended hours
  • Newer vehicle fleet
  • 40 miles (64 km) from Muskegon (45-minute drive)
  • Airport fees add approximately 11%
  • Transportation needed to Muskegon

Additional notes:

  • Muskegon County Airport has limited commercial service
  • Many visitors arrive via Grand Rapids Airport or by car
  • Enterprise has the strongest presence in Muskegon city locations
  • Advance reservations strongly recommended during summer tourism season

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car at Muskegon Airport?

On average, car rentals at Muskegon Airport cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Compare pick-up spots: downtown Muskegon or the US-31/Laketon branch avoid airport concession fees and can be cheaper than MKG or GRR.

  • Travel just outside peak (May, early June, September). Demand is lighter and prices drop 30–40%. For mid-summer trips, lock something in 3–4 weeks ahead before beach season surges.

  • Tweak pickup/return times in the search box. A Saturday–Saturday weekly deal can beat five separate weekdays and midweek pickups often show lower base rates.

  • Do the math on Grand Rapids Airport: huge vehicle pool and promo codes pop up, but add the 45-minute drive, gas and the 11% airport fee before calling it a "deal."

  • Keep the car only while you need it. Downtown parking is free nights/weekends, so drop the keys early if you're sticking around town on foot and save a day or two of rental charges.

Parking and Driving Tips

Downtown Parking:

  • Metered street spots: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Payment via mobile app or credit card at meters
  • Free on evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Several public lots have similar policies
  • Free spots available in designated areas

Beach Area Parking:

  • Pere Marquette Beach: Free spots, fills quickly on summer weekends
  • Muskegon State Park: Requires Recreation Passport (daily or annual for non-residents)
  • Kruse Park: Free spots, limited availability
  • Arrive early (before 10:00 a.m.) on summer weekends for best options

Driving Rules:

  • Downtown speed limit: 25 mph
  • Beach access roads: 25 to 30 mph
  • School zones: 25 mph when flashing
  • US-31 corridor: 45 mph in city limits, 55 to 70 mph outside city
  • Strict enforcement during summer tourism season
Why rent a car in Muskegon

Rent a car to easily:

  • Lake Michigan beaches – Pere Marquette, Kruse Park, Muskegon State Park

  • Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park – roller coasters, waterpark

  • Silver Lake Sand Dunes – ORV area, Little Sable Point Lighthouse

  • Grand Haven – boardwalk, Musical Fountain

  • Duck Lake and PJ Hoffmaster State Parks – trails, dune overlooks

Driving Distances from Muskegon

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Muskegon beaches?
You'll enjoy Muskegon beaches most from June through September. July and August are the warmest months for swimming. If you want to avoid large crowds, try visiting on weekdays or early in the morning on weekends. Early June and September have nice weather and fewer people.

How difficult is parking at Pere Marquette Beach during summer?
On summer weekends, the parking lots at Pere Marquette Beach fill up fast, often by 11 a.m. You should arrive before 10 a.m. to get a good spot. It's much easier to find parking on weekdays, even in the middle of summer.

Is it possible to visit Muskegon without a car?
You can walk around downtown Muskegon fairly easily, but you'll need a car to get to the beaches, parks and attractions like Michigan's Adventure. The local bus system has limited routes, so most visitors need to rent a car.

What type of vehicle is best for visiting Muskegon?
Most people find that a standard sedan is all they need. If you're bringing beach gear or traveling as a family, you may want an SUV or minivan for more room. An AWD vehicle is helpful for winter visits because of the lake-effect snow.

Can I take my rental car on the Lake Express Ferry to Milwaukee?
Yes, most rental companies let you take their cars on the Lake Express Ferry, but you should tell them your plans when you book. The ferry usually runs from May to October and you need to reserve a spot for your car in advance.

Are there any toll roads in the Muskegon area?
No, you won't find any toll roads near Muskegon. The state of Michigan has no toll highways. You will find a few toll bridges in other parts of the state, like the Mackinac Bridge and some international crossings, but they are not near Muskegon.

How far is Michigan's Adventure from downtown Muskegon?
Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park is about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of downtown Muskegon. The drive takes 15 to 20 minutes on US-31 and Russell Road. If you buy a parking pass online, it costs about $25. If you pay at the gate, it's around $30.