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Find low car rental prices at South Bend International Airport (SBN) with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Pick up your keys right in the terminal or choose a cheaper off-airport lot, then drive 10 minutes to Notre Dame or downtown South Bend. Search Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and other suppliers in one go to lock in the best deal before game-day demand spikes.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 543704
Location Pros Cons
SBN Airport Terminal
  • Rental counters located in baggage claim
  • Car lot in walking distance
  • Multiple providers available
  • Extended hours for flight arrivals
  • Airport concession fees added to rates
  • Higher prices than off-airport locations
  • Limited inventory during peak events
Off-Airport (nearby)
  • Potentially lower rates
  • No airport fees
  • Similar vehicle selection
  • May require shuttle or transportation
  • Limited hours compared to airport
  • Potential wait times for pickup

Available Rental Companies at SBN:

  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
  • National
  • Hertz (located just off-airport on Progress Drive)

Transportation to Off-Airport Locations:

  • Some companies offer shuttle service from terminal
  • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) available for short trips to nearby locations
  • Taxi service available outside terminal

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in South Bend?

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

Saving Tips
  • Compare airport vs off-airport locations at SBN. Off-airport desks on Progress Dr. often dodge those hefty airport concession fees. Even after a quick $10 rideshare, total cost can come out cheaper.

  • Lock in early for Notre Dame weekends (football, graduation). Rates spike and cars sell out months ahead, so reserving 3+ months prior can save big. For normal weeks, last-minute deals sometimes pop up, so always run a fresh comparison.

  • Play with pickup/return times. Shifting your booking by a few hours or avoiding a Friday–Monday pattern can drop the price thanks to weekend surcharges.

  • Check weekly pricing. In South Bend a 5- to 7-day "week" rate is often cheaper than paying the daily rate for 4 or 5 days. Do the math before clicking book.

  • Skip pricey add-ons. Bring your own phone for navigation and grab a cheap cable at the airport convenience store. Same with booster seats—many Notre Dame-area hotels loan them for free.

Local Parking and Driving

Airport Parking:

  • Short-term: First 30 minutes free, then hourly rates
  • Long-term: Daily and weekly rates available
  • Cell phone lot available for waiting to pick up arriving passengers

Local Driving Rules:

  • Right turn on red allowed after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • School zones have reduced speed limits when flashing
  • US-31 bypass allows faster travel around South Bend
  • Move over law requires changing lanes or slowing for emergency vehicles

Speed Limits:

  • Airport access roads: 30 mph
  • City streets: 30-35 mph
  • US-31 bypass: 60 mph
  • Interstate highways: 70 mph (65 mph on toll road in urban areas)

Toll Road:

  • I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road) runs east-west across northern Indiana
  • Entrance about 3 miles from airport
  • Cash, credit cards and E-ZPass/I-Pass accepted
Why rent a car in South Bend

Book a car rental to easily:

  • University of Notre Dame – campus, stadium, Basilica

  • Downtown South Bend – museums, restaurants, riverfront

  • Mishawaka & University Park Mall – shopping, dining

  • Indiana Dunes National Park – beaches, trails

  • Shipshewana Amish Country – markets, heritage

Driving Distances from South Bend

FAQs

How far is the rental car lot from the SBN terminal? The rental car lot is a short walk from the terminal, about 500 feet from the rental counters. You don't need a shuttle to get to your car.

Can I rent a car at SBN Airport if my flight arrives late? Yes, rental companies at SBN usually keep their counters open for all scheduled flight arrivals. If your flight is very late, you should check with your rental company and give them your flight number when you book.

How early should I return my rental car before my flight? You should plan to return your rental car at least 60 to 90 minutes before your flight leaves. Returning the car is quick, but this gives you enough time to walk to the terminal, check in and get through security.

Are there any driving restrictions for rentals at SBN? Most rental companies let you drive their cars anywhere in the continental United States. However, if you plan to drive to Canada, you should check your rental agreement for any rules about crossing the border. Detroit/Windsor is about a three-hour drive away.

Do I need a toll transponder for my rental car? Rental cars from SBN usually don't have toll transponders. You can pay cash or credit card at toll plazas. Some rental companies offer you a toll program for an extra daily fee plus the cost of the tolls.

What's the best time to rent a car to avoid long waits? You'll usually have a shorter wait in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Lines can be longer during peak arrival times like late afternoon and evening, especially on Thursdays and Sundays when many flights are landing.