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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive rental car prices in Traverse City, Michigan with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Summer crowds spike demand, so lock in your Traverse City car rental early and we'll surface real time deals from Cherry Capital Airport, downtown counters and hotel desks. Pick a car for a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leelanau Peninsula wineries or a lakeside afternoon at Torch Lake.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) |
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| Downtown Traverse City |
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| Nearby Hotels |
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Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Traverse City cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Skip the airport mark-up: TVC adds about 11% in concession fees. Compare downtown quotes and factor in the ~$15 rideshare from the terminal—you'll often come out ahead.
Peak-season strategy: For Cherry or Film Festival weeks, lock something in 3–6 months early, but choose a free-cancellation rate so you can re-check prices and swap if they drop.
Play with pick-up days: Starting a rental Mon–Thu or booking a full week can be cheaper than a Fri–Sun stint. Toggle dates a day or two each way on the comparison grid to spot sweet spots.
Travel off-peak if you can: November–April (minus holidays) sees rates up to 50% lower and far bigger vehicle choice—nice if your itinerary is flexible.
Downtown Parking:
Beach Parking:
Driving Regulations:
A rental car unlocks Northern Michigan's spread-out highlights beyond the walkable downtown.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, dune climb area
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail – wineries, M-22 overlooks
Old Mission Peninsula – cherry orchards, Mission Point Lighthouse
Torch Lake – sandbar, boating areas
When should I book my rental car for a summer visit?
If you plan to visit in the summer, especially during the National Cherry Festival in early July, you should book your car 3–6 months ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, you might find that cars are unavailable or cost a lot more. The Traverse City Film Festival hasn't run since 2020, but if it returns, demand for cars will be just as high.
Is it worth paying more to rent from the airport?
For many people, having a car ready right when they land is worth the extra cost, which is about 11% more. Before you decide, you should think about your arrival time and other ways you can get around town.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Traverse City area?
Most visitors find that a standard sedan works just fine. An SUV can be helpful because it gives you better clearance on some beach roads and has more space for outdoor gear. If you're visiting in the winter, you should consider an AWD vehicle to help you drive in snowy weather.
Are there any toll roads in the Traverse City area?
You won't find any toll roads right in Traverse City. The only toll nearby is for the Mackinac Bridge, which costs about $4 for a car. The bridge is about a two-hour drive north of the city.
How difficult is winter driving in Traverse City?
Driving in the winter can be tough from November through March. Road crews usually keep the main roads clear, but the lake-effect snow can cause sudden whiteouts. After a heavy snowfall, you may find that side streets stay snow-covered for days.
Can I use my rental car to visit wineries?
Yes, but you should plan to be responsible. You can find dozens of wineries just a short drive away on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. We suggest you limit your tastings, choose a designated driver or book a wine tour service instead of driving yourself.
Is parking available at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Yes, you'll find parking lots at most of the attractions in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In the summer, these lots can fill up fast, especially at popular spots like the Dune Climb. You will need to buy a National Park pass or pay a day-use fee to get in.
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