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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 offers at Traverse City TVC Airport. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Counters are inside Cherry Capital Airport's terminal, so you can grab the keys and reach downtown, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or the Old Mission wine trail within minutes. We pull live prices from Alamo, Hertz, Avis, Budget and more to help you lock in a low rate before Northern Michigan's summer rush.
| Rental Company | Counter Hours | Vehicle Location | Reservation Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise/National/Alamo | 7am-11pm daily (Extended during summer) |
Short walk from terminal exit |
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| Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty | 7am-11pm daily | Short walk from terminal exit |
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| Avis/Budget | 7am-11pm daily | Short walk from terminal exit |
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Additional notes:
On average, car rentals at Traverse City Airport cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups: TVC adds an ~11 % airport fee. If your hotel offers a cheap shuttle or ride-share into town, pricing a downtown pickup can beat the airport total.
Peak vs off-peak strategy: For summer festivals and fall color season, lock in an economy car 3-6 months ahead. In winter or early spring, last-minute rates often drop, so shop around before prepaying.
Play with dates & durations: A 7-day "weekly" rate can cost 30-40 % less than renting for 4-5 individual days. Shifting pickup from Saturday to Monday often knocks a few bucks off too.
Fuel up smart: Skip the rental company's pump prices. Hit the 24-hour Meijer Gas or Speedway on S Airport Rd (both under 3 miles from return) to avoid the premium refill charge.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Navigation from Airport |
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| Traffic Patterns |
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| Parking at Airport |
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| Winter Considerations |
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| Local Road Rules |
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A car lets you explore Northern Michigan's shoreline, peninsulas and resorts at your own pace.
Sleeping Bear Dunes – National Lakeshore
Old Mission Peninsula – wineries, cherry orchards
Leelanau Peninsula – M-22 route, villages
Grand Traverse Resort – golf courses, spa
How early should I arrive to return my rental car at TVC?
For domestic flights, you should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight leaves during the summer and 90 minutes at other times of the year. You'll need an extra 15–20 minutes to return your car.
Are there any after-hours return options at TVC?
Yes, most rental companies at TVC let you return your car after hours. You just need to park in the marked rental return area, fill out the return envelope the company gave you and drop your keys in the secure drop box at their counter.
Can I pick up a car at TVC Airport and return it downtown?
Yes, most major companies will let you do this, but they might charge you a fee for dropping it off at a different spot. You should ask your rental company when you book, as this is a great option if you're making a one-way trip.
What documents do I need to rent a car at TVC Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card that has your name on it. If you are visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport and an International Driving Permit if you need one.
Are child safety seats available at TVC rental locations?
Yes, you can reserve a child safety seat in advance for about $10–15 a day. When you book, tell the company if you need an infant, toddler or booster seat.
What if my flight is delayed? Will my car rental be held?
Most airport rental companies track your flight and will hold your car for you if you're delayed. You should still call the rental counter directly if your flight is delayed by a lot.
Is there a fee for additional drivers at TVC Airport rentals?
Yes, most companies charge about $10–15 each day for extra drivers. They often don't charge this fee for a spouse or domestic partner. You should check the company's rules when you book your car.
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