Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Burns Harbor
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Burns Harbor
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Burns Harbor
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Burns Harbor
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Burns Harbor, Indiana, offers a unique blend of industrial history and natural beauty. While the town itself is compact, having a rental car grants you the freedom to explore the wider region at your own pace. Public transport options are limited, making a car the most convenient way to see everything.
Explore the Indiana Dunes National Park. A short drive from Burns Harbor, this stunning park offers miles of beaches, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. A rental car allows you to easily access different parts of the park.
Visit Nearby Towns and Cities. With a car, you can easily reach nearby towns like Chesterton, Valparaiso, and Michigan City, each offering unique attractions, dining, and shopping experiences.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, a rental car gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and explore the area on your terms. No need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services.
Before renting a car in Burns Harbor, it's important to understand the terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, driving licence regulations, insurance, deposits, and other potential fees.
Area
Approximately 6.2 square miles
Population
Approximately 1,156 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
Exploring the Indiana Dunes and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion in general
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Burns Harbor require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ; be sure to understand the requirements before you drive off.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Classic:
from £25 / $32 / €28
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €57
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €68
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40
SUV:
from £45 / $57 / €51
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists visiting the Indiana Dunes.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as fewer tourists are visiting.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car rental in Burns Harbor involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for solo travel or an SUV for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, credit card, and proof of insurance when collecting your rental.
Burns Harbor is a small town in Porter County, Indiana, known for its industrial facilities and proximity to the Indiana Dunes National Park. While the town itself is relatively quiet, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
Burns Harbor is located in a region with a mix of industrial areas and natural landscapes. While driving within the town is straightforward, exploring the wider area requires an understanding of local traffic conditions and parking options. Given the limited public transport, renting a car is highly recommended for visitors.
Top Attractions to Discover
Indiana Dunes National Park
Explore the stunning beaches, hiking trails, and dunes along Lake Michigan.
Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor
Observe the operations of a major Great Lakes port.
Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve
Enjoy hiking and birdwatching in this beautiful natural area.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Limited public parking garages are available; on-street parking is more common.
On-Street Parking
Generally free, but be mindful of any posted restrictions.
Park & Ride
No dedicated park & ride facilities in Burns Harbor itself.
Gas Stations in Burns Harbor
Limited Availability in the Center
Gas stations are limited within Burns Harbor; plan accordingly.
Major Brands on Outskirts
Find major brands like BP and Shell along nearby highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Burns Harbor
Plan for Limited Public Transportation
Renting a car is highly recommended due to the limited public transport options.
Be Aware of Industrial Traffic
Traffic can be heavier during weekday mornings and evenings due to industrial operations.
Check Weather Conditions
Lake Michigan weather can change rapidly; check the forecast before heading out.
Respect Local Regulations
Follow all traffic laws and parking regulations.
Major Bus Stations
There are no major bus stations located directly in Burns Harbor
Nearest major bus station is in Michigan City.
Railway Stations
South Shore Line
The South Shore Line has a station in nearby Dune Park, providing commuter rail service to Chicago.
Airports
Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)
Located approximately 25 miles west of Burns Harbor.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Located approximately 60 miles northwest of Burns Harbor.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Located approximately 70 miles northwest of Burns Harbor.
Renting a car in Burns Harbor, Indiana, requires meeting a few standard requirements. Here’s what you’ll typically need to have ready:
A valid driving licence from your country or state of residence is required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
While not always required, having proof of insurance can be beneficial.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Burns Harbor as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
John Doe
Reviewed: 09.09.2024
Quiet, kinda cute.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 23.02.2025
It was a quick weekend trip, but having a car made getting around Burns Harbor easy. The local diner was a bit underwhelming, but otherwise, I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
So glad I returned! Burns Harbor's charm is undeniable, exploring was a breeze.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Meh, kinda empty.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 03.03.2025
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Burns Harbor was a delightful surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy. I'd never been before, and I loved it.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 09.03.2025