Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Merrillville
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Merrillville
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Merrillville
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Merrillville
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.
Merrillville offers a blend of suburban charm and convenient access to the greater Chicago metropolitan area. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems throughout Northwest Indiana.
Explore Northwest Indiana: With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as the Indiana Dunes National Park, Lake Michigan beaches, and various local festivals and events.
Convenient Transportation: A rental car eliminates the need to rely on ride-sharing services or public transport, offering a seamless travel experience, especially when travelling with family or luggage.
Flexibility and Independence: Discover local restaurants, shopping centres, and entertainment venues without being constrained by fixed schedules. Enjoy the freedom to tailor your itinerary to your preferences.
Before booking a rental car in Merrillville, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
33.49 square miles
Population
Approximately 35,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
Exploring Northwest Indiana
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during weekday mornings and evenings, especially on US-30 and I-65.
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Merrillville require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Non-US residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) may be available. A security deposit is usually required, often held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or late returns.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism and local events.
Low season (November to February): Rental rates are often discounted during the colder months.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a rental car in Merrillville, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and convenient process.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Compare rates, car types, and included amenities.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers, luggage space, and driving conditions.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any required identification documents when collecting your rental vehicle.
Merrillville is a vibrant town in Northwest Indiana, offering a mix of commercial and residential areas. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the surrounding region and enjoying its attractions.
As a key commercial hub in Northwest Indiana, Merrillville is strategically located near major highways, making it an accessible destination. While the town itself is relatively easy to navigate, understanding local traffic patterns and parking regulations will enhance your travel experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Deep River Waterpark
A popular water park offering thrilling rides and family-friendly activities during the summer months.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Just a short drive from Merrillville, this park features stunning beaches, hiking trails, and diverse natural landscapes.
Southlake Mall
A large shopping centre with a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available at shopping centres and commercial areas throughout Merrillville.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available in some areas, but it may be limited.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located near major transit routes to avoid traffic congestion.
Gas Stations in Merrillville
Major Brands Readily Available
You'll find gas stations from major chains such as BP, Shell, and Speedway throughout Merrillville.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are easily accessible along major roads and highways, ensuring convenient refuelling options.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations and check real-time fuel prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Merrillville
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush-hour traffic, particularly on weekdays, and plan your trips accordingly.
Utilise Navigation Systems
Use GPS navigation to find the most efficient routes and avoid potential delays.
Check Local Events
Stay informed about local events and festivals that may impact traffic and parking.
Carry Cash
While most places accept credit cards, having some cash on hand can be useful for smaller establishments or parking meters.
Major Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Located in nearby Gary, Indiana, provides long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Gary Metro Center
Located in Gary, Indiana, this station provides access to commuter rail services to Chicago.
Airports
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Located approximately 35 miles from Merrillville, offering various domestic and international flights.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Located approximately 50 miles from Merrillville, one of the world's busiest airports with extensive flight options.
Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)
Located in Gary, Indiana, offering a limited number of commercial flights.
Renting a car in Merrillville is a straightforward process, provided you meet the basic requirements. Here’s what you’ll generally need:
Ensure your driver’s license is valid and unexpired. Non-US residents may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
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 fees. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other official form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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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 Merrillville 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.
Quick stop in Merrillville on our road trip. Having a car was perfect for getting around efficiently. No problems at all.
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 03.01.2025
Okay, I guess.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Merrillville was fine; renting a car was a breeze. The mall food court was a bit underwhelming, though.
Ashley Johnson
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Summer vacation in Merrillville was great! Having a car let us easily explore everything we wanted to see. So convenient!
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Pretty low-key, tbh
Ethan Wilson
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Brian Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.08.2025
Visiting friends in Merrillville was so easy with a rental car. Great trip!
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 02.01.2025
Merrillville exceeded expectations! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, making it easy to explore this charming town.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 30.07.2025
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Merrillville was a pleasant surprise! Never been before, but having a car made exploring so easy. I loved the local diners and the friendly atmosphere. Definitely recommend a road trip there!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.10.2024