Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Michigan City
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Michigan City
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Michigan City
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Michigan City
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.
Michigan City offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty, making it a great destination to explore. While the city has some public transport, renting a car provides the freedom to see everything at your own pace.
Explore Indiana Dunes National Park: With a rental car, you can easily access the various trails and beaches within the park, enjoying the scenic views along Lake Michigan.
Visit Local Attractions: Drive to the Washington Park Zoo, the Old Lighthouse Museum, or the Blue Chip Casino without waiting for public transportation or relying on ride-sharing services.
Day Trips to Nearby Towns: Easily take day trips to nearby towns like New Buffalo, Michigan, or explore other parts of northern Indiana.
Before renting a car in Michigan City, it's important to understand the standard terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other key factors.
Area
Approximately 24.3 square miles
Population
Around 31,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT)
Ideal for
Exploring the Indiana Dunes and nearby areas
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Michigan City require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are usually available. A security deposit is generally required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting the number of miles. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional features like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*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 in Michigan City is easy if you follow these steps. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, here’s how to secure the best deal.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the Indiana Dunes.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Michigan City is a charming destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouse, and proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park.
Exploring Michigan City and its surrounding areas is best done with a car, allowing you to easily access various attractions. Understanding local traffic and parking regulations is essential for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Indiana Dunes National Park
Explore the diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, dunes, and forests.
Washington Park Zoo
A small zoo with a variety of animals, perfect for a family outing.
Old Lighthouse Museum
Learn about the maritime history of Michigan City at this historic lighthouse.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Available in downtown Michigan City and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but be sure to check time limits.
Park & Ride
Not widely available, but parking near the South Shore Line train station offers access to Chicago.
Gas Stations in Michigan City
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from brands like BP, Shell, and Marathon throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Most gas stations are located along major roads like Franklin Street and Michigan Boulevard.
Check Prices
Gas prices can vary, so compare prices at different stations to find the best deal.
Useful Tips for Visiting Michigan City
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons and local events.
Check Weather Conditions
Lake Michigan weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out.
Bring Beach Gear
If you plan to visit the Indiana Dunes, bring sun cream, towels, and beach toys.
Explore Local Dining
Michigan City offers a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
Railway Stations
South Shore Line Station
Connects Michigan City to Chicago and other Northwest Indiana cities.
Airports
South Bend International Airport (SBN)
Located about 30 miles east of Michigan City, offering flights to various destinations.
Bus Stations
Local Bus Services
Michigan City has a local bus system, but service may be limited compared to larger cities.
Renting a car in Michigan City is generally straightforward, provided you have the necessary documents and meet the rental company's requirements.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their country of origin.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
While basic insurance is often included, you may need to provide proof of additional coverage if desired.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Michigan City 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.
Exploring Michigan City was a breeze! Getting around with a rental car made everything so easy. Loved the local shops and beaches.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
Great relaxing getaway! Having a car was convenient. The beach was beautiful, though the local ice cream was a bit pricey.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
Loved my quick trip to Michigan City! Meeting friends was so easy with my rental car. Beautiful area.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Perfect weekend escape! Michigan City's charm was easily explored by car. Highly recommend!
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Michigan City was delightful! Having a car made getting around so simple, and I explored everything I wanted.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 10.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 23.03.2025
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Chill little town.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 22.03.2025