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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in South Bend
South Bend
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
South Bend
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
South Bend
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
South Bend
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.
Why Rent a Car in South Bend?
South Bend is a city brimming with attractions and opportunities for exploration. While public transportation options exist, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to discover everything the area has to offer.
Explore Notre Dame. A rental car makes visiting the iconic University of Notre Dame easy, allowing you to explore the campus at your own pace.
Discover Local Attractions. From the Studebaker National Museum to the Potawatomi Zoo, a car allows you to visit diverse local attractions with ease.
Day Trips to Nearby Towns. Easily venture out to charming nearby towns and natural areas, expanding your travel horizons beyond South Bend.
Rental Terms and Conditions in South Bend
Understanding the rental terms and conditions is crucial for a smooth car rental experience in South Bend. Be aware of age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other potential fees.
Area
59.16 square miles (153.2 km²)
Population
Approximately 102,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies 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 licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so be sure to check before you drive off.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in South Bend – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Seasonal Trends
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.
How to Book a Car in South Bend?
Booking a car in South Bend is simple. Compare prices, choose the right car, review rental terms, book early, and pick up your vehicle with the necessary documents.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best 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 further afield.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About South Bend
South Bend offers a blend of cultural and historical attractions. Renting a car requires knowledge of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and gas station access.
South Bend is a vibrant city in Indiana known for its rich history and academic presence, being home to the University of Notre Dame. The city provides numerous attractions and activities for visitors. While South Bend has some public transportation, a rental car is beneficial for exploring the city and its surroundings, offering access to locations that might be less accessible by public transport. Driving in South Bend is generally manageable, but understanding local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking rules will ensure a pleasant and efficient experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
University of Notre Dame
Explore the beautiful campus and visit the iconic Golden Dome.
Studebaker National Museum
Discover the history of the Studebaker Corporation and its vehicles.
Potawatomi Zoo
Enjoy a visit to Indiana’s oldest zoo.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise parking garages downtown for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options when available to avoid downtown traffic and parking costs.
Gas Stations in South Bend
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Speedway, Mobil, and Shell throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily accessible on main roads and highways around South Bend.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting South Bend
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that might impact traffic and parking.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time during rush hours, especially around the university and downtown areas.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrian traffic, particularly near the university and downtown.
Use GPS
Utilise GPS navigation for efficient route planning and to avoid getting lost.
Key Transportation Hubs in South Bend
Major Bus Stations
South Bend Transpo
The city's main public transportation provider, operating several bus routes.
Railway Stations
South Bend Airport Station
Serves the South Shore Line, connecting South Bend to Chicago.
Airports
South Bend International Airport (SBN)
Located just northwest of the city, offering flights to various destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in South Bend?
Renting a car in South Bend requires a few essential items. Ensure you have these ready to enjoy a seamless rental experience.
A valid driver's licence is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.
Most companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, with possible surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of photo identification may be required.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as South Bend 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.
Pretty low-key, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Solid, decent trip.
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Relaxing, good enough.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
South Bend was great! Easy to get around, saw friends, and had a lovely time.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Okay, pretty chill place
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Business trip done, South Bend efficient. The hotel's breakfast was underwhelming, though.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
South Bend was a convenient stop on our road trip. Having a rental car made getting around easy. The Studebaker National Museum was fascinating, although the local diner's coffee was a bit weak.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 20.04.2025
Returning after years, South Bend felt familiar and welcoming. Having a car made exploring so easy!
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 19.01.2025