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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Gaylord
Gaylord
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Gaylord
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Gaylord
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Gaylord
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 Gaylord?
Gaylord, Michigan, is a charming city nestled in the heart of northern Michigan's snowbelt. While it offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, exploring the surrounding natural beauty and attractions requires a reliable mode of transportation. Renting a car in Gaylord provides the freedom and flexibility to discover everything this region has to offer.
Explore Scenic Northern Michigan. Gaylord is surrounded by stunning forests, lakes, and rivers. With a rental car, you can easily access hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives along the Sturgeon River and Otsego Lake.
Visit Nearby Attractions. A rental car allows you to venture to nearby attractions like the famous Gaylord Golf Mecca, featuring several championship golf courses. You can also explore the charming towns of Petoskey and Traverse City, known for their shopping, dining, and beautiful waterfront views.
Enjoy Winter Activities. Gaylord is a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. A rental car provides the means to transport your gear and access various ski resorts and trails in the area.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Gaylord
Before booking a rental car in Gaylord, make sure you meet the minimum age, typically 21 or 25, possess a valid driving licence, and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for young drivers or extra features.
Area
Approximately 4.7 square miles
Population
Approximately 4,200 residents
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Ideal for
Scenic drives and outdoor activities
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Gaylord require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport and credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Gaylord – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
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 Gaylord?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site 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 longer trips into the surrounding countryside.
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 driving licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Gaylord
Gaylord, Michigan, is a charming city known for its Alpine-themed architecture and numerous outdoor activities. Ideal for sightseeing and day trips, it's best explored with an understanding of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Gaylord is the county seat of Otsego County, offering a mix of small-town charm and access to northern Michigan's natural attractions. Renting a car is a practical option if you plan to travel outside the city to explore places like Otsego Lake, the Pigeon River Country State Forest, or nearby towns. Driving within Gaylord is relatively easy, with manageable traffic and ample parking options. Before setting off, it's important to review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Otsego Lake
The largest lake in the area, offering boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
Call of the Wild Museum
Features wildlife exhibits and interactive displays.
Gaylord's City Elk Park
A great place to view elk in their natural habitat.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Available throughout the downtown area, offering convenient access to shops and restaurants.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but it's important to pay attention to time limits.
Parking Garages
There are no dedicated parking garages in the city centre.
Gas Stations in Gaylord
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, Marathon, and Mobil along Main Street and M-32.
Convenience Stores
Many gas stations are attached to convenience stores, offering snacks and drinks.
Fuel Availability
Fuel stations are readily available throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gaylord
Plan for Traffic
While Gaylord doesn't experience heavy traffic, it's still wise to allow extra time during peak commute hours.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of deer and other wildlife, especially when driving at dawn and dusk.
Use Navigation Apps
Use tools like Google Maps or Waze to navigate and find points of interest.
Check Local Events
Check the city's event calendar for festivals and activities that may affect traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Gaylord
Airports
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Located in Traverse City, approximately 70 miles southwest of Gaylord. Offers regional flights and connections to major hubs.
Bus Stations
Indian Trails Bus Stop
Located in Gaylord, providing connections to regional and national destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Gaylord?
Renting a car in the USA is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the USA, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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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 Gaylord 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 chill town
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Gaylord surprised me! So much to see, and having a car made getting around a breeze.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Mark Johnson
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Pretty chill, overall
Karen Davis
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Loved exploring Gaylord! Having a car was perfect for reaching all the scenic spots and charming little towns nearby. Such a fun trip.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
First trip to Gaylord, and I loved it! Exploring with my rental car was effortless and fun.
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Such a pleasant stop on our road trip! Gaylord was charming, and having a car made getting around incredibly convenient. We loved exploring the area.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Pretty low-key place
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 04.10.2024
Gaylord was efficient for my quick business trip. Easy to get around with my car.
Brian Rodriguez
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Gaylord was lovely; having a car made exploring so easy. The downtown area felt a little quiet, though. Overall a great trip!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.02.2025