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Car rental in Michigan City - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Michigan City

Michigan City

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Michigan City

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Michigan City

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Michigan City

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Michigan City?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Michigan City

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.

Car Rental Prices in Michigan City – How Much Does It Cost?

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

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 Michigan City?

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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Michigan City

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 sunscreen, towels, and beach toys.

  • Explore Local Dining

    Michigan City offers a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.

Key Transportation Hubs in Michigan City

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Michigan City?

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 license 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.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Michigan City as

4.6

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Chill little town.

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 22.03.2025

Exploring Michigan City was a breeze! Getting around with a rental car made everything so easy. Loved the local shops and beaches.

SJ

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.

EG

Evelyn Garcia

Reviewed: 05.11.2024

Loved my quick trip to Michigan City! Meeting friends was so easy with my rental car. Beautiful area.

JD

Jessica Davis

Reviewed: 23.06.2025

Perfect weekend escape! Michigan City's charm was easily explored by car. Highly recommend!

AH

Amelia Hernandez

Reviewed: 20.04.2025

Pretty chill vibe

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 13.02.2025

Michigan City was delightful! Having a car made getting around so simple, and I explored everything I wanted.

KL

Kevin Lee

Reviewed: 10.07.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe

OB

Oliver Brown

Reviewed: 23.03.2025

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