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Car rental in Detroit - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Detroit

Detroit

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Detroit

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Detroit

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Detroit

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 Detroit?

Detroit is a city of innovation, music, and revival, with attractions spread throughout its diverse neighborhoods. While public transportation exists, a rental car provides the freedom to explore Detroit's hidden gems and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Explore Beyond Downtown: Many of Detroit's unique attractions, such as the Heidelberg Project, Eastern Market, and the Motown Museum, are easier to reach with a car.

Convenience and Comfort: Whether you're traveling with family, luggage, or business equipment, a rental car provides the comfort and space you need to navigate the city efficiently.

Day Trips Made Easy: With a rental car, you can easily take day trips to nearby attractions like Ann Arbor, the Henry Ford Museum, or even cross the border to Windsor, Canada.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Detroit

Before renting a car in Detroit, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.

Area

142.9 square miles

Population

Approximately 639,000 residents

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)

Ideal for

Business and leisure trips

Rush Hours

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Detroit require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver's LicenseA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.

3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included, but you may want to consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI).

4. DepositsA security deposit is typically required, usually held on a credit card and refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.

5. Mileage and FuelCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but returning the car with a full tank is generally recommended.

6. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Detroit – How Much Does It Cost?

Car rental prices in Detroit can vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental company. Here are some 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 £10 / $13 / €12

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism and events.

Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts as demand decreases during the colder months.

Car rental prices in Detroit fluctuate throughout the year. Here’s what to expect during peak and low seasons. 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 Detroit?

Booking a car in Detroit is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and any additional fees.

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 proof of identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Detroit

Detroit is a major city in Michigan with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Knowing a few key details can make your visit smoother, especially if you plan to drive.

Detroit, known as the Motor City, played a significant role in automotive history and continues to evolve with a growing arts and culture scene. While downtown Detroit is relatively walkable, a car is beneficial for exploring the greater metropolitan area and reaching attractions outside the city center. Navigating Detroit requires an awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel access to ensure a pleasant and stress-free experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • The Detroit Institute of Arts

    One of the largest and most significant art museums in the United States.

  • The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

    An expansive indoor and outdoor museum showcasing American ingenuity and history.

  • Eastern Market

    A historic public market offering fresh produce, local goods, and unique finds.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Look for options like Greektown Casino-Hotel Garage, Z Garage, and Premier Parking for secure parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits and parking restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider parking outside the city center and using the QLine streetcar or buses to reach downtown.

Gas Stations in Detroit

  • Major Brands Available

    Find gas stations from brands like Marathon, Shell, BP, and Speedway throughout the city.

  • Convenient Locations

    Gas stations are readily available on major roads and highways, but less common in the immediate downtown area.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you locate nearby stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Detroit

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.

  • Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

    Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown and university areas.

  • Utilize GPS Navigation

    Use a GPS navigation system to help you navigate Detroit's streets and find your way around.

  • Consider Toll Roads

    Be aware of toll roads in the surrounding areas and have cash or an electronic toll pass available.

Key Transportation Hubs in Detroit

Major Bus Stations

Rosa Parks Transit Center

Serves as the primary hub for local and regional bus services in Detroit.

Railway Stations

Detroit Amtrak Station

Located near New Center, it provides passenger rail service to Chicago and other destinations.

Airports

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Located in Romulus, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit, it is a major international airport.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Detroit?

Renting a car in Detroit requires a few essential documents and qualifications. Here’s what you'll need to get behind the wheel.

  • You'll need a valid driver's license from your state or country of residence. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees or restrictions.

  • A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit and rental fees. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.

  • A second form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID, may be required, especially for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

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 Detroit as

4.4

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.

Solid, chill vibe.

MJ

Mike Johnson

Reviewed: 25.11.2024

Pretty cool, overall

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 31.12.2024

Great quick trip seeing friends! Getting around was easy, and the city had a fun energy.

EW

Emily Wilson

Reviewed: 25.02.2025

Heard great things, and Detroit lived up to the hype! Exploring was easy with my rental car, and the city felt vibrant.

KL

Kai Lee

Reviewed: 31.01.2025

Detroit surprised me! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the city's art scene was fantastic.

BD

Ben Davis

Reviewed: 23.05.2025

Wonderful weekend in Detroit! Catching up with friends was fantastic, and having a car made getting around so convenient. The city's energy was infectious.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 05.12.2024

Detroit with the family was fun! The Henry Ford Museum was amazing, but the food options downtown felt a bit limited.

SC

Sarah Chen

Reviewed: 03.08.2025

Meh. Kinda dirty.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 14.09.2024

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