Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Detroit
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Detroit
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Detroit
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Detroit
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Detroit as
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.
Pretty cool, overall
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 31.12.2024
Great quick trip seeing friends! Getting around was easy, and the city had a fun energy.
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.
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
Detroit surprised me! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the city's art scene was fantastic.
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.
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.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 03.08.2025
Meh. Kinda dirty.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Solid, chill vibe.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 25.11.2024