Car Rentals in Detroit, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Detroit

Renting a car in and around Detroit offers you the freedom to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Henry Ford Museum and the GM Renaissance Center, both located within the city. This flexibility means you can manage your luggage conveniently and adapt your travel plans as needed. For families, having a car allows you to pack all essentials without hassle, while couples can enjoy romantic drives through the cityscape and beyond. With your own transport, you can venture into popular destinations like Downtown Detroit, where you’ll find Hart Plaza and the Motown Museum, or explore the cities of Southfield and Dearborn, home to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Greenfield Village. This way, whether you're seeking cultural experiences or city adventures, a rental car ensures you can enjoy everything Detroit has to offer without the constraints of public transport. Embrace the convenience of a car hire to make the most of your trip and discover the rich history and modern charm of Detroit and its surroundings.

Most popular car hires in Detroit

• Midsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for couples and families. This car type provides a balanced combination of space and comfort, ensuring that you can enjoy your road trip around Detroit without feeling cramped. With ample luggage capacity, it's perfect for those who wish to explore the city while bringing along everything they need.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, which makes it a versatile option suitable for couples, families, and groups. The Standard SUV offers a higher driving position and more room than a sedan, allowing for a comfortable ride around the Detroit area. It's a great choice if you value extra space and a commanding view of the road.
• Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it an excellent option for families and groups. The Fullsize car type provides plenty of room for passengers and luggage alike, ensuring that everyone can travel comfortably. This option is particularly suitable for those planning longer journeys or needing extra storage for their belongings during their time in and around Detroit.

Top rated car suppliers in Detroit

• Hertz: With 5 rental locations throughout Detroit, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. This supplier excels in providing Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, making it easy to navigate the city and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Whether you're visiting local attractions or embarking on a road trip, Hertz ensures a reliable and convenient car hire experience.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo offers a single, well-placed rental location in Detroit, catering to travellers looking for exceptional service. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, ideal for those who value comfort and space during their journey. Alamo's focus on customer satisfaction makes them a great option for those wanting to make the most of their time in the city.
• Avis: With more than 5 rental locations in and around Detroit, Avis provides a wide selection of vehicles, including Midsize and Standard SUVs, making it easy to find the right fit for your travel needs. The convenience of Avis’s locations ensures that you can easily pick up and drop off your vehicle, allowing you to explore the Detroit area without any hassle.

Where to stay in Detroit

• Downtown Detroit: This vibrant neighbourhood is ideal for a romantic or family experience, with easy access to theatre, arena entertainment, and educational venues. Notable attractions include the GM Renaissance Center and the Motown Museum, both providing a rich cultural experience. Dining options abound, from restaurants to local breweries, making it a fantastic base for exploring the city's highlights.
• Romulus: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Romulus offers a range of activities centred around education and theatre. Key points of interest include the Henry Ford Museum and the Greenfield Village, which are excellent for culture enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy diverse dining options, including local wineries and restaurants, making Romulus a charming area for a stay.
• Southfield: This city is perfect for those seeking a city-themed or romantic getaway. With attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Motown Museum nearby, it's rich in culture. Southfield features shopping malls and various dining experiences, including restaurants and wineries, ensuring a delightful stay for visitors looking to explore the local scene.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Detroit

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to benefit from lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically have lower rental costs and are easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size cars offer a balanced choice between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the vehicle with an empty tank in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, yet it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Detroit

The best value period to rent a car in and around Detroit is October, when prices are slightly low and demand remains moderate. September also offers a good option, as it features similar pricing with average demand. March is another shoulder month that presents slightly low prices alongside moderately low demand. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making it a busier time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	26.2°F (-3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
November	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average