Where to rent a car in Detroit

Detroit has three main rental locations: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), which handles most out-of-state visitors; Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET), the smaller downtown airport; and scattered downtown and midtown office locations run by national chains. Most people rent at DTW because flights arrive there, but if you're already in the city or flying into DET, you can save the drive to the airport.

The major companies operating in Detroit are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Each has a counter at DTW and at least one location downtown. Enterprise and Budget tend to have the most neighborhood locations if you need to pick up away from the airport. Local independent rental shops exist but are far less common than the national chains.

Airport pickup is straightforward: after you land, follow rental car signs, take the shuttle or walk to the rental facility, and present your reservation. Downtown and midtown pickups usually require you to call ahead or arrive during business hours, which are typically 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and shorter on weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) has all major rental companies and is where most visitors pick up cars, though you'll pay airport facility fees on top of the daily rate.
  • Downtown and midtown locations exist but have shorter hours and fewer vehicle options than the airport, so confirm availability before booking.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage) to complete the rental.
  • One-way rentals to other Michigan cities or across state lines are possible but cost more than returning to your pickup location.
  • Damage waivers and additional insurance are optional add-ons that can double your daily cost, so understand what your personal auto policy covers before paying for them.

What documents and information you need to bring

You must have a valid driver's license issued by any U.S. state or an international license if you're from outside the country. The license must not be expired. All rental companies will scan it and run a background check on your driving record.

Bring a credit card in your own name. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but usually require additional deposits and proof of funds. The company will place a hold on the card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class. This hold is released when you return the car undamaged.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your own auto insurance card, a rental company's damage waiver you purchase at pickup, or a credit card's rental car coverage (some premium cards include this). If you have no insurance and buy none from the rental company, you are personally liable for any damage to the vehicle.

Daily rates, mileage, and fuel charges

Daily rental rates in Detroit range widely depending on vehicle type and season. Economy cars typically start around $30 to $50 per day in off-season and $60 to $100 in summer or around major events. SUVs and larger vehicles cost $70 to $150 or more per day. Rates are highest on weekends and lowest on weekday midday pickups.

Most rentals include unlimited mileage, meaning you pay the same rate whether you drive 50 miles or 500 miles. Some budget companies or special promotions cap mileage at 100 or 150 miles per day and charge per mile over that, so confirm this before booking.

Fuel is your responsibility. You can prepay for a full tank at pickup (usually $50 to $70) and return it empty, or return it at the same fuel level it was at pickup. If you return it partially empty without prepaying, the company charges a per-gallon rate that is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than local gas prices. The cheapest option is to fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the airport or return location before dropping off the car.

Airport facility fees and taxes

Renting at Detroit Metropolitan Airport adds facility fees on top of your daily rate. These fees are charged per day and typically run $5 to $15 depending on the company. The airport also collects a 6 percent sales tax on the rental itself, plus the standard Michigan sales tax of 6 percent on the vehicle and any add-ons.

Downtown and midtown locations do not charge airport facility fees, so your total cost is lower if you pick up away from DTW. However, you lose the convenience of walking from your gate to the rental counter. If you're renting for three or more days, the savings from avoiding airport fees can be $15 to $45 or more.

Damage waivers and optional insurance

Rental companies offer a damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or LDW) that shifts responsibility for collision damage from you to the company. This typically costs $15 to $30 per day. If you decline it and the car is damaged, you pay for repairs out of pocket, even if the damage was minor.

Before buying a waiver, check your personal auto insurance policy. Most policies cover rental cars at the same level as your own vehicle, meaning you pay your deductible (usually $500 to $1,000) and insurance covers the rest. If your deductible is high or you have no insurance, the rental waiver may be worth the cost. Some credit cards also include rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card.

Additional liability insurance and roadside information are also offered. Liability is usually included in your personal policy, so this is often redundant. Roadside information can be useful if you're unfamiliar with Detroit, but many auto clubs and credit cards include this benefit already.

One-way rentals and returning to a different location

You can rent a car in Detroit and return it to another Michigan city or out of state, but this costs more than a round-trip rental. The company charges a one-way fee (typically $50 to $200 depending on distance) plus the daily rate for each day you have the car. A one-way rental to Lansing or Grand Rapids might add $75 to $100 to your total; a one-way to Chicago or Cleveland could add $150 to $300.

Not all locations accept one-way returns. Smaller cities and rural areas may require you to return to Detroit or to a major hub. When you book, specify your return location and confirm the company operates there. Some companies charge different rates for one-way rentals to different regions, so compare before committing.

Booking online versus at the counter

Booking online before your trip locks in a rate and guarantees a vehicle type. Booking at the counter after you arrive is possible but often costs more because you're paying the walk-up rate, which is higher than advance rates. Online booking also lets you compare rates across companies in minutes.

Major booking sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Autoslash search multiple companies at once. Booking directly through a company's website sometimes offers loyalty discounts or corporate rates if you have a code. Read the cancellation policy before booking: free cancellation lets you rebook if you find a cheaper rate later, while non-refundable rates lock you in.

At pickup, the company may offer upgrades to a larger vehicle at a small additional cost, or try to sell you add-ons like GPS, child seats, or extra insurance. Decline anything you don't need. GPS is built into most phones; child seats can often be rented separately and cheaper elsewhere; and insurance should be decided before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $30 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require 25. Check the company's policy when you book. You still need a valid license and a credit card in your name.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. Returning a car one hour late might cost $15 to $25; returning it the next day costs a full day's rental. Call the rental location as soon as you realize you'll be late so they can note it and avoid charging you for a second day if possible.

Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance if I have my own auto policy?

No, if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. Check your policy or call your insurer before your trip to confirm. If you're not covered or your deductible is very high, the rental company's damage waiver may be worth buying. If you have no insurance at all, buying the waiver is strongly recommended.

Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?

Some companies accept debit cards, but they usually require a larger deposit (sometimes $500 or more) and proof that you have enough funds in the account. A credit card is faster and easier. If you don't have one, call the rental company before you arrive to ask what they need.

Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or downtown?

Downtown is usually cheaper because there are no airport facility fees. However, you have to travel to a downtown location, which takes time. For short rentals (one or two days), the savings may not be worth the trip. For longer rentals, downtown can save you $20 to $50 or more.