How to find a cheap car hire deal in Detroit
Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Detroit. With prices averaging R 1,705 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From small cars to full-size models, we'll help you find the perfect ride for the right price.
Daily rental prices in Detroit start from just R 814.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 5,698 and pack in more adventures.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Detroit car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
Browse the offers available with Enterprise, Thrifty and Dollar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Enterprise or another supplier includes with your Detroit car hire can differ, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,467 a day.
Next up is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/priceless/1995)), offering daily rates of around R 1,072.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly R 1,221 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're having trouble deciding which ride is right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Detroit.
Flying to Detroit? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Detroit, start exploring sooner by booking a car hire at Detroit Wayne County Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 32 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Detroit
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Detroit car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Detroit that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, baggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Detroit car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Detroit by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
You typically have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you should add a child car seat to your Detroit car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Detroit for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time relaxing at ROOST Detroit. About 0.48 kilometres from central Detroit, it comes with accessible parking, express check-in and a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, along with express check-in and a cafe. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 0.64 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Detroit for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Detroit and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Motown Museum, The Majestic Theatre and Detroit Institute of Arts give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Detroit
Shift gears and head toward Toledo. Around 88 kilometres southwest of central Detroit, you'll find must-do sights like Toledo Zoo & Aquarium and Ritter Planetarium.
You'll be well looked after at Red Roof Inn Toledo - University and Hampton Inn & Suites Toledo/Westgate, two accommodation options with parking in Toledo.
Kick back after a day of exploring Warren at Red Roof Inn Detroit - Warren or Avid Hotel Detroit Warren by IHG. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Want to head even further out? Fort Wayne is a top road trip destination that's around 225 kilometres southwest of Detroit. Make a few pit stops at African-American Historical Museum and Salomon Farm Park.
Drift off to sleep in Fort Wayne at either Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Centre or Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Centre. They've got a bed waiting for you and parking availability too.
