Grand Rapids Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Grand Rapids

Renting a car in Grand Rapids offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. You can visit key attractions like the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, a beautiful outdoor space perfect for family experiences, or delve into history at the Gerald R. Ford Museum and appreciate art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, all located conveniently within the city. A car also allows you to explore popular nearby destinations, such as Downtown Grand Rapids, which features La Grande Vitesse and the aforementioned attractions, as well as the charming city of Grandville and the vibrant community of Wyoming. Each location offers unique experiences like parks and cultural sites, enhancing your visit. Having a rental car allows you to comfortably navigate between these highlights, ensuring a scenic and enjoyable adventure in and around Grand Rapids.

Most popular car rentals in Grand Rapids

• Midsize SUV: This option is a popular choice among travellers in Grand Rapids, accommodating up to 5 individuals along with up to 3 large suitcases. Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or a partner, the midsize SUV provides ample space and comfort, making it ideal for exploring the area's attractions at your own pace.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is another frequently booked option, accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it perfect for families and groups who need extra room for their luggage while enjoying the flexibility of a rental car in Grand Rapids.
• Standard SUV: If you're seeking a balance between space and comfort, the standard SUV is a great option. It can accommodate 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for couples, families, or groups. With its versatility, this vehicle type allows you to navigate Grand Rapids and its surroundings with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Grand Rapids

• Hertz: With 2 rental locations in Grand Rapids, Hertz is a popular choice for many travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. The most booked vehicles with Hertz are the Midsize SUV and Fullsize, making it an excellent option for those looking for spacious and comfortable rides. Whether you're exploring the city or venturing into the surrounding areas, Hertz ensures you can manage your itinerary with ease.
• Budget: Offering 3 rental locations throughout Grand Rapids, Budget is well-regarded for providing excellent value. The Midsize SUV and Standard are among the most popular vehicles rented from Budget, catering to a variety of travel needs. With their focus on affordability and accessibility, Budget makes it simple for tourists to hit the road and discover the attractions around the city.
• Enterprise: With 5 rental locations scattered across Grand Rapids, Enterprise stands out for its extensive availability and commitment to customer satisfaction. The Midsize SUV and Fullsize SUV are top choices among renters, providing ample space for both passengers and luggage. Enterprise empowers travellers to explore at their own pace while enjoying a seamless rental experience.

Where to stay in Grand Rapids

• Downtown Grand Rapids: This vibrant neighbourhood offers a family-friendly and entertainment-themed experience, making it a great choice for travellers. Downtown is conveniently located near key attractions such as the Gerald R. Ford Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, both of which are perfect for culture and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the local food scene with nearby restaurants and wineries, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's shopping areas and entertainment venues.
• Grandville: Located in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, Grandville is known for its family-oriented and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. This city also features a variety of shopping centres and educational venues. With options for wineries and breweries nearby, Grandville is a delightful area to consider for those looking to enjoy both cultural and recreational activities.
• Wyoming: Another charming city in the Grand Rapids area, Wyoming provides a mix of family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. Key attractions include Lamar Park and the Gerald R. Ford Museum, which cater to culture enthusiasts. The area is equipped with shopping centres and various educational venues. Wyoming also boasts excellent options for dining and drinking, with numerous wineries and pubs, making it an appealing choice for visitors seeking an engaging stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Grand Rapids

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting your desired vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, leverage the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. 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 under 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 offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a simple process when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Grand Rapids

The best value period to rent a car in and around Grand Rapids is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. October also offers reasonable rates with moderately low demand. For those considering rentals in shoulder months, September shows average prices and demand, providing a good balance. However, June through August see slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making them the most expensive months for car rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	24.3°F (-4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	24.8°F (-4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	35.2°F (1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
April	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
November	39.7°F (4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low