University of Notre Dame Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental around University of Notre Dame

Renting a car around the University of Notre Dame offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This historic college campus is surrounded by several attractions that are easily accessible by car. For instance, the Morris Performing Arts Center, located only 3 km away, is perfect for cultural experiences, while the Studebaker National Museum, 4 km away, provides engaging family experiences. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is less than 1 km from the university, allowing for convenient visits to this beautiful church.

A rental car is particularly beneficial for families, offering ample space for luggage and ensuring comfort during your travels. You can also venture to nearby cities like Mishawaka, which is 8 km away and features parks and cultural sites, or Notre Dame, less than 1 km away, known for its Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. With a rental car, you can manage your travel plans flexibly, making it easy to enjoy the many attractions South Bend has to offer without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals near University of Notre Dame

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV provides ample space for passengers and luggage, ensuring comfort during your travels around the University of Notre Dame and its surrounding attractions.
• Economy: This option is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, as it comfortably accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car offers a budget-friendly choice with the flexibility to explore the area around the University of Notre Dame without compromising on comfort or convenience.
• Standard: With capacity for 5 travellers and room for up to 3 large suitcases, the Standard car is tailored for couples and families alike. It strikes a balance between space and efficiency, making it a popular choice for those wishing to travel around the University of Notre Dame while enjoying a comfortable ride.

Top rated car suppliers near University of Notre Dame

• Avis: Avis operates 2 rental locations within 5 km of the University of Notre Dame, making it a convenient option for travellers. Known for their reliable service, Avis offers a range of vehicles with the most popular choices being the Standard SUV and Economy models. This supplier provides the flexibility you need to explore the area at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget also has 2 rental locations situated within 5 km of the University of Notre Dame, providing easy access for tourists. This supplier is renowned for offering excellent value, with popular vehicle options including the Midsize SUV and Economy. Renting from Budget allows you to manage your itinerary and luggage with ease while discovering local attractions.
• Enterprise: With 2 locations within 5 km of the University of Notre Dame, Enterprise is another top choice for car rentals. This supplier is known for its diverse fleet, with popular bookings including the Midsize SUV and Premium Pickup. Enterprise is committed to making your travel experience convenient and enjoyable as you explore South Bend.

Where to stay near University of Notre Dame

• South Bend: Located at the heart of South Bend, accommodations here offer easy access to the University of Notre Dame, as well as local attractions like the Morris Performing Arts Center and the Studebaker National Museum. This area is perfect for those seeking a cultural experience, with nearby dining options ranging from local restaurants to wineries. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the nearby lake and historic college campus, making it an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or family visit.
• Mishawaka: Situated 8 km from the University of Notre Dame, Mishawaka provides a charming atmosphere with plenty of activities. Enjoy outdoor spaces like Boehm Park and Battell Park, both great for family outings. The area also has a variety of shopping options and restaurants, ensuring a delightful stay. Don't miss the cultural venues like the Morris Performing Arts Center, enhancing your experience in this vibrant community.
• Granger: About 12 km from the University of Notre Dame, Granger is a tranquil city known for its beautiful scenery, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic escape. The area boasts shopping centres and local wineries, alongside easy access to attractions like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Enjoy the serene environment and the charm of this picturesque location, ideal for a memorable stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental around University of Notre Dame

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often results in lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on 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 fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car around University of Notre Dame

The best value period to rent a car around the University of Notre Dame is in October, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. This month follows a quieter September, which also sees moderately high demand and average pricing. Mid-range value months like January and February offer slightly low prices with moderately low demand, making them also appealing for rentals. However, May tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, while June through August maintain similar pricing but with increased demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.2°F (-3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	26.8°F (-2.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
April	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
August	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly High