VERIFIED REVIEWS
About renting a car in South Bend
Best Car Rental Deals

Hyundai Venue | Automatic
SMALLor Small similar

Toyota Corolla | Automatic
SEDANor Sedan similar

Mazda CX 50 | Automatic
SUVor SUV similar

Chrysler Pacifica 7 Passengers | Automatic
MINIVANor Minivan similar
Traveler Tips & Price Insights
When is the best time to book a rental car in South Bend?
You should book your rental car approximately 7 days before your trip to get a below-average price.
Price Trend (Last 90 Days)
What is the most popular rental car type in South Bend?
suv rental cars (suv or similar) are the most popular option in South Bend.
Popular Car Types
Which is the cheapest car rental agency in South Bend?
In the last 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were from Budget at 67.78/day.
Average Price by Rental Company
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking in South Bend include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in South Bend, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in South Bend.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I rent a car in South Bend through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in South Bend are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in South Bend charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the rental partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where do I pick up my rental car at South Bend International Airport?
At South Bend International Airport (SBN), rental car counters for brands including Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo are located inside the terminal in the baggage claim area, at 4643 Progress Dr, South Bend, IN 46628.
The process is straightforward: after collecting your bags, proceed to the rental counter in baggage claim, present your driver's license, and receive your pre-printed documents and keys. The vehicle lot is a short walk outside baggage claim, so no shuttle or tram is required.
From the moment you land in South Bend, you can realistically expect to be driving away within 20 to 45 minutes, accounting for baggage claim, a short counter queue, paperwork, and the brief walk to the lot.
Counter hours at the South Bend airport are typically 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily, though hours can vary by brand. If you are arriving outside those hours, check your booking confirmation for after-hours instructions, as key-drop returns are available at the South Bend airport location.
What documents do I need to rent a car in South Bend?
To pick up a rental car in South Bend, you must bring the following physical documents:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the physical card, for the security deposit hold
- A passport or valid government photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States)
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at South Bend rental counters. For licenses in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the South Bend counter. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold.
Are there toll roads near South Bend I should know about?
Yes, there are toll roads near South Bend that you are very likely to use. The Indiana Toll Road (I-90) runs east to west across northern Indiana, passing directly through the South Bend region. It connects to the Chicago Skyway to the west and the Ohio Turnpike to the east, making it a common route for visitors arriving from Chicago or traveling onward.
Key points for South Bend renters:
- The Indiana Toll Road uses E-ZPass and I-Pass transponders, as well as cashless video tolling via license plate capture for vehicles without a transponder
- Cash booths are available at some points on the Indiana Toll Road, but rental vehicles are pre-equipped for electronic processing
- Toll costs vary by entry and exit point; electronic rates are lower than cash or video tolling rates
- If you drive through a toll without enrolling in the rental company's toll program, the rental company will bill the toll at the higher video or cash rate plus an administrative fee, typically 4 to 6 weeks after your rental ends
At the South Bend counter, you can enroll in the rental company's toll program (such as Avis e-Toll or National TollPass) for a daily convenience fee, which covers electronic processing of tolls automatically.
How does the rental company toll program work in South Bend?
All rental vehicles at South Bend come pre-equipped with an electronic toll device or are enrolled in a plate-based billing system. When you pick up your car in South Bend, you have two options for handling tolls on the Indiana Toll Road and other nearby toll roads:
- Enroll in the rental company's toll program: you pay a daily convenience fee (typically US$3.95 to US$4.95 per day depending on the brand, with a per-rental cap) and the device handles all tolls automatically at electronic rates
- Opt out and pay manually: where cash booths are available you can pay directly, but if you pass through a cashless toll, the rental company will bill the toll at the higher video rate plus an administrative processing fee, charged to your card on file weeks after the rental ends
Activation of the toll device can happen automatically when you drive through a cashless toll road near South Bend, even if you did not formally enroll. To avoid unexpected charges, clarify your preference with the counter agent at pickup and ask them to note it on your agreement.
If you plan to use your own transponder such as an E-ZPass, inform the South Bend counter representative and ask them to deactivate the vehicle's default device to prevent duplicate charges.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my South Bend rental?
Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your South Bend rental, including charges on the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) or any other toll road you use.
To claim your cashback after returning the vehicle in South Bend:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
The refund is the lesser of the actual tolls you paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total was US$400, the cap is US$20. If you paid US$14 in tolls on the Indiana Toll Road near South Bend, you receive US$14 back. If you paid US$30, you receive US$20.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for your reservation and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
How much is the security deposit for a rental car in South Bend?
When you pick up your rental car in South Bend, the rental company will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge; it reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases the hold.
For standard vehicles rented in the United States, including South Bend locations, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount can vary based on:
- The rental brand and specific South Bend location (airport vs. city center)
- The vehicle class (premium or specialty vehicles may carry a higher hold)
- The length of the rental
The hold must be placed on a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, with the driver's name printed on the card. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit at South Bend counters.
After you return the vehicle, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls how quickly it appears back on your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days. Bringing a backup credit card is always a good precaution.
Can I return my rental car after hours at South Bend Airport?
Yes, after-hours returns are available at the South Bend Airport rental car location on Progress Drive. If you are returning your vehicle outside counter operating hours, follow the key-drop process:
- Drive to the return area at 4643 Progress Dr, South Bend, following rental car return signs on airport grounds
- Park the vehicle in the designated return area
- Remove all personal belongings from the car
- Lock the vehicle and place the keys in the drop box located in the return area
- Keep a photo of the odometer, fuel gauge, and vehicle condition before leaving
Important: when you drop off after hours in South Bend, the vehicle is not formally checked in until the next business day. You remain responsible for the vehicle until the rental company processes the return. Any damage or fuel discrepancy noted at check-in the following morning may be attributed to your rental period.
To protect yourself, take timestamped photos of the car from all angles at the South Bend return location before walking away, and retain your fuel receipt showing you refueled near the airport.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in South Bend?
In South Bend, Indiana, the minimum age to rent a car without additional surcharges is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge, and most vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and older.
Vehicle classes typically restricted to drivers under 25 in South Bend include:
- Full Size and Full Size SUV
- Standard, Minivan, and Van
- Convertible, Luxury, Premium, and Premium SUV
Drivers aged 21 to 24 are generally limited to Economy, Compact, Medium Sedan, Standard Sedan, Compact SUV, and Medium SUV categories at South Bend rental counters.
Indiana does not have the same state-law exceptions as New York or Michigan, so the 21-year minimum applies at South Bend locations. Drivers under 21 cannot rent in South Bend.
If you are aged 21 to 24 and from Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Avis and Budget rates booked through Hola Car Rentals may waive the young-renter surcharge for eligible vehicle categories. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver is shown.
Does travel assistance cover me if I have an emergency during my South Bend rental?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance through Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if you face a medical emergency or other covered incident during your South Bend rental or while traveling to or from South Bend.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance during your South Bend trip, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Provide your full name, your booking confirmation number, your location in or around South Bend, and a brief description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports.
Important: this travel assistance benefit applies only to customers who are not residents of the United States or Canada. US and Canadian residents do not qualify for this benefit. It also does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself, which is handled by CDW or LDW coverage.
What fuel policy applies to rental cars in South Bend?
Rental cars in South Bend follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
At pickup in South Bend, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the lot.
When returning your South Bend rental:
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location at South Bend Airport or your drop-off address
- Keep the fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- Take a photo of the full gauge before handing over the keys
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a copy
If you return the car below the recorded starting level, the rental company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a service fee. Refueling near the South Bend Airport before returning is the most cost-effective approach.
Can I add an additional driver to my South Bend rental?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your South Bend rental, either at no cost if your rate includes it, or for a daily fee paid at the counter if it does not.
Daily fees for additional drivers at South Bend counters vary by brand:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes
- Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes
To add a driver at the South Bend counter:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup
- They must present a valid driver's license and any required ID
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
- For Avis, Budget, and Payless in South Bend, additional drivers must be at least 25 years old
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW and liability coverage. Anyone who drives the South Bend rental without being named on the contract may void those protections.
Can I pick up in South Bend and drop off in another city?
Yes, one-way rentals are available from South Bend, allowing you to pick up at South Bend International Airport or a city location and return the vehicle in a different city. A drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, the rental brand, and the vehicle class.
How to check if a drop-off fee applies to your South Bend one-way rental:
- During the booking search, select a different return location from South Bend
- On the rate details page, look for a line labeled Drop-Off Fee under the To Pay at Destination section
- If no fee appears, the route does not carry a one-way charge
- The fee is confirmed again on your booking confirmation
Drop-off fees are not prepaid and are not covered by No Extra Charges© unless the fee was not disclosed during booking. They are separate from fuel, tolls, and mileage charges.
Cross-border one-way rentals from South Bend, such as returning in Canada, may be restricted or carry higher fees depending on the partner brand. Always confirm cross-border permissions on your rental agreement before driving across state or National borders.
Are there off-airport rental car locations in South Bend?
Yes, in addition to the South Bend International Airport location, there are off-airport rental car options in South Bend. Enterprise operates a city center location at 52200 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN 46637, which serves areas including the Notre Dame campus. A second downtown location is available at 1420 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46613, serving the Michigan Street corridor.
Key differences between airport and off-airport locations in South Bend:
- The South Bend Airport counter is inside the terminal with walk-up access and extended hours (typically 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily)
- City center locations in South Bend have shorter hours, for example Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with Sunday closures
- Off-airport locations require you to arrange your own transport to the site, as no shuttle connects them to the airport
- Off-airport rates may differ from airport rates; airport locations include concession fees that off-airport sites may not
If you are arriving by plane at South Bend, the airport counter is the most convenient option. If you are staying near Notre Dame or downtown South Bend, an off-airport location may be closer to your base.
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