Car rental South Bend, IN

Top tips for renting a car in South Bend

South Bend has a certain small-town charm about it, and it's much easier to navigate if you've brushed up on the road rules, speed limits and parking options here. These are our top tips to make your adventure in South Bend safe and stress-free.

What are the road rules and driving conditions in South Bend?

South Bend gets a lot of snow in winter, so drive to the conditions or stay home if it's non-essential travel. Driving here is relaxed as it has quite a small population in a large area, but traffic during the football season can get busy on the road to Notre Dame Stadium.

You must give a turn signal at least 200 ft before turning or changing lanes. If you're out and about after dark, headlights should be used between sunset and sunrise. As in all states, adhere to the road rules like wearing a seat belt and only operating your phone in hands-free mode.

There's a 30 mph speed limit on residential roads, and a limit of 70 mph on rural interstates. Always follow the speed limits and look for local traffic signage.

What is parking like in South Bend?

Good news, there's free two-hour parking available on most downtown South Bend streets throughout the week. Parking in Downtown South Bend is free for more than two hours after 5 pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends. If you're looking for a parking lot to park your rental vehicle, there's lots to choose from. You've got the Main St. Lot, which is west of Main Street, and the Main and Colfax Structure and the Leighton Structure on Jefferson and Michigan Streets.

Are there toll roads in South Bend?

Yes, the Indiana East-West Toll Road passes through South Bend, connecting the Chicago Skyway to the Ohio Turnpike. Keep an eye out for toll signage as you map your route.

Are there gas stations and EV chargers in South Bend?

There are a lot of gas stations in South Bend. Choose between Marathon and Conoco on W Lasalle Ave near Morris Performing Arts Center, or Mobil and Phillips 66 on Lincoln Way next to the St Joseph River. If you're heading to Notre Dame, there's Speedway, McClure Oil, and The Shamrock.

If you've rented an electric vehicle, take your pick of EV chargers around town. The Tesla Destination Charger is near Notre Dame on Brother Andre Drive, and there are two Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on campus. Zed Charging Station and Electric Circuit Charging Station are located on E Jefferson Blvd. Across the St Joseph River, there's an Electric Vehicle Charging and Electric Circuit on S St Louis Blvd.

How much does it cost to rent a car in South Bend?

Costs vary by vehicle type, trip length, and how far ahead you book. On Turo, the marketplace spans budget-friendly compacts to premium SUVs, so you can match the car to your budget. Book early for the best selection, and choose a longer trip to unlock weekly and monthly discounts.

Do I need to rent a car in South Bend?

Yes, you should definitely rent a car in South Bend. There are infrequent buses and it can take a while to get anywhere. Downtown has gems like The Oliver Mansion and South Bend Museum of Art, but Notre Dame is a 10-minute drive away, as well as most of the good restaurants like The Lauber being on the other side of the St Joseph River. Having a rental vehicle makes getting around South Bend easy and convenient.