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Car rental in Chicago, IL, United States

Renting a car has never been easier

Vehicles groups in Chicago

Discover Chicago, IL, United States

1. Car Rental in Chicago, Illinois, USA

Chicago, known as the "Windy City," is a dynamic metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan, famous for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're exploring Millennium Park, catching a game at Wrigley Field, or enjoying the diverse neighborhoods, Chicago offers something for every traveler.

Renting a car in Chicago gives you the freedom to explore the city beyond its downtown core. With a rental car, you can visit scenic drives along Lake Shore Drive, take a road trip to Starved Rock State Park, or experience the charming towns along the Great Lakes. Whether you’re visiting for business, a weekend getaway, or a Midwest road trip, having your own vehicle ensures flexibility and convenience.

2. Why Rent a Car in Chicago?

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, including the "L" train and buses, but a rental car provides added flexibility for exploring areas outside the city center. If you're planning to visit the suburbs, take a day trip to Milwaukee, or explore Illinois' scenic byways, having a car is the best option.

Many of Chicago’s top attractions, including Navy Pier, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, are easier to access with a rental car. Driving also allows you to avoid crowded public transit and explore the city at your own pace.

3. Choosing the Right Rental Car

Selecting the best rental car depends on your travel plans. Here are some recommendations:

  • City Travelers: A compact car is ideal for navigating Chicago’s busy streets and finding parking downtown.
  • Luxury & Business Travelers: A premium sedan offers comfort and style for meetings and upscale dining.
  • Families: A minivan or SUV provides space for family trips to museums, zoos, and Lake Michigan beaches.
  • Adventure Seekers: An SUV is great for road trips to Wisconsin Dells or exploring scenic nature reserves.
  • Budget Travelers: A fuel-efficient compact car helps save on gas while exploring the Midwest.

Choosing the right vehicle enhances your travel experience and makes getting around Chicago easier.

4. Top Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • Millennium Park & The Bean: A must-see urban park featuring the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture.
  • Navy Pier: A lively waterfront destination with entertainment, dining, and lakefront views.
  • Willis Tower Skydeck: Enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago from one of the tallest buildings in the U.S.
  • Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic pedestrian walkway with restaurants, boat tours, and outdoor seating.
  • Day Trip to Starved Rock State Park: Just two hours away, this park offers waterfalls, hiking trails, and beautiful canyons.

With a rental car, you can explore these attractions comfortably and on your own schedule.

5. Driving in Chicago: What to Expect

Driving in Chicago can be manageable with the right planning. Here’s what you should know:

  • Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), especially on I-90 and Lake Shore Drive.
  • Parking: Downtown parking can be expensive, but apps like SpotHero help find affordable garages and street parking.
  • Toll Roads: The Chicago area has toll roads, including the I-294 Tri-State Tollway. Many rental cars come with electronic toll passes.
  • Winter Driving: Snow and ice can affect driving conditions, so be prepared with an appropriate vehicle if visiting during colder months.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll enjoy a smooth driving experience in and around Chicago.

6. Book Your Rental Car in Chicago Today!

Renting a car in Chicago gives you the flexibility to explore the city, suburbs, and surrounding Midwest attractions with ease. Whether you're here for business, leisure, or a road trip, having your own vehicle enhances your experience.

  • Best price guarantee
  • Wide selection of vehicles
  • Easy and secure booking process

Reserve your rental car today and experience Chicago with total freedom!

Chicago, IL, United States

When to book a rental car in Chicago

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Average rental day price in the last 30 days

US$ 96.87

Most popular car rental models in Chicago

  • Toyota Corolla (Midsize)
  • Audi A5 Sportback (Full Size)
  • BMW X7 (SUV)

Best rated rental companies

  • Enterprise
  • Alamo
  • Dollar

Car rental companies in Chicago, IL, United States

    Nearby places

    Customer Reviews

    Trustpilot

    Car Rental Requirements in the United States

    • Minimum Age

      In most countries, the minimum age required to hire a vehicle is 25.

    • Driver’s License

      Each driver must present a full, valid and original national driver's license held for minimum of 2 years. If your license is not in a language used in your destination country, an International Driver's Permit to accompany your national driver's license is highly recommended. Some rental companies and government agencies require that you present an IDP. It is the renter's responsibility to present both their IDP and Driver's License when picking up the vehicle. For more information, please reach out to the Rental Company.

    • ID or Passport

      Each driver must present a valid and original photo ID or passport.

    • International Credit Card

      The renter must present a personal credit card, valid in the country of pick-up with enough funds to put a hold for a security deposit. Third-party credit cards will not be accepted. The car rental company is solely responsible for approving the provided credit card. Online prepayment does not exempt the renter from providing a valid international credit card during vehicle pick-up. The rental company will place a hold in the amount of the security deposit and, when applicable, any additional local fees not covered in the prepaid voucher on the card provided at the rental location.

    • Prepaid Booking Voucher

      You must present a printout of the Booking Confirmation Voucher at the rental location. This document officially confirms all agreed upon services, payment conditions, rates, discounts, as well as vehicle availability within the group selected.

    • Important Information

      Car rental companies reserve the right to refuse service to underage or unlicensed drivers, those with poor credit history or individuals otherwise considered liabilities by the rental company.

    What to know before renting a car in Chicago

    • How much is it to rent a car in Chicago?

      The lowest price found in Chicago is US$ 38.36 per day.

    • Which rental company is the best rated in Chicago?

      The car rental company best rated by our customers in Chicago is Enterprise.

    • Which car model is the most rented in Chicago?

      The most popular car rental model in Chicago is the Toyota Corolla.

    • What is the average car rental daily rate in Chicago?

      In the last 30 days, the average daily rate was US$ 96.87.

    • How many car rental locations are there in Chicago?

      in Chicago there are 75 locations at 13 car rental companies.

    • Which categories are available for rent in Chicago?

      Midsize, Full Size, SUV, Premium, Luxury, Special, Compact, Standard, Van, Economy, Minivan, Convertible.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR RENTAL

    Proteções do veículo

    Vehicle Protection

    Rental car protections usually have the abbreviations CDW and LDW and protect the vehicle from robbery and damage in the event of collisions or accidents.

    Proteções à terceiros

    Third-Party Protection

    The protections against third parties have several abbreviations, such as ALI, SLI and others. In general, they protect the vehicle from third parties involved in collisions with your rental car.

    Caução

    Security deposit

    To pick up the car you must leave a security deposit, also called a pre-authorization. The amount is "blocked" on the renter's credit card and "unlocked" after the return of the car on the same conditions.

    Opcionais

    Optional items

    It is possible to add optional items to your reservation, such as GPS, child car seat or booster seat. Take advantage of those items so you don’t have to worry about it later!

    Condutor adicional

    Additional driver

    If someone else is sharing the wheel with you, they need to be added to the car rental agreement as an additional driver and meet the same documentation and minimum age requirements as the main driver or renter.

    Quilometragem

    Mileage

    Check if your reservation has free mileage or not. Free mileage means you can ride as much as you like with the rental car and you will not pay extra depending on the ride.

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