How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chicago Midway (MDW)
Your plane may have landed, but your journey's just getting started. Pick up a cheap Chicago Midway rental car for around $262 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, making booking quick and easy.
$70 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Chicago Midway.
Staying on in Chicago for a while? Book a weekly rental from $484 and fit more into your itinerary.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap MDW car hire. Book about four weeks before your trip to score the best price.
At Chicago Midway, you can choose from leading rental brands such as Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Whether you go with Dollar or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Chicago Midway car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in MDW. Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Chicago Midway with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices coming in at $227 a day.
Next in line is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $185.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $167 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers at MDW.
Compare car hire types from Chicago Midway (MDW)
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Chicago Midway rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this MDW car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Chicago Midway that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your MDW car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Chicago Midway by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
You generally have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just be prepared for extra fees or rules. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your MDW car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to go.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. As well as your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your MDW car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central Chicago is about 16 kilometres northeast and a drive of around 25 minutes if you choose to head that way.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Chicago Midway to the centre to take up to 50 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Consider grabbing a car hire in Chicago instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Car hire is also available at other airports around Chicago. For more variety, browse the car hire options at Chicago O'Hare International or car rentals from Chicago Rockford.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Chicago Midway (MDW)
You'll want to experience the major attractions in Chicago before doing anything else. Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago set you up for a memorable trip.
Aurora has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple and Aurora Historical Museum. This city is around 48 kilometres west of MDW.
Or collect your Chicago Midway car hire and set off for Joliet. Roughly 40 kilometres southwest of the airport, Joliet Prison and Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 are among the highlights that make the drive totally worth it.
Not done driving yet? Fort Wayne is a popular road trip destination that's around 225 kilometres east of MDW. African-American Historical Museum and Salomon Farm Park are the perfect pit stops.
