How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chicago
Need a cheap rental car in Chicago? With prices averaging $130 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a small ride, a spacious family car, or something else entirely, we round up all the best deals to land you a bargain.
The cheapest daily rental price in Chicago is $38.
Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $209 and say yes to more adventures.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Four weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Chicago car hire.
Rent your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Hertz. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
The coverage Routes Car Rentals or another supplier includes with your Chicago car hire can differ, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $161 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $135, this provider is next in line.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $134 a day for one of their rentals.
The Intermediate rental category is a reliable option if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Chicago.
Flying to Chicago? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Chicago, hit the road sooner by picking up a car hire at O'Hare International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 27 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Or fasten your belt and make a quick exit with a car hire from Chicago Midway International Airport. It'll take roughly 25 minutes to drive the 16 kilometres or so to the centre.
It's also worth checking out the rental car options at Chicago Rockford International Airport. Central Chicago is around 145 kilometres away, with a drive time of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Chicago
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Chicago car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Chicago makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Chicago car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Chicago by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to find out where you stand.
Add a car seat to your Chicago car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
For first-time drivers in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Chicago for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop. Offering valet parking as well as multilingual staff and a 24-hour front desk, this hotel is around 0.80 kilometres from central Chicago.
Viceroy Chicago also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features valet parking, along with car hire options and a pool. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Chicago and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Chicago and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Kick things off with top attractions such as Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and Willis Tower.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Chicago
Aurora should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Blackberry Farm and Breckenridge Park. This city is about 56 kilometres west of central Chicago.
You'll be well looked after at Super 8 by Wyndham Aurora/Naperville Area and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Aurora.
Add Joliet to your list of stops. Pick up your cheap car hire in Chicago and drive roughly 56 kilometres southwest to explore major highlights such as Joliet Prison and Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.
Relax after a day out and about in Joliet at Red Roof Inn Chicago - Joliet or Hampton Inn Joliet-I-55. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Fort Wayne, about 225 kilometres east of Chicago. Kick things off at African-American Historical Museum, then follow it up with Salomon Farm Park.
Book a room at Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Centre or Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Centre. They make it a breeze to experience everything Fort Wayne has to offer. They also have parking available.
