How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Whether you need a small car for scooting around the city or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick from options averaging $156 a day and get going for less.
$32 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Staying a little longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $193 and squeeze in a few road trips from Chicago.
Here's your clue on when to book. Four weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a ORD car hire.
At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, you can pick from top-rated providers such as Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget.
Whether you book with Routes Car Rentals or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Chicago O'Hare International Airport car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in ORD.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Chicago O'Hare International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/thrifty/660. Prices average $131 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $140, https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/dollar/731 lands in second place.
https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/routes-car-rental/980 also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $89 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle at ORD.
Compare car hire types from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this cheap Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this ORD car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Chicago O'Hare International Airport that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different ORD car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your ORD car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in the United States, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've picked up the keys to your ORD car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central Chicago is about 27 kilometres southeast and a drive of around 30 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
If you don't need to drive right away, consider picking up a car hire in Chicago instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and only pay for the days you need.
Extend your search by exploring what's on offer at other Chicago airports. Browse the range of car hire options at Chicago Midway International Airport or car rentals from Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You'll want to take in some of the major attractions in Chicago before doing anything else. Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago will kick off your journey in the best way.
Shift gears and head toward Aurora. Around 40 kilometres southwest of ORD, you'll find favourite sights like Blackberry Farm and Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple.
Add Joliet to your trip lineup. About 56 kilometres south of the airport, drive there in your Chicago O'Hare International Airport car hire to explore standout attractions like Joliet Prison and Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Fort Wayne, around 257 kilometres southeast of ORD. From African-American Historical Museum to Salomon Farm Park, it'll round out your trip nicely.
