Up to 25% off
Check out our Christmas discounts! And sign in for even lower prices, exclusively for members
Up to 25% off Check out our Christmas discounts! And sign in for even lower prices, exclusively for members

Car rental Chicago

Search, compare and book your rental car

Pickup location
 Different return office?
   Driver age: 25-70
   I live in: United States
Search Now
We compare rates from 800+ different supplier sites in more than 30,000 locations worldwide
Customers love us

Over 1 million customers trusted us to book the best car rental deal for them

Customers love us
Amend for free

Up to 48 hours before pickup

Amend for free
No extra fees

We don’t charge extra fees such as credit card or reservation fees

No extra fees

Cheap Car Rental Chicago

Cheap Car Rental Chicago

About Car Rental in Chicago

Home to deep-dish pizza, jazz music, and infamous 1920s gangsters like Al Capone, Chicago is a city with immense character. Despite burning to the ground in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, instead of fading into obscurity, the city rebuilt itself with twice the verve and quickly claimed its spot as one of the United States’ urban heavyweights. In the likes of New York or Los Angeles, Chicago sits squarely as the largest metropolis in the Midwest. Some of its abundant offerings include world-class architecture and renowned museums, an award-winning theatre scene, public parks, and green spaces, ground-breaking music, and, of course, a culinary landscape to be reckoned with.

Renting a car after arriving in Chicago is the most convenient way to get about. Chicago has a land area of around 606 square kilometers, and visitors frequently rent a car to see everything from Millennium Park to Navy Pier and beyond in a short amount of time. If you want to make the most of your time in Chicago, try renting a car from the airport. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) are the two main airports in Chicago. Knowing that your Chicago experience will start as soon as you land lets you relax and enjoy the time before you leave your home.

Downtown Car Rental in Chicago

While most visitors pre-book their automobiles for pickup once their flight lands, renting a car does not need you to be at an airport. Every major city and town in the area has car rental agencies, offices, and pick-up points. Knowing exactly what you're looking for will make the search faster and more efficient. Compare car rental companies in Chicago to see which one has the best pricing and locations for vehicle pickup for you.

Driving in Chicago

Chicago is a lovely, dynamic city that has a lot to offer both residents and tourists. There is something for everyone, from spectacular skyscrapers to world-class public parks. If this is your first time visiting, this list of safe driving tips can help you get ready for your next trip to the city.

Important tips for driving in Chicago:

If you want to explore all of Chicago's museums, markets, parks, retail centers, historical districts, and other great attractions, you'll need a vehicle. As a result, Chicago is home to a plethora of reputable domestic and international automobile rental firms. There is only one thing left to do: deciding which one is best for you. When selecting a car, keep in mind where you're going, when you're going there, and how much money you want to spend.

Among the well-known car rental firms in Chicago are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National.

Top Road Trips in Chicago

Chicago is such a popular center of art and culture that some call it a microcosm of the entire United States. However, as veteran visitors to the Windy City would argue, it isn’t just a great destination in itself – it’s also an excellent base from which you can make road trips to other unique places. The next time you feel saturated with the bustle of Chicago, consider hitting the road for a week or longer. Here are some road trip ideas from Chicago to get you inspired-

Legend has it that at a meeting between the Illinois, Ottawa, and Potawatami tribes, a hotheaded young Illinois warrior attacked the Ottawa chief, Pontiac, sparking a tribal feud. Fearing retribution, the Illinois delegation fled to a rock in the forest and hid there, hoping to leave once the Ottawa gave up their search, but unfortunately for them, the Ottawa never left the area. As a result, the Illinois starved to death. In time the rock came to be known as Starved Rock. Faithful to its dark history, the Starved Rock State Park has a sort of imposing beauty. With 18 sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, fishing spots along the Illinois River, and 13 miles of hiking trails, it is one of the state’s best outdoors attractions. Even if you aren’t in the mood to explore it on foot, you can still enjoy it by joining a trolley tour. From Chicago, take the 1-55 S and then 1-80 W for about 45 miles each to reach Starved Rock State Park. It should take approximately an hour and a half to reach.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Chicago

What’s the best area to stay in Chicago?
The best area to stay in Chicago completely depends on why you’re going to visit. If you’re going to see any of the famous sites like Millennium Park or Navy Pier, make sure to book somewhere central that has good access to these places.
What is the cheapest time to go to Chicago?
The cheapest time to visit Chicago is from mid to late September.
What is the best time to go to Chicago?
In Chicago, the best time of year to visit is from April to May and from September to October. Temperatures between 59 and 86 F degrees and intermittent rain are still warm enough in June and August to appreciate the state's adventures and natural splendor.
Can you get around Chicago without a car?
If you plan on staying in central Chicago, it is possible to rely on public transport. But if you want to explore further afield and see more of Chicago and the surrounding areas, then you most definitely need a car to do so.

Popular airports

Tips and experiences for Chicago

There are no experiences available for this destination yet. But of course, our customer service will gladly answer all your questions about car rental in Chicago.