Search, compare and book your rental car
Over 1 million customers trusted us to book the best car rental deal for them
Up to 48 hours before pickup
We don’t charge extra fees such as credit card or reservation fees
Many factors distinguish Illinois, commonly called The Prairie State, and its storied capital, Chicago, from other states in the union. The history of Illinois, which gets its name from the Illiniwek (a confederation of tribes living along the Mississippi River), predates the people who first colonized the state. Illinois became the 21st state of the United States in 1818, and during the early 20th century, Chicago's ports and rail hubs attracted a growing number of visitors, resulting in the city's rapid expansion. Aside from Chicago, Illinois' other notable features include the Mississippi River and where U.S. Route 66 begins. It is well-known for its tallest tower, as well as for being the birthplace of both Walt Disney and Abraham Lincoln. From cultural icons to historic sites, museums, and playgrounds, Illinois has a lot to offer visitors.
Renting a car after arriving in Illinois is the most convenient way to get about. Illinois has a land area of around 149,998 square kilometers, and visitors frequently rent a car to see everything from Chicago to the attractions along Route 66 and beyond in a short amount of time. If you want to make the most of your time in Illinois, try renting a car from the airport. There are a total of 12 passenger service airports in Illinois, out of which 5 are international airports. The biggest ones include Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, and Quad City International Airport. Knowing that your Illinois experience will start as soon as you land lets you relax and enjoy the time before you leave your home.
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 Illinois to see which one has the best pricing and locations for vehicle pickup for you.
Illinois is a vast and fascinating state that has a lot to offer both residents and tourists. There is something for everyone, from lakeside promenades to museums. If this is your first time visiting, this list of safe driving tips can help you get ready for your next trip to the state.
If you want to explore all of Illinois's museums, markets, parks, retail centers, historical districts, and other great attractions, you'll need a vehicle. As a result, Illinois 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 Illinois are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National.
There are so many things to do and see in Illinois that it might be daunting to attempt to see them all. Road vacations in Illinois can take you along Route 66, where you'll discover old-fashioned treasures (as well as contemporary surprises)—or to places like Galena, which offers both outdoor recreation and small-town charm; southern Illinois, where you'll find natural wonders like the rocky Garden of the Gods; or Springfield, which offers both serious history lessons and humorous Americana in equal measure. Here are some of the top road trip destinations in Illinois to get you started-
In southwest Illinois, a winding national route follows the Illinois-Missouri border, cutting through cities and rural areas and following spectacular cliffs and wooded bluffs. The Byway traverses the junction of the Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers for 33 stunning miles, making it one of the most historic river basins in America. Beginning in Hartford, drive northwest on Illinois Route 3 to The Great River Road, where you'll pass through the picturesque riverside communities of Wood River, East Alton, Alton, Elsah, Chautauqua, and Grafton, each with its own distinct charms such as antique stores, guided tours, live music venues, and charming inns and B&Bs to make for a great trip.