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Road Genius makes it easy to find rental car deals in Chicago. Compare prices and book in one place. Browse live rates from downtown counters, neighborhood branches and airport desks at O'Hare and Midway to land low prices and the right vehicle for everything from city cruising to day trips around the Midwest.
Chicago offers multiple car rental options beyond the airports, at locations throughout downtown and neighborhoods.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Loop | Lower rates than airports, No airport fees | Shorter operating hours (often close by 6pm) |
| River North | Close to many hotels, Walk-up convenience | Limited vehicle selection, Higher parking costs |
| Hotel-Based | Convenient for guests | May have limited inventory |
| Neighborhood | Often cheaper, May offer parking for your personal car | Possibly limited hours, Smaller selection |
| Suburban | Lowest rates, Less congestion | Requires transportation to location |
Popular Downtown Rental Locations:
| Area | Companies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West Loop/Near Union Station | Enterprise, Hertz, Budget | Convenient for train arrivals |
| Michigan Avenue | Avis, Enterprise, Hertz | Near major hotels and shopping |
| River North | Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget | Close to many downtown hotels |
| South Loop | Enterprise, Hertz, Budget | Easier exit from downtown |
On average, car rentals in Chicago cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $12 per day.
Price-check downtown vs airports 15-20 % savings are common at Loop or neighborhood branches. A $5 L-train ride from O'Hare can wipe out those airport surcharges.
Pick up Tue-Thu, not Fri-Mon Chicago fleets get slammed on weekends, so sliding your pickup one or two days can drop the daily rate.
Search "weekly" even for 4–5 days Many Chicago suppliers apply discounted 5-day pricing that beats shorter rentals. Return early without penalty.
Book a free-cancellation deal, then re-shop Rates often soften a week out in non-peak months. Re-book if the price dips.
Grab cars in suburbs if you're heading that way anyway Metra trains put you within Uber distance of low-overhead depots with the cheapest inventory.
Slash downtown costs with apps Reserve garage spots on SpotHero/ParkWhiz and refuel in the suburbs where gas is 30-50 ¢ cheaper per gallon.
Downtown Parking:
| Parking Type | Where/What to Know |
|---|---|
| Street Meters | Varies by neighborhood |
| Downtown Garages | ParkWhiz/SpotHero apps offer discounts |
| Hotel Parking | Valet service common |
| Neighborhood Streets | Watch for permit-only zones |
Parking Tips:
Local Driving Regulations:
Toll Roads:
Get a rental car to get to:
Indiana Dunes National Park – Lake Michigan beaches
Starved Rock State Park – canyons and waterfalls
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – boating and resorts
Galena, Illinois – Main Street shops
Is it necessary to rent a car in Chicago?
No, not if you plan to stay mostly in the downtown and Near North neighborhoods. The city has a lot of public transportation, and rideshare services are easy to find. A car is most useful if you want to visit the suburbs or explore the region.
Where can I find the cheapest rental cars in Chicago?
You can often find prices 15-20% lower at downtown and neighborhood locations than at the airport. You'll usually find the lowest rates in the suburbs and from smaller companies.
How difficult is parking in downtown Chicago?
Finding street parking is hard, and it costs a lot ($2-7/hour). Parking in a garage can cost $20-40 for a few hours or $40-70 for a full day. You can use apps like SpotHero to lower your parking costs by 30-50%.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Chicago?
Most companies require you to be 21 or older, and they charge extra fees for drivers under 25. The rules can be different for each company.
How do I handle tolls when driving in Chicago?
You can choose the rental company's toll program, where you pay a daily fee plus the tolls. Or, you can use the Illinois Tollway "Pay By Plate" system to pay for your tolls online within 14 days.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Chicago?
Most companies ask for a major credit card. Some will accept a debit card, but they might put a larger hold on your account (around $500) and ask you for more identification.
What happens if I get a parking ticket with my rental car?
You have to pay for any parking tickets you get. If you don't pay the ticket yourself, the rental company will charge your credit card for the ticket price plus a service fee.
Is winter driving difficult in Chicago?
Crews usually plow the main roads quickly after it snows. Most rental cars have all-season tires. If you don't feel safe driving in snow, you can take public transit when it snows a lot.
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