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24/7 SupportCar Rental Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top brands at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) with Road Genius. You'll find vehicles from compact cars to large SUVs and minivans. A 24-hour shuttle gets you to the rental center in about five minutes, so you can hit I-55 to downtown Chicago sooner and avoid the longer lines common at O'Hare. Book early to secure lower Midway Airport car rental rates and a wider choice of vehicles, especially during peak summer travel.
Car Rental Locations & Options
All rental companies at Midway operate from the consolidated Rental Car Facility located at 5150 W. 55th Street, a short distance from the main terminal.
| Location Factor | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 24-hour shuttle from lower level (Door #2) | Runs every 15 minutes |
| Distance from Terminal | About 5 minutes | Dedicated shuttle lane |
| Wait Times | Usually shorter than O'Hare | Small airport advantage |
| Off-Hours Returns | Key drop boxes available | Check your provider |
Available Rental Companies
| Company | Phone | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | (800) 327-9633 | On-site Rental Facility |
| Avis | (800) 331-1212 | On-site Rental Facility |
| Budget | (800) 527-7000 | On-site Rental Facility |
| Dollar | (800) 800-4000 | On-site Rental Facility |
| Enterprise | (800) 566-9249 | On-site Rental Facility |
| Hertz | (800) 654-3131 | On-site Rental Facility |
| National | (800) 227-7368 | On-site Rental Facility |
| Corporate Rent-A-Car | (331) 208-5100 | On-site Rental Facility |
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Shop around on our site for both MDW airport and downtown Chicago pick-ups. If you're heading straight into the city, grabbing the Orange Line then collecting a car later downtown can undercut airport pricing (and skip the shuttle).
- Shift your dates. Starting a rental on a Tuesday or Wednesday at Midway usually costs less than a Friday pick-up, and weekly (5+ day) rates often beat a long weekend booked day-by-day.
- Recheck prices 48-72 hrs before arrival. Midway fleets turn over quickly and suppliers sometimes drop last-minute rates to move cars—modify your existing booking for free if you see a better deal.
- Mind the tolls. If your road trip is mostly inside Chicago, skip the daily transponder fee and just use Illinois' Pay-By-Plate within 14 days.
- Fill up on Cicero Ave a mile before the return entrance—airport stations tack on premium pricing and rental refuel charges are steeper.
Car rental prices at Chicago Midway Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Midway Airport Parking:
| Parking Option | Location |
|---|---|
| Terminal Garage | Closest to terminal |
| Economy Parking | Shuttle required |
| Cell Phone Lot | Waiting only; 61st St & Cicero Ave |
City Driving Regulations
- Speed limits: 30 mph on city streets, 55–60 mph on expressways
- Hand-held phone use while driving is illegal
- Right turns on red are allowed after a full stop unless posted otherwise
- Many downtown intersections prohibit right turns on red
- Speed and red-light cameras are active throughout the city
Toll Roads
- Illinois uses a cashless I-PASS system
- Major toll roads: I-90, I-94, I-88, I-355, I-294, IL-390
- Pay online within 14 days via "Pay By Plate" system if not using a transponder
- Most rental companies offer toll transponder programs through the rental agency
Why rent a car in Chicago Midway Airport
Book a rental car so you can easily:
- Downtown Chicago – Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower
- Navy Pier & Lakefront – Navy Pier, Lakefront Trail, Museum Campus
- Magnificent Mile – Michigan Avenue
- Indiana Dunes National Park – Lake Michigan beaches, dune trails
- Oak Park & Western Suburbs – Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Brookfield Zoo
Local Rental Locations
- Aurora, IL
- Car Rental Bloomington, IL
- Car Rental O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Champaign, IL
- Chicago, IL
- Decatur, IL
- Downers Grove, IL
- Evanston, IL
- Illinois
- Joliet, IL
- Marion, IL
- Mchenry, IL
- Moline, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Oak Lawn, IL
- Oak Park, IL
- Peoria, IL
- PIA Airport
- Plainfield, IL
- RFD Airport
- Rockford, IL
- Schaumburg, IL
- Springfield, IL
- St Charles, IL
- Waukegan, IL
FAQs
What's the minimum age to rent a car at Midway?
Most companies require you to be 21 or older. They charge extra fees for drivers under 25. Each company has its own specific rules.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car at Midway?
Most companies require a major credit card. Some accept debit cards but may place a larger hold (around $500) and ask for extra ID.
Is there a way to avoid the shuttle at Midway?
No, you need to take the shuttle to the rental car center to pick up your car.
How far in advance should I book a rental car at Midway?
To get the best car selection and prices, you should book 2-4 weeks ahead of time, especially during summer or holidays.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, most companies at Midway let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. You should confirm the exact steps with your rental company.
