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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental offers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Compare rates and make reservations in one place. We pull live prices from the airport's Multi-Modal Facility and nearby off-airport companies, helping you secure low prices and the right vehicle for your Chicago stay or Midwest road trip.
All major rental companies at O'Hare operate from the consolidated Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) Rental Car Center, located just off the airport grounds.
| Location Factor | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Automated Transit System (ATS) | 24/7 shuttle train from all terminals |
| Distance from Terminals | Around 10 minutes | Follow signs for "Rental Cars" |
| Peak Wait Times | 20-45 minutes | During afternoon/evening rush (4-8 PM) |
| Express Service | Available | Enrollment in loyalty programs recommended |
On-Site Rental Companies:
| Company | Phone | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | (844) 354-6962 | On-site at MMF |
| Avis | (773) 825-4600 | On-site at MMF |
| Budget | (800) 218-7992 | On-site at MMF |
| Dollar | (800) 800-4000 | On-site at MMF |
| Enterprise | (855) 266-9289 | On-site at MMF |
| Hertz | (800) 654-3131 | On-site at MMF |
| National | (800) 367-6767 | On-site at MMF |
| Thrifty | (800) 847-4389 | On-site at MMF |
| Sixt | (888) 749-8227 | On-site at MMF |
| Payless | (800) 729-5377 | On-site at MMF |
Off-Site Companies via Shuttle:
| Company | Phone | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Rent A Car | (866) 551-8267 | Shuttle pickup from MMF bus bays |
| Routes Car Rental | (847) 671-4000 | Shuttle pickup from MMF bus bays |
On average, car rentals at Chicago O'Hare Airport cost around $50 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $4 per day.
Compare ORD vs downtown pickups: taking the Blue Line into the Loop and grabbing a car there can dodge airport taxes and save about 15-20%. Always price both before clicking "book".
Use refundable bookings and keep re-checking: lock in a cancel-for-free deal early, then stalk prices a week or two out—rates at O'Hare bounce, especially outside peak summer.
Look at off-airport shuttles (ACE, Routes): they add maybe 10 extra minutes but often beat the on-site giants on price.
Target the cheap seasons: January and the rest of winter are the clear bargain months; avoid July if you can.
Skip the pricey extras: bring your own GPS/child seat and pay tolls online with Pay-By-Plate instead of the $10-a-day transponder.
Check weekly rates even for 5-6 days: Chicago suppliers sometimes price a full week lower than six separate daily rates.
O'Hare Airport Parking:
| Parking Option | Location |
|---|---|
| Main Garage | Closest to terminals |
| Economy Lots | Shuttle required |
| Cell Phone Lot | Off Bessie Coleman Drive |
City Driving Regulations:
Toll Roads:
Get a car so you can visit:
Downtown Chicago – Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Navy Pier
North Side neighborhoods – Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park Zoo
Oak Park – Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Schaumburg – Schaumburg – Woodfield Mall, LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Harley-Davidson Museum, Public Market
Indiana Dunes National Park – Lake Michigan beaches, dunes
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at O'Hare? During busy times like late afternoon and evening, you should plan for 30-45 minutes for the shuttle and the rental process. Loyalty program members who use express service can get their car much faster.
Is it cheaper to rent a car at O'Hare or downtown Chicago? You'll find that renting a car downtown is usually 15-20% cheaper than at O'Hare because of lower airport fees and taxes. However, the airport location might be more convenient or necessary for a one-way trip, which could make up for the extra cost.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car at O'Hare? Most companies want you to use a major credit card. Some will accept a debit card, but they may hold more money (around $500) from your account and ask to see extra identification.
How do I handle tolls when renting from O'Hare? You can sign up for 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 online within 14 days of your trip.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours? Yes, most companies at O'Hare let you return a car after hours. They have key drop boxes you can use. Make sure you ask your rental company how to do it.
What's the fastest way to get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago? The Blue Line 'L' train is often faster during rush hour. If you are driving, the I-90 E (Kennedy Expressway) is the most direct route. It takes about 35-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the O'Hare rental facility? There are a few charging stations available. If you need to rent an electric vehicle, you should contact your rental company before your trip.
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