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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Downers Grove, Illinois. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up a car near the village center to dodge airport surcharges and hit I-355 or the Metra line to Chicago in minutes, or browse SUVs and sedans from Enterprise, Hertz and more for quick drives to Oak Brook, Naperville or Lake Geneva.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (O'Hare/Midway) | • Immediate access after flights • Extended hours • Larger selection of vehicles |
• Added taxes (approximately 14%) • 30-60 minute drive to Downers Grove • Potential for longer wait times |
| Downers Grove Local | • Lower rates (no airport taxes) • Shorter wait times • Closer to your destination |
• Limited hours (often 8AM-6PM weekdays) • Most closed Sunday • Transport needed from airport |
Transportation to Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Downers Grove cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Pick up in Downers Grove, not at the airport – suburban desks skip the 14-20% concession taxes you'd pay at O'Hare or Midway. Grab a Metra ride or quick rideshare from the terminal, then collect the car locally.
Shift your dates in the search box – a 7-day "weekly" rate can cost less than five individual days. Moving pickup or drop-off by even a few hours can unlock better pricing.
Book early only for peak periods – summer and Thanksgiving spike fast, so lock in 3-6 months out. For quiet months (Jan–Feb) wait and watch; prices often drop late as fleets sit idle.
Trim the extras – extra driver, under-25 fee, GPS and daily toll transponders add up. Use your phone for navigation and Illinois' Pay-By-Plate website for tolls to keep daily costs down.
Check nearby ZIP codes – rates in Lisle, Oak Brook or Naperville can be a few bucks lower and are 10 minutes away. Compare them all in one search before you commit.
Apply membership discounts – plug in any AAA, AARP or corporate codes after finding the lowest base rate for an instant 5-10% shave.
| Location | Parking Options | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Downers Grove | • Decks at Main St. station and library • Metered street parking |
• Decks free evenings and weekends • Some levels permit-only until late morning on weekdays • Meters require payment during posted hours and are often free after 6 PM and Sundays |
| Residential Areas | Free street parking | • Watch for permit-only zones near downtown or train stations • During heavy snowfall (3+ inches), street parking prohibited until plowed |
| Shopping Centers | Free lot or garage parking | Yorktown Center and other malls have plenty of free parking |
Local Driving Regulations:
Toll Roads: Downers Grove is surrounded by toll roads (I-355 and I-88). Payment options include: 1. Rental company transponder (daily fee applies) 2. Pay-by-plate online within two weeks 3. Your own I-PASS or E-ZPass (add the rental plate to your account temporarily)
Rent a car to easily:
Oak Brook – shopping, business district
Morton Arboretum – gardens, trails
Brookfield Zoo – exhibits
Downtown Naperville – dining, nightlife
What's the best time to rent a car to avoid high prices?
You can rent a car for less in January and February. July has the highest prices. To get a better deal, book your car 3 to 6 months early, no matter what time of year you visit.
How do I handle overnight street parking during winter?
You cannot park on the street in Downers Grove when 3 or more inches of snow have fallen. You have to wait until the streets are plowed. Always check the forecast and move your car to a driveway or a parking lot if snow is expected.
Are there any local driving customs I should know about?
When you drive near the downtown Metra crossings, you'll need to stop for short periods as trains pass. You must always let people cross at crosswalks, especially downtown where lots of people are walking. If you see a flashing red light, treat it like a stop sign.
What's the best way to get to Chicago from Downers Grove?
To get to downtown Chicago, we recommend taking the Metra train from one of the three stations in Downers Grove. You'll avoid city traffic and expensive parking. If you have to drive, I-55 has no tolls but can get very crowded during rush hour.
How do I handle toll roads around Downers Grove?
You'll find toll roads around Downers Grove (I-355 and I-88). If you plan to use them a lot, ask your rental company about its toll program. You can also pay online on the Illinois Tollway website. You have two weeks after you drive on the toll road to pay online and avoid extra fees.
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