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Compare rental cars from top brands in Kenosha, Wisconsin with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up downtown or at Milwaukee MKE or Chicago O'Hare airports, then cruise I-94 to Lake Michigan beaches, Pleasant Prairie Outlets or downtown Chicago in under 90 minutes. Book early for summer weekends to lock in the widest selection and best value.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 581842

Since Kenosha doesn't have a commercial airport, visitors have several options for obtaining a rental car.

Location Pros Cons
Kenosha City Locations
  • Lower daily rates (no airport fees)
  • Convenient if already in Kenosha
  • Less paperwork/processing time
  • Limited hours (usually business hours, half-day Saturday)
  • Closed Sundays
  • Limited vehicle selection
  • Must arrange transportation to rental office
Milwaukee Airport (MKE)
  • Larger selection of vehicles
  • Extended hours (many 24/7)
  • Immediate availability after flight
  • Major brands available
  • Approximately 40 miles (64 km) north (35-40 minute drive)
  • Airport fees added to rates
  • Need transportation to Kenosha if renting later
Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
  • Largest vehicle selection
  • Most competitive pricing
  • International airline connections
  • Approximately 50 miles (80 km) south (1 hour drive)
  • Illinois tolls on route to Kenosha
  • Heavy traffic common
  • Airport fees added to rates
Chicago Midway (MDW)
  • Smaller, easier navigation than O'Hare
  • Good domestic flight options
  • Approximately 60 miles (97 km) south
  • Less convenient route to Kenosha
  • Airport fees added to rates

Transportation to Rental Locations:

  • In Kenosha: Uber/Lyft available (usually under $15 across town)
  • Metra commuter rail connects Chicago to Kenosha (terminus station downtown)
  • Some rental companies offer pickup service (call to verify availability)

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Kenosha?

On average, car rentals in Kenosha cost around $100 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Compare city vs. airport pickup – Kenosha's in-town branches dodge airport surcharges and are often cheaper than Milwaukee or O'Hare, as long as their shorter hours work for you.

  • Peak vs. off-peak timing – Lock in a car about 2-3 weeks ahead for summer weekends or festival dates (limited fleet sells out fast). In winter or mid-week, keep an eye on last-minute drops instead of booking months early.

  • Book with free cancellation and re-shop – Grab the best deal you see, then recheck prices every few days. If rates dip, just rebook and cancel the old one.

  • Widen the search radius – If Kenosha prices spike, check nearby Racine (15 mi north) or Gurnee, IL (15 mi south). A quick Uber or friend's ride can save serious cash.

  • Mind the geography costs – Returning the car in the same state usually avoids drop fees, filling up in Wisconsin saves on gas, and taking Sheridan/Green Bay Road skips Illinois tolls on I-94.

Local Parking and Driving

Finding a spot to park in Kenosha is easy and affordable compared to nearby major cities.

Area Cost Time Limits Details
Downtown/Harbor Free 2-3 hour limits common Mix of timed free spots and a few metered ones
Museums/Waterfront Free Varies Public lots available near Civil War Museum and Public Museum
Residential Areas Free Generally unrestricted No permit required for street parking (except during snow emergencies)
Shopping Centers Free Unrestricted Plenty of spaces at Southport Plaza and other retail areas
Simmons Island/Beaches Free Unrestricted Free lots for beach and lighthouse access
Hospital/Medical Areas Varies Varies Some areas may have paid parking or visitor restrictions

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 25 mph residential, 30 mph on city streets, 35-45 mph on major roads
  • Watch for vintage streetcar downtown (operates on rails in street, primarily along 54th/56th St)
  • School zones strictly enforced when children present
  • Winter snow emergency rules: No parking on designated snow routes during declared emergencies
Why rent a car in Kenosha

Rent a car so you can easily:

  • Milwaukee – museums breweries lakefront

  • Chicago – museums architecture dining

  • Lake Geneva – lake activities resorts golf

  • Six Flags Great America – amusement park rides waterpark

  • Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets – outlet mall shopping

  • Richard Bong State Recreation Area – hiking trails wildlife

Driving Distances from Kenosha

FAQs

Is it necessary to have a car in Kenosha?
While you can walk around the downtown/harbor area, you'll probably want a car to get around the rest of the city and nearby places. The city has limited public transportation and places are far apart.

What's the best way to handle Illinois tolls when driving a rental car from Kenosha?
You can pay Illinois tolls online up to 14 days after you travel using your license plate number. You can also choose the rental company's toll program if you plan to drive to Illinois often.

Can I pick up a rental car in Kenosha and return it in Chicago?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but the company may charge you a drop fee. Some companies charge more because they treat Kenosha and Chicago as different business regions. Always ask about their rules and fees when you book your car.

Are there any driving restrictions between Wisconsin and Illinois?
No, you can drive freely across the state line. Just remember that Illinois has toll roads and Wisconsin does not. Their traffic laws are mostly the same but have a few small differences.

What's the minimum age to rent a car in Kenosha?
You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Most major companies will charge you a young driver fee of about $25 a day if you are between 21 and 24.

How far is Kenosha from Chicago airports if I need to catch a flight?
O'Hare International Airport is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Kenosha, which is a 1-hour drive. Midway Airport is about 60 miles (97 km) away, a drive that takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You should plan for extra time if you're driving during rush hour or in bad weather.