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.
Since Kenosha doesn't have a commercial airport, visitors have several options for obtaining a rental car.
Location | Pros | Cons |
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Kenosha City Locations |
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Milwaukee Airport (MKE) |
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Chicago O'Hare (ORD) |
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Chicago Midway (MDW) |
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Transportation to Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Kenosha cost around $100 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
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.
Finding a spot to park in Kenosha is easy and affordable compared to nearby major cities.
Area | Cost | Time Limits | Details |
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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:
Rent a car so you can easily:
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.