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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in McHenry, IL. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Simple. Inventory here is limited, so book ahead to lock in low prices on everything from compact cars to winter-ready SUVs at Enterprise, Hertz, or nearby branches. Grab your keys and visit Chain O'Lakes, Lake Geneva and even downtown Chicago on your schedule.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 596224

McHenry has limited rental locations as it's a smaller city without a commercial airport.

Location Type Available Options Considerations
City Locations
  • Enterprise (on IL-120)
  • Hertz (limited availability)
  • Budget/Avis (via nearby towns)
  • Standard business hours (8am-5/6pm weekdays)
  • Limited Saturday hours, often closed Sundays
  • Small fleet requires advance booking
  • Limited vehicle selection
  • No dedicated airport shuttles available
  • Options to reach McHenry rental locations:

    • Metra Union Pacific Northwest train from Chicago
    • Drive from Chicago O'Hare (around 1 hour)
    • Local taxi services
    • Some agencies (like Enterprise) offer local pick-up service
  • Advance reservations are essential due to limited fleet size

Car Rental Prices

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

On average, car rentals in McHenry cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $12 per day.

Saving Tips
  • Expand your search radius on our site to include nearby towns like Crystal Lake or Woodstock. A 15-20 min drive can unlock more cars and lower rates.

  • Lock in summer weekend rentals 2-4 weeks early. June-August is peak lake season and the small McHenry fleets sell out fast, pushing prices up.

  • Compare weekly vs daily pricing even for a 4-5 day trip. Weekly deals in McHenry often beat stacking single-day rates.

  • Skip the SUV if roads are clear. Demand for larger vehicles spikes in winter and during boating season, so a compact can save you 20-30%.

  • Ask about free local pickup when you book. Let the rental desk collect you instead of paying for a cab from the Metra station.

Parking and Local Rules

  • Downtown McHenry (around Green St) offers free public lots
  • Street spaces are generally available and free unless marked otherwise
  • Residential street spaces may have overnight restrictions
  • Winter snow emergency bans may be put in place during snowfall

  • Standard Illinois speed limits apply:

    • 30 mph in city limits unless posted otherwise
    • 55 mph on rural highways
    • 70 mph on interstates (when traveling outside McHenry)
  • School zones: 20 mph when children are present (7am-4pm on school days)
  • Complete stop required at all stop signs and red lights
  • Right turn on red permitted after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Move over for emergency vehicles when lights are flashing
Why rent a car in McHenry, Illinois

Get a car to easily:

  • Chain O'Lakes State Park – boating, fishing

  • Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – lakefront, dining

  • Chicago – museums, skyline

  • Milwaukee – breweries, lakefront

  • Rockford – gardens, museums

Driving Distances from McHenry

FAQs

What rental car companies have locations in McHenry?

Enterprise has an office in McHenry on IL-31 (North Richmond Road). Hertz and Avis/Budget also serve the area from their nearby offices. You'll find fewer cars available than in bigger cities, so it's a good idea to book your car in advance.

Do I need a specific type of vehicle for McHenry?

A standard car works for most of the year. But for winter months (December–February), we recommend an all-wheel drive SUV because it can snow. In the summer, you should think about how much room you need for any water sports gear.

Can I get a rental car delivered to my hotel in McHenry?

Enterprise can often pick you up if you are staying near their office. You should ask about this service when you book. It's usually free, but you need to arrange it ahead of time.

What identification do I need to rent a car in McHenry?

You'll need a current driver's license and a major credit card in your name. Some companies might also ask you for a second form of ID. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport. It's also a good idea to get an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.

Are there any toll roads around McHenry?

McHenry itself does not have toll roads. But if you drive to Chicago or other places in northern Illinois, you will often use tollways. The closest ones are I-90 to the south and I-94 to the east. Rental companies offer toll passes, or you can pay the tolls online after your trip.

Is it better to rent at O'Hare Airport or in McHenry?

If you fly into O'Hare, you'll find more cars to choose from and maybe better prices at the airport, even with the extra fees. However, if you plan to stay mostly in McHenry, renting a car in town saves you about an hour of driving from the airport.