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Find competitive rental car prices in Merrillville, Indiana with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Pick up your car at a local branch to avoid airport fees, then cruise up I-65 to downtown Chicago in under an hour or reach Indiana Dunes National Park in about 30 minutes.
Travelers to Merrillville have several options for car rentals, both at nearby airports and in town:
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) | Largest selection of vehicles 24/7 operation All major companies present |
Highest fees and surcharges 45-60 min drive to Merrillville Chicago traffic |
Best if flying into O'Hare |
| Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) | Good selection All major rental companies Slightly closer to Merrillville |
Airport fees and surcharges 40-50 min drive to Merrillville |
Good alternative to O'Hare |
| Gary/Chicago Airport (GYY) | Closest airport to Merrillville Less congestion |
Limited flight options Fewer rental companies |
Limited service |
| Merrillville Local Branches | No airport fees Lower base rates Convenient for local pickups |
Business hours only (usually M-F 8AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-1PM) Limited selection |
Enterprise on Lincoln Highway Hertz near Southlake Mall |
On average, car rentals in Merrillville cost around $83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $44 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup: Merrillville branches skip airport taxes and usually run $5-$10/day cheaper. A quick rideshare from O'Hare or Midway can still leave you ahead.
Shift your dates: July crowds and Notre Dame game weekends spike rates. Traveling in October-November or January-March can shave 30 percent or more off the total.
Check weekly pricing: A 5-7 day "weekly" rate often beats paying daily for the same span. Always run both through the quote box.
Mind the deposit: Using a credit card typically locks up $200-$300, while a debit card can freeze twice that. Choose the payment method that keeps more cash in your pocket.
Parking in Merrillville:
Parking in Chicago:
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Get a car rental so you can see:
Indiana Dunes National Park – beaches
Downtown Chicago – museums, skyline
Southlake Mall – shopping
Hard Rock Casino Gary – gaming, concerts
What documents do I need to rent a car in Merrillville?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you don't buy the rental company's coverage. If you are visiting from another country, you should bring your passport. You may also want an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
How do I handle tolls in the Chicago area and on the Indiana Toll Road?
Most rental cars have toll transponders. The rental company will charge the tolls to your account and add a daily service fee of about $3.95 to $5.95 for each day you use it. You can turn this off and pay cash at Indiana toll plazas, but Illinois Tollways are now all-electronic. If you don't use the transponder, you must pay Illinois tolls online using the Pay-By-Plate system in the time allowed. Check your rental agreement to see the company's rules for tolls.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Merrillville?
You must be at least 21 years old. Rental companies will also charge drivers under 25 a "young driver surcharge" of about $25 to $30 per day.
Is it better to rent at Chicago airports or in Merrillville?
If you're flying into O'Hare or Midway, renting a car at the airport is more convenient even though it costs more. If you're already in the area or staying in Merrillville, you can find cheaper rates at local rental places because they don't have airport fees and taxes.
What should I do if I encounter heavy snow during my rental period?
Northwest Indiana can get a lot of lake-effect snow. Crews plow the main highways quickly, but you should think about delaying your trip during a heavy storm. If you rent a car in the winter, ask for an AWD or 4WD vehicle. You should also keep the fuel tank at least half full in the winter, just in case.
Are there any driving restrictions between Indiana and Illinois?
No, you can drive freely between the states. Rental companies usually let you drive between all U.S. states without limits. Just know that speed limits and some traffic laws can be a little different in Illinois and Indiana.
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