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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.
Car Rental Locations & Options
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 |
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- 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.
- Buy gas on the Indiana side: Fuel is usually 30-40¢ cheaper than in Illinois. Top off before crossing into Chicago and again before you return the car to avoid pricey refueling charges.
Car rental prices in Merrillville 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Parking in Merrillville
- Most businesses, restaurants and Southlake Mall offer free parking
- No meters or paid street parking in Merrillville
- Hotels usually provide free parking for guests
Parking in Chicago
- Downtown Chicago street parking is metered and can be expensive
- Chicago garages often charge high daily rates
- Consider park-and-ride options at CTA train stations where daily parking is available for a fee plus train fare
- SpotHero app recommended for finding and reserving spots in advance
Local Driving Rules
- Speed limits: 30-40 mph on Merrillville streets, 55 mph on highways, 70 mph on rural interstates, 55 mph on urban interstates
- Move over for emergency vehicles on roadside (state law)
- Headlights required when wipers are in use
- No texting or handheld phone use while driving
- Winter restrictions may apply during snowfall
Toll Roads
- I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road) requires tolls for east-west travel across northern Indiana
- Chicago-area expressways (I-294, I-355, I-88) are tolled
- Illinois tolls use I-Pass/E-ZPass electronic collection; rental cars may be equipped with transponders (fee applies)
- Indiana Toll Road accepts cash at toll plazas or electronic payment
Why rent a car in Merrillville
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
- Michigan City – outlet mall, waterfront
Local Rental Locations
- Bloomington, IN
- Brownsburg, IN
- Car Rental Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Car Rental South Bend International Airport (SBN)
- Evansville, IN
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Greenwood, IN
- Indiana
- Indianapolis, IN
- Lafayette, IN
- Mishawaka, IN
- South Bend, IN
FAQs
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.
