Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Naperville, Illinois. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. We pull live rates from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and others across downtown counters, Route 59 branches and nearby O'Hare or Midway airports, so you can secure anything from an economy car to an SUV and drive in the western Chicago suburbs without hassle.
Location | Advantages | Considerations |
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Downtown Naperville |
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Route 59 Corridor |
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O'Hare Airport (ORD) |
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Midway Airport (MDW) |
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Major rental providers in Naperville include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Budget. Local branches usually operate standard business hours (8 AM-6 PM weekdays, 9 AM-noon Saturdays), while airport locations offer 24/7 service.
Naperville is served by Metra commuter rail (BNSF line) offering direct service to Chicago. Local Pace bus routes connect limited areas. While public transit works well for Chicago trips, a car is beneficial for exploring Naperville and surrounding suburbs.
On average, car rentals in Naperville cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare locations, not just prices. Neighborhood spots in Naperville (Route 59 or downtown) often beat O'Hare/Midway once you add the airport concession fees. A quick Metra ride from the terminals can offset the extra 30 minutes.
Snap up weekend deals. Business travelers clear out Friday afternoon so many local branches cut rates from Thursday PM through Monday. Perfect if you're here for Riverwalk strolls or outlet shopping.
Route 59 = bigger fleets, better choice. Check that corridor if you're flexible on vehicle size; higher inventory can push prices down versus tight downtown lots.
Skip the daily toll gadget if you can. I-PASS holder? Add the rental plate online or use Pay-By-Plate within 14 days and avoid the $3-5 daily program fee.
Downtown: Several public garages offer free short-term parking. Fees apply after a grace period. Street parking is available but usually time limited. The Water Street District garage connects directly to shops and restaurants.
Suburban areas: Most shopping centers, parks and business complexes provide free parking. The Naperville Metra station offers paid daily parking for commuters.
Residential areas: Many residential streets, especially near downtown and North Central College, have restrictions. Always check posted signs for permit requirements and time limits.
Local driving rules:
Speed limits:
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Morton Arboretum – tree collections, walking trails
Fermilab – visitor center, accelerator tours
Chicago Premium Outlets, Aurora – discount shopping
DuPage forest preserves – biking, birdwatching
Do I need a car in Naperville?
If you're just visiting downtown Naperville and taking a few trips to Chicago, you might not need a car. The downtown area is easy to walk around and Metra runs trains to Chicago. However, we strongly suggest you get a car to reach business parks, shopping centers and attractions throughout the western suburbs, because public transportation is limited.
How does traffic compare to downtown Chicago?
Traffic in Naperville is much lighter than in downtown Chicago, but roads still get busy during rush hours. The Route 59 corridor and I-88 see the most traffic. Unlike Chicago, you'll find plenty of parking in Naperville, and it's usually free or cheap.
What's the best way to get to downtown Chicago from Naperville?
During weekday rush hours, taking the Metra train is often faster than driving. If you decide to drive, take I-88 East to I-290 East, which leads into downtown on Ida B. Wells Drive. You can also take I-55, but that route can be busy too. Plan for the trip to take 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
Are there any unique driving challenges in Naperville?
Downtown Naperville has some one-way streets and can get busy during dinner time and on weekends. The Route 59 corridor has heavy traffic from shoppers, especially on weekends. You might also face short delays at railroad crossings when commuter and freight trains pass by.
What's the most convenient area to rent a car in Naperville?
The Route 59 corridor has the most car rental places and you can easily get there using the Metra train. Locations in downtown Naperville are handy for business travelers staying in the central area. When you decide, compare the total cost, including your transportation to the rental office.
Is winter driving difficult in Naperville?
The city does a good job with snow removal, clearing main roads quickly after it snows. However, driving conditions can be tough from December through March. All rental cars have all-season tires, which are usually fine for the winter. For times with heavy snow, you might want to rent a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD).