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| Location Type | Available Options | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| City Locations |
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From downtown Chicago or O'Hare Airport:
No dedicated shuttle services are available
Advance reservations recommended, especially for weekends
On average, car rentals in Oak Park cost around $90 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $28 per day.
Compare Oak Park vs airport pickups: City branches skip the 10-15 % airport surcharges. Even after a $3 CTA ride from O'Hare you usually come out ahead.
Play with pickup days: Rates dip Tue-Thu and late-morning slots are quieter, so you avoid both peak prices and long lines.
Test weekly pricing: In Oak Park a 5-7 day "weekly" rate often beats paying for just 4 days. Try a day longer in the search box and see if the total drops.
Book "pay later" then re-check: Off-peak weekends sometimes see last-minute price drops. Re-price 48 hrs before and cancel if it sinks.
Factor in Oak Park's 2:30 a.m.–6 a.m. street-parking ban: Use a hotel garage or grab a $7 overnight pass; a ticket will wipe out any rental savings.
Stick to compact or midsize: Cheaper daily rate, lower fuel use and easier fits in $2 hr public garages on Lake St and Harlem Ave.
| Location | Costs | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Varies |
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| Public Garages | Varies |
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| Hotel Parking | Varies by property |
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Standard Illinois driving laws apply:
Get a rental so you can drive to:
Downtown Chicago – Magnificent Mile, Art Institute, Navy Pier
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail – Home and Studio, Unity Temple
Brookfield Zoo – Tropic World, Hamill Family Play Zoo
Lake Michigan shoreline – beaches, Lakefront Trail

How does renting in Oak Park compare to renting at O'Hare Airport?
When you rent in Oak Park, you'll usually find lower prices because you don't pay airport fees (about 10–15% less). But you will need to get a ride to Oak Park from the airport. For short trips, the money you save might cover the cost of your ride. For longer trips, you'll save a lot more money.
Can I park overnight on Oak Park streets with a rental car?
No, the village of Oak Park doesn't let you park on the street between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. anywhere in the village, unless you have a permit or temporary pass. As a visitor, you should park at your hotel, use a public garage or get a temporary overnight parking pass from the village's online parking portal or by calling the police non-emergency number.
What type of car is best for visiting Oak Park and Chicago?
You'll find it's easier to get around Oak Park's neighborhood streets and find parking in Chicago if you rent a compact or midsize car. You might have a hard time parking a larger car in some spots. If you plan to drive a lot during the winter (December to February), you should think about getting a car that handles well in snow.
Do I need a car in Oak Park if I'm mainly visiting Chicago?
Not really. You can easily take public transportation to Chicago using the CTA Green and Blue Lines and Metra. But, a car gives you more freedom to explore different neighborhoods in one day or visit attractions in the suburbs. If you plan to spend most of your time in Oak Park and downtown Chicago, you could just rent a car for specific day trips.
Are there toll roads between Oak Park and Chicago?
You won't pay any tolls if you take the direct route on I-290 between Oak Park and downtown Chicago. However, you will find toll roads on routes to O'Hare Airport, the northern suburbs or Milwaukee (like I-294 and I-90). You can prepare for this by signing up for your rental company's toll program or by paying the tolls online after your drive.
Can I return my rental to a different location than where I picked it up?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but the company might charge you an extra fee. For example, you could pick up your car in Oak Park and drop it off at O'Hare Airport before you fly home. The extra fee changes depending on the rental company and the distance. For short drives around the Chicago area, the fee is often small.