Popular Countries
24/7 SupportCar Rental General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers at Peoria International Airport. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick from on-site counters like Alamo, Avis and Enterprise, then reach downtown Peoria via IL-40 in about 12 minutes. Book early for low prices or select free-cancellation deals if your schedule is still fluid.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
Peoria Airport offers on-site rental facilities from several major providers.
| Location Type | Available Options | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (PIA) |
|
|
| Downtown Peoria |
|
|
- Counters located on the main concourse, a short walk from baggage claim
- Rental car lots situated near the terminal
- No shuttle buses needed as all rentals are on-site
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Compare airport vs downtown pickups: Downtown Peoria counters often dodge the 10-15 % airport concession fee. Add taxi/rideshare cost (about $20) to see which total is lower.
- Shift your pickup time: Rates at PIA spike around the morning and 4 pm flight banks. Searching for a midday or late-evening pickup/return can trim a few bucks.
- Watch local event weeks: Bradley University graduation, State Farm Classic, or big Civic Center concerts push prices up fast. Book 2-4 weeks ahead during these peaks but stay flexible in quieter months.
- Check weekly pricing even for 4–5-day trips: At PIA a 7-day "weekend special" can beat a 5-day daily rate. Toggle the dates on the comparison tool to see.
- Leverage free loyalty programs: Most brands give instant perks like free additional driver or skip-the-counter, which can offset the $10-15 daily add-on fees.
- Re-quote before you travel: Choose a "pay later" option, then re-run the comparison a couple of days out. Central Illinois winter lulls often trigger last-minute price drops.
Car rental prices at Peoria Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| Location | Usual Costs | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Peoria | Varies; generally moderate rates |
|
| Peoria Airport (PIA) | Long-term lot rates vary |
|
| Shopping Areas | Free |
|
- Standard Illinois speed limits apply:
- 30 mph on city streets unless posted otherwise
- 55 mph on rural highways
- 70 mph on interstates
- School zones: 20 mph when children are present (7 am-4 pm school days)
- Move over for emergency vehicles on roadside (state law)
- No handheld cell phone use while driving
- Right turn permitted at red lights after complete stop unless signed otherwise
- Peoria and surrounding highways are toll-free (unlike northern Illinois)
Why rent a car in Peoria
Book a car rental so you can visit:
- Downtown Peoria – Illinois Riverfront, Peoria Civic Center
- Wildlife Prairie Park – bison, elk, trails
- Starved Rock State Park – waterfalls, canyons, overlooks
- Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, State Capitol
- Grand Prairie Mall – retail, dining
Local Rental Locations
- Aurora, IL
- Car Rental Bloomington, IL
- Car Rental Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Car Rental O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Champaign, IL
- Chicago, IL
- Decatur, IL
- Downers Grove, IL
- Evanston, IL
- Illinois
- Joliet, IL
- Marion, IL
- Mchenry, IL
- Moline, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Oak Lawn, IL
- Oak Park, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Plainfield, IL
- RFD Airport
- Rockford, IL
- Schaumburg, IL
- Springfield, IL
- St Charles, IL
- Waukegan, IL
FAQs
Is a car necessary when visiting Peoria?
Yes, we highly recommend you rent a car in Peoria. The city has limited public transportation and many attractions are far apart. You can find taxis and rideshare services, but they are not as easy to use if you want to see many places.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting Peoria?
Most visitors will find a standard sedan or small SUV works well. In winter (December to February), you should consider a car that has front-wheel or all-wheel drive if a lot of snow is in the forecast. If you're traveling as a family or group, you might prefer a minivan or larger SUV for more comfort and luggage space.
How far is the Peoria Airport from downtown?
Peoria International Airport (PIA) is about 6 miles (10 km) from downtown Peoria. The drive usually takes 12 to 15 minutes using Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway/IL-116 and SW Adams Street.
Are there any toll roads around Peoria?
No, you won't find any toll roads in the Peoria area. You can drive on major highways like I-74, I-155 and I-474 for free. In Illinois, you will mostly find toll roads in the northern part of the state around Chicago.
Can I pick up a rental car at Peoria Airport and drop it off in Chicago?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental between Peoria and Chicago, but the rental company will usually charge a one-way fee. This fee changes depending on the company and can be between $50 and $150.
What documentation do I need to rent a car at Peoria Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You don't have to show proof of insurance, but you can use your own policy or buy coverage from the rental company. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport and may need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
