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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive car rental prices in Racine, Wisconsin with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Local branches can sell out fast, so lock in a deal early or widen your search to Milwaukee Airport or nearby Kenosha for more choice. Once you have the keys, I-94 puts Milwaukee , Chicago and Lake Geneva within an easy drive.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Racine City Locations |
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| Nearest Airports |
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| Kenosha |
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On average, car rentals in Racine cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
Shop multiple pickup spots: Compare Racine in-town offices with Kenosha (10 mi south) and Milwaukee Airport. A quick rideshare can unlock more vehicle choices and sometimes lower daily rates even after the extra ride cost.
Mind the calendar, not just "book early": Summer weekends and July-4th fill up fast, so lock in 3-4 weeks ahead. November-March is quiet; reserve with free cancellation, then re-check prices a week out and rebook if they drop.
Skip airport fees when you can: Racine city locations avoid the extra surcharges baked into airport rentals. Just be sure your flight times line up with their shorter business hours.
Play with rental length: Weird but true—weekly pricing often beats a 5- or 6-day booking. Add or subtract a day in the search box and see if the total falls.
Finding a spot in Racine is generally easy with various options throughout the city.
| Parking Area | Cost | Time Limits | Other Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Streets | Metered or time limited | Usually 2 hours | Check posted signs for specific limits |
| Downtown Ramps | Some free time provided, then daily fee | No limit | Lake Ave and Civic Center ramps are convenient |
| North Beach | Free | Seasonal limits | Very busy on summer weekends; arrive early |
| Zoo/Lakefront | Free | During operating hours | Zoo lot for patrons |
| Malls/Shopping | Free | No limit | Regency Mall and strip centers have plenty of space |
| Residential Areas | Free or permit required | Check signs | Watch for street cleaning and winter rules |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Wind Point Lighthouse – parkland, lakefront picnic areas
SC Johnson Campus – Frank Lloyd Wright architecture
Milwaukee – museums, Riverwalk, breweries
Lake Geneva – shoreline, downtown shops
Kenosha – public museum, lakefront promenade
Richard Bong State Recreation Area – prairie, wetlands
Do I need to rent a car if I'm visiting Racine?
Yes, we highly recommend you rent a car. Racine has limited public transportation and many places to see are spread throughout the city and nearby areas. Downtown is walkable, but most visitors want to explore beyond this area.
Can I easily drive to Chicago from Racine?
Yes, you can easily drive to Chicago. It's about 75 miles (121 km) south on I-94, which is usually a 1.5-hour drive when there's no heavy traffic. Rush hour can make the drive much longer. For a day trip, you could take the Metra commuter train from Kenosha (10 miles south of Racine) to save on Chicago parking.
What should I know about driving to Illinois from Racine?
When you drive into Illinois on I-94, you'll hit toll roads soon after you cross the state line. Make sure you have a way to pay, either cash or electronic. The tolls from the Wisconsin border to downtown Chicago usually cost around $3–6. The final price depends on how you pay and the time of day.
Is winter driving difficult in Racine?
Racine gets a moderate amount of snow, sometimes from lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan. Road crews clear the main roads quickly, but you'll find winter driving skills are helpful from November through March. An all-wheel-drive vehicle can make you feel more confident, but you don't really need one for driving in town.
Are there any unusual local driving laws I should know about?
In Racine, drivers follow the standard Wisconsin driving laws. You won't find any strange local rules that would affect visitors. One state law to know is that you must turn on your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers for bad weather.
Can I rent a car in Racine and return it in Chicago?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental between Racine and Chicago, but the rental company will probably charge a drop-off fee. Since Racine has fewer rental car places, you might find it easier to set this up from a Milwaukee location. Always ask the company about its specific rules and fees when you book.
How reliable is GPS navigation in the Racine area?
You'll find that GPS and smartphone navigation apps work very well in Racine and the nearby region. You can count on getting a good signal and the maps are accurate. The streets are mostly on a simple grid, so the lakefront makes for an easy landmark to the east.
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