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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Rockford, IL. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Simple. Choose a pick-up spot at Chicago Rockford International Airport or city branches on East State Street and downtown, then hit I-90 or US-20 toward Chicago, Madison or the Rock River Valley. We scan deals from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Budget so you can lock in low prices on everything from fuel-saving compacts to roomy SUVs.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) |
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| East State Street Corridor |
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| Downtown Rockford |
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On average, car rentals in Rockford cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $31 per day.
Compare city vs. airport pickup – airport convenience adds 10-15 % in fees. If you can grab a rideshare to an East State Street or downtown branch you'll usually save.
Shift your dates – Rockford rates spike in summer and mid-October foliage weekends. If your trip is flexible, a mid-week start or off-season rental can cut the price.
Use weekend or weekly deals – many suppliers drop the per-day cost for Thu–Mon "weekend specials" or 7-day rentals. Sometimes a 5-day rental costs the same as 3.
Ask for free local pick-up – several in-town offices will collect you from your hotel or home, saving the taxi fare you'd spend getting there.
Handle tolls yourself – instead of paying the rental company's daily toll fee, pay online within 14 days or bring your own I-PASS/E-ZPass. On I-90 that can halve the cost.
Refuel on East State or South Alpine – gas stations here sit well below airport prices, dodging the steep refueling charge at drop-off.
Downtown: You'll find a mix of metered street spots, public lots and garages. Many meters now accept credit cards or payment by app. Free spots available on evenings and weekends in most areas.
Shopping areas: Free spots available at CherryVale Mall, Riverside Boulevard shopping district and East State Street retail corridor.
Event parking: Venues like the BMO Center, Coronado Performing Arts Center and UW Health Sports Factory offer dedicated spaces. During major festivals, follow posted signs for event spots.
Local driving rules:
Speed limits:
A rental car unlocks scenic parks, cross-state day trips and charming Midwest towns that buses don't reach.
Rock Cut State Park – trails, lakes
Galena – historic downtown, wineries
Starved Rock State Park – canyons, waterfalls
Lake Geneva, WI – lake resorts, shopping
Chicago – museums, dining
Madison, WI – Capitol Square, farmers market
Is public transportation an alternative to renting a car in Rockford?
Rockford's public transportation system (RMTD) offers some bus service inside the city. However, the city designed the routes mainly for residents, not tourists, so the buses don't run very often or go everywhere. We highly recommend a rental car for visitors who want to explore easily and visit many attractions.
How are the roads during winter months?
You can expect winter driving conditions from December to March. The city does a good job clearing snow from main roads, but you might see delays when it snows heavily. You should think about renting an AWD/4WD vehicle if you visit during the winter. Crews usually keep the I-90 tollway in good shape even in winter.
What's the most scenic drive near Rockford?
You can take several beautiful drives from Rockford. Northwest on IL-2 follows the Rock River through forests. West on US-20 toward Galena takes you through rolling hills and farmland. Northeast to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin gives you views of the scenic countryside and the lake. The fall months, from mid-September through October, have the most colorful landscapes.
Do I need to worry about crossing state lines with my rental?
No, all major rental companies in Rockford let you drive to nearby states like Wisconsin. You won't find any border checks or special rules when you cross between Illinois and Wisconsin. Just remember that if you use toll roads, the payment systems might be different in other states.
How does I-90 toll payment work with a rental car?
I-90 through Rockford has electronic tolls, so you cannot pay with cash. You have three options: 1) Use the rental company's toll program (you pay a daily fee plus the tolls), 2) Pay online within 14 days using the rental car's license plate number or 3) Use your own I-PASS/E-ZPass transponder if you have one. The rental company's program is the simplest option but also the most expensive.
What's the best day trip destination from Rockford?
Rockford is in a great central spot for day trips. Galena (about 70 miles / 113 km west) has historic buildings and shopping. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (about 45 miles / 72 km northeast) offers lake activities and resorts. Starved Rock State Park (about 80 miles / 129 km south) features canyons and hiking trails. You can also reach Chicago (about 90 miles / 145 km southeast) for a day trip, though parking in the city can be expensive.
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