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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental cars from major brands in Springfield, IL with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for a quick getaway or choose a downtown counter near the Lincoln sites. Flexible deals often include unlimited mileage, so you can cruise Route 66 or hop on I-55 to Chicago or St. Louis with ease.
| Location | Advantages | Considerations |
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| Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) |
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| Downtown Locations |
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| West Side/Wabash Ave |
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Major rental providers include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and National.
On average, car rentals in Springfield cost around $81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: airport counters slap on extra fees; a quick rideshare to a downtown or Wabash Ave branch can shave dollars off the daily rate.
Watch the calendar: rates jump during the Jan–May legislative session and summer tourist rush. Lock in early for those windows, but feel free to monitor prices and re-book if they dip.
Leverage weekend/weekly deals: a seven-day booking often beats five individual days, and weekend promos pop up once lawmakers clear out.
Fill up on Dirksen Pkwy or Wabash Ave before drop-off. Local stations are cheaper than airport pumps and let you skip prepaid fuel markups.
Skip toll add-ons if you're staying around Springfield: I-55 and local highways are toll-free until you near Chicago, so keep those extra daily fees in your pocket.
Stick with a compact or mid-size: they're cheaper, fit Springfield's parking spots and handle Route 66 just fine—spring for an SUV only if heavy snow is forecast.
Downtown: Metered street spots available throughout downtown. Several public garages are located near the Capitol, Lincoln sites and government buildings. Meters operate Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; evenings and weekends are free.
Tourist site lots: Most Lincoln historic sites offer lots, but they can fill quickly during peak tourist season (summer and holidays).
Local driving rules:
Speed limits:
Get a car so you can see:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – downtown
Lincoln Home National Historic Site – Jackson Street district
Lincoln Tomb – Oak Ridge Cemetery
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site – Petersburg
Route 66 attractions – Bloomington and Litchfield corridors
St Louis – Gateway Arch area
What's the best way to see all the Lincoln historic sites in Springfield?
Renting a car is your most efficient option. You'll find the Lincoln sites spread throughout the city, including downtown (Old State Capitol, Lincoln Home), the north side (Lincoln Tomb) and northwest of the city (Lincoln's New Salem is about 20 miles (32 km) away). While you can walk between some sites, a car lets you see everything in one day.
How does the state legislative session affect car rentals?
When the Illinois General Assembly is in session (generally January through May and for a shorter session in late October or November), more people want to rent cars, especially mid-week. Government contractors, lobbyists and visitors attend sessions, which drives up rates and makes cars harder to find. You should book early if you plan to visit during these periods.
Is parking difficult in downtown Springfield?
You can find plenty of parking in downtown Springfield, from metered street parking to public garages. Meters cost about $1 per hour on weekdays but are free in the evenings and on weekends. During legislative sessions or major events, garages near the Capitol can fill up quickly. The parking garage at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is convenient for tourists.
What's the best route to explore Route 66 from Springfield?
Springfield is on historic Route 66. To go northbound, follow signs through downtown and north on Peoria Road toward Lincoln to visit attractions like Cozy Dog Drive-In and the Route 66 Twin Drive-In. To go southbound, follow Sixth Street south toward Litchfield to see classic roadside attractions. Many rental companies offer unlimited mileage, which makes exploring Route 66 easy.
Do I need an SUV or can I use a compact car in Springfield?
A compact or mid-size car works just fine for Springfield and its surrounding areas. All the major attractions have paved roads and parking lots. If you visit during the winter months (December–February), you should only consider an SUV that has all-wheel drive if the forecast calls for a lot of snow or if you plan on traveling to rural areas.
Can I take a day trip to Chicago from Springfield?
You can, but it makes for a very long day. The drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way on I-55. If you plan a day trip to Chicago, you should leave early (by 7:00 AM) to give yourself enough time in the city before returning. You might want to stay overnight in Chicago if you hope to explore a lot.
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