Car Rentals in Chicago, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago offers travellers the freedom to explore this vibrant metropolis at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Michigan Avenue, renowned for its city experiences, or Navy Pier, a popular jetty that invites leisurely strolls. Millennium Park, ideal for family and outdoor experiences, is also easily accessible when you have your own transport. This flexibility is especially advantageous for families or those seeking outdoor activities, as it allows for easy luggage management and spontaneous travel plans. Moreover, a rental car makes exploring different neighbourhoods like Downtown Chicago and the Magnificent Mile hassle-free, letting you experience everything from the Field Museum of Natural History to the scenic Chicago Botanic Garden in Rosemont. Whether you're planning a shopping trip along Michigan Avenue or a family day out in Millennium Park, having a car simplifies your journey and enhances your overall experience in and around Chicago.

Most popular car hires in Chicago

• Midsize SUV: The most popular choice for travellers in Chicago, the midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 passengers along with 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for families, couples, or small groups who require additional space for their luggage. With its versatility, you can easily explore the city’s attractions at your leisure, making it a comfortable option for your journey.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV also accommodates 5 travellers but has space for 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle strikes a balance between comfort and practicality, allowing you to navigate both the urban landscape and surrounding areas with ease. Its size is particularly suited for those who value both space and manageability in city driving.
• Fullsize: Offering the most room, the fullsize car option can accommodate 5 passengers with a capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups who may have more gear to transport. Its generous space allows for a relaxed driving experience, making it a great fit for longer trips in and around Chicago.

Top rated car suppliers in Chicago

• Hertz: With over 5 rental locations throughout the Chicago area, Hertz is a popular choice for many travellers seeking flexibility in their car hire. Known for their reliable service, the most booked vehicles with Hertz include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, perfect for navigating the city or exploring nearby attractions comfortably.
• Sixt: Sixt boasts 5 rental locations in the vicinity of Chicago, providing convenient access to their diverse range of vehicles. Travellers often opt for Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs from Sixt, known for their friendly service and customer satisfaction, making your car hire experience both enjoyable and efficient.
• Avis: With more than 15 rental locations across the Chicago area, Avis stands out as a leading choice for car hire. Their extensive fleet includes popular options like Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, ensuring you have ample choices to suit your travel needs. Avis is well-regarded for its accessible locations and commitment to customer service, making your journey in and around Chicago seamless.

Where to stay in Chicago

• Downtown Chicago: This vibrant neighbourhood offers a rich city-themed experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Attractions such as the renowned Field Museum of Natural History and the bustling shopping areas on Michigan Avenue and State Street are easily accessible. With a variety of restaurants, wineries, and entertainment venues within proximity, Downtown Chicago is an excellent base for exploring urban parks and sports facilities.
• Schaumburg: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Schaumburg features excellent shopping centres and theatres, making it ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Key points of interest include the cultural haven of The Chicago Athenaeum and the family-oriented Santa's Village theme park. The city also offers a selection of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
• Rosemont: This city combines a family-friendly vibe with a business-oriented focus. Visitors can enjoy theatres and shopping centres, alongside significant venues like the convention centre and sports facilities. Notable attractions include the serene Portage Park and the picturesque Chicago Botanic Garden, perfect for outdoor and romantic outings. Rosemont also boasts an array of dining establishments, including pubs and wineries, to cater to various tastes.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Chicago

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more economical to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most beneficial option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which can also be suitable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience it offers might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Chicago

The best time to rent a car in and around Chicago is October, which offers the best value with lower prices and moderate demand. The months of May and November can also provide slightly low prices and steady demand. In contrast, July sees the highest prices and demand, making it the most expensive month for rentals. August follows closely, maintaining high demand and prices, while June tends to have slightly higher costs as well.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.7°F (-3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average