Champaign Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Champaign

Renting a car in Champaign offers you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, you can visit key attractions effortlessly. For culture enthusiasts, The Virginia Theatre and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts are essential stops, both located within a short distance of Champaign. Families can enjoy the Champaign County Fairgrounds, just 3 km away, perfect for outdoor experiences. A rental car also allows you to venture to nearby cities like Urbana, which is 3 km away, or Savoy, 7 km from Champaign, both featuring additional cultural and family-friendly attractions. You can easily travel to North Champaign, where you will find more cultural gems. Whether you are seeking a city-themed experience, a cultural journey, or a family outing, having a rental car makes it convenient to discover all that Champaign and its surrounding areas have to offer. Enjoy the flexibility and comfort of your own vehicle, making your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in Champaign

• Compact: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. Its size is particularly advantageous for navigating through urban areas and finding parking in busy spots around Champaign. The compact design ensures ease of handling while providing sufficient room for your essentials, allowing you to explore the city comfortably at your own pace.
• Midsize: The midsize car option is perfect for up to 5 travellers and can carry up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for couples and families who require a bit more space for their luggage. This car type strikes a balance between comfort and practicality, providing a spacious interior that enhances the travel experience. With its versatility, the midsize car is well-suited for those looking to embark on extended journeys while enjoying the freedom to explore Champaign and its surroundings.
• Economy: An economy car accommodates 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples, or small families seeking a budget-friendly option. This car type is designed for efficiency and ease of use, allowing you to navigate Champaign with minimal fuel costs. With its compact size, an economy car is perfect for city driving and provides a hassle-free way to manage your luggage while enjoying the flexibility of your travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in Champaign

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular car rental supplier in Champaign, known for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles. With 1 rental location in the area, travellers often choose Hertz for the flexibility it provides. The most booked cars with this supplier are Midsize and Compact SUVs, making it a great option for those seeking a balance of space and efficiency on the road.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service and wide selection of vehicles. With 1 rental location in Champaign, it is a preferred choice for many travellers. Customers frequently opt for Compact and Midsize SUVs, which offer comfort and versatility for exploring the area. The friendly staff and smooth check-in process enhance the overall rental experience.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental is well-regarded in Champaign, offering a convenient rental location and a focus on customer satisfaction. The most popular vehicles rented through this supplier are Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it ideal for both solo travellers and families. National’s attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure a pleasant rental experience.

Where to stay in and around Champaign

• Urbana: Located 3 km away from Champaign, Urbana is ideal for travellers seeking a cultural, family-oriented experience. With attractions like the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, which offers cultural events, and the Champaign County Fairgrounds, perfect for outdoor family activities, there is much to explore. Visitors can also enjoy local dining options, including restaurants and pubs, making it a vibrant place to stay.
• North Champaign: Situated around Champaign, North Champaign is a lively neighbourhood that caters to culture and entertainment enthusiasts. Key highlights include The Virginia Theatre and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, both showcasing the arts. The neighbourhood is also close to the Champaign County Fairgrounds, making it suitable for family outings. Enjoy the rich cultural scene while exploring nearby restaurants and educational venues.
• Savoy: Located 7 km from Champaign, Savoy is a charming city that offers a mix of culture and family experiences. Visitors can explore Hessel Park for outdoor activities or catch a show at The Virginia Theatre. The local scene includes various restaurants and even an alcohol distillery, providing a taste of local flavours. Savoy is a great option for those looking for a peaceful stay while still being close to urban attractions.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Champaign

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your travel dates. Booking early often leads to lower prices and a better selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and can be easier to park in crowded urban areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a nice balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Renters under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily charges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is often the most straightforward option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides added peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Champaign

The best value period to rent a car in and around Champaign is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. February tends to be busy, with higher prices, while March is generally the most expensive month, experiencing moderately high prices and low demand. For a more balanced experience, consider renting in April or May, when prices and demand are average. June through August also see average demand, but prices can be moderately high, making March a notable peak period for rental costs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
February	29.8°F (-1.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
March	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
April	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
October	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
November	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
December	34.0°F (1.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low