Chicago Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families or those seeking outdoor and city-themed experiences. Key attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park are all accessible, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant city atmosphere.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to visit popular destinations such as Downtown Chicago, where you can find the Field Museum of Natural History, or the Magnificent Mile, known for its shopping and entertainment options. Exploring Rosemont, with attractions like the Chicago Botanic Garden, becomes effortless with your own vehicle. Whether you are travelling solo, with family, or with friends, having a car allows you to make the most of your trip without relying on public transportation. Chicago's roads are easy to navigate, ensuring a smooth journey as you discover all that this metropolis has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Chicago

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers comfortably and can handle up to 3 large suitcases. It is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Chicago and its surrounding areas at their own pace, offering the perfect balance of space and manoeuvrability.
• Standard SUV: With room for 5 travellers and storage for up to 2 medium suitcases, this vehicle is a great choice for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV provides a versatile option for navigating both urban settings and nearby attractions, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
• Fullsize: Perfect for accommodating 5 travellers, this car can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families and groups. The fullsize vehicle offers ample space for luggage and passengers, enhancing your travel flexibility and convenience while exploring Chicago and its vicinity.

Top rated car suppliers in Chicago

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice among travellers in Chicago, boasting 5 rental locations throughout the area. With an impressive overall rating of 8.6 out of 10, Sixt is renowned for its clean vehicles, friendly service, and pleasant atmosphere. Many customers opt for the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV models, making it a great option for those seeking comfort and space. Sixt's commitment to quality ensures a memorable rental experience.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with over 40 rental locations in and around Chicago, making it highly accessible for travellers. Known for its friendly service and clean vehicles, Enterprise is a favourite among many. The Midsize SUV and Premium SUV are the most booked options, appealing to those who prefer a reliable and spacious ride. With a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, Enterprise is a dependable choice for your car rental needs.
• Routes: Routes may have a single rental location in Chicago, but it is still a solid option for travellers. Known for its focus on Midsize SUV and Compact SUV rentals, Routes offers a convenient choice for those looking to navigate the city and its surroundings. While smaller than other suppliers, Routes provides a personalised experience that can cater to individual needs, making it a worthwhile consideration for your trip.

Where to stay in Chicago

• Downtown Chicago: A vibrant neighbourhood, Downtown Chicago is perfect for families and city-themed experiences. Here, you can enjoy activities such as shopping on Michigan Avenue and State Street, or visit the Field Museum of Natural History, ideal for cultural exploration. With various restaurants and wineries nearby, this area offers excellent dining options. Local attractions, including urban parks and sports facilities, are within proximity, making it a central hub for tourists.
• Schaumburg: Known for its family-friendly and business-themed atmosphere, Schaumburg features popular attractions like the Chicago Athenaeum and Santa's Village, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages. The area boasts impressive shopping centres and theaters, along with numerous dining options. Explore the serene Spring Valley reserve for a nature escape, as well as convenient access to event venues and convention centres, making it an ideal location for both leisure and business travellers.
• Rosemont: This city offers a unique mix of family, business, and city-themed experiences. Visitors can enjoy theatres and shopping centres, with the Chicago Botanic Garden nearby for a tranquil outdoor experience. Portage Park provides a great space for family activities, while Milwaukee Avenue is perfect for exploring. With an array of restaurants and pubs within reach, Rosemont caters to both leisure and business needs, providing a well-rounded stay near the heart of Chicago.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Chicago

The best time to rent a car in and around Chicago is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This quieter period can offer good value for those looking to explore the city. March through May also presents average pricing and demand, making it another reasonable option. However, June through August sees prices and demand increase, culminating in July, which tends to be the most expensive month for rentals. August remains busy with higher rates as well.

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