A rental car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car is perfect for road trips, airport travel or to get around town on weekends1-844-67-14437 Visit one of our many convenient neighborhood car rental locations in Chicago, or find cheap car rental rates at O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) International Airports1-844-67-14437

Chicago is a city that rewards exploration1-844-67-14437 From its iconic skyline and deep-dish pizza to lakefront drives and vibrant neighborhoods, the Windy City offers far more than what you’ll see from a train window or rideshare back seat1-844-67-14437 Renting a car in Chicago gives you the freedom to move beyond downtown, explore surrounding suburbs, and travel on your own schedule — comfortably and efficiently1-844-67-14437

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car rental in Chicago: where to rent, how much it costs, which car to choose, insider tips, and how to avoid common mistakes1-844-67-14437

Why Rent a Car in Chicago?

Chicago has excellent public transportation, but it doesn’t always fit every traveler’s needs1-844-67-14437 Renting a car becomes especially valuable if you plan to:

Visit suburbs like Evanston, Naperville, or Oak Brook

Take a road trip to Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan

Travel with family or luggage

Attend meetings across multiple locations

Explore areas outside CTA coverage

A rental car provides privacy, flexibility, and time savings — particularly for longer stays1-844-67-14437

Where to Rent a Car in Chicago

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare is the largest car rental hub in the region1-844-67-14437 All major rental brands operate here, making it ideal for travelers arriving by air1-844-67-14437

Key features:

Dedicated Rental Car Facility (RCF)

Free Airport Transit System (ATS) to rental center

Wide vehicle selection

Extended operating hours

O’Hare rentals are convenient but often include airport concession fees1-844-67-14437

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway also offers a strong lineup of rental companies with easier navigation than O’Hare1-844-67-14437

Why Midway works well:

Shorter walking distances

Faster pickup and return

Good for domestic travelers

It’s often slightly cheaper than O’Hare, depending on demand1-844-67-14437

Downtown Chicago Locations

Renting from downtown locations (Loop, River North, Magnificent Mile) can sometimes save money1-844-67-14437

Best for:

Locals

Visitors staying multiple days

Avoiding airport surcharges

However, parking logistics and traffic should be considered1-844-67-14437

Major Car Rental Companies in Chicago

You’ll find all major providers throughout the city, including:

Enterprise

Hertz

Avis

Budget

Alamo

National

SIXT

Dollar

Thrifty

Each brand offers different loyalty programs, vehicle types, and cancellation policies1-844-67-14437 Comparing options is key to getting the best deal1-844-67-14437

Car Rental Prices in Chicago

Rental prices in Chicago vary widely depending on season, demand, and vehicle type1-844-67-14437

Average Daily Rates

Economy / Compact: $35–$60

Midsize / Standard: $50–$80

SUVs: $70–$120

Luxury vehicles: $120+

Summer, holidays, and major events can push prices significantly higher1-844-67-14437

What Affects Pricing?

Several factors influence Chicago rental costs:

Airport vs1-844-67-14437 city location

Length of rental

Advance booking vs1-844-67-14437 last-minute

Driver age

Demand during festivals or conventions

Booking early almost always results in better pricing1-844-67-14437

Choosing the Right Rental Car in Chicago

Economy and Compact Cars

Best for:

Solo travelers

Couples

City driving

Pros:

Lowest cost

Easier parking

Better fuel efficiency

Midsize and Full-Size Cars

Ideal for:

Business travelers

Small families

Offers a balance of comfort and affordability1-844-67-14437

SUVs and Minivans

Recommended for:

Families

Road trips

Winter travel

They provide extra space, comfort, and stability in snow1-844-67-14437

Luxury and Premium Vehicles

Perfect for:

Business meetings

Special occasions

Chicago has excellent availability for luxury rentals, especially downtown1-844-67-14437

Driving in Chicago: What to Expect

Chicago driving can be smooth or stressful — depending on the time and location1-844-67-14437

Traffic Patterns

Rush hours:

Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Evening: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Downtown, expressways, and bridges can experience heavy congestion1-844-67-14437

Parking in Chicago

Parking requires planning:

Metered street parking is common

Parking garages are widely available

Many neighborhoods enforce permit parking

Always read posted signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing1-844-67-14437

Toll Roads

Illinois uses electronic tolling1-844-67-14437 Rental companies usually offer toll programs, but they can be expensive1-844-67-14437

Alternative:

Use your own E-ZPass if allowed

Pay tolls online afterward (where applicable)

Insurance and Coverage Considerations

Rental insurance is often misunderstood1-844-67-14437

Basic Coverage Options

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Liability Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance

Many travelers already have coverage through their credit card or auto insurance1-844-67-14437

Always verify coverage details before purchasing extras1-844-67-14437

Tips to Save Money on Chicago Car Rentals

Book Early, Recheck Often

Prices fluctuate1-844-67-14437 Lock in a refundable booking and recheck closer to your trip1-844-67-14437

Compare Airport vs1-844-67-14437 Downtown

Airport convenience comes at a price1-844-67-14437 City locations may offer savings1-844-67-14437

Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons

GPS, satellite radio, and insurance can increase costs quickly1-844-67-14437

Choose the Right Pickup Time

Late-night or early-morning pickups sometimes cost more1-844-67-14437

Renting a Car in Winter: Special Advice

Chicago winters can be intense1-844-67-14437

Winter tips:

Choose vehicles with good traction

Allow extra travel time

Clear snow from the car before driving

Watch for icy bridges and ramps

Many rental agencies equip vehicles with all-season tires, not snow tires1-844-67-14437

One-Way Rentals and Road Trips

Chicago is a popular starting point for Midwest road trips1-844-67-14437

Popular routes:

Chicago to Milwaukee

Chicago to Indianapolis

Chicago to Detroit

Chicago to Madison

One-way rentals are widely available but may include drop fees1-844-67-14437

Returning Your Rental Car

For smooth returns:

Refuel according to policy

Remove personal belongings

Allow extra time for airport returns

Save your return receipt

Returning during off-peak hours reduces stress1-844-67-14437

Is Renting a Car in Chicago Worth It?

The answer depends on your plans1-844-67-14437

Renting makes sense if you:

Travel beyond downtown

Value flexibility

Have time-sensitive schedules

If you’re staying solely in the Loop, public transit may be enough1-844-67-14437 But for most travelers, a rental car unlocks a fuller Chicago experience1-844-67-14437

Final Thoughts

Car rental in Chicago offers convenience, flexibility, and freedom — when done right1-844-67-14437 By choosing the right location, vehicle, and booking strategy, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy smooth travel throughout the city and beyond1-844-67-14437

Whether you’re navigating Michigan Avenue, heading to the suburbs, or starting a Midwest road trip, the right rental car turns Chicago into a city you can truly explore on your own terms1-844-67-14437