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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Champaign
Champaign
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Champaign
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Champaign
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Champaign
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Champaign?
Champaign offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it perfect for exploration. While public transportation is available, a rental car gives you the freedom to discover everything at your own pace.
Explore the University of Illinois: A car lets you easily access different parts of the campus, museums, and cultural centres without waiting for buses or walking long distances.
Visit Local Attractions: Drive to nearby attractions like the Krannert Art Museum or the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, and other interesting destinations with ease and comfort.
Enjoy Flexibility: Plan spontaneous trips to nearby parks, forest preserves, or even a day trip to a neighbouring city, all on your schedule.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Champaign
Before renting a car in Champaign, ensure you understand the requirements and regulations to avoid any issues. This includes age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance, and other essential information.
Area
44.1 square kilometres (17.0 square miles)
Population
Approximately 88,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) - GMT-6 (CST) / GMT-5 (CDT)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, like collision damage waiver (CDW), are available. A security deposit is typically required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage, and others having restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Rental Prices in Champaign – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £11 / $14 / €13 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Demand increases with prices rising by 20-30% during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the colder months, making it a budget-friendly time to rent.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Champaign?
Booking a car in Champaign is easy if you follow these steps to ensure a smooth and convenient rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, such as an economy car for solo travel or an SUV for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and any additional fees.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure lower prices and better availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Champaign
Champaign, Illinois, is a vibrant city known for its educational institutions and cultural attractions. Renting a car is advantageous, especially if you plan to explore beyond the immediate city centre.
As a hub for education and technology, Champaign offers a unique blend of urban and suburban experiences. Navigating the city is generally straightforward, but understanding local traffic patterns and regulations will enhance your travel experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Krannert Art Museum
Explore diverse art collections.
State Farm Center
Attend sporting events and concerts.
Orpheum Children's Science Museum
Engage in interactive exhibits.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise city-operated parking garages for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options if available to avoid downtown congestion.
Gas Stations in Champaign
Major Brands Available
Find stations from major fuel chains such as Mobil, Shell, and BP.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are easily accessible throughout the city.
Check Fuel Prices
Use apps to compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Champaign
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise GPS apps like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near the university campus.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours to minimise traffic congestion.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that may impact traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Champaign
Major Bus Stations
Illinois Terminal
Serves as the primary hub for intercity buses, including Greyhound and Peoria Charter Coach.
Railway Stations
Champaign-Urbana Station
Offers Amtrak services connecting Champaign to major cities like Chicago.
Airports
University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI)
Located a few miles south of Champaign, offering flights to select destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Champaign?
Renting a car in Champaign requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you’ll typically need.
A valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Younger drivers may face additional fees.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Champaign as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Champaign was perfect! Easy car rental, relaxing coastal getaway.
David Lee
Reviewed: 14.07.2025
First time in Champaign, and it was wonderful! Getting around with a car was a breeze; so much to see.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Such a pleasant stop on our road trip! Having a car was perfect for seeing Champaign's highlights.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 25.12.2024
Loved Champaign! I'd heard great things, and it lived up to the hype. Having a car made getting around so convenient, allowing us to explore all the charming spots. Highly recommend a visit!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 02.01.2025
Low-key, pretty chill
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
Champaign in the summer was a delight! Having a car made exploring the area so easy. We loved the farmers' markets and the beautiful parks. Definitely recommend a visit!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 26.06.2025