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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Chicago
Chicago
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chicago
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chicago
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chicago
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 Chicago?
Chicago is a sprawling metropolis with world-class museums, vibrant neighbourhoods, and stunning architecture. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience to explore all that Chicago and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Explore Diverse Neighbourhoods. From the historic charm of Lincoln Park to the cultural richness of Pilsen, a rental car allows you to easily navigate and discover Chicago's distinct neighbourhoods at your own pace.
Visit Iconic Landmarks. A car gives you the freedom to visit attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field without being constrained by public transport schedules.
Day Trips Beyond the City. Escape the urban bustle and explore nearby destinations such as the scenic Lake Michigan coastline, charming towns like Evanston, or the natural beauty of the Morton Arboretum.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Chicago
Before booking a rental car in Chicago, ensure you understand the rental terms and conditions. Key factors include age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposit policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies. Being informed helps avoid surprises and ensures a smooth rental experience.
Area
606.1 square kilometres (234 square miles)
Population
Approximately 2.7 million residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) - GMT-6 (CST) / GMT-5 (CDT)
Ideal for
Business trips and family vacations
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.7/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Chicago require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Chicago – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £38 / $48 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €33 per day
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
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 Chicago?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, diverse culture, and delicious food. Exploring the city and its surrounding areas is best done with an understanding of traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access. Renting a car allows you to experience the best of Chicago at your own pace.
As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago offers a unique blend of urban excitement and Midwestern charm. From world-class museums to iconic landmarks, there is something for everyone. While Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond the city centre. However, driving in downtown Chicago requires awareness of traffic congestion, parking limitations, and local regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Millennium Park
Home to Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Lurie Garden, a must-see for any visitor.
Navy Pier
A historic pier offering rides, restaurants, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the world's leading art museums, housing masterpieces from various eras.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and reserve parking in garages throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits and street cleaning schedules.
Park & Ride
Consider parking at a Park & Ride lot and taking public transportation into the city centre.
Gas Stations in Chicago
Availability in the City
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city, though prices may be higher in the downtown area.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Shell, Speedway, and Mobil.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chicago
Use Public Transportation
The 'L' train system is a convenient way to get around the city.
Be Aware of Traffic
Plan extra time for travel during rush hour (7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM).
Check for Street Closures
Be aware of planned events or construction that may affect traffic.
Utilise Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic and find the best routes.
Key Transportation Hubs in Chicago
Major Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Located near downtown Chicago, serving long-distance bus routes.
Railway Stations
Union Station
The main railway station in Chicago, serving Amtrak and Metra trains.
Ogilvie Transportation Center
A major commuter rail hub serving Metra trains.
LaSalle Street Station
Another commuter rail hub primarily serving Metra trains.
Airports
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
One of the busiest airports in the world, located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.
Midway International Airport (MDW)
Located approximately 8 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, primarily serving domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Chicago?
Renting a car in the United States is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
If you're from the US, your standard license is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required 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 Chicago 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.
Chicago was even better than I remembered! So much to see and do, and having a car made exploring so easy. Definitely coming back soon!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Pretty chill, yeah
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
Solid, low-key vibe
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Okay, kinda pricey.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Chicago was amazing! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze. I spent a relaxing day near the coast, then explored the city's vibrant neighborhoods. Highly recommend!
Grace Adams
Reviewed: 02.07.2025
Pretty good, easy going.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Meh, kinda windy.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
Chicago's charm exceeded expectations! Returning after so many years, it felt like rediscovering a favorite city. Having a car gave us incredible flexibility exploring beyond downtown.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Pretty chill city
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Exploring Chicago was fantastic; so much to see! The deep-dish pizza was a bit underwhelming, though.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
First time in Chicago, and I loved it! Having a car made getting around so easy. Explored so much, from the museums to the parks. Definitely coming back!
Katherine Nguyen
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Pretty good, relaxed.
Ashley Wilson
Reviewed: 01.07.2025