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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in DeKalb
DeKalb
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
DeKalb
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
DeKalb
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
DeKalb
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 DeKalb?
DeKalb, Illinois, offers a mix of university town charm and access to the broader attractions of the Midwest. While DeKalb has local transport options, renting a car enhances your ability to explore comfortably and efficiently.
Campus Visits and University Events: Renting a car simplifies navigating the Northern Illinois University campus, attending events, and visiting different departments without reliance on campus shuttles or walking long distances.
Exploring Local Attractions: Easily reach attractions like the Egyptian Theatre, local parks, and museums, which may be spread out across the city.
Day Trips to Nearby Towns: A car allows convenient day trips to nearby towns and cities, such as Sycamore or even a drive to Chicago, to experience broader cultural and entertainment options.
Rental Terms and Conditions in DeKalb
Before renting a car in DeKalb, be sure you understand the local regulations. This includes age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance coverage, and potential fees.
Area
15.8 square miles
Population
Approximately 43,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST)
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during school commute times and weekday evenings.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in DeKalb require renters to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies typically require the car to be returned with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for options such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, additional drivers, or one-way rentals.
Car Rental Prices in DeKalb – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Electric:
from £18 / $23 / €21 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (Summer: June to August): Expect a price increase of 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (Winter: November to February): Discounts are often available during the colder months.
*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 DeKalb?
To book a car in DeKalb, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental agencies.
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 outdoor adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any 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 DeKalb
DeKalb, Illinois, is a city known for its university atmosphere and Midwestern charm. Driving is generally straightforward, though awareness of local traffic patterns and parking regulations is important.
Located in northern Illinois, DeKalb offers a mix of educational and local attractions. While the city is accessible, a car provides flexibility to explore beyond the immediate area and enjoy regional destinations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Egyptian Theatre
A beautifully restored historic theatre hosting a variety of performances.
Northern Illinois University Campus
Explore the expansive campus and attend university events.
Ellwood House Museum
A historic mansion offering insights into local history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
City-operated garages offer convenient and secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.
University Parking
Visitor parking is available on the NIU campus, often requiring permits.
Gas Stations in DeKalb
Major Brands
Look for well-known brands like BP, Shell, and Mobil.
Convenient Locations
Petrol stations are readily available along major roads and motorways.
Fueling Tips
Ensure you know the fuel policy of your rental to avoid extra charges.
Useful Tips for Visiting DeKalb
Plan for University Traffic
Be aware of increased traffic during university class times and events.
Check Local Events
Stay informed about local events that may affect traffic and parking.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise apps like Google Maps to navigate and find real-time traffic updates.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Factor in extra travel time during peak hours to avoid delays.
Key Transportation Hubs in DeKalb
Major Bus Stations
DeKalb Transfer Center
Serves as the main hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Metra Train Station (Elburn, IL)
Located in nearby Elburn, it provides commuter rail service to Chicago.
Airports
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Located approximately 60 miles east of DeKalb.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Located approximately 50 miles north of DeKalb.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in DeKalb?
Renting a car in the United States is a relatively simple process. Here’s what you’ll need to have prepared:
A valid driver’s license from your state or country is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A major credit or debit card in the renter’s name is necessary for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as DeKalb 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.
Loved my spontaneous weekend in DeKalb! Having a car made exploring so easy. Charming town, great food – highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 13.06.2025
DeKalb was a delightful surprise! Renting a car made my impromptu weekend trip perfect. So much to see!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
Meh. Kinda pricey.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
DeKalb was fine; renting a car was a breeze. The local bakery was a bit underwhelming, though otherwise a pleasant trip.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
DeKalb was pleasant; the local museum felt a bit dated, but I enjoyed having a car.
Mia Wilson
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Great stop on our road trip! Having a car made getting around DeKalb so convenient. Enjoyed the local charm.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 13.05.2025
Summer in DeKalb was fantastic! Having a car made sightseeing so much easier.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
DeKalb exceeded expectations! Getting a car was effortless, and exploring the town was a breeze. So charming!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Quick DeKalb weekend: charming town, easy to explore!
Caleb Martinez
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Low-key chill vibe
Noah King
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Convenient DeKalb stopover; rental car helpful. Downtown felt a bit quiet.
Liam Nelson
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Family vacation in DeKalb was wonderful! Having a car made everything so convenient.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 06.08.2025