Manage Booking

Free Cancellation
Best Price Guarantee
No Hidden Fees
24/7 Multilingual Support

Car hire in Evanston - Search, Compare, and Save

Free Cancellation
No Hidden Fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

Drop-off Date

AvatarsRate

4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

Excellent

Rate
star

Trustpilot

Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Evanston

Evanston

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Evanston

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Evanston

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Evanston

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Hire a Car in Evanston?

Evanston offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban charm, making it ideal to explore with a rental car. While public transport serves the city, a car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Explore Northwestern University. A rental car allows convenient access to the sprawling campus and its various attractions, from museums to theatres.

Visit the Lakefront. Easily drive to Evanston’s beautiful lakefront, including beaches, parks, and the Grosse Point Lighthouse.

Access Nearby Suburbs. Explore neighbouring towns like Wilmette or Skokie, each offering unique shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

Hire Terms and Conditions in Evanston

Before booking a rental car in Evanston, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms to ensure a smooth experience. Understanding these conditions can help avoid unexpected charges or complications during your rental period.

Area

Approximately 9 square miles

Population

Approximately 75,000 residents

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT)

Ideal for

Weekend Getaways

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes, especially on main roads.

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Evanston 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) in addition to their original licence.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rental agreements include basic insurance. A security deposit is typically required and held on a credit card until the car is returned in good condition.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements often include unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras like GPS navigation systems, child seats, or adding an additional driver to the rental agreement.

Car Hire Prices in Evanston – How Much Does It Cost?

Car hire prices in Evanston can vary depending on the season, the type of car, and the rental company.

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $12 / €11 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism and university events.

Low season (November to February): Enjoy discounts on car rentals during the colder months.

Car hire prices in Evanston fluctuate with tourism and events. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

How to Book a Car in Evanston?

Renting a car in Evanston is a straightforward process when you follow these steps. Booking in advance can often result in better rates and vehicle availability.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison tools to find the best deals from various rental companies in Evanston.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for details on mileage limits, insurance coverage, and potential fees.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance of your trip.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documentation when you pick up your rental car.

General Information About Evanston

Evanston is a vibrant city known for its blend of academic, cultural, and residential environments. It's essential to familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and parking regulations for a smooth driving experience.

Located just north of Chicago, Evanston is home to Northwestern University and a variety of attractions. While the city is accessible via public transport, a car rental allows for greater flexibility in exploring the area and surrounding suburbs. Driving in Evanston is generally easy, but it's important to be aware of parking restrictions and traffic patterns, especially near the university and downtown areas. Keep local traffic laws in mind, especially regarding speed limits and pedestrian crossings, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Northwestern University

    Explore the beautiful campus and its various museums and theatres.

  • Grosse Point Lighthouse

    Visit this historic lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan.

  • Evanston Lakefront

    Enjoy beaches, parks, and scenic views along the lakefront.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilise parking garages in downtown Evanston for secure and convenient parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on many streets, but be aware of time limits and restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities if you plan to visit Chicago, allowing you to avoid city traffic.

Gas Stations in Evanston

  • Variety of Brands

    Find petrol stations from major brands like Shell, BP, and Mobil throughout Evanston.

  • Convenient Locations

    Petrol stations are readily available on major streets and near highway access points.

  • Check Fuel Levels

    Ensure you have sufficient fuel, especially if you plan to travel outside Evanston.

Useful Tips for Visiting Evanston

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Be mindful of pedestrians, especially near the university and downtown areas.

  • Pay Attention to Parking Signs

    Carefully read parking signs to avoid tickets and towing.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commute hours.

  • Utilise Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.

Key Transportation Hubs in Evanston

Major Bus Stations

Davis Street CTA Station

Serves as a hub for multiple CTA bus routes, providing connections throughout Evanston and into Chicago.

Railway Stations

Davis Street Metra Station

Offers commuter rail service to downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Central Street Metra Station

Provides another convenient option for accessing Chicago by train.

Airports

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Located approximately 16 miles from Evanston, offering extensive domestic and international flights.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Situated about 30 miles from Evanston, providing another option for air travel.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Evanston?

Renting a car in Evanston requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth process. Having these documents ready will help streamline the rental experience.

  • You’ll need a valid driver’s licence. International visitors may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may charge extra for drivers under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in your name is necessary for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

FacebookInstagramWeb site

Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Evanston as

4.5

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.

Pretty chill, tbh

MJ

Mike Johnson

Reviewed: 12.06.2025

Evanston was great for my quick business trip! Having a car made getting around so easy.

SL

Sarah Lee

Reviewed: 27.01.2025

Loved exploring Evanston by car! The lakefront was stunning, though the ice cream shop near the beach was a bit pricey.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 30.01.2025

Relaxing, low-key vibe.

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 28.08.2024

Exploring Evanston was a breeze! Getting a car made everything so convenient, and the lakefront paths were amazing.

DW

David Wilson

Reviewed: 13.07.2025

Low-key pleasant

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 23.01.2025

Family fun in Evanston! Downtown felt a bit quiet.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 19.03.2025

Charming town, easy to navigate by car.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 19.07.2025

Evanston was delightful! Getting a car made exploring so much easier. The lakefront paths were beautiful, and we found some charming cafes downtown.

KD

Katherine Davis

Reviewed: 24.07.2025

Such a peaceful getaway! Having a car was perfect for exploring Evanston's beautiful lakefront.

AM

Ava Martinez

Reviewed: 25.04.2025

Such a fun road trip! Evanston's charm was easily accessible by car; I loved exploring the lakefront and downtown.

IC

Isabelle Clark

Reviewed: 27.01.2025

Quiet, pretty chill.

BM

Ben Miller

Reviewed: 18.03.2025

VisaMastercardAmexPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay
LinkedinInstagramFacebook

© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.