Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Evanston
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Evanston
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Evanston
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Evanston
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 clients rate such place as Evanston 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.
Evanston was great for my quick business trip! Having a car made getting around so easy.
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.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Exploring Evanston was a breeze! Getting a car made everything so convenient, and the lakefront paths were amazing.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
Low-key pleasant
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Family fun in Evanston! Downtown felt a bit quiet.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
Charming town, easy to navigate by car.
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.
Katherine Davis
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Such a peaceful getaway! Having a car was perfect for exploring Evanston's beautiful lakefront.
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.
Isabelle Clark
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Quiet, pretty chill.
Ben Miller
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 12.06.2025