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Car rental in Waukegan - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Waukegan

Waukegan

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Waukegan

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Waukegan

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Waukegan

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 Rent a Car in Waukegan?

Waukegan, Illinois, offers a blend of urban and natural attractions best explored with the freedom of your own vehicle. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience to discover all that Waukegan and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Explore Local Attractions. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the cultural spots in downtown Waukegan, having a car allows you to visit attractions like the Genesee Theatre and the Waukegan History Museum easily.

Convenient Day Trips. With a rental car, you can effortlessly explore nearby destinations like Chicago, the scenic Illinois Beach State Park, or the charming towns along the Lake Michigan coastline.

Flexibility and Comfort. Avoid the constraints of public transport schedules and enjoy the comfort of travelling at your own pace. This is especially beneficial if you're travelling with family or carrying equipment for outdoor activities.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Waukegan

Before renting a car in Waukegan, it’s important to understand the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Area

Approximately 24.5 square miles

Population

Around 89,000 residents

Time Zone

Central Standard Time (CST)

Ideal for

Exploring the city and surrounding areas

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening commutes

Rating

4.0/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Waukegan require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters under 25 may face additional surcharges.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.

3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Fuel policies vary—some require you to return the car with a full tank, while others offer prepaid fuel options.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Waukegan – How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of renting a car in Waukegan varies depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Here's a general overview of estimated daily prices.

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £32 / $40 / €36 per day

Classic:

from £24 / $30 / €27 per day

Executive:

from £48 / $60 / €54 per day

7 Seater:

from £56 / $70 / €63 per day

Automatic:

from £32 / $40 / €36 per day

SUV:

from £36 / $45 / €41 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand and prices, typically increasing by 20-30% due to summer vacations and local events.

Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as demand decreases during the colder months.

Car rental prices in Waukegan fluctuate based on demand and seasonality. Here's what to expect during different times of the year. *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 Waukegan?

Booking a car rental in Waukegan is easy if you follow these steps.

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, whether it's an economy car for city travel or an SUV for more space.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental, bring your driver's license, credit card, and any required identification documents.

General Information About Waukegan

Waukegan is a city located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a mix of industrial heritage and natural beauty. It's a convenient starting point for exploring the region, but driving requires understanding local traffic conditions and regulations.

Located in Illinois, Waukegan combines urban amenities with access to natural landscapes. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore beyond the city centre, but it’s essential to be aware of local driving conditions.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Genesee Theatre

    A beautifully restored theatre hosting a variety of performances.

  • Illinois Beach State Park

    A scenic park offering beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.

  • Waukegan Harbour

    A marina with restaurants, shops, and boat tours.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Various parking garages are available in downtown Waukegan.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on many streets, but be mindful of time limits.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities if you're planning to commute to Chicago.

Gas Stations in Waukegan

  • Conveniently Located Stations

    Gas stations are readily available throughout Waukegan, especially along major roads.

  • Major Brands

    Look for brands like BP, Shell, and Speedway.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps to find the nearest gas stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Waukegan

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on weekdays.

  • Watch for Pedestrians

    Be mindful of pedestrians, particularly in downtown areas.

  • Check Local Events

    Check for local events that may impact traffic and parking.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Utilise navigation apps for real-time traffic updates and directions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Waukegan

Major Bus Stations

Pace Bus Waukegan Transportation Center

Serves as the main hub for Pace buses in the area, connecting Waukegan with other communities in Lake County.

Railway Stations

Waukegan Metra Station

Provides commuter rail service to Chicago via the Metra Union Pacific/North Line.

Airports

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Located approximately 35 miles south of Waukegan, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Located approximately 50 miles north of Waukegan, serving various domestic and international destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Waukegan?

Renting a car in Waukegan is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure you have the necessary documentation and meet the requirements.

  • A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

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

  • A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required, especially 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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Waukegan as

4.7

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.

Meh. Kinda bland.

MJ

Mike Johnson

Reviewed: 25.08.2024

Waukegan was a delightful surprise! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, and I had a wonderful time catching up with friends. The area was charming and convenient.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 07.07.2025

Visiting friends in Waukegan was so easy with a rental car. Smooth trip, great time!

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 30.10.2024

Okay, kinda chill

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 13.05.2025

Exploring Waukegan was a breeze! Having a car made it so convenient to see everything I wanted. The city's charm really shone through.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 23.01.2025

Such a fun, spontaneous weekend in Waukegan! Having a car made exploring so easy.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 13.03.2025

Heard great things about Waukegan, and they were right! Having a car made exploring so effortless. Beautiful place.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 28.03.2025

Summer in Waukegan was fantastic; car rental made exploring easy.

KB

Kevin Brown

Reviewed: 26.07.2025

Quick stop on our road trip, but Waukegan was charming! Having a car made exploring so convenient.

BP

Brian Peters

Reviewed: 19.06.2025

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