Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Waukegan
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Waukegan
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Waukegan
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Waukegan
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Waukegan 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.
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.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Visiting friends in Waukegan was so easy with a rental car. Smooth trip, great time!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
Okay, kinda chill
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.
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Such a fun, spontaneous weekend in Waukegan! Having a car made exploring so easy.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Heard great things about Waukegan, and they were right! Having a car made exploring so effortless. Beautiful place.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Summer in Waukegan was fantastic; car rental made exploring easy.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Quick stop on our road trip, but Waukegan was charming! Having a car made exploring so convenient.
Brian Peters
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
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Meh. Kinda bland.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 25.08.2024