Affordable Car Rentals in Chicago are easy to find, with a wide selection of rental companies available at O’Hare and Midway Airports, as well as in downtown Chicago. Compared to other cities in the USA, car rental prices in Chicago are slightly above average. In this article, you will learn when rental prices are the highest and how you can save on your booking.
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Car Rental Prices in Chicago
The first car rental company in Chicago you come across likely won’t be the cheapest. The key rule is: Compare prices. For example, the website RentalCars.com lets you compare prices from over 200 companies worldwide and guarantees the lowest price for rentals.
To check current rental rates, we recommend filling out the form below. Even if you don’t complete the reservation, you’ll still get a price estimate that includes all major Chicago car rental companies, ensuring a competitive rate.
How Much Will You Pay for a Rental Car in Chicago?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in Chicago
The cost of a car rental in Chicago isn’t determined solely by the number of days or the chosen rental company—it also depends on several other factors.
📅 When You Book the Rental
The timing of your booking can significantly influence the final price. After comparing several options, I found that the cheapest rates were often for reservations made two to three months before the pickup date.
Many rental companies offer free cancellation for existing bookings without any fees. For example, RentalCars.com not only guarantees the lowest rental prices but also provides free cancellation.
⏳ When You Pick Up the Car
Rental prices vary throughout the year, influenced by demand. Peak demand usually occurs during the summer holiday season, when tourism in the USA is at its peak. Prices can also increase during national holidays, as many Americans travel during those periods.
When booking, ensure that the car’s pickup and drop-off times match. Rental companies calculate prices based on 24-hour windows, so picking up the car at 9:00 AM and returning it at 10:00 AM the next day could cost you an extra day’s fee.
🗺️ Location of the Rental Company
Rental companies located at O’Hare and Midway airports often offer lower prices than those in downtown Chicago. Even if the airport rental price is slightly higher, it could be worth it due to savings on transportation to the city center.
🏎️ Car Class
The cheapest cars belong to the Economy class, which includes smaller and less equipped vehicles, suitable mainly for short trips. For longer road trips where you’ll spend hours in the car, I recommend opting for the slightly more expensive Intermediate or Large class vehicles, which typically cost about 10% more.
For greater comfort, consider an SUV, which is usually about 25% more expensive than Economy cars. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, you might opt for a convertible rental or a premium car class, though these come at a significantly higher price—often double that of Economy vehicles.
Below is a table of the cheapest car rental options in Chicago for a 24-hour period. Prices are approximate and depend on availability at individual branches. Sometimes, higher-class cars can be cheaper, or free upgrades may be available.
Economy Class Intermediate Class SUV Convertible 
from $39 from $39 from $43 from $73 🔁 Refresh Prices 🔁 Refresh Prices 🔁 Refresh Prices 🔁 Refresh Prices 🔞 Driver’s Age
Most rental companies charge an additional daily fee of $16.00 to $37 for drivers between 21 and 24 years old, due to the higher risk of accidents. The specific fee varies by company.
Drivers under 21 are either prohibited from renting a car or charged an even higher fee.
☂️ Insurance Coverage
In Chicago, liability insurance (SLP) and collision damage waiver (CDW) are included in the final rental price. The driver’s deductible should be zero, meaning you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket in case of damage. Always verify any exclusions during the booking process.
If some risks aren’t covered, consider purchasing additional insurance.
🚘 Additional Accessories
You can pay extra for services and accessories, such as an additional driver, which allows you to share driving responsibilities. If an uninsured person causes damage, it won’t be covered by the rental insurance. The fee for an additional driver typically ranges from $13.00 to $15.00 per day. For example, Avis caps the fee at $65.
If you’re traveling with children, you can rent a car seat or booster seat in various sizes.
I don’t recommend paying for GPS navigation, as you can easily use your smartphone with Google Maps. Similarly, mobile internet is often unnecessary—just purchase a U.S. eSIM through the Airalo app.
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Affordable Car Rental Companies in Chicago
◻️ Car Rentals at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Car rental companies available directly at O’Hare Airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
All car rentals are located in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), which is accessible via the free ATS train. The train operates 24/7, with fully automated services running every 3 to 5 minutes.
◻️ Car Rentals at Chicago Midway Airport
At the smaller of Chicago’s two airports, you can choose from rental companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. These companies are housed in a separate building accessible via a free shuttle bus, which runs 24 hours a day at 15-minute intervals.
◻️ Car Rentals in Downtown Chicago
Enterprise operates the most branches in Chicago, including several outside the downtown area. In the city center, you can also find rental services from Alamo, Avis, Sixt, and Zipcar.
Car Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Tips Around Chicago
1️⃣ Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, about 39 mi east of downtown Chicago. The park is famous for its sand dunes, some of which reach heights of up to 194 ft.
The park’s main attraction is the 3 Dunes Challenge Loop trail, which is only 1 mi long but involves climbing through sand. Can you conquer the three dunes with heights of 177 ft, 184 ft, and 194 ft? Several campsites nearby offer convenient options for overnight stays.
2️⃣ Galena, Illinois
The town of Galena is known for its historic downtown and well-preserved Victorian architecture. It’s located 164 mi west of Chicago, about a three-hour drive.
The town’s name derives from the mineral galena, which was mined here in the 19th century and spurred the area’s development. Galena was also home to Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States.
3️⃣ Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock is one of the most beautiful parks in Illinois, located 93 mi southwest of downtown Chicago, about a 1.5-hour drive. The state park is famous for its canyons and waterfalls, which, though not very tall, blend beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
Visitors can explore more than 12 mi of hiking trails, many of which pass through dense forests and canyons along the Illinois River. The area’s history dates back to Native American tribes. According to legend, a group of Native Americans was trapped on a rock and died of starvation, giving the park its name—”Starved Rock.”
4️⃣ Springfield, Illinois
Almost everyone associates Springfield with the Simpson family, but this Springfield—located 202 mi southwest of Chicago—is where the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, lived and worked. Many historical landmarks in the city honor his legacy.
One highlight for history buffs is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which features interactive exhibits about his life.
5️⃣ Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a charming town and lake located 83 mi northwest of Chicago, about a 1.5-hour drive. Lake Geneva is known for its historic buildings from the late 19th century. Many were built by wealthy industrialists who started visiting the area by train after the Great Chicago Fire in October 1871.
Visitors can enjoy the lake by taking a sightseeing boat ride, paddleboarding, or fishing.
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