$36 Car Rental Chicago, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, which are perfect for city, family, and outdoor experiences. The ability to manage your luggage easily adds to the convenience, making it suitable for families or travelers with more gear.

A car rental allows you to discover popular neighborhoods such as Downtown Chicago, featuring the Field Museum of Natural History, or the Magnificent Mile, where you can enjoy shopping and dining along Michigan Avenue. Additionally, a drive to Rosemont offers access to attractions like Milwaukee Avenue and the Chicago Botanic Garden. With so much to see and explore, having your own vehicle ensures that you can make the most of your trip without the constraints of public transportation. Enjoy the journey and the adventure of navigating this vibrant metropolis with a rental car at your disposal.

Most popular car rentals in Chicago

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers a good balance between comfort and space, perfect for exploring Chicago's attractions while ensuring you have enough room for your luggage.
• Standard SUV: With space for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases, the Standard SUV is well-suited for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle provides a comfortable ride for city driving and has enough room for your belongings, making it a convenient choice for those looking to navigate the Chicago area.
• Fullsize: Accommodating 5 travelers with the ability to hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the Fullsize is perfect for families or larger groups. This car type offers ample space for both passengers and luggage, making it an excellent option for those planning a car rental trip in and around Chicago.

Top rated car suppliers in Chicago

• Enterprise: With over 60 rental locations throughout the Chicago area, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking convenience and flexibility. Known for its friendly service, this supplier allows you to easily explore the city's attractions at your own pace. Popular vehicle options include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, making it easy to find a comfortable ride that suits your needs.
• Fox Rental Cars: Located in the Chicago area, Fox Rental Cars offers a streamlined rental experience with one convenient location. This supplier is favored for its great selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars. Whether you're navigating through the city or heading out for a day trip, Fox provides reliable options to enhance your travel experience.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo operates two rental locations in Chicago, making it easy for travelers to pick up their vehicles. Known for its excellent service, Alamo offers a solid selection of cars, particularly Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, allowing you to find a vehicle that fits your travel plans. Enjoy the freedom to explore Chicago and its surroundings with Alamo's convenient rental options.

Where to stay in Chicago

• Downtown Chicago: Located at the heart of Chicago, Downtown offers a vibrant atmosphere for family and city-themed experiences. Popular attractions include the Field Museum of Natural History, ideal for culture enthusiasts, and shopping along Michigan Avenue and State Street. The area boasts a variety of dining options, from trendy restaurants to local wineries, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Urban parks and sports facilities enhance the outdoor appeal, making this a perfect base for exploring the city's rich offerings.
• Schaumburg: Known for its family-friendly and business-themed experiences, Schaumburg features expansive shopping centers and theaters. Key points of interest include the Chicago Athenaeum, a cultural gem, and the enchanting Santa's Village theme park, suitable for families seeking fun. With a range of restaurants and wineries available, visitors can enjoy diverse dining options. Schaumburg is an excellent choice for those looking to balance leisure and business during their stay in the Chicago area.
• Rosemont: This vibrant city caters to families, business travelers, and city explorers alike. Rosemont offers a variety of shopping centers and theaters, providing ample entertainment options. Notable attractions include the Chicago Botanic Garden, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways, and Portage Park, ideal for family outings. The dining scene features various restaurants and pubs, allowing visitors to unwind after a day of exploration. Rosemont serves as a convenient location with easy access to the surrounding Chicago area.

10 tips to save on your Chicago car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to secure lower rates and have better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Chicago

The best value period to rent a car in and around Chicago is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January and February typically see less activity, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. As spring approaches, March through May offers average prices and demand, which can also be appealing. However, from June through August, prices tend to be slightly high with high demand, especially in July, which is generally the most expensive month.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Chicago

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Chicago into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Chicago and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Chicago

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Chicago. We partner with 34 reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Chicago

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $36.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals

Chicago - Road Trip Ideas

Chicago is the road-tripper’s mecca, sitting at the gateway to the famous Route 66. And that’s just one of the best road trips from Chicago. There are many, many more. Pick up the keys to your O’Hare car rental the moment you step off the plane and head off on the Great Lakes road trip of a lifetime. Take in Superior, Michigan, Huron, Eerie, and Ontario from the comfort of your private ride—stopping along the way for snaps and snacks, of course. If you’re looking for more road trip ideas from Chicago, here are a couple of incredible cruises to work up your wanderlust.

Chicago to Minneapolis

When the Twin Cities call your name, only a Chicago to Minneapolis road trip will do. Over 6 hours and 400 miles of open road lead to your destination, with plenty to do on the way. Take in the spectacular sights of Lake Michigan with a delightful detour via Milwaukee, or make a pit stop in Madison for abundant botanicals and famous farmers' markets. When it’s time for the return leg, switch up your route for a little more lake time and head home via Green Bay. For a quicker trip back, book a one-way car rental from Chicago to Minneapolis, leave your keys at the airport and check in for a 90-minute flight.

Chicago to Indianapolis

There’s no shortage of amazing things to do between Chicago and Indianapolis. Before you’ve even passed the hour mark, you’re among the incredible Indiana Dunes National Park—a 2,000 acre pet-friendly paradise of sandy beaches, wetland, and forest. When you’re ready to continue in your car rental from Chicago to Indianapolis, burn rubber along 180 miles of highway in one go or break up the 3-hour journey a little more with a stop in Lafayette for arts, crafts, and homemade niceties. When you finally arrive in Indy, set your senses to stunned. Indianapolis is a secret gem of a city—Eagle Creek Park alone makes it worth the trip.