$68 Car Rental Champaign, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Champaign

Renting a car in Champaign offers great freedom and flexibility for exploring the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you are seeking cultural experiences or family-friendly activities, having a rental car conveniently accommodates your travel plans. You can easily visit attractions like The Virginia Theatre and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, both located within a mile of downtown Champaign. For family outings, the Champaign County Fairgrounds is just two miles away, providing a perfect spot for outdoor experiences.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture into nearby cities such as Urbana, only two miles away, where you can enjoy more cultural venues. Savoy, located four miles from Champaign, offers additional attractions like Hessel Park. The convenience of a rental car makes it simple to transport luggage and enjoy spontaneous detours. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or looking to immerse yourself in local culture, a rental car in Champaign enhances your experience by providing easy access to key destinations and attractions in the area.

Most popular car rentals in Champaign

• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travelers and has space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car is an excellent option for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to explore Champaign without breaking the bank. Its smaller size makes it easy to maneuver through the city, making it perfect for navigating urban areas while keeping travel costs low.
• Compact: With room for 5 travelers and up to 3 medium suitcases, the Compact car is versatile and ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families. This option strikes a balance between space and size, offering the convenience of a manageable vehicle while providing enough room for passengers and luggage. It's a great choice for those looking to explore Champaign comfortably.
• Midsize: The Midsize car can accommodate 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for couples or families who need a bit more space. This option offers a comfortable ride, allowing passengers to enjoy their journey while providing sufficient luggage capacity for longer trips or extended stays in Champaign. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of comfort and practicality.

Top rated car suppliers in Champaign

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a top choice for travelers looking for reliable car rentals in Champaign. With a rental location in the area, Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service and a wide selection of vehicles. The most booked options are Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it a great fit for families or those needing extra space. Customers appreciate the ease of managing their rental, allowing for a seamless travel experience.
• Hertz: Hertz is another popular supplier in Champaign, known for its convenient location and diverse vehicle options. Most travelers opt for Midsize and Economy cars, perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Hertz is favored for its straightforward rental process and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a reliable choice for visitors who value flexibility and efficient service during their trip.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental is a trusted name among travelers in Champaign, with a rental location that offers a range of vehicles tailored to different needs. Midsize and Compact cars are the most popular choices, appealing to those seeking comfort without sacrificing budget. National is recognized for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a pleasant experience for those looking to explore the area at their own pace.

Where to stay in and around Champaign

• Urbana: Located 2 miles away from Champaign, Urbana is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of culture and family experiences. Enjoy attractions such as the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and the Champaign County Fairgrounds, perfect for family outings. With a variety of dining options, including restaurants and pubs, Urbana offers a vibrant atmosphere for exploring education, theater, and arena entertainment facilities.
• North Champaign: This neighborhood, situated around Champaign, caters to those interested in culture and entertainment. Key highlights include The Virginia Theatre and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, both excellent for cultural vacations. Visitors can also explore the Champaign County Fairgrounds, which is suitable for family and outdoor activities, making North Champaign an engaging area to stay and enjoy local music and opera.
• Savoy: Just 4 miles away from Champaign, Savoy is a charming city that offers a family-friendly and culturally rich experience. Attractions like Hessel Park provide a beautiful urban park setting for outdoor activities, while the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and The Virginia Theatre are excellent for culture enthusiasts. With local dining options, including restaurants and distilleries, Savoy is a great place to unwind after a day of exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Champaign

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and have a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Champaign

The best value period to rent a car in and around Champaign is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January also offers a quiet time with similar characteristics. Moving into March, prices and demand become average, but April returns to a slightly low demand while maintaining average prices. July tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and prices, while August remains busy with slightly high demand, making it a less favorable time for rentals.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Champaign

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Champaign

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Champaign. We partner with 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 Champaign

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $68.

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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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