$36 Car Rental Chicago, IL

These Chicago insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 19, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like Michigan Avenue, an ideal spot for city experiences, and Navy Pier, known for its waterfront views. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Millennium Park, which provides a perfect setting for various activities. A car rental also allows convenient access to popular neighborhoods such as Downtown Chicago, which features the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Magnificent Mile, home to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. If you venture a bit further, you can explore Rosemont, where attractions like the Chicago Botanic Garden await. The ease of managing luggage and planning flexible itineraries makes renting a car an appealing option for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the diverse experiences Chicago has to offer, whether you are traveling with family or seeking outdoor adventures.

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 in and around Chicago, Enterprise is widely recognized for its friendly service and customer-oriented approach. Travelers often praise the helpful staff and the wide variety of vehicles available. The most booked cars include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, making it an excellent choice for families and groups. Enterprise’s extensive presence ensures convenience, allowing you to pick up and drop off your rental car easily.
• Fox Rental Cars: Fox Rental Cars operates a single rental location in Chicago, providing a more streamlined option for travelers. Known for its competitive pricing, Fox offers Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars as the most popular choices among customers. Despite its limited number of locations, travelers appreciate the straightforward rental process and find it a suitable option for those seeking a solid vehicle at a good value.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo has two rental locations within Chicago, making it easily accessible for tourists. Known for quick service and easy pickup, Alamo is favored for its Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs. Many travelers highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of the vehicles, as well as the hassle-free return process. Alamo provides a reliable and comfortable car rental experience, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Chicago

• Downtown Chicago: Experience the vibrant heart of the city in Downtown Chicago, where family-friendly activities abound. Explore the shopping areas along Michigan Avenue and State Street, or enjoy cultural experiences at the Field Museum of Natural History. This neighborhood is also home to urban parks and sports stadiums, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby restaurants and wineries provide a variety of dining options, ensuring you'll have plenty to savor during your stay.
• Schaumburg: Schaumburg offers a blend of family-friendly and business-themed experiences. Visit the expansive shopping mall center for retail therapy, or catch a show at one of the local theaters. Key attractions include the Chicago Athenaeum, ideal for culture lovers, and Santa's Village, a theme park that delights families. With its conference venues and sports facilities, Schaumburg is well-suited for both leisure and work-related stays.
• Rosemont: Located just outside Chicago, Rosemont is an excellent choice for family and business travelers alike. Enjoy shopping at local centers and theaters, and explore attractions like the Chicago Botanic Garden and Portage Park for outdoor enjoyment. With various dining options, including pubs and wineries, Rosemont provides a diverse culinary scene. This city is particularly appealing for those attending events at nearby conference venues or sports stadiums.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to 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 generally the most favorable option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the extra cost may be worthwhile for the convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, look for rental options 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 Chicago

The best time to rent a car in and around Chicago is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is also at its lowest. January and February together offer excellent value for those looking to explore the city quietly. Following that, March to May sees average prices and demand, making it a decent shoulder period. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and high demand, making it a busy time for rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.7°F (-3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
April	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

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.

We all love being rewarded

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.