$34 Car Rental Des Plaines, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Des Plaines

Renting a car in Des Plaines offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. Whether you're a suburban explorer, a business traveler, or a family on an adventure, having a rental car allows you to explore attractions at your own pace. For business needs, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is conveniently located only 4 miles away, providing easy access for meetings and events. If you're interested in a city experience, Northwestern University is just 11 miles away, offering a modern campus atmosphere. Families will enjoy the Chicago Botanic Garden, located 9 miles from Des Plaines, where outdoor activities and scenic beauty await. A rental car also opens the door to nearby destinations such as the vibrant city of Chicago, known for iconic locations like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, as well as the charming neighborhoods of Oakton and Norma, both featuring attractions like the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. With a rental car, managing luggage becomes simple, and you can create a flexible itinerary that suits your interests and needs, making your trip to Des Plaines an enjoyable experience.

Most popular car rentals in Des Plaines

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle comfortably fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. With its spacious interior, a midsize SUV provides a perfect blend of comfort and practicality, allowing you to explore the attractions in and around Des Plaines with ease. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this option offers flexibility and ample room for everyone and their luggage.
• Economy: The economy car fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a popular option for solo travelers, couples, or smaller families. This vehicle is perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas of Des Plaines, providing a cost-effective solution without compromising on comfort. Its compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver through urban environments, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a practical and economical travel experience.
• Fullsize: Offering space for 5 travelers and the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is a great selection for families or larger groups. This vehicle provides generous room for passengers and luggage, making it ideal for extended trips or when you need extra space. Renting a fullsize car allows you the convenience of exploring the region around Des Plaines without worrying about space constraints, ensuring a comfortable journey for all.

Top rated car suppliers in Des Plaines

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers in Des Plaines, offering 2 rental locations within the area. Known for its wide selection of vehicles, the most frequently booked cars include Midsize SUVs and Economy models. Hertz is appreciated for its reliable services, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore the region at their own pace.
• Dollar Rent A Car: With 1 rental location in Des Plaines, Dollar Rent A Car is another excellent choice for tourists. This supplier is particularly favored for its Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, which cater to a variety of travel needs. Dollar Rent A Car is recognized for providing a straightforward rental experience, allowing you to manage your itinerary easily.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has 1 location in the Des Plaines area, offering a range of vehicles to suit different preferences. The most popular rentals include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it a practical option for families and groups. Travelers appreciate Thrifty for its efficient service and the flexibility it provides for exploring the local attractions.

Where to go in Des Plaines

• Chicago: As a vibrant metropolis, Chicago offers a wealth of activities for family, outdoor, and city experiences. Explore the famous Michigan Avenue for shopping or visit the Navy Pier, a popular jetty with various attractions. The bustling atmosphere peaks in July to September, making it an ideal time to enjoy the city's urban parks and sports facilities.
• Oakton: Located nearby, Oakton is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventure and eco-friendly experiences. Highlights include the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for business events and the scenic nature reserves in the area. With visitor numbers peaking in July to September, this neighborhood is excellent for enjoying educational activities and golf while immersing yourself in the local environment.
• Norma: Another nearby neighborhood, Norma caters to business and family travelers. The area features shopping malls and centers, ideal for those looking to indulge in retail therapy. Key attractions like the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District offer a mix of business and family-friendly experiences. Like the other neighborhoods, visitor numbers peak from July to September, making it a lively time to explore.

10 tips to save on your Des Plaines car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for extra room, a convertible for warm weather, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to find lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a solid compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions 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 option is usually the most cost-effective. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can be convenient as well; just remember to return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs extra fees, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively 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 during your Expedia booking is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to eliminate potential extra 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 Des Plaines

The best value period to rent a car in and around Des Plaines is February, which has slightly low prices and low demand. January and March also offer similar benefits, making them good options for budget-conscious travelers. April sees prices and demand rise to average levels, while May continues this trend with moderate demand. The rental market becomes particularly busy and expensive from June through August, especially in July, which is the peak month for both prices and demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	24.3°F (-4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	26.1°F (-3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	37.6°F (3.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	46.9°F (8.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
May	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	73.9°F (23.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	31.8°F (-0.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Des Plaines

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Des Plaines

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $34.

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