Car Rental Downtown Springfield, IL

These Downtown Springfield insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 26, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Springfield

Renting a car in Downtown Springfield offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit significant attractions such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Capitol, both located less than a mile away. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is also within this convenient distance, making it simple to immerse yourself in the rich history of the area. For families, having a car allows for easy luggage management and a comfortable way to transport children and gear. If you wish to venture beyond Downtown Springfield, cities like Grandview and Leland Grove are just two and three miles away, respectively, offering additional cultural experiences like the Old State Capitol and the Illinois State Museum. Whether you're seeking family-friendly outings or exploring outdoor and entertainment-themed activities, a rental car provides the convenience necessary for a memorable trip. Enjoy the sights and attractions of Springfield without the hassle of public transportation, ensuring a more enjoyable and relaxed travel experience.

Most popular car rentals around Downtown Springfield

• Economy: The Economy car option is a popular choice for those traveling solo, couples, or small families. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travelers and has space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for navigating the streets of Downtown Springfield with ease and flexibility, allowing you to explore attractions at your own pace.
• Fullsize: For families and groups, the Fullsize car is an excellent option. It offers ample space for up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for those needing extra luggage capacity while enjoying the freedom of travel around Downtown Springfield and beyond.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is well-suited for couples and families, accommodating up to 5 travelers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. Offering a balance of comfort and space, this option is perfect for your journey through Downtown Springfield, ensuring you have room for your luggage while enjoying a smooth driving experience.

Top rated car suppliers around Downtown Springfield

• Budget: Budget features one rental location situated 3 miles away from Downtown Springfield. This supplier is popular among travelers for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are ideal for those needing extra space while exploring the area. With Budget, you can enjoy the flexibility of a rental car and the convenience of a nearby pickup location.
• Hertz: Hertz also boasts a single rental location, located 3 miles from Downtown Springfield. Travelers frequently choose this supplier for its Midsize and Economy vehicles, offering economical options for budget-conscious renters. Hertz is known for its efficient service, making it a solid choice for those looking to hit the road quickly.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with three rental locations, with the closest being just 2 miles away from Downtown Springfield. This supplier is favored for its offerings of Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, providing a range of choices for various travel needs. Enterprise is appreciated for its exceptional customer service, ensuring a smooth and pleasant rental experience.

Where to stay around Downtown Springfield

• Downtown Springfield: The heart of Springfield, Downtown offers easy access to major attractions such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Capitol. This vibrant area is perfect for those seeking a cultural experience, with numerous dining options nearby, including local breweries and wineries. It's an ideal base for families and adventure seekers looking to explore the city’s rich history and outdoor venues.
• Chatham: Located 9 miles from Downtown Springfield, Chatham is a charming city known for its outdoor and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Illinois State Museum and the beautiful Washington Park Botanical Gardens. Chatham provides a relaxed atmosphere with various dining options and is great for those wanting to explore more natural settings while being close to Springfield's urban attractions.
• Sherman: Situated 7 miles from Downtown Springfield, Sherman is a great choice for families and those seeking entertainment-themed experiences. The area features the Illinois State Fairgrounds and Lincoln's Tomb, showcasing the historical significance of the region. Sherman also boasts nearby wineries and an inviting community atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to relax after a day of exploring Springfield’s attractions.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown Springfield

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summertime enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover 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 reserve your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance typically allows you to secure lower prices and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are often more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. 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 fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This policy can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel arrangements, which are acceptable as well. 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 justify the extra 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 of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning to take long 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 essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Springfield

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downtown Springfield is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. Following that, March through May offers average prices and demand, making it another reasonable option. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand and prices as summer activities peak. June and August also see slightly high prices and demand, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	27.7°F (-2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	30.7°F (-0.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	34.7°F (1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low