Car Rental at Dupage Airport (DPA)

Reasons to book a car rental at Chicago Airport

Renting a car at Chicago airport is an excellent choice for travelers seeking freedom and flexibility during their trip. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows you to explore attractions around Chicago airport at your own pace while managing your luggage easily. This option is popular among business travelers, family explorers, and weekend getaway enthusiasts, ensuring that everyone can make the most of their visit.

With a rental car, you can access key destinations such as Wheaton College, located only 9 miles away, and the NOW Arena, just 11 miles away, both ideal for culture and entertainment experiences. You may also wish to venture to nearby cities like Naperville and Schaumburg, each about 12 miles from Chicago airport, where you can enjoy local parks and venues. Even the charming city of St. Charles is only 3 miles away, featuring attractions like Kane County Fairgrounds. Whether you're traveling solo or with family, the flexibility of a rental car makes exploring the vibrant surroundings of Chicago airport a hassle-free experience.

Most popular car rentals near Chicago Airport

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travelers at Chicago airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for 3 large suitcases. This car type is perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking comfort and space while navigating the city and its surroundings. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, a Midsize SUV offers an excellent blend of capability and convenience for your travel needs.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, the Fullsize vehicle can seat 5 travelers comfortably and holds either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space for your luggage and passengers, making it an excellent selection for those embarking on longer trips or weekend getaways. Renting a Fullsize car from Chicago airport allows you to enjoy your journey with ease and flexibility.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another fantastic option for travelers at Chicago airport, accommodating 5 passengers and fitting up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is particularly well-suited for couples or small families looking for a balance of space and maneuverability. With a Standard SUV, you can enjoy the comfort of an SUV while still finding it easy to navigate through busy city streets.

Top rated car suppliers near Chicago Airport

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers looking to rent at Chicago airport, with a rental location just 2 miles away. Known for great customer service, Hertz offers a range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. This supplier is ideal for those who appreciate quality and reliability during their trip.
• Budget: Budget provides an excellent option for travelers, located 3 miles from Chicago airport. This supplier is favored for its affordability and convenience, making it a great choice for budget-conscious renters. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the most popular vehicles available, perfect for exploring the Chicago area comfortably.
• Enterprise: With 4 rental locations nearby, Enterprise is a highly convenient option for those flying into Chicago airport, with the closest location just 4 miles away. Known for its customer service and variety of vehicles, Enterprise offers Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans among its most booked cars, making it a suitable choice for families or larger groups.

Where to go near Chicago Airport

• Naperville: Located 12 miles away from Chicago, Naperville is a vibrant city ideal for family and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Riverwalk, perfect for leisurely strolls, and Riverwalk Park, which offers a relaxing urban park atmosphere. The College of Dupage also adds to the educational appeal of the area. Peak travel times are in April and from June to July, making it an excellent choice during these months for those seeking a mix of city life and outdoor activities.
• Schaumburg: Situated 12 miles from Chicago, Schaumburg is a bustling city known for its family-friendly and business-oriented attractions. Key highlights include the Schaumburg Convention Center, which serves as a major event venue, and NOW Arena, perfect for entertainment and family outings. The area experiences peak visitor numbers in March to April and July, making it a lively spot during these months for those looking to explore shopping centers and theaters.
• St. Charles: St. Charles is located a mere 3 miles from Chicago and is recognized for its family, outdoor, and entertainment experiences. Notable attractions include the Kane County Fairgrounds, which hosts various outdoor events, and NOW Arena, suitable for family entertainment. The area sees a rise in visitors during March and from June to July, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the local parks and cultural sites during these peak times.

9 tips to save on your Chicago Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer adventures, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize Expedia's filters to find the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: To secure lower rates and a wider selection, it's generally advisable to book your DPA car rental as early as possible. Aim to finalize your reservation 1-3 months in advance, particularly before busy travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and the availability of certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be restricted. This also applies to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before confirming your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, such as economy or compact cars, are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals provide a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits, and debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. 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. It's simple to include car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan on spending considerable time driving, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Chicago Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Chicago Airport is February, when prices and demand are both slightly low. This quiet month is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Nearby months like January and October also offer slightly low prices, making them good options as well. However, June through August see the highest demand and rental prices, especially in August, which is the most expensive month. This trend continues with July and August being particularly busy times for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	22.8°F (-5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	25.2°F (-3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	69.4°F (20.8°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	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	30.6°F (-0.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average