$37 Car Rental Evanston, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Evanston

Renting a car in Evanston offers an unbeatable combination of freedom and flexibility, making it a popular choice for suburban explorers, cultural enthusiasts, and weekend travelers. With your own vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and design a travel itinerary that suits your pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or those seeking outdoor experiences. You can easily access key attractions such as the **Donald E. Stephens Convention Center**, located 10 miles away, which is perfect for business events, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of **Northwestern University**, right in Evanston. For culture seekers, the **Chicago History Museum**, also 10 miles away, presents a fantastic opportunity to delve into the city's rich past. Moreover, having a rental car allows you to explore popular nearby destinations like the bustling metropolis of **Chicago**, featuring iconic sites such as Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier. Additionally, you can venture into the charming neighborhoods of **South Evanston** and **North Evanston**, each offering unique landmarks like the Baha'i House of Worship and Clark Street Beach. Embrace the convenience and make the most of your trip with the ease of a rental car in and around Evanston.

Most popular car rentals in Evanston

• Midsize SUV: This car type fits 5 travelers comfortably and can accommodate up to 3 large suitcases. It's the ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Evanston and its surrounding areas. The spacious interior allows for a comfortable ride, making it perfect for those who value both space and flexibility during their travels.
• Economy: The economy car is a great option for solo travelers, couples, or families, fitting 5 travelers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is perfect for those seeking a more budget-friendly option while still enjoying the convenience of a rental car. It's an excellent way to explore Evanston without compromising on comfort.
• Fullsize: Ideal for larger families or groups, the fullsize car accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for those who need extra luggage space while still enjoying a comfortable ride around Evanston and beyond.

Top rated car suppliers in Evanston

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers in Evanston, offering a rental location in the area. Known for its well-maintained vehicles, Hertz has a strong selection of cars, with Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles being the most booked. This supplier provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore Evanston and its surroundings comfortably and at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget stands out in Evanston with its competitive pricing and value-driven options. With a rental location in the area, Budget is favored for Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to those needing space for luggage or family travel. The supplier is recognized for its efficiency, making the rental process smooth and hassle-free for visitors.
• Enterprise: Enterprise is another top choice for car rentals in Evanston, featuring a local rental location. This supplier is known for its spacious Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, ideal for families or groups. Customers appreciate the attentive service and flexibility Enterprise provides, ensuring a pleasant experience from pick-up to drop-off.

Where to go in Evanston

• South Evanston: South Evanston is a vibrant neighborhood offering a blend of city and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the modern Northwestern University, which is a notable educational institution, or visit the Baha'i House of Worship, a beautiful temple. For those looking to relax, Clark Street Beach offers a scenic spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. This area sees peak visitor numbers from July to September, making it an ideal time to experience its cultural offerings and recreational areas.
• North Evanston: North Evanston is rich in culture and outdoor experiences, with attractions such as Northwestern University and the Baha'i House of Worship nearby. The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center serves as a hub for various events and conferences, appealing to business travelers. Music concerts and theatrical performances are also popular in this neighborhood, adding to its cultural charm. Similar to South Evanston, the best time to visit is from July to September when visitor numbers peak.
• Chicago: As a bustling metropolis, Chicago is a short distance from Evanston and offers a variety of attractions. Michigan Avenue is a prime shopping destination, and Navy Pier provides entertainment and scenic views. McCormick Place is ideal for business-related visits. The city draws travelers year-round, though July to September sees the highest influx of visitors. Exploring the urban parks and sports facilities can enhance your city experience while staying in Evanston.

10 tips to save on your Evanston car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match 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 enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller vehicles are more affordable to rent and easier to park 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 surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This 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 require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most 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 incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is quick and easy.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive 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 vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Evanston

The best value period to rent a car in and around Evanston is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. April and May are also good options, as they offer average prices with moderate demand. However, March tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and lower demand. Following this, June through August see slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making them busier times for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.5°F (-3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	26.6°F (-3.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly High
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Evanston

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Evanston

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $37.

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