Illinois Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Illinois

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Chicago

Chicago

What you need to know for your Illinois car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Illinois

Renting a car in Illinois is an excellent choice for road trippers, family travelers, and adventurers seeking the freedom to explore at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans as you visit key attractions like Michigan Avenue, McCormick Place, and Navy Pier in the vibrant city of Chicago. The convenience of a rental car allows you to explore popular destinations such as Downtown Chicago, where you can experience the bustling atmosphere of Michigan Avenue and the scenic views from the Chicago Riverwalk. Additionally, you can venture to neighborhoods like the Magnificent Mile or cities like Naperville, known for its beautiful Riverwalk and parks. Having a car also opens up opportunities for outdoor and scenic experiences, making it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Illinois. Whether you’re heading to a business conference at McCormick Place or enjoying a leisurely day at Navy Pier, a rental car enhances your ability to make the most of your Illinois adventure.

Most popular car rentals in Illinois

  • Midsize SUV: This vehicle type is a popular choice, accommodating up to 5 travelers along with 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV is particularly well-suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable ride. Its spacious interior makes it easy to manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore Illinois at your own pace.
  • Fullsize: The fullsize car option is ideal for families or groups, fitting 5 travelers along with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it a preferred choice for those needing extra space for luggage without sacrificing passenger comfort. It's a great way to ensure everyone has enough room during your journey across Illinois.
  • Standard SUV: With capacity for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is another excellent option for couples, families, or groups. It offers a balance of space and maneuverability, making it perfect for those who want a comfortable ride while still being able to navigate the scenic routes of Illinois efficiently.

10 tips to save on your Illinois 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 additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost savings, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well before your trip. By booking early, you are likely to find lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically have lower rental costs and are easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be restricted. 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 stipulate 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 cost-effective option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if unforeseen events occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Find Illinois Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Illinois car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Illinois, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Illinois offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Illinois car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Illinois to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Illinois airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Illinois rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Illinois airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Illinois car reservation?
We know that plans change unexpectedly. That's why many prepaid bookings allow for a full refund if you cancel a minimum of six hours before the scheduled collection time. Your rental policy should include all the info you need. If you can't see the answer there, our Customer Service Portal is always available.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Illinois with Expedia?
Whatever sort of wheels you're searching for, Expedia will help you score the best deal. Compare the offers from leading rental suppliers and select the option that's perfect for you. Want to drive away with even more in your wallet? Bundle your Illinois car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Illinois?
If you're aged 21 and over, you can rent a car in Illinois. Keep in mind that rental suppliers will charge young drivers an additional fee, which helps cover the higher damage risk involved. Also, young drivers often aren't permitted to rent larger or luxury models of cars. Check the terms and conditions before you book to avoid any problems during pickup.
What do you need to rent a car in Illinois?
Before you can get behind the wheel in Illinois, you'll need a driver's license and a credit card that matches the name on your license. If you don't take out the company's insurance plan, you may also have to show proof of your own coverage. Requirements can vary, so understand the policy terms and conditions before you select a rental supplier.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Illinois?
Expedia makes it easy to book a quality long-term car rental in Illinois. Just click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your information and browse your options.
Where can I find an Illinois car rental if I am younger than 25?
Some Illinois companies will rent cars to drivers under 25, and others won't. Policies differ from supplier to supplier, so you'll want to do your homework. Also, find out if there are any additional costs. Some places will apply a surcharge to young customers between the ages of 21 and 24. Be sure to read through the terms and conditions so you know what to expect.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Illinois?
It's a good idea to have collision damage protection to cover your Illinois rental car against accident damage, theft and vandalism. And with Expedia, you can easily purchase this insurance for your vehicle during the booking process. Covering primary physical damage of up to $35,000, it also offers 24/7 emergency support and no deductible if you need to make a claim. Have your plans changed? If you cancel your policy before your scheduled pick-up time, you'll receive a full refund.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation