$40 Car Rental Highland Park, IL

These Highland Park insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 16, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Highland Park

Renting a car in Highland Park offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit the Chicago Botanic Garden, located only 2 miles away, perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. If you’re looking for a beach experience, Rosewood Beach is also just 2 miles from Highland Park, making it convenient for a day of relaxation by the water. For those seeking entertainment, Six Flags Great America is a short 15-mile drive, ideal for family adventures. Additionally, having a car allows you to explore nearby cities like Highwood and Deerfield, each just 2 miles away, where you can find more attractions and local spots. Traveling with family? A rental car makes it easy to manage luggage and gear, ensuring your trips are stress-free. Whether you're visiting for outdoor experiences, entertainment, or family fun, renting a car enhances your travel experience in and around Highland Park, giving you the convenience to create your own itinerary and enjoy the sights without the limitations of public transportation.

Most popular car rental in Highland Park

• Economy: The most booked option in Highland Park, the Economy car accommodates up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Renting an Economy car provides the freedom to explore the area at your own pace while ensuring easy luggage management and flexible travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in Highland Park

• Hertz: With one rental location in Highland Park, Hertz provides travelers with a reliable option for their car rental needs. Known for its well-maintained vehicles, Hertz is particularly popular for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to those who seek space and comfort during their travels. Renting from Hertz allows for seamless exploration of Highland Park and nearby attractions at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Another excellent choice in Highland Park, Enterprise offers one rental location, making it convenient for tourists. This supplier is favored for its Mini Vans and Midsize SUVs, perfect for families or groups looking to travel together. Enterprise is committed to customer satisfaction, ensuring that your rental experience is smooth and enjoyable as you navigate the scenic routes of Highland Park and beyond.
• Budget: Budget is a great supplier option with a single location in Highland Park, known for its affordability and value. Travelers often choose Budget for their Standard SUVs and Midsize SUVs, which provide ample space without breaking the bank. With Budget, you can count on a straightforward rental process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip while exploring all that Highland Park has to offer.

Where to stay around Highland Park

• Highland Park: Situated within the vibrant city of Chicago, Highland Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with access to outdoor activities and urban parks. You can enjoy a variety of local attractions, including shopping areas and theaters. The proximity to landmarks such as Millennium Park and Navy Pier makes it an excellent base for exploring city-themed experiences.
• Hawthorn Woods: Located 13 miles away from Highland Park, Hawthorn Woods is perfect for family outings, featuring excellent golf courses and shopping centers. Visitors can explore attractions like Six Flags Great America for an entertaining day and Lake County Fairgrounds for outdoor events. Its nearby restaurants and wineries provide delightful dining options for travelers.
• Forest Lake: Also 13 miles from Highland Park, Forest Lake caters to families and business travelers alike. The area features shopping malls and urban parks, making it a convenient stop for those looking to unwind. Key attractions include the Volo Auto Museum for cultural experiences and Six Flags Great America for family fun, along with numerous dining options at local wineries.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Highland Park

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting specific vehicle types and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify 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 secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. Booking early often leads to lower prices and improved availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals adhere to a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable too; just be sure to return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience it provides 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 shield you from unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra 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 Highland Park

The best value period to rent a car in and around Highland Park is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. January and April also offer slightly low prices with average demand, making them good options as well. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. June through August see heightened demand and prices, further emphasizing July's peak rental costs.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Highland Park

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Highland Park

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $40.

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