$42 Car Rental Mattoon, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Mattoon

Renting a car in Mattoon offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This convenience is particularly beneficial for those traveling with family or luggage, as it simplifies transportation and allows for easy management of your belongings. You can visit key attractions like the Lincoln Log Cabin, located 11 miles away, or enjoy outdoor adventures at Fox Ridge State Park, just 13 miles from Mattoon. For a family-friendly experience, take a trip to Rockome Gardens, also 13 miles away.

Additionally, a rental car makes it easy to explore nearby cities such as Charleston and Gays, both within a short drive. Charleston features various attractions, including Fox Ridge State Park, while Gays offers access to Lake Shelbyville and its beach. Whether you seek outdoor scenery, cultural experiences, or a romantic getaway, having a car allows you to create a flexible travel itinerary tailored to your interests. With a rental car, the beautiful landscapes and charming locations around Mattoon are at your fingertips, making your trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in Mattoon

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring comfort during your travels in and around Mattoon. Its versatility allows you to enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, perfect for those looking to venture out and experience local attractions.
• Midsize: This option also accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for couples and families alike. The Midsize car offers a balance of comfort and space, perfect for your trip in Mattoon. Whether you're planning a leisurely drive or a more adventurous exploration, this car type will meet your travel needs while offering flexibility in managing your luggage and itinerary.

Top rated car suppliers in Mattoon

• Enterprise: With a rental location conveniently situated in Mattoon, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers looking for flexibility. They offer a variety of vehicles, with Midsize and Compact cars being the most booked options. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and wide range of vehicle choices makes renting a car from Enterprise a convenient and reliable option for exploring the area at your own pace.

Where to stay around Mattoon

• Charleston: Located 11 miles away from Mattoon, Charleston offers a blend of outdoor and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore attractions such as Fox Ridge State Park for scenic adventures, or the historic Lincoln Log Cabin for a taste of local history. The urban Mattoon Peterson Park is also nearby, making it perfect for family outings. Charleston features various dining options, including wineries and restaurants, providing ample choices for food and drinks after a day of exploration.
• Arcola: Situated 15 miles from Mattoon, Arcola is a destination for those who enjoy city and cultural themes. Key attractions include Rockome Gardens, an urban park ideal for family outings, and the Hippie Memorial, a monument that celebrates local culture. The proximity to the Mattoon Peterson Park offers additional outdoor activities. Arcola has a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
• Sullivan: Just 14 miles from Mattoon, Sullivan is known for its romantic and scenic experiences. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque Lake Shelbyville, perfect for outdoor activities or a leisurely beach day at Lake Shelbyville Beach. Eagle Creek State Park is another highlight, offering opportunities for adventure in a beautiful natural setting. Sullivan features various dining options, including restaurants and breweries, catering to those seeking sweet treats or a cozy meal.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Mattoon

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for warm weather, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the ideal match 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 car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you'll likely access lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive 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 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This also applies to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies might include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in these cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the 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 incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of 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 Mattoon

The best time to rent a car in and around Mattoon is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February also offers a good value, maintaining slightly low prices with average demand. Moving into the spring, March sees slightly high prices and average demand, while April and May offer average prices and demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, making it a busier time for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	28.6°F (-1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
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	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	35.1°F (1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Mattoon

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Mattoon

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

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