$58 Car Rental Northwestern University, IL

Reasons to book a car rental around Northwestern University

Renting a car around Northwestern University offers visitors the freedom to explore the area at their own pace, making it an ideal choice for college visitors, family explorers, and business travelers alike. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and have flexible travel plans, enhancing your overall experience. Nearby attractions such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, located 11 miles away, cater to business needs, while Loyola University Chicago, just 4 miles away, provides a glimpse into another modern college environment.

For those interested in culture, the Chicago History Museum is only 10 miles from Northwestern University, allowing for an enriching visit. Additionally, neighborhoods like Lakeview and Lincoln Park, situated 8 and 9 miles away respectively, offer vibrant city experiences, featuring popular sites such as Michigan Avenue and the Athenaeum Theatre. With O'Hare just 10 miles away, a rental car makes it easy to navigate your way through this urban landscape, ensuring you can fully enjoy everything Northwestern University and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals near Northwestern University

• Midsize SUV: The most booked option around Northwestern University, the midsize SUV comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and has space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the area at their own pace. With its spacious interior, you can easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom of a flexible travel plan.
• Standard SUV: Another popular choice, the standard SUV also fits 5 travelers but is designed to carry up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for couples, families, or groups who appreciate a balance of comfort, space, and maneuverability. Its versatility makes it a great companion for those seeking to experience the urban charm of Evanston.
• Mini Van: Ideal for larger families or groups, the mini van can accommodate up to 8 travelers and up to 6 large suitcases. This vehicle is particularly suited for those needing extra space for everyone and their belongings. With a mini van, you can travel comfortably while ensuring that all your gear fits easily, making it a top choice for group excursions around Northwestern University.

Top rated car suppliers near Northwestern University

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice for travelers looking to rent a car near Northwestern University, with a rental location just 0.6 miles away. Known for its range of well-maintained vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars. Hertz provides flexibility and convenience, making it easy for visitors to explore the local attractions at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations, the nearest Enterprise is conveniently located just 0.4 miles from Northwestern University. Travelers favor this supplier for its Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, which are perfect for families or groups. Enterprise is recognized for its exceptional customer service and flexible rental options, ensuring a smooth experience throughout your journey.
• Budget: Budget offers a solid selection of vehicles with 3 rental locations, the closest being 1 mile away from Northwestern University. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are among the most popular choices for renters. Budget is well-regarded for its competitive pricing and convenient pickup options, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area without breaking the bank.

Where to go near Northwestern University

• Lakeview: Located 8 miles from Northwestern University, Lakeview offers a vibrant atmosphere for family, outdoor, and sports experiences. Popular attractions include Michigan Avenue, ideal for city vacations, and the Athenaeum Theatre, a cultural hub. Visitors can also enjoy the lush surroundings of Lincoln Park, making it an excellent destination year-round, though traveler numbers peak in April and June to July.
• Lincoln Park: Situated 9 miles away from Northwestern University, Lincoln Park is a wonderful neighborhood for family and city experiences. It's known for its educational and shopping opportunities, with highlights like the Chicago History Museum and DePaul University-Lincoln Park. The area's visitor numbers peak during June to July and September, offering a lively atmosphere during these months.
• O'Hare: O'Hare is located 10 miles from Northwestern University and is a great option for family and business travelers. This neighborhood provides easy access to various attractions such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. While visitor numbers are highest from July to September, O'Hare remains a solid choice throughout the year, balancing city excitement with convenient amenities.

10 tips to save on your Northwestern University car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, 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 prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers younger than 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 prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals have a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is often the most cost-effective option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the 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 protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking 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 necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around Northwestern University

The best time to rent a car around Northwestern University is January, which offers slightly low prices and average demand, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. February follows closely, featuring slightly low prices and moderately low demand. As spring approaches, March and April maintain average pricing with moderately low demand, presenting decent options. However, August stands out as the most expensive month, experiencing high demand alongside slightly high prices, making it less favorable for renting a car during that time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.7°F (-3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
April	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly Low