$49 Car Rental Southern Illinois, IL

These Southern Illinois insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 29, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Southern Illinois

Renting a car in Southern Illinois is a popular choice for tourists looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as Rend Lake, located 13 miles away, which is perfect for outdoor activities and romantic experiences. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds, just 3 miles from Southern Illinois, offers great family-friendly fun, while Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, 14 miles away, invites adventure in a scenic setting.

Having your own vehicle makes it easy to manage luggage and tailor your travel plans to suit your needs. You can easily explore nearby cities like Mount Vernon and Opdyke, each only 4 miles away, both featuring attractions like Raccoon Lake Park and the aforementioned fairgrounds and parks. Bonnie, located 6 miles from Southern Illinois, also provides access to these wonderful outdoor spots. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family activities, a rental car allows you to navigate Southern Illinois with ease, ensuring that you can make the most of your visit.

Most popular car rental around Southern Illinois

• Economy: The most booked car option in Southern Illinois, the Economy car accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This type is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families looking for a practical choice that allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. With its balance of comfort and efficiency, the Economy car is perfect for exploring the scenic attractions of Southern Illinois at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers around Southern Illinois

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in Southern Illinois, with a convenient location only 5 miles away. Travelers appreciate its exceptional customer service and flexible rental options. The most booked vehicles are Midsize and Fullsize, catering to various needs. With a reputation for well-maintained cars and a hassle-free rental experience, Enterprise is a reliable choice for those looking to explore the region at their own pace.

Where to stay around Southern Illinois

• Mount Vernon: Located 4 miles from Southern Illinois, Mount Vernon is a charming city ideal for those seeking outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Here, you can explore attractions like the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, which is perfect for family outings, and Rend Lake, a stunning spot for romantic getaways and beach activities. Raccoon Lake Park also offers eco-friendly options for family vacations. Mount Vernon features nearby wine and brewery options, making it a great choice for travelers looking to unwind.
• Whittington: Situated 13 miles away from Southern Illinois, Whittington is another excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking romance. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings at Rend Lake, perfect for scenic views and beach relaxation. The I-57 Drag Strip adds a touch of adventure for sports fans, while the Franklin County Fairgrounds provides family-friendly entertainment. Whittington also boasts local wineries, enhancing your experience with delightful food and drink options.
• Bluford: Just 8 miles from Southern Illinois, Bluford offers a picturesque setting with numerous outdoor activities. With access to Rend Lake, you can enjoy a romantic day by the water or take in the beautiful scenery. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is nearby for family fun, and the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts offers cultural experiences for art lovers. Bluford's local wineries provide a perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Southern Illinois

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize filters on Expedia to identify the best fit 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 early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive 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 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available to them. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worth 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 events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
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 in and around Southern Illinois

The best value period to rent a car in Southern Illinois is January, when prices are slightly low but demand is high. Following closely, August offers slightly low prices with average demand, making it another good option. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, as demand is low but prices rise. June and July also see high demand, with average pricing, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	30.9°F (-0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
February	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
May	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	75.9°F (24.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	78.8°F (26.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
November	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
December	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Southern Illinois

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Southern Illinois

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $49.

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