$45 Car Rental Waukegan, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Waukegan

Renting a car in Waukegan provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families or those looking for entertainment and outdoor experiences. Waukegan offers key attractions such as Waukegan Harbor, perfect for enjoying beach scenery, and Six Flags Great America, located just 4 miles away, for a fun-filled family day. Additionally, Illinois Beach State Park, also 4 miles away, offers beautiful beach experiences.

A rental car makes it convenient to visit nearby cities like Gurnee, just 3 miles away, which features Illinois Beach State Park and the Lake County Fairgrounds. North Chicago, also 3 miles from Waukegan, is home to Six Flags Great America and Waukegan Harbor. For nature enthusiasts, Zion is 5 miles away and includes parks like Shiloh Boulevard Park and the North Dunes Nature Preserve. With so many attractions accessible by car, renting a vehicle enhances your travel experience in and around Waukegan.

Most popular car rentals in Waukegan

• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car is an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for an affordable and efficient option. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through Waukegan's streets while providing the flexibility to explore various attractions at your own pace.
• Compact SUV: A great option for those needing a bit more room, the Compact SUV also accommodates 5 travelers, but it offers space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families who may have extra luggage. With a higher seating position and versatile storage, the Compact SUV provides comfort and convenience for exploring Waukegan and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers in Waukegan

• Enterprise: With a rental location in Waukegan, Enterprise is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. Known for their excellent customer service, they offer a diverse range of vehicles, including popular options like Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans. This makes it easy to manage your luggage and explore the area at your own pace. Renting from Enterprise ensures a smooth experience as you set out to discover the attractions around Waukegan.

Where to stay around Waukegan

• Gurnee: Located 3 miles away from Waukegan, Gurnee is ideal for families and entertainment-themed experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local centers and the popular water park. Highlights include the Illinois Beach State Park, perfect for a beach vacation, and the Lake County Fairgrounds, which offers outdoor activities for families. Gurnee also features various dining options, including restaurants and wineries.
• Kenosha: Situated 15 miles from Waukegan, Kenosha is a great destination for those seeking outdoor and romantic experiences. With access to scenic lakes and beaches, travelers can enjoy the beauty of nature. Notable attractions include the Bristol Renaissance Faire, ideal for family outings, and the Kenosha Public Museum, offering cultural insights. Kenosha also has a selection of restaurants and breweries for dining and relaxation.
• Zion: Just 5 miles from Waukegan, Zion is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Visitors can explore recreational areas and urban parks, such as Shiloh Boulevard Park and Canaan Park, which are great for outdoor activities. The North Dunes Nature Preserve provides a serene escape into nature. Zion also offers various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a convenient spot for food lovers.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover 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 early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel 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 fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. Renters over 70 years old may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most cost-effective option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be suitable. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
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 worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only 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 something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 in and around Waukegan

The best time to rent a car in and around Waukegan is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March through May also offers moderate pricing with average demand, making it a solid choice. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand for rentals. August follows closely, maintaining slightly high prices while demand remains average. September then provides a much quieter experience with slightly low prices and low demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	23.7°F (-4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	25.2°F (-3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	35.8°F (2.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
April	44.2°F (6.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
October	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Waukegan

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Waukegan

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $45.

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