$46 Car Rental Zion, IL

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Zion

Renting a car in Zion offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Shiloh Boulevard Park, perfect for family and outdoor experiences, and the North Dunes Nature Preserve for a serene nature escape. For those looking for entertainment, Six Flags Great America is conveniently located just 7 miles away. Additionally, having a car allows easy access to nearby cities like Gurnee, only 6 miles away, where you can enjoy Illinois Beach State Park and Waukegan Harbor. Kenosha, located 10 miles from Zion, features attractions like the Bristol Renaissance Faire and Civil War Museum, while Waukegan is just 5 miles away and offers more recreational options. Renting a car is especially beneficial for families, providing ample space for luggage and gear, making it easier to manage day trips and explore various destinations without the constraints of public transportation. This convenience enables you to create flexible travel plans and fully enjoy your visit to Zion and its beautiful surroundings.

Most popular car rental in Zion

• Midsize: This car option is the most booked in Zion, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases. Midsize cars are ideal for couples or families, providing a comfortable ride while allowing for easy luggage management. Renting a midsize vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore Zion at your own pace, making it a popular choice among travelers looking to enjoy their trip without restrictions.

Top rated car suppliers in Zion

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers in Zion, offering one rental location in the area. Customers appreciate its exceptional customer service and wide selection of vehicles. The most booked options are Mini Vans and Midsize cars, making it a great fit for families and groups. With the flexibility to adjust your itinerary and manage your luggage conveniently, renting from Enterprise enhances your travel experience in Zion.

Where to stay around Zion

• Gurnee: Located 6 miles from Zion, Gurnee offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and entertainment seekers. Here, you can enjoy attractions like the renowned Six Flags Great America and the scenic Illinois Beach State Park. Additionally, Gurnee features shopping centers and water parks, making it ideal for family outings. With various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, you’ll have plenty of choices for meals after a day of fun.
• Waukegan: Just 5 miles away from Zion, Waukegan is another excellent option for families looking for outdoor activities and entertainment. Key attractions include the beautiful Waukegan Harbor, which is perfect for scenic views, and the thrilling Six Flags Great America amusement park. Enjoy shopping at local centers and savor sweet treats or drinks at nearby pubs and eateries, making Waukegan a delightful spot for travelers.
• Kenosha: Situated 10 miles from Zion, Kenosha is a charming city known for its romantic and scenic outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the picturesque lakes and beaches, along with cultural spots like the Civil War Museum and the Kenosha Public Museum. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, Kenosha’s recreational areas and shopping centers provide a lovely backdrop for a memorable stay, especially during the warmer months when outdoor activities are plentiful.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, leverage 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 wise to make your reservation well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often secures lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between price, 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 premium models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
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 often the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are also acceptable as long as you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it a worthwhile expense.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car 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 on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 Zion

The best value period to rent a car in and around Zion is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. February follows closely, with similar pricing and average demand. Moving into March, prices become average, and demand peaks, making it a busier time to rent. April maintains average prices and demand, while June through August see prices rise to slightly high levels, with June being the most expensive month. July also experiences high demand, making it a particularly busy time for rentals.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Zion

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Zion

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $46.

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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One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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