Chicago Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago offers you the freedom to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. This is particularly beneficial for families or those seeking outdoor experiences, as it allows you to visit attractions without the constraints of public transport schedules. Key sites such as Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are readily accessible, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Millennium Park, which caters to family and outdoor experiences. You can also venture into popular neighbourhoods like Downtown Chicago, where you can explore the Field Museum of Natural History, or the Magnificent Mile, known for its shopping and entertainment options. Additionally, a trip to Rosemont allows you to experience the Chicago Botanic Garden and Portage Park. With a rental car, you can effortlessly navigate between these destinations, making your sightseeing experience much more enjoyable and convenient.

Most popular car rentals in Chicago

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV combines spaciousness with comfort, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the ride while having ample room for luggage and personal items during your travels in and around Chicago.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV can comfortably seat 5 travellers and handle up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle strikes a balance between size and manoeuvrability, offering a great option for those who want to explore Chicago with flexibility while managing their luggage efficiently.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and can store either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This choice is particularly well-suited for families or groups who require extra space for their belongings. With its generous capacity, the Fullsize provides a comfortable journey around Chicago, allowing for a relaxed travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Chicago

• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental operates 2 rental locations within the Chicago area, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for their Midsize SUV and Compact vehicles, Thrifty offers flexibility and comfort for exploring the city and its surroundings. Customers appreciate the efficient service and the range of vehicle options available, allowing for a pleasant rental experience as you navigate the vibrant streets of Chicago.
• Budget: With over 10 rental locations throughout Chicago, Budget stands out as a popular choice among travellers. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, perfect for families or those needing extra space. Budget is recognised for its competitive pricing and extensive selection, providing an excellent way to explore the city at your leisure while managing your luggage easily.
• Routes: Routes has a single rental location in the Chicago area, offering a focused and straightforward car rental experience. Their Midsize SUV and Premium Pickup options are particularly favoured by customers seeking comfort and capability during their travels. The convenience of having a dedicated location allows for personalised service, ensuring that you can easily find the right vehicle to suit your adventure in and around Chicago.

Where to stay in Chicago

• Downtown Chicago: Downtown Chicago is an ideal location for families and those seeking a vibrant city experience. Within this neighbourhood, you can explore popular attractions such as the Field Museum of Natural History, perfect for cultural holidays, and enjoy shopping along Michigan Avenue and State Street. The area is also home to various restaurants and entertainment venues, making it a lively spot for both relaxation and adventure.
• Schaumburg: Schaumburg offers a blend of family-friendly activities and business amenities. Travellers can visit the Chicago Athenaeum for a touch of culture, or enjoy a day at the shopping malls and theatres that populate the area. Key points of interest include Spring Valley, a beautiful reserve, and Santa's Village, a theme park suited for family entertainment. The diverse dining options ensure that there is something for everyone.
• Rosemont: Rosemont is a convenient destination for families and business travellers alike. Here, you will find shopping centres and theatres, alongside attractions such as the Chicago Botanic Garden, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a romantic atmosphere. Portage Park provides a delightful urban park experience, while Milwaukee Avenue is perfect for leisurely strolls. The area's variety of restaurants and pubs adds to the overall charm of your stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to benefit from lower rates and enhanced availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This could also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements necessitate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you evade unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind should any unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Chicago

The best value period to rent a car in and around Chicago is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. January also offers a good option, with similar characteristics. Moving into March and April, prices and demand remain moderate, making these months viable for rentals. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand, while June and August follow closely with similar trends.

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	Average	Average
May	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	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	Average	Slightly High
September	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	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	Slightly Low
December	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average

With Expedia, car hire in Chicago starts at around AU$108 per day in 2026. The total cost is influenced by the car model, rental period and the season you want to rent it in. Before you can get your engines roaring, there are a few things to take into consideration. During the summer season, prices tend to peak from June to August. By planning ahead, opting for the off-season and browsing Expedia's options, you can score some of the best car rentals in Chicago.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Chicago

Scoring an amazing deal is just a few clicks away with Expedia. Simply select your preferred car model, choose your dates and then get specific about the pickup and drop-off locations. Then compare the offers on budget car hire in Los Angeles. Get even better savings by bundling our Chicago rental cars into a holiday package. Add flights, activities, hotels and tours to slash the prices down. With all of these savings, you can spend that cash on wacky museums, rooftop bars and whatever else tickles your fancy. Who knew that finding the best Chicago car rental deals could be so easy?

Best car rental companies in Chicago

Vehicle hire in Chicago is easy, especially with Expedia. With years of experience scavenging the web, we've got the best deals from over 34 different suppliers. Take your pick of everything from compact economy cars to full-size SUVs. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends or the whole family, we've got the perfect vehicle for you.

Best places to rent a car in Chicago

If you plan to fly directly to the Windy City, you probably want to rent a car at O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Booking our rental cars in Chicago offers a hassle-free experience. You only have to worry about getting off the plane, grabbing your car keys and getting the ball going. Plus, you'll have the freedom to explore on your own schedule. And you can't beat that!

Chicago car rental types

Whether you want to keep it simple with an economy, splurge on a premium vehicle or opt for a mid-size, we have plenty of car rental deals in Chicago. The most popular choice for a vacation in Illinois is a convenient compact vehicle. For a fuss-free car that’s fuel-efficient and easy to park, you really can’t go wrong!

Advice on car rental in Chicago

If you plan to hire a car in Chicago, you’ll need a valid driver's license and credit card that are under the same name. The minimum age to rent a car in Chicago is 21 years old and if you're under 25, there may be a younger driver's surcharge applied. Before you book your Chicago car hire, find out about the full terms, policies and conditions of Expedia. If you don't have a U.S. driver's license, you may need to organise an International Drivers Permit (IDP) before you go. Be sure to research the details before you kickstart your next getaway!

Benefits of booking a car rental in Chicago with Expedia

Whether you want to relax in the leafy parks or visit the vibrant museums, Chicago is a city that’s full of opportunities. Luckily, finding budget car hire in Chicago is made simple with Expedia. Booking your own set of wheels allows you to explore hidden gems, popular spots and everything else in between. Plus, you can save more when you bundle flights, hotels, activities and more into your Chicago holiday package.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.