Chicago Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, which cater to city experiences and family outings. The convenience of a rental car also allows for easy luggage management, making it simpler to travel with families or outdoor gear.

Exploring popular destinations such as Downtown Chicago, with its renowned Field Museum of Natural History, or the Magnificent Mile, featuring a mix of shopping and entertainment, becomes hassle-free with a car. Additionally, you can venture to nearby places like Rosemont, where you can find lovely parks and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Having a rental car eliminates the need for public transport schedules and gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary, ensuring a more personalised travel experience. Whether you're planning a day of sightseeing or a family trip, renting a car provides the convenience and flexibility to make the most of your time in and around Chicago.

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: With 2 convenient rental locations in the Chicago area, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. The most booked vehicles with this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it ideal for both individual and family trips. Enjoy the ease of managing your luggage while exploring Chicago's attractions at your own pace.
• Budget: Renowned for its extensive reach, Budget boasts over 10 rental locations throughout the Chicago area. This supplier is particularly popular among travellers looking for Midsize and Standard SUVs. With a variety of vehicle options and a focus on value, Budget enables you to tailor your driving experience to fit your itinerary seamlessly.
• Routes: Routes offers a unique rental experience with its single location in the Chicago area, making it a convenient option for those in need of a vehicle. The most frequently booked cars from Routes include Midsize SUVs and Premium Pickups, which are perfect for those seeking comfort and space during their travels. Enjoy the simplicity of renting a car while discovering the vibrant surroundings of Chicago.

Where to stay in Chicago

• Downtown Chicago: A vibrant neighbourhood ideal for a family, outdoor, or city-themed experience. Here, you can explore the famous Michigan Avenue and State Street, both known for shopping. The Field Museum of Natural History, a key attraction for culture enthusiasts, is also nearby. Enjoy various dining options ranging from casual eateries to fine restaurants. Urban parks and sports facilities add to the appeal of Downtown Chicago.
• Schaumburg: Perfect for family and business travellers, Schaumburg offers a mix of shopping centres and theatres. Notable attractions include Spring Valley, a beautiful reserve, and The Chicago Athenaeum, a cultural museum. For family fun, Santa's Village theme park is a great option. There are plenty of restaurants and wineries for dining, making it a well-rounded destination.
• Rosemont: This city caters to families and business visitors alike, featuring theatres and shopping centres. Key highlights include Milwaukee Avenue, perfect for city exploration, and Portage Park, an urban park ideal for outdoor activities. The nearby Chicago Botanic Garden offers a serene escape. With various dining options, including pubs and wineries, Rosemont is a convenient base for your Chicago adventures.

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 features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, employing filters on Expedia will assist you in locating the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and simpler to park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals offer a suitable balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily charges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the expense.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Chicago

The best time to rent a car in and around Chicago is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. January and November also offer good value, featuring slightly low prices and average demand. As summer approaches, things change; July is typically the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. June and August follow closely, also presenting slightly high prices with average to moderately high demand.

With Expedia, car hire in Chicago starts at around AU$123 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.