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Car hire in Chicago – Discovering Illinois
With its defining 20th- and 21st-century architecture, world-famous museums and thriving cultural scene, Chicago is one of America's most popular holiday destinations. Strikingly set on the banks of Lake Michigan, in the bustling state of Illinois, it has all the dynamism of New York, all the scenic beauty of San Francisco and all the artistic style of Los Angeles. In the Windy City where there’s something for everyone, whether it's shopping, sports, fine cuisine or touring the city's idyllic surroundings.
Home to a multitude of world-class museums and attractions, Chicago is equally renowned for its jazz, blues and innovative music with many of the world's top artists having been born in the city, most notably Nat King Cole, Bo Diddley, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Muddy Waters, Patti Smith, Earth, Wind & Fire, Smashing Pumpkins, Staple Singers and Kanye West. It also gave the world the skyscraper, with the world's first such building (the Home Insurance Building) having been erected in the city in 1885.
Top of most people's places to visit is the amazing Art Institute of Chicago, home to one of the world's most varied and extensive collections. There's nothing better than a walk through Downtown Chicago's Millennium Park where several pieces of art can be seen, including Cloud Gate, a unique 110-ton mirror-like sculpture. Opened in 1916, Navy Pier is the place to go on a warm summer's day, a 50-acre expanse of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, music veues and fairground attractions.
A car hire in Chicago is a very convenient and comfortable way of seeing not just the city but other interesting places, such as Detroit, Indianapolis and Milwaukee, all within striking distance of the Windy City. The perfect day-trip option is a leisurely drive along the shores of Lake Michigan on what many people say is the prettiest extended stretch of urban parkway in America.
Founded in 1954, Auto Europe offers some of the cheapest deals on the car rental market worldwide, including the widest choice of vehicles and best selection of pick-up points. Start planning your journey online now or contact our award-winning rental specialists for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your holiday itinerary. For added peace of mind, why not check out the comments and ratings of some of our previous customers in the city who posted their thoughts and opinions on our Chicago car hire reviews page.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Chicago, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Chicago
The secret to Auto Europe's success since being founded in 1954 is the fact that we work with all the world's top suppliers of low-cost car hire in Chicago and elsewhere in the USA, which means that you can choose from the widest choice of city locations. Besides the many car rental companies available at Chicago's two airports, there are several conveniently-situated vehicle providers in other parts of Windy City, most of which are in close proximity to Chicago's top tourist attractions, such as Millennium Park, Downtown and Lakeshore East. By making a quick search in our booking engine, you'll be able to make the best decision for your trip by using the an interactive map that appears in just a few seconds.
Chicago Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, known simply as O'Hare, is situated approximately 17 miles north-west of the famous Loop. As the city's main international airport, it provides quick access to Downtown via the public transport network, most popularly the CTA Blue Line which carries passengers to and from the heart of Chicago in just a few minutes. Managed by the Chicago Department of Aviation, it covers a total area of more than 7,600 acres and operates with non-stop flights to over two hundred popular destinations all over the world. All car hire companies are located in the Multi-Modal Facility often referred to as MMF. The car rental facilities can be easily reached via the Airport Transit System that runs between the airport terminals every 3-5 min.
Chicago Airport (ORD)
Website: flychicago.com
Address: 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, United States
Telephone: +1 800 832 6352
Chicago Midway Airport
Located just ten miles south-west of downtown Chicago, Chicago Midway Airport is the second-busiest air transportation facility in the state of Illinois. Serving passengers mostly flying to destinations across North America and Canada, it can easily be reached in less than 30 minutes using the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line buses, regional buses, or downtown and suburban shuttles. At Midway Airport the car hire suppliers are located at the Midway Rental Car facility located at 5150 W 55th Street. Shuttles operate between the airport terminal and the facility every 15 min.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Website: flychicago.com
Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA
Telephone: +1 773 838 0600
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Chicago
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Chicago
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Chicago. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please contact our reservations team for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Chicago?
Yes. To rent a car in Chicago, you will need to present a valid credit card with sufficient funds to pick up your vehicle. The main reason for this is because the local supplier must place a hold on the value of the deductible for the vehicle they rent you for the entire duration of the rental period. This amount is returned promptly as and when the rental vehicle is dropped off in exactly the same condition as when it left the collection point. Some drivers express surprise when they try to pick up their low-cost car rental in Chicago with cash or a debit/pre-paid car but are refused. For this reason, it is extremely important to travel with a valid credit card (in the main driver's name) to avoid disappointment. Please consult our blog post for more information on why credit cards are so important for hiring a car. When booking a premium- or luxury-category car, please keep in mind that the car hire supplier might ask for a second major credit card (ie Visa, Mastercard, Diners or American Express), also in the name of the primary driver. You can check which cards and types of card are accepted simply by making a quick search in the Auto Europe booking engine, after which you will find all the relevant details by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i). Please take a look at our blog post for more information on credit card and deposit requirements before arriving to collect your vehicle.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Chicago?
When you hire a car in Chicago with Auto Europe, you'll need to be aware that there are few key points to remember about car hire coverage. The first thing to remember is that our Zero Excess product comes as standard with all reservations for car rental in Chicago and elsewhere in the USA and includes value added tax (VAT), liability insurance, fire insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW) zero excess and theft protection (TP) zero excess. Nevertheless, most drivers opt for the kind of comprehensive coverage provided by our popular Full Damage & Theft Protection policy, which means that most parts of the vehicle will be covered should the worst happen and you need to make a claim. All the relevant coverage information can easily be found by doing a quick search through the Auto Europe booking engine, followed by clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) after selecting your preferred car category and supplier. Be on your guard against local car rental employees who often to try selling their customers their own products and features on top of what they have already purchased prior to arriving to collect their car hire in Chicago.
How is the traffic in Chicago?
Chicago is traversed by several motorways leading right into the city from all cardinal directions. These motorways and a very logical system of streets organised in a grid make driving your car hire in Chicago rather straightforward. However, it does not mean that occasionally and during rush hour traffic does not get congested. Please bear in mind that driving in Chicago may be competitive at times. In addition, you might also like to visit our US driving guide for lots of useful information relating to getting around the country by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Chicago?
Finding a free parking place for your low-cost car rental in Chicago does not necessarily have to be as difficult as it might seem at first. We recommend public car parks and garages such as those near Navy Pier (one of the city's top tourist attractions), or one of the many others located in Downtown Chicago. Parking at some of the car parks may be booked online in advance. You can also look up an extensive and interactive map of car parks and garages with available places in real time. On-street parking meters accept credit cards and the excellent Chicago parking app ParkChicago lets you pay by phone and often lets you extend the time. Be aware of the fact that parking in and around the centre of Chicago is often limited to two hour increments, so for visiting the top attractions it might be better to leave your vehicle in a car park so you can relax and enjoy all the city's main sights. Chicago's car parks and street parking are usually much cheaper the further away from the Loop and Near North you get, so the best thing to do is park a little distance away and either walk in or catch a bus. Note that Greektown and the West Loop are two of the best places to find cheaper parking near the centre of Chicago.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Chicago?
Yes. You'll find that the state of Illinois (of which Chicago is the capital) operates with a very comprehensive toll network, which many drivers consider to be one of the best in the USA. This means that when you rent a car in Chicago, you'll always be able to enjoy a smooth journey throughout the city and its surroundings. For instance, you can use the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway to get you from O’Hare Airport to Wisconsin and back, plus the Tri-State Tollway is one of the best ways to bypass Chicago if you're heading for Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin. Te Chicago Skyway is the toll road to choose if you are travelling between Chicago and Indiana on Interstates 90 and 94. The Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway runs east-west across North-Central and Northeastern Illinois (note that the I-88 is part of the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. Be aware that there are toll booths along the Veterans Memorial Tollway at Army Trail Road, Boughton Road and Spring Creek, the amount of which can be paid electronically with the I-Pass and E-ZPass electronic transponders.
Do I need an international driving license to hire a car in Chicago?
An International Driving Licence (IDL) is recommended but not obligatory if the main driver's licence isn't printed in the English language. Please note that an IDL is mandatory if their licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet (ie Japanese, Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, etc.), in which case it must always be accompanied by the main driver's home licence.
Can I drive my rental in Chicago into Canada?
Yes. Travel between Chicago and Canada is permitted with most of our partnering car hire suppliers in Chicago, namely Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Avis and Budget. Please note that an additional fee might apply and the intention to cross the border must always be noted at the time of booking your car hire in Chicago.
Can I hire a campervan in Chicago?
Sightseeing with a motorhome hire in Chicago is another popular option with Auto Europe. As the world's number one car hire broker, the company offers a wide range of modern campervans equipped with all the amenities required for a leisurely road-trip in and around the Windy City.
Chicago Travel Guide
America's third-largest city, Chicago is a burgeoning tourist destination and one of the most vibrant metropolises in the world. There's mush to see and do here, including a trip up Willis Tower, a stroll through Millennium Park and a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. But the Windy City is also the gateway to Illinois, a state crammed with interesting places to visit with a car hire in Chicago.
Best day trips with my car rental in Chicago
Chicago is the most popular gateway to the state of Illinois and the city offers plenty of fun trips for the whole family within a short drive of the city. If you are looking to go even further with your car rental in Chicago, you can opt for one of Auto Europe's popular one-way car hire offers, or take advantage of one of our regular Free Additional Driver promotions available throughout the year.
Michigan Wine Country
Michigan Wine Country: Tours of the famous Michigan wine region are best enjoyed with a cheap car rental in Chicago. you can find over 20 different wineries, ideal for anyone looking for a romantic or fun day trip from the windy city. Enjoy the fresh air, learn about the different species of grape, and enjoy some wine tasting. Most wineries are based in the Lower Peninsula, along Lake Michigan, with the lake effect climate protecting the vines in the winter and creating the ideal soil for growing grapes.
Starved Rock State Park
Popular for its crashing waterfalls and tall cliffs, Starved Rock State Park promises a fantastic day out from nearby Chicago. The park is best known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater and the wooded trail which leads to Lover’s Leap Overlook, with offering head-spinning views of the river and Starved Rock Dam.
Madison
A pleasant 2.5-hour drive from the Windy City takes you to the enchanting town of Madison, one of the most delightful places in the Chicago area. Take a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol building to learn more about the American political system before exploring the stunning Olbrich Botanical Gardens, one of the best attractions of its kind in Illinois. Madison is also surrounded by lakes, with Lake Monona and Lake Mendota offering the perfect spot for a lunchtime picnic.
Six Flags
Just an hour's drive from the centre of Chicago, Six Flags is one of the top theme parks in Illinois and caters for adults and youngsters alike. With over forty rides designed for families, there are many on-site attractions to enjoy besides roller-coasters, including Hurricane Harbor, a extensive 20-acre water park with slides, river floats, children's play areas and an amazing surf simulator.
What to do in Chicago
Famous for its Midwestern charm, the city of Chicago is a must-visit destination no matter what time of the year or with whom you are visiting. The Windy City (as it is famously known) is bursting with world-class museums, huge parks and some of the best restaurants in the whole of the USA. Beides being the official birthplace of the modern skyscraper, it is also a dream come true with lovers of striking architecture, most notably in and around Downtown.
- Willis Tower: Willis (formerly Sears) Tower is the place to go for the best views of the city from the observation decks of this iconic 442-metre, 110-storey building. On the 103rd floor of what for a long period of time was the world’s tallest building, visitors with a head for heights can step out onto The Ledge, an enclosed glass floor balcony that juts out by over a metre from the side of this imposing skyscraper.
- Millennium Park: Millennium Park is more than a place for a leisurely stroll, it's an area full of important pieces of art and architecture, such as Gehry's stylish serpentine BP Bridge, Anish Kapoor's reflective steel Cloud Gate and Jaume Plensa's monumental 15-metre-high fountains tiled in LEDs that display a changing gallery of 1,000 portraits of Chicago citizens (with the occasional jet of water).
- Art Institute of Chicago: One of the world’s s great art museums, the Art Institute of Chicago houses a permanent collection that spans every medium from all cultures and historical periods. Housing more than 260,000 artworks and artefacts, it is particularly strong in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting, early 20th-century European painting and sculpture, contemporary art, Japanese prints and photography. Look out for Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Monet's haystack paintings, Matisse's Bathers by a River and Picasso's The Old Guitarist.
- Field Museum: Most people visit this great museum to see the world's oldest and most-complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. There’s plenty more to enjoy though, such as an ancient Egyptian tomb complete with mummies and vast collections of anthropology, botany, geology and zoology. Other sections of interest include the Grainger Hall of Gems, Underground Adventure and the DNA Discovery Center.
- Shedd Aquarium: Perched on the banks of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 30,000 marine animals, including sea otters and seahorses, beluga whales and bluegills, reef sharks and stingrays. It also has a strong conservation focus with a number of the animals that reside here having been rescued from different parts of the globe.