How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chicago
Whether you need a compact for scooting around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Chicago. Choose from options averaging Rs41,738 a day and hit the road for less.
Rs10,154 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Chicago.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from Rs71,072 and explore more than just the top attractions.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Around four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Chicago car hire.
Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Hertz are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Chicago car hire policy, whether you go with Routes Car Rentals or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Chicago.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of Rs32,365 a day.
Offering daily rates of around Rs41,982, [this provider]([this provider) comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly Rs34,584 a day with this supplier.
If you're having trouble deciding which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked car type in Chicago.
Flying to Chicago? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Chicago, get moving sooner by picking up a car hire at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 27 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Or fasten your belt and make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Chicago Midway Airport. It'll take roughly 25 minutes to drive the 16 kilometres or so to the centre.
Also check out the rental car options at Chicago Rockford Airport. Central Chicago is around 145 kilometres away, with a drive time of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Chicago
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Chicago makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this Chicago car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Chicago that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Chicago car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Chicago by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always go over the policies before securing your wheels.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Chicago car rental booking.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
For first-time drivers in the United States, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Chicago for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time making the most of The Robey, Chicago, a Member of Design Hotels. About 5 kilometres from central Chicago, it comes with accessible parking, ironing services and a fitness centre.
Stay One Chicago makes travel simpler with valet parking and features such as a lounge and luggage storage. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Chicago for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Chicago and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to explore first. Start your trip with popular attractions such as Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Chicago
Aurora has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple and Aurora Historical Museum. This city is around 56 kilometres west of central Chicago.
Super 8 by Wyndham Aurora/Naperville Area and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville by IHG are reliable accommodation options with parking in Aurora.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Chicago and travel roughly 56 kilometres southwest to Joliet. Featuring Joliet Prison and Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, its attractions speak for themselves.
Red Roof Inn Chicago - Joliet and Hampton Inn Joliet-I-55 are comfortable places to stay in Joliet if you're in town for a while. Go for one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Still got fuel in the tank? Set out for Fort Wayne, about 225 kilometres east of Chicago. From African-American Historical Museum to Salomon Farm Park, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Hit the hay in Fort Wayne at either Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Centre or Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Centre. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
