What is the cheapest rental car found in Chicago?

In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $56/day when booking a rental car in Chicago. The best deal a user found was for $25/day from Getaround, booked on Nov. 17.

What car rental company is typically the cheapest in Chicago?

According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a rental car in Chicago from the following companies over the past two weeks: Hertz ($27/day), Fox ($27/day), and Thrifty ($29/day).

Which car rental company is considered to be the best in Chicago?

Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Alamo (8.0 rating), National (7.4 rating) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.4 rating) seem to be the best rental car companies in Chicago.

What are gas prices like in Chicago?

The average gas price in Chicago is $3.97/gallon over the past month, costing you anywhere between $47 and $68 to fill up a car’s gas tank.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Chicago for a week from Routes Car & Truck Rentals?

Routes Car & Truck Rentals is one of the most popular car rental companies in Chicago, offering car rentals for around $254 per week on average.

How far in advance should I rent a car in Chicago for the best price?

Booking your car rental early can save you up to 28% on your rental. Aim to book your car rental at least 7 days in advance to take advantage of a below average price in Chicago.

Can I rent a car for a month in Chicago?

Yes, cars are available to be rented out for an entire month in Chicago.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Chicago for a month?

Generally, a month-long car rental in Chicago can be found for about $1,088, with the average price for a rental being around $36 a day. Book with Getaround, to take advantage of their cheap prices and pay 73% less compared to the average price of car rentals in Chicago.

How much is a car rental in Chicago for a weekend?

It costs $70 for a weekend car rental in Chicago, on average. The cheapest type of car rental you can book on any given weekend is the Supplier choice as prices are generally lower for these rental types due to demand and availability. If you’re planning to book a rental car in Chicago in December, prices are $52 per day on average.

What car do most people rent in Chicago?

The majority of Cheapflights travelers prefer to rent a Intermediate (Toyota RAV4) in Chicago, making it the most popular option.

Popular Car Types in Chicago

There are 31 rental agencies servicing Chicago. These agencies, altogether, have 125 rental locations available. Need an affordable rental? small car is the cheapest car type to rent in Chicago with prices from $27 a day in the previous 7-day period. Here are 7 car types you can rent in Chicago:

Is there an airport location where I can rent a car in Chicago?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) provides rental car services from approximately 12 different companies. If you arrive by flight, you can access the Rental Car companies in the Multi-Modal Facility by taking the Airport Transit System from the terminals. On the other hand, if you are using ground transportation to reach the airport for car pickup, you'll find the MMF conveniently located on Zemke Blvd., adjacent to the airport terminal area. The Multi-Modal Facility serves as a central hub for rental car services, making it easy and convenient for travelers to access their chosen rental vehicles.

What are some of the best places to rent a car in the center of Chicago?

In the center of Chicago, you'll find several reputable car rental companies conveniently located to cater to your needs. Some of the best places to rent a car in the heart of Chicago include Union Station, which has car rental counters where you can easily pick up a vehicle after arriving by train. Along Michigan Avenue, close to the Magnificent Mile, you'll find car rental companies with easy access to major attractions. Near Millennium Park and Grant Park, you can find rental agencies that allow you to explore the city at your own pace. The River North neighborhood also offers car rental options, providing a great starting point for your Chicago adventures.

What are some good things to have with a car rental in winter in Chicago?

When renting a car in winter in Chicago, it's essential to be prepared for the colder weather and potential winter driving conditions. If possible, opt for a rental car equipped with winter tires or all-season tires suitable for winter driving. Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in the car to clear snow and ice from the windows, mirrors, and lights before driving. Pack some extra warm clothing like hats, gloves, scarves, and heavy coats to stay comfortable during cold weather. A small shovel can be handy for digging out your car if it gets stuck in the snow. If you plan to travel to areas with heavy snowfall, consider bringing snow chains or traction mats to improve grip on slippery roads.

Cheap Car Rentals in Chicago | Deals From $27/Day

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Chicago car rentals in 2024

Most popular company	ROUTESCARTRK
Price of gas per gallon	$3.97
Average price per day	$56
Cheapest price per day	$27

Search Deals

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in Chicago?

January

$38

February

$40

March

$48

April

$52

May

$59

June

$65

July

$73

August

$63

September

$57

October

$55

November

$52

December

$50

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in Chicago is January. The most expensive time to rent a car is July. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Compare available car types for rental in Chicago

	Small cars	$46 - $82
	All Car Types	$58 - $86

To rent a small car in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $66/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a small car in Chicago, the United States (~$46/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is January (~$82/day). In fact, February is about 31% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a small car saves you 8% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a medium car in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $60/day. November is the cheapest month to rent a medium car in Chicago, the United States (~$50/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is May (~$71/day). In fact, November is about 17% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a medium car saves you 16% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a large car in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $78/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a large car in Chicago, the United States (~$64/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$101/day). In fact, February is about 19% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a large car is 11% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a SUV in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $69/day. November is the cheapest month to rent a SUV in Chicago, the United States (~$52/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~$88/day). In fact, November is about 26% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a SUV saves you 2% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a van in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $108/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a van in Chicago, the United States (~$85/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~$127/day). In fact, February is about 22% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a van is 35% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a pickup truck in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $64/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a pickup truck in Chicago, the United States (~$39/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$142/day). In fact, January is about 40% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pickup truck rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a pickup truck saves you 10% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago pickup truck rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a luxury car in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $83/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a luxury car in Chicago, the United States (~$73/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is August (~$95/day). In fact, February is about 14% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a luxury car is 16% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Chicago luxury car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a convertible in Chicago, the United States, you would pay an average price of $132/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a convertible in Chicago, the United States (~$65/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is August (~$192/day). In fact, February is about 51% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a convertible rental for Chicago. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Chicago, renting a convertible is 47% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

Nissan Sentra$27/day

A/C

Mini Hatch$29/day

A/C

Kia Picanto$32/day

A/C

Tips for renting a car in Chicago

Chicago benefits from an extensive network of toll roads and tollways managed by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA). Notably, the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), often called the "TriState," plays a pivotal role as a major toll road in the Chicago metropolitan area. This significant thoroughfare forms an expansive loop encircling the city, connecting numerous suburbs and facilitating seamless travel between Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Additionally, the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) serves as another prominent tollway, stretching from the O'Hare International Airport area westward through the northwest suburbs and into northern Illinois, providing essential transportation links for travelers in and around Chicago.
When traveling with children and renting a car, it is essential to adhere to proper car seat guidelines for their safety. Infants and children under the age of two years must ride in a car seat facing the rear. For children between the ages of two and four years or those who have outgrown their first car seat, a car seat facing forward with a harness should be used. Children between the ages of four and eight years must use a booster seat. Once children reach the age of eight years or are at least 4 ft 9 in tall, they can transition to using a seat belt that fits them correctly for their continued safety during travel.
When visiting Chicago, there are numerous attractions and landmarks that you can explore in your rental car. Drive down Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile, and admire the iconic architecture, luxury boutiques, and vibrant cityscape. Park your car and stroll through Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean," as well as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Crown Fountain. Enjoy the scenic drive along Lake Shore Drive to Navy Pier, where you can experience entertainment, rides, restaurants, and lakefront views.

Top rental agencies in Chicago

Book your reservation with one of the top rental car agencies located in Chicago, including Budget, Hertz and Dollar. Be sure to do your research on pricing, reviews, pickup locations, and other important criteria before choosing.

Budget

5.9

Fair

206 reviews•10 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Poor pick up experience. They seemed to let the line grow to an unacceptable length deliberately before attending to customers. But the gentleman was friendly when I eventually got there and we got a brand new car

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

Canceled the reservation: when I showed up there was a line of more than 50 people and only two agents working the counter. Took an uber instead.

6.0

Okay|Jul 2023

Staff friendly and helpful but needed more staff to moved things along quicker

4.0

Mediocre|Jul 2023

Staff were extremely polite and accommodating and this is the one redeeming factor. It took about an hour waiting in line to reach the budget counter. Seemed like everything went fine until we reached the garage and found out we were given a Ford Runner with terrible mileage for hundreds of miles of turnpike driving. Representative in the garage tried to help us out and moved us into a Chevy Malibu. Unfortunately the car was dirty (obvious trash left in car), but we were willing to deal since we were already severely delayed. But then we reached the garage gate to checkout and found out from the attendant that one extra feature we asked for; an Ezpass on the rental, was MIA. It was just one issue after another and overall a very bad experience, but again shout out to the staff who were very kind and helpful throughout.

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

It takes about three hours to pick up the vehicle, and people at pickup location were so rude to customers.

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

Everything was great

1 out of 69

View Budget Locations in Chicago

Hertz

5.8

Fair

268 reviews•20 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Sep 2023

Helpful on phone and in personn

8.0

Very good|Sep 2023

I had a good experience over all. Smooth pick up and drop off. Friendly staff

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

They did not have the car and never notified me. Late the night before i called and discovered this. Calling hertz was a nightmare. Kept getting shuttled to sales.

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

The car had been reserved in downtown Chicago, even though I specified O’Hare. The person at the desk at the airport said she couldn’t get the reservation switched over to O’Hare and was not very helpful. I called Hertz customer service and they were outstanding. Got the reservation switched and a better price, even! She was so helpful and kind which was so appreciated after a 5 hour flight with and infant and a three hour drive ahead of us. The check out/check in process was totally fast and efficient! Will definitely use Hertz again! Thanks!!

10.0

Wonderful|May 2023

Great customer service the lady was very patient and polite. Thanks again for your service.

2.0

Poor|May 2023

Cancelled the reservation 2 hours before I was supposed to pick the car up. Gave no other alternatives causing me to miss my trip

1 out of 90

View Hertz Locations in Chicago

Dollar

5.2

Fair

134 reviews•5 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2023

Desk person asked if I wanted the Fuel deal to return it empty. I said no, I'll fill it up. She charged me for the fuel deal anyway and I didn't realize it until I turned the car in. Trying to figure out how to get my $66 back that I should not have been charged. Also, the line was 40 minutes long just to get to the counter. The actual car was fine, but the Dollar service is not good.

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

My flight was delayed, and I arrived at the dollar counter, just after they had closed. There was a lady still behind the counter, who informed me that because I had not arrived within two hours of the predetermined time they had rented my vehicle to someone else. How is this practice even legal being that I had already paid for it? I was forced to take rideshare to my destination and then back again the next day at an expense of more than $120. I am quite sure that I had pre-purchased insurance but dollar could not confirm this so I paid for insurance that I didn’t need , my total charge at the counter was an additional $124.22. The type of vehicle I had requested was not available so I had to settle for what they had. There were four shirts laying on the back seat, so I find it difficult to believe the vehicle had been cleaned , I think that the previous customer had just left it clean. Please let me know how to get a refund.

1 out of 45

Alamo

8.0

Very good

90 reviews•3 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

very convenient

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

Fast and easy. Knowledgeable staff.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

Great service at every point. Loved the upgrade!

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

The rental was very nice and very clean. Pick-up was a little tricky (not knowing the tram ride), but dropping off the rental couldn't have been any easier. I will use Alamo again when visiting Chicago in the future. Thanks...........Joe

1 out of 30

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.4

Good

96 reviews•28 locations

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Overview

View Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in Chicago

Sixt

6.8

Okay

59 reviews•4 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

8.0

Very good|Aug 2023

I believe that the car was nearing the end of its rental life, but the service offered, and the employees were fantastic.

6.0

Okay|Aug 2023

Not enough car selection choices. I had done the payment online, bit an additional insurance charge was added to at the last minute.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

Poor customer service at this location

2.0

Poor|Mar 2023

I specifically rented a luxury vehicle. When I arrived at the location, they had none available and offered no apology or explanation.

4.0

Mediocre|May 2022

I had to trade my first car for another one because I was getting tickets due to the fact that the license plate had expired a month earlier. Both times the pick-up process took forever. The only place to sit in the dingy office is a ledge along the windows. The staff (only two people) was very nice and helpful but clearly overwhelmed. Even though this office is only four blocks from where I live I'm not sure I want to rent from them again.

1 out of 20

Avis

6.4

Okay

68 reviews•12 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2024

We arrived early, so check in was very quick. Easy to pick up the car, easy to return at O’hare. Friendly staff.

6.0

Okay|Sep 2023

The pick-up line was nearly 2 hours long. Counter agent was very friendly, but he could have used help that day. We will not return to Avis unless staffing is addressed

2.0

Poor|Sep 2023

Original reservation was canceled with out notification. Called 4 times the morning of and reservations was trying to charge me double what I was originally quoted after mentioning the lot was empty… never Avis, ever again. lady at the counter, “ I had to fight for this car” -gets in and realizes it’s HEAVILY smoked in…

2.0

Poor|Jul 2023

It was two hrs from the time I stood in line to the time I actually started a vehicle!

10.0

Wonderful|Jul 2023

The staff helping us with pick-up in Chicago at O’Hare was friendly, experienced, and professional. She explained everything thoroughly while making the pick up quick and easy.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

Drop off someone had to explain process- minimal staff - holiday and like most business just lack of staff. Taken care of and staff was pleasent

1 out of 23

View Avis Locations in Chicago

Payless

5.7

Fair

55 reviews•2 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Nov 2022

Being charged for full tank of gas when we brought tank back full.

4.0

Mediocre|Oct 2022

The price was double what was advertised on Kayak and I used the car for less than a day (over $500 charge). I knew fees could differ but not to this degree

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

From check in to drop off the experience with Payless rental was horrible! Car was not full of gas all though the paperwork stated it was. Car was dirty (literally trash left in the car), waited in line for pick up for almost 40 minutes…there were only 3 customers in front of us. Had issues with the car immediately as back passenger tire was not keeping air. At drop off they told us there was nothing they could do and that we’d need to call the customer service line. Customer service told us they could not refund our money because we booked through a 3rd party. I would NEVER use this service again or Payless car rental! It was HORRIBLE!

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2022

The pick up experience at Payless in Chicago was horrible. Our car reservation was for 6am right when they opened because we had had a nightmare travel experience and needed to get home as soon as possible. There was nobody at this time. We waited around for a while as we saw employees arrive for all the other car rental companies. After about 15 minutes and still no one there to help us, I ended up finding a Budget employee that was able to assist as best she good. She reiterated several times throughout the process that Payless does things a little differently than them and she was unfamiliar with their process. Long story short, she ended up miscommunicating something to me (not her fault - she wasn't a Payless employee), leading to an expected nearly $100 charge on my card. The silver lining was that Payless Customer services was very nice after the fact via online inquiry. Quick responses, understanding of my situation, and accommodating to my requests. Although I had a good experience with customer service on the back end, the negative experience I had on the front end is enough to make me not use Payless again in the future.

2.0

Poor|Jan 2022

no one answered the phone at the airport so i cancelled. never again

8.0

Very good|Jan 2022

Car we requested was ready when scheduled.

1 out of 19

Best Chicago car rental deals found

The best offers we've found on car rentals in the Chicago area. Deals are updated frequently so be sure to check back soon for more options.

Nissan Sentra$27/day

A/C

Nissan Sylphy$29/day

A/C

Mini Hatch$29/day

A/C

Car rental FAQs

Is there an airport location where I can rent a car in Chicago?
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) provides rental car services from approximately 12 different companies. If you arrive by flight, you can access the Rental Car companies in the Multi-Modal Facility by taking the Airport Transit System from the terminals. On the other hand, if you are using ground transportation to reach the airport for car pickup, you'll find the MMF conveniently located on Zemke Blvd., adjacent to the airport terminal area. The Multi-Modal Facility serves as a central hub for rental car services, making it easy and convenient for travelers to access their chosen rental vehicles.
What are some of the best places to rent a car in the center of Chicago?
In the center of Chicago, you'll find several reputable car rental companies conveniently located to cater to your needs. Some of the best places to rent a car in the heart of Chicago include Union Station, which has car rental counters where you can easily pick up a vehicle after arriving by train. Along Michigan Avenue, close to the Magnificent Mile, you'll find car rental companies with easy access to major attractions. Near Millennium Park and Grant Park, you can find rental agencies that allow you to explore the city at your own pace. The River North neighborhood also offers car rental options, providing a great starting point for your Chicago adventures.
What are some good things to have with a car rental in winter in Chicago?
When renting a car in winter in Chicago, it's essential to be prepared for the colder weather and potential winter driving conditions. If possible, opt for a rental car equipped with winter tires or all-season tires suitable for winter driving. Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in the car to clear snow and ice from the windows, mirrors, and lights before driving. Pack some extra warm clothing like hats, gloves, scarves, and heavy coats to stay comfortable during cold weather. A small shovel can be handy for digging out your car if it gets stuck in the snow. If you plan to travel to areas with heavy snowfall, consider bringing snow chains or traction mats to improve grip on slippery roads.
What is the cheapest rental car found in Chicago?
In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $56/day when booking a rental car in Chicago. The best deal a user found was for $25/day from Getaround, booked on Nov. 17.
What car rental company is typically the cheapest in Chicago?
According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a rental car in Chicago from the following companies over the past two weeks: Hertz ($27/day), Fox ($27/day), and Thrifty ($29/day).
Which car rental company is considered to be the best in Chicago?
Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Alamo (8.0 rating), National (7.4 rating) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.4 rating) seem to be the best rental car companies in Chicago.
What are gas prices like in Chicago?
The average gas price in Chicago is $3.97/gallon over the past month, costing you anywhere between $47 and $68 to fill up a car’s gas tank.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Chicago for a week from Routes Car & Truck Rentals?
Routes Car & Truck Rentals is one of the most popular car rental companies in Chicago, offering car rentals for around $254 per week on average.
How far in advance should I rent a car in Chicago for the best price?
Booking your car rental early can save you up to 28% on your rental. Aim to book your car rental at least 7 days in advance to take advantage of a below average price in Chicago.
Can I rent a car for a month in Chicago?
Yes, cars are available to be rented out for an entire month in Chicago.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Chicago for a month?
Generally, a month-long car rental in Chicago can be found for about $1,088, with the average price for a rental being around $36 a day. Book with Getaround, to take advantage of their cheap prices and pay 73% less compared to the average price of car rentals in Chicago.
How much is a car rental in Chicago for a weekend?
It costs $70 for a weekend car rental in Chicago, on average. The cheapest type of car rental you can book on any given weekend is the Supplier choice as prices are generally lower for these rental types due to demand and availability. If you’re planning to book a rental car in Chicago in December, prices are $52 per day on average.
What car do most people rent in Chicago?
The majority of Cheapflights travelers prefer to rent a Intermediate (Toyota RAV4) in Chicago, making it the most popular option.