Car hire in Chicago, United States

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Chicago car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

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There are 57 car hire locations in Chicago. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Chicago

Hiring a car in Chicago: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companySixt
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily price£230
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Chicago

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Chicago car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chicago

Finding cheap car hire deals in Chicago has never been easier with Skyscanner. We ensure you have access to over 50 pickup locations, giving you plenty of choices. Our platform highlights car hire options with free cancellation, allowing for maximum flexibility if your plans change. To save even more money, look for 'full to full' deals where you can avoid additional fuel charges. Additionally, we highlight keyless pick-up options, so you can skip the queues and get on the road faster. Start your search with us and find the perfect car hire for your Chicago adventure.

The best time to book a car in Chicago

For the best deals on car hire in Chicago, aim to book about three weeks before your trip. June often offers the lowest prices, making it an ideal month to plan your visit. Major events like Lollapalooza can significantly impact availability, so if you're planning to be in town during this time, it is wise to secure your car hire even earlier to avoid missing out.

What you'll need when hiring a car in Chicago

While the minimum driving age varies between states in the United States, car hire providers in Chicago have different rules regarding rental age. Check specifics for young drivers, as surcharges may apply to those under certain ages, depending on the provider. Ensure you have a valid driving licence, and, in some cases, an international driving permit may also be required. Skyscanner is a hub for comparing the best deals from multiple car hire companies, helping you find the most suitable option for your driving adventure in Chicago.

Car hire in Chicago: top tips for driving in the United States

Driving in Chicago means navigating right-hand traffic, which can be different if you're used to driving on the left. Speed limits in the United States vary; on highways, you can expect to drive between 65-75 mph, and on expressways, it's typically 55-70 mph. In city areas, the limits are usually between 15-35 mph, so keep an eye out for signs to avoid fines. Chicago's Google Maps coverage is excellent, making it easy to find your way around. For a change of scenery, Milwaukee is around 92 miles away, taking about 1.5 hours to reach. If you have more time, a drive of around 185 miles will get you to Indianapolis in approximately 3.5 hours. For a longer trip, Detroit is about 4.5 hours away, covering a distance of 280 miles.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Chicago will set you back around £230 per day or £174 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Chicago is a compact SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Chicago are currently Routes Car Rentals and Hertz.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Chicago is currently November.
On average, around £174. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Chicago is £146.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Chicago for a whole month is £1,626. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Chicago, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Chicago that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Chicago.
Most places – Chicago included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is £38 per day. The average price per day is around £92.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Sixt, Hertz and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Routes Car Rentals as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Chicago.