Car hire in Chicago

Renting a cheap car starts at 9€ per day ✔ An electric car costs 25€ ✔ A convertible starts from 27€

Cheapest Way to Rent a Car in Chicago

Whether you're a native of Chicago or just visiting, you'll need to rent a car to see the city and its surrounding areas. However, you'll want to choose wisely because driving here isn't easy. There are many traffic-clogged roads, and new drivers will be particularly frustrated.

  • There are a variety of ways to find a cheap car rental in Chicago. One of the most cost-effective is using Zipcar, which has a network of locations throughout the city and world. These cars are perfect for road trips and airport travel. They even come with insurance, maintenance, and parking options.
  • Aside from Zipcar, you can rent a car from a variety of other Chicago car rental companies. These include Budget, Alamo, Advantage, Hertz, and National. Each offers their own set of benefits. You can find a wide range of car types, from convertibles to SUVs. They are also known for their fuel prepayment options.

The cheapest way to rent a car in Chicago is by going with a company that offers a one-month car rental. If you're in the city for more than a few days, you'll want to get a car with a fuel economy that's up to par with Chicago traffic.

You'll need a GPS for some of the driving in the downtown area. It's also a good idea to call ahead to your rental car company before you pick up your car. You may be required to present supplementary documents, such as proof of insurance and a utility bill.

Top Places to Visit in Chicago

Whether you are looking for museums, the skyscrapers, or the parks, Chicago has a lot to offer. You will be surprised by the diversity of this city.

Art Institute of Chicago

Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's largest art museums. It boasts an encyclopedic collection of over 300,000 works of art. Its collection encompasses art from ancient Egypt to contemporary design exhibits. The museum is located in Grant Park, just east of Michigan Avenue.

Its collection covers more than 5,000 years of history. Its collection includes ancient art from Greece, Egypt, and Rome. The museum also has a variety of Asian, Korean, Indian, and African art. The museum features an extensive collection of Impressionist paintings, including Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait".

Art Institute of Chicago

The museum is home to the largest Impressionist collection outside of Paris. Some of the most famous works include Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic."

The Art Institute of Chicago is located on a campus that includes the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History. The museum also hosts a number of special exhibitions and events.

Grant Park fountain

Located in the Loop, Grant Park is a large park and recreation area in the heart of Chicago. It offers a number of great picnic spots, gardens, and cultural landmarks. It is also the perfect venue for summer festivals. Located on the West end of the park, Congress Plaza is home to several fountains. It is also the location of the Harris Theater, the city's performing arts theater.

The Crown Fountain is a black granite reflecting pool that features two glass brick towers. It also contains an interactive modern art display. The fountain contains LED screens that display videos of faces. The images are a tribute to Chicagoans, and remain intact year-round.

DuSable Museum

Located in Chicago, the DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the most important museums in the country devoted to African American history. Established in 1961, the museum holds more than 15,000 pieces of African art and culture. This prestigious museum features special exhibitions and lectures to discuss African-American history and culture.

This important museum is part of the Smithsonian network of museums. Currently, the museum is showing a virtual reality experience of the March on Washington. It's a great way to see this historical event from a different perspective. The museum also hosts special workshops to highlight historical events.

In addition to its collections of artifacts, the DuSable Museum also hosts a number of special events throughout the year. These include lectures and musical performances. You can also participate in a book signing or attend a film festival.

Chicago Children's Museum

Located on Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Children's Museum is a fun place to visit with your children. With over 15 permanent exhibits, the museum is sure to keep kids entertained for hours.

There are also plenty of events to take part in, including free daily art classes. There is also a gift shop, which has items related to the exhibits. The museum also offers four tours.

The museum has an enchanted forest in the Treehouse Trails area. There is also a Tinkering Lab, which is a hands-on space for kids.

The museum features exhibits that are geared towards children from infants to elementary school. Among these is a replica excavation pit. There is also a gift shop, where you can find educational toys.

SkyDeck

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago, Skydeck offers one of the best views of the city. It's a must see for visitors. In addition to panoramic views, there are interactive displays on Chicago history and culture. This is a fun experience for the whole family.

The Ledge is located on the west side of the Skydeck. This glass box extends out from the building four feet. This is a great photo opportunity.

The Ledge is not as big as you may think. The glass box is actually made of three layers of half-inch thick glass. It is securely laminated together so that it can withstand four tons of pressure.

SkyDeck

Lincoln Park Zoo

Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Its 49 acres of parkland are home to nearly 200 species of animals. It is dedicated to conservation and science.

The Lincoln Park Zoo opened in 1868. It's one of the few free zoos in the country, and it's a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Its doors are open 365 days a year. The Zoo offers exhibits, events, and a variety of dining options. It is best to visit during the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds.

The Zoo has many species, from tigers to penguins. It also features a seal pool. This is a favorite attraction for families. It features harbor seals and daily educational sessions.

Why Consider Renting an Electric Car in Chicago

Renting an electric car in Chicago is a smart choice for both the environment and your wallet. With the city's growing network of charging stations, it's easier than ever to explore the Windy City while reducing your carbon footprint. Imagine cruising along Lake Shore Drive in a sleek Tesla Model 3 or a stylish Nissan Leaf, enjoying the quiet ride and instant torque.

Popular Electric Cars Available for Rent

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Nissan Leaf
  • Chevrolet Bolt EV
  • Ford Mustang Mach-E

The average rental cost for an electric car in Chicago is around 80-100 USD per day, which is comparable to European prices for similar models. This investment not only offers a unique driving experience but also aligns with a sustainable lifestyle.

The dynamics of price changes based on season in Chicago

Average price for 7 days rental:

  • 0$ –
  • 22$ –
  • 72$ –
  • 122$ –
  • 172$ –
  • 222$ –
  • 272$ –
  • 322$ –
  • January
    154$
  • February
    133$
  • March
    154$
  • April
    189$
  • May
    224$
  • June
    245$
  • July
    287$
  • August
    322$
  • September
    224$
  • October
    224$
  • November
    154$
  • December
    245$
  • Jan -
    154$
  • Feb -
    133$
  • Mar -
    154$
  • Apr -
    189$
  • May -
    224$
  • Jun -
    245$
  • Jul -
    287$
  • Aug -
    322$
  • Sep -
    224$
  • Oct -
    224$
  • Nov -
    154$
  • Dec -
    245$

List of required documents

Attention!

A valid international driving license is required

1. Driver license
2. Credit card
3. Voucher
4. Passport

Frequent Questions and Answers

Prices can vary based on the company, the season, and the vehicle, but most locations offer discounts if you reserve a car prior to your arrival in Chicago. The cheapest automatic cars cost from 12$ to 28$ per day. Larger cars can be more expensive due to their higher fuel consumption, so you may want to choose a smaller vehicle, which will also be advantageous on narrower roads.
There is always an increase in demand for car rentals in Chicago during the summer months, which drives up the prices. During the off-season, particularly the winter, the prices are significantly lower. The duration of your rental also affects the total price. Typically, renting a vehicle for a longer period of time results in a lower daily rate, thus a five-day rental may cost only somewhat more than a three-day rental. If possible, consider spending at least a week exploring Chicago.

By law, you must have third-party liability insurance when you rent a car in Chicago. Most car rental companies do this for you and charge you the same price.
Theft coverage and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are recommended, but not required. If you want to add more coverage, make sure to do it when you book your trip, because the prices are best when booked this way. You can also check to see if the insurance that comes with your credit card covers car rentals.
Purchase insurance while booking your car:

Car rental insurance

When going on vacation, renting a car in Chicago gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and on your own schedule. Because of this, it is virtually always a smart decision to get behind the wheel.It is always beneficial to have the freedom to travel during times that are less likely to be crowded on public transportation, such as early in the morning or late at night, should you find that to be more convenient.

It depends on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage each person is carrying. However, the following factors to think about before vacationing in Chicago:

Size: Our major suggestion is to choose a car that is not excessively wide. There are some tiny streets when you are driving through old towns or historical villages. It will be less stressful in a narrower automobile. VW Up is the most well-liked model among economy classes in Chicago. From EUROPCAR the daily rate for this vehicle begins at 12$.

Power: Any size car will be able to travel the entire country. However, if you choose an engine that is not the smallest, it will be more comfortable in the highlands.

All car rental agencies allow booking the vehicle's main features but not a specific model. Because a specific model can break, be in an accident, be kept by the prior tenant, etc. Your voucher code sets the main parameters (e.g. CDAR). Code decoding:

Car rental models

The same card must be used to guarantee the rental agreement when you pick up the vehicle. We accept two types of cards:

We will accept a credit card as a guarantee. Our front desk staff is not permitted to accept a credit card if it is not clearly designated as such.
If you purchase our Platinum Insurance plan for the duration of your rental time, we can acccept a debit or prepaid card.

Rent a car without a deposit

Just keep in mind that the rental agreement must be signed in person at pick-up by the cardholder/renter, as well as by any other drivers. Additionally, the card must still be valid 100 days after the rental time has ended.

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Reviews

John
5
The car rental process was smooth and hassle-free, with a wide selection of vehicles to choose from and excellent customer service
Mary
4.5
I was impressed by the cleanliness and condition of the car, as well as the ease of pick-up and drop-off at convenient locations
Michael
4.5
Affordable rates and a user-friendly booking system made my car rental experience enjoyable and stress-free
Jessica
4
The staff was friendly and helpful, ensuring that I had all the information I needed for a seamless rental experience
David
5
I appreciated the flexibility in rental options and the transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Emily
4.5
The vehicle performed well throughout my trip, providing a comfortable and reliable means of transportation