Chicago car rentals from $12/day

A small compact car such as a Mitsubishi Mirage is ideal for Chicago to help navigate rush hour traffic as well as the narrow streets and street side parking downtown. Choose a car in which you feel comfortable checking the blind spots, as there are plenty of bike lanes and cyclists on Chicago roads. If you are traveling with others and plan to have a mix of inner city life and coastal exploration, try the comfort and security of a Nissan Rogue SUV.

Standard residential areas have a speed limit of 30 miles per hour, while non-urban areas have a speed limit of 55 miles per hour. If you venture outside of Chicago and use an Illinois highway to access Lake Michigan or a nearby town, the speed limit will be either 65 or 70 miles per hour.

Street parking in downtown Chicago can be tricky and expensive, so, to save money and hassle, look into the option of using a parking garage. Alternatively, the Metra train system is expansive and an easy way to travel across the city. Find more accessible parking near a Metra station and leave your rental car there while you explore downtown via public transport.

On average a rental car in Chicago costs $78 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Chicago found in the last 2 weeks is $48.

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Europcar ($32/day), Fox ($32/day) and Dollar ($35/day).

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Chicago are Alamo (8.0, 182 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.6, 174 reviews), and Sixt (6.8, 97 reviews).

The average gas price in Chicago is $4.54 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $54 and $73, depending on the car size.

Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Chicago.

Car rental companies onsite at O'Hare Intl airport include Kyte, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Fox, Sixt, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis and Thrifty.

Car rental companies onsite at Midway airport include Kyte, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Thrifty, Payless and National.

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from O'Hare Intl airport to off-airport locations include Routes Car & Truck Rentals, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Thrifty, Payless, and National.

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Midway airport to off-airport locations include Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Thrifty, Rent-A-Wreck, and National.

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Greater Rockford airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, and National.

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

An Intermediate car rental in Chicago costs $98 per day, on average.

A Mini car rental in Chicago costs $136 per day, on average.

A Standard car rental in Chicago costs $89 per day, on average.

On average a rental car in Chicago costs $545 per week ($78 per day).

On average a rental car in Chicago costs $2,334 per month ($78 per day).

Most car rental providers in Chicago offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Chicago, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 31 car rental agencies in Chicago.

Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Chicago so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

Yes, there are several toll roads and bridges. Major Chicago car rental companies like Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, etc., offer the Toll Pass Waiver Program that allows you to use a transponder device to pay designated express lanes without stopping your vehicle.

Yes. Hertz is located on West Canal Street, Enterprise is inside the presidential tower by Union Station, and Avis is within walkable distance from Union Station, off I-290. You can hire an economy, SUV, compact, or luxury vehicle and drive to top attractions like the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Loop the Magnificent Mile Navy Pier.