Car Rental Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Where is the Hertz car rental desk?

The Hertz desk is in the main car rental area at 5150 W. 55th Street.

Follow the signs for car rental and, if you have trouble finding it, the friendly airport staff are always on hand to offer directions.

How to get to the Hertz service desk at Chicago Midway Airport

Take a shuttle to the car rental area. All companies are located in the same area on the north side of the airport (the main airport building is on the east side), and it’s just a short shuttle ride away.

Chicago Midway Airport car rental shuttle

The car rental shuttle runs every 15 minutes, and can be found on the lower-level at door number two in the airport’s only terminal. The best way to get to the shuttle service is to follow the signs for baggage claim and use the glass door exit closest to baggage carousel number three. The shuttle is a short four-minute ride, which operates every day of the year making it easy for you to get to us no matter when you land in Chicago.

How to get to Downtown Chicago from Chicago Midway Airport

It should only take you around 30 minutes to get to Downtown Chicago from Chicago Midway Airport in your rental car.

1. Leave the car rental parking garage and turn right on to West 55^th Street.
2. After about half a mile, turn right to join South Central Avenue.
3. After just over a mile, turn right on to I-55 North, the Stephenson Expressway.
4. Take exit 292A on to I-90.
5. Take exit 51H, signposted East Ida B Wells Dr.
6. Continue into the heart of Downtown Chicago, the Loop.

What cars can I rent from Chicago Midway Airport?

Hertz has a wide range of vehicles to rent, from compact sedans for exploring the city, to V8 muscle cars for a Lake Michigan road trip (you can explore ideas with our American Road Trip Planner). Availability and specific models will vary, but you’re often able to reserve:

EV car rental

With almost 2,500 charging points in the Chicago area (last updated December 2022), renting an electric car is easy with Hertz in Chicago. Across the US, our fleet includes the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y and the Polestar 2.

SUV rental

Rent an SUV for all-terrain readiness, perfect for exploring Illinois and beyond. Models can include the luxurious Infiniti QX80 and the GMC Yukon.

Sedan rental

Rent a sedan. Our range starts small with models like the Ford Focus, climbing up to the Chrysler 300.

Convertible car rental

Rent a convertible to breathe in the fresh air on a 1,100-mile tour around Lake Michigan – or to just see the sights of Chicago. 

Where to return your rental car

Return your Hertz rental car to the rental car parking garage:

5150 W 55th St
Chicago
IL 60638

Once you arrive at the rental garage on 5150 West 55^th Street, follow the signs for Hertz.

What to do when you return

When you drop off your vehicle, hand your keys over and our team will inspect your vehicle. Take a look at our guide to returning your vehicle for more details.

How to extend your car rental booking

You can extend your Hertz rental online on our ‘extend your rental page’.

You’ll need:

1. Your rental record number
2. The last four digits of your driver’s license number

The rental record number will be on the receipt (it’s in the rental jacket you’ll have received when you collected your car).

FAQs

What refueling options does Hertz offer?

There are three refueling options for your Hertz rental:

1. Fuel Purchase Option (FPO)
2. Fuel and Service Charge (FSC)
3. You refuel

Fuel Purchase Option (FPO) is when the fuel in the tank is prepaid at local prices and returned at any level.

Fuel and Service Charge (FSC) is if the fuel is less than at the time of original pickup, and if you’ve not chosen the Fuel Purchase Option (FPO), we’ll service and refuel at a per gallon rate.

The third option is for you to return the tank at the same level you picked it up.

What payment methods are accepted?

You can pay by cash or debit/credit card. Other forms of payment accepted are:

• Credit qualifications (terms and conditions apply)
• Cash Deposit Identification Cards and Air Travel Cards (ATCs)
• Miscellaneous Charge Orders - MCO's, vouchers

For more information check out the forms of payment section.

Are there any late return fees?

Vehicles returned over 60 minutes late are charged for an additional half day. Vehicles returned more than 120 minutes late will be charged for an additional daily rate. More specific information regarding this can be found on your receipt in the ‘initial charges’ section.

Find out more regarding late return fees

Are child seats provided?

Hertz offers approved safety seats for all minors at each of our locations.

Do I have to return my rental car at Chicago Midway Airport?

You can choose to return your car to a different location than the one you picked it up at – perfect if you’re driving longer distances. Be sure to enter your drop-off location when you’re making your reservation online.

What other pickup locations are available in Chicago?

There are more than 20 Chicago car rental offices across the city, as well as locations across the wider state of Illinois, including O’Hare Airport and Peoria. We also have locations in neighbouring states such as Milwaukee in Wisconsin, Grand Rapids in Michigan and Indianapolis in Indiana.

What is the age requirement for Chicago Airport car rental?

The minimum age to rent a car in Chicago and the rest of Illinois is 20 years old, although this can change depending on what state you are driving in. To rent your car you’ll also need a valid driver’s license and a valid debit or credit card under the same name.

Do I have to return my rental car to Chicago Midway International Airport?

You can choose to return your car to a different location than the one you picked it up at – perfect if you’re driving longer distances. Be sure to enter your drop-off location when you’re making your reservation online.