Chicago Car Rental

 

Get a car rental in Chicago and unlock a whirlwind of wonders in the Windy City. Hit the road and uncover a forest of towering skyscrapers, a stream of culture-rich museums and a fierce pride in local sports.

With Hertz, your Chicago car rental is now easier than ever. We have a range of pick-up locations dotted across the city, including at O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport. Collect your rental car from any of these spots to explore Chicago, wider Illinois and even further afield. Indiana is just a short road trip south on the I-65, while Iowa lies in the west along the I-88.

Book a car rental in Chicago with Hertz and choose from our extensive collection of vehicles. As well as various sizes, from large family SUVs to sporty convertibles for couples, we offer classic motoring icons within our American Collection.

Explore Illinois in style when you book your Chicago car rental with Hertz.

Why Choose Hertz Car Rental in Chicago?

car-icon

Fleet Variety and Quality

Your Chicago car rental options are huge with Hertz. You’ll find a range of vehicles catering to different needs and adventures – from spacious trucks and practical cars to stately convertibles and fuel-efficient electric vehicles (EVs).

Strap into a comfy EV and explore historic Logan Square, or cruise along Lake Shore Drive in a trusty SUV for glittering views of Lake Michigan. Whatever your travel needs, we’ll match you with the perfect rental car in Chicago.

Explore Vehicle Hub

car-icon

Deals and Offers

Prepare for the ultimate Chi-Town experience with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and Loyalty programs. Become a member and get exclusive perks when you rent a car in Chicago, including upgrades, free rental days and speedy service.

We also offer savings on electric and hybrid vehicles – so when you hit the gas, you save on gas. Power through the city, earn points towards free rental days and get the most out of your Midwestern trip.

Find Deals & Offers 

Google
Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

Popular Vehicles to Rent in Chicago

A BWM series 2 car model

Cars

  • 4-5 people
  • 2 Suitcases
  • 3-5 Doors 
A Range Rover SUV model

SUVs

  • 4-5 people
  • 3 Suitcases
  • 3-5 Doors 
A convertible MINI car

Electric Vehicles

  • 5 people
  • 4 Suitcase
  • 3-5 Doors 

Chicago Car Rental FAQs

You’ll find plenty of parking options for your Chicago rental car. On-street parking is metered and free on Sundays outside of the city’s central business district. You can pay and control your parking time via the ParkChicago app.

  • Interstate 80 (I-80) runs west from Chicago to Iowa and San Francisco, and east to Indiana and New York.
  • Interstate 90 (I-90) links Chicago to Illinois and continues northwest to Seattle. It’s also the best route for O’Hare Airport.
  • Route 41 runs parallel to Lake Michigan and extends north to Wisconsin, and south to Miami.

Downtown Chicago, also known as “The Loop” for its elevated railway tracks, is just a one-hour drive from our Chicago airport car rental spot:

  1. Turn left off West Adams Street and join the I-90.
  2. In 0.8 miles, merge on to the I-190 east.
  3. Take I-294 and I-290 east to South Central Avenue.
  4. Follow I-290 east to West Ida Bell Wells Drive.
  5. Continue to East Ida Bell Wells Drive to reach the heart of Chicago.

Top Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Chicago

You need a valid US driver’s license to drive in Chicago. If you hold a valid driver’s license from another state or country, you can use it to drive in the city for up to 90 days. When renting a car in Chicago, you must be at least 20 years old and hold a valid license for at least one year.

There are specific driving rules when you rent a car in Chicago. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop has the right of way. When driving in certain conditions with minimum visibility, your headlights must be switched on. Additionally, cars and large vehicles are prohibited from driving down protected bike lanes.

Speed limits can vary by road type. For example, school zones are 20mph, while rural highways are 70mph. Always follow street signs and localized speed limits. Get around Chicago in your rental car with our complete driving guide.

As a major city, Chicago’s roads can get busy. Rush hour starts early at 6am, before calming down around 9am. Evening rush hour, between 4pm and 6pm, will be similarly busy – so try to plan your routes around these periods. Renting a car makes getting around Chicago much simpler.

Chicago is served by two major airports – O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. If your flight lands at O’Hare Airport, take the Airport Transit System (ATS) to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) – where you’ll find our Chicago car rental branch. Alternatively, you can access one of our HLE branches and explore the inner city.

Need to make a reservation or experiencing a flight delay? Get the lowdown on your Chicago car rental at our support center.

A Quick Guide to Chicago

chicago-art-institute

Art Institute of Chicago

Saunter through the vast halls of the second-largest art museum in the US and take a walk through a world of wonder spanning centuries. From impressionism in the form of Renoir to the surrealist ponderings of Salvador Dali, the Art Institute is one of the best places in the US to see the genius of global art under one roof. Rent a holiday car with the family and visit here for a fun day out in Chicago.

navy-pier

Navy Pier

The skyscrapers of Downtown may tower over the city these days, but one of its most iconic skyline institutions remains the 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel on Navy Pier. No visit to Chicago is complete without a visit to this most popular haunt, where you’ll find twisting carnival rides, a string of popular eateries and lush green parks and gardens aplenty.

magnificent-mile

Magnificent Mile

Fashionistas will be delighted when strutting down the Magnificent Mile. The street features more than 400 retailers, including leading luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and classic jewelers such as Pandora and GRAFF. Refuel after a hard day of shopping with a leisurely drive in your Chicago car rental.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

The debate has been raging for decades – which city rules when it comes to pizza? New York or Chicago? There’s only one way to find out and few places are better to do just that than at Lou Malnati’s, where the deep-dish delicacy has been on the menu since 1971. Rent a business car and bring your prospects here for some Chicago culinary delights.

Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf

Make a reservation at Bavette’s to enjoy the finest steak the city has to offer. The atmosphere in the windowless dining room is enhanced by the accompanying 1920s jazz music. There aren’t any cheap tricks to make this restaurant stand out – its juicy steaks and varied menu speak for themselves. Hop in your Chicago rental car and head here for some succulent steaks.

The Purple Pig

One of the most popular restaurants in Chicago, The Purple Pig takes standard pork to new heights. Whether it’s potted, cured, formed into sausages or made to spread, each delicious dish is paired with a buzzing atmosphere. Take a break from exploring in your Chicago rental car and feast on first-rate Mediterranean cooking.

The Peninsula Chicago (IL, 60611)

The Peninsula is one of the best and most lavish places to stay in Chicago. It sits in the heart of the Downtown area and is close to local landmarks like the historic Water Tower. A popular choice among celebrities, it’s no surprise the large, luxurious rooms are well fitted for royalty. Enjoy relaxing here after a long day driving in Chicago with your car rental.

Soho House Chicago (IL, 60607)

This chic hotel features deluxe amenities, such as a heated rooftop pool and sky-high bar. It’s in the perfect location for foodies, with plenty of Chicago’s best restaurants nearby. The hotel’s character is modernly rustic, with distressed wooden floors and exposed brick walls increasing its warmth. There’s also valet parking for your Chicago rental car.

Thompson Chicago (IL 60611)

Cool and sophisticated springs to mind at Thompson. Designed by British designer, Tara Bernerd, the hotel combines wonderful elegance with timeless comfort. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with warm, contemporary touches. Park up your Chicago rental car and dine at the restaurant for a taste of chef Paul Kahan’s Italian pasta and seafood.

Fancy a Road Trip from Chicago?

Roaring Twenties Chicago: Experience the glitzy glamour of the historic theater district in this dazzling Chicago round trip. Explore the city’s thriving jazz clubs, grab deep-dish pizzas and witness neon lights and Ferris wheels along the way. Check out the route.

Explore Chicago

Discover Chicago’s neighborhoods
03/14/2023 • 6 min
Discover Chicago’s neighborhoods

Learn more about Chicago’s neighborhoods in our latest guide, featuring everything to see and do whatever your interests.

Things to do
Chicago
chicago things to do
03/14/2023 • 6 min
Best things to do in Chicago

Explore the Windy City in all its glory with Hertz. Enjoy the likes of Navy Pier and Millennium Park as we run through the 8 best things to do in Chicago.

Things to do
Chicago
03/14/2023 • 6 min
Best hotels in Chicago

Getting ready for a trip to the Windy City? Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you deserve to enjoy a comfortable stay on your trip to Chicago.

Things to do
Chicago
chicago restaurants
03/14/2023 • 6 min
Best restaurants in Chicago

Get a taste of adventure and explore the best restaurants in Chicago. Uncover the culinary haven of the Windy City with Hertz car rental today.

Things to do
Chicago