$47 Cheap Car Rentals in Chicago

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

Find cheap car rentals in Chicago

These are the cheapest Chicago car rental prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

Select your Chicago pickup location

There are 64 car rental locations in Chicago. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Chicago

Renting a car in Chicago: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companySixt
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily price$113
Best time to book1 week 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 rental 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 rental deal in Chicago

Finding cheap car rental 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 rental 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 rental for your Chicago adventure.

The best time to book a car in Chicago

For the best deals on car rental 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 rental even earlier to avoid missing out.

What you'll need when renting a car in Chicago

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

Car rental 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, renting a car in Chicago will set you back around $113 per day or $362 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Chicago is an intermediate pickup. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
The cheapest car rental companies in Chicago are currently Hertz and Rent a Wreck.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Chicago is currently December.
On average, around $362. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Chicago is $216.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Chicago for a whole month is $1,711. 

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 rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Chicago that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental 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 transportation 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, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Chicago.
Most places – Chicago included – allow people under the age of 25 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 deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $54 per day. The average price per day is around $74.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Sixt, Hertz and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Sixt as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van rental is available in Chicago.
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