Why rent a car at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, but getting on the road from ORD is easy. Our guide below will walk you through everything you need to know for renting a car at O’Hare. From picking up your vehicle at the airport’s state-of-the-art rental facility, to tips on navigating Chicago’s highways and toll roads, we have insider info to save you time and money. By renting a car, you’re not limited to the city; you can drive Route 66 starting right in Chicago, visit Lake Michigan beaches, or head into the Illinois countryside on your own schedule. With AirportVanRental, you’ll benefit from no hidden fees, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 customer support. Let’s get you on the road in the Windy City!
Welcome to Chicago! Renting a car at O’Hare International Airport gives you the freedom to experience both the vibrant city and the scenic Midwest beyond. Use the search form above, simply enter “Chicago O’Hare (ORD)” as your pickup, choose your dates, and in seconds you’ll see real-time deals from dozens of rental companies. Whether you need a compact car for downtown driving, a comfortable sedan for business meetings, or an SUV for a family road trip to the Great Lakes, we’ve got you covered. Booking is fast and hassle-free: most rentals let you reserve now, pay later, and include free cancellation if your plans change. With AirportVanRental, you’ll lock in a great rate in just a few clicks, so you can hit Chicago’s roads confident you got the best deal.
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Car Rental Quick Info:
On-Site Rental Car Center:All major rental companies at ORD operate from the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) on airport property. After landing, take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) train from any terminal to the MMF (it runs 24/7). The train ride is quick (5–10 minutes) and saves you from needing a shuttle. Once at the MMF, you’ll find rental counters and garages under one roof, making pick-up and drop-off very convenient. (If the ATS is temporarily unavailable, complimentary shuttle buses are provided, but the train is the fastest way.) Vehicle Selection: O’Hare’s rental center offers a huge selection. Economy cars are perfect for zipping around Chicago’s neighborhoods; full-size sedans provide comfort on longer drives (like to Milwaukee or Indianapolis); SUVs are popular year-round (great for families or winter driving); minivans are available for group trips; and even luxury vehicles or convertibles can be rented if you want to cruise Chicago in style. With dozens of suppliers, you’ll have no trouble finding the ideal car, from fuel-efficient compacts to 7-passenger vans, to suit your trip.
Rental Brands at ORD: All the big names are here. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty and more operate at O’Hare. In total, 10+ rental companies have counters in the MMF. A few smaller or independent agencies may operate off-site, but they provide shuttle pickup at the MMF bus bay if you book with them. For most travelers, the on-site companies are preferable for their convenience and extended hours. O’Hare’s rental facility is open 24 hours via various companies, perfect for late-night arrivals, as many counters stay open or have after-hours pick-up options (just let them know your flight time).
Tips for Renting a Car at O’Hare Airport
Picking Up Your Car: After you collect your luggage at O’Hare, follow signs for “Rental Cars / Shuttle to Rental Car Center.” Hop on the ATS airport train bound for the MMF. It’s free and departs every few minutes. Once you arrive at the rental car facility, head to your chosen company’s counter to do the paperwork. Insider tip: If you joined a company’s fast-track program (like Hertz Gold or Budget Fastbreak), you may skip the counter and go straight to your car, check the board for your name and stall number. The rental car staff will direct you to the garage, which is attached to the facility. Because the rental cars are on-site, you can typically be off the plane and in your car within 20–30 minutes, even faster if you have an express membership.
Terminal Layout & Returns: O’Hare has four terminals (1, 2, 3 for domestic, and 5 for international). All are connected to the rental center by the ATS train. When returning your car, simply follow signs on the highway for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport, it will lead you to the MMF entrance on Zemke Blvd. Give yourself a few extra minutes for the return process during peak times. After drop-off, take the ATS train back to your terminal (it’s a one-stop ride from the rental facility). If you’re short on time, note that the train runs every few minutes, 24/7, so it’s usually quicker than any shuttle or taxi back to the terminals.
Chicago Traffic & Toll Roads: Be prepared for Chicago driving. Highways like I-90 (Kennedy Expressway) from O’Hare into downtown can get congested during rush hour (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM). Plan your trips accordingly or use navigation apps to find alternate routes. Chicago and its suburbs have many toll roads (expressways like I-90, I-294, I-355). These use an electronic tolling system (I-PASS or E-ZPass). Most rental cars are not automatically equipped with toll transponders unless you opt in. If you don’t have a transponder, you can still drive on tollways, the system will photograph the license plate. You’ll then need to pay online (Illinois Tollway website) within 14 days to avoid fines. Alternatively, ask your rental agent about a toll payment program. We clearly indicate which rentals offer built-in toll passes. Either way, don’t let tolls scare you; they’re usually a few dollars each. Keep some change or a credit card handy for any manned toll booths (though Illinois is mostly cashless now).
Fueling Up Near ORD: To avoid high refueling fees, fill the tank within 5-10 miles of the airport before returning your car. There are several gas stations near O’Hare, for example, on Mannheim Road and Cumberland Avenue, but note that those right next to the airport may charge higher prices. Better options: there’s a gas station on River Road just south of the I-90 exit, and another on Touhy Ave a couple miles away, which often have more reasonable prices. Plan a quick stop on your way in. O’Hare is about 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, so if you’re coming from the city, you might refuel in the suburbs (like Rosemont) where prices are lower, then top off very close to ORD. Always get a receipt, just in case, to prove you filled up.
Driving in Winter: Chicago winters are cold and snowy. Rental cars at O’Hare will come with all-season tires (true winter/snow tires are not commonly provided). If you’re visiting in December–February and plan to drive in snowstorms, consider renting an AWD or 4x4 vehicle for better traction. The city and Illinois DOT do a good job clearing major roads, but you should still drive cautiously in snow or ice. Allow extra braking distance, and keep the gas tank at least half full (to prevent fuel line freeze and for safety in case of delays). We include free roadside assistance with most bookings, so you’re covered if you get a flat or need a jump. Just ask us or call the number on your rental agreement if you face any car troubles due to the cold.
Parking in Chicago: Downtown Chicago has plentiful parking garages but can be pricey (hotel parking can be $50–$70/night). Street parking is metered in most areas of the city 8 AM, 10 PM except Sundays. If you’re staying downtown and won’t use the car for a day, consider using apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find discounted garage rates. Many attractions have their own lots: for example, Millennium Park has an underground garage, and museums like the Field Museum/Shedd Aquarium have nearby lots (~$25). Neighborhoods outside downtown often have easier street parking (just watch for permit zones or street cleaning signs). Tip: If your hotel is expensive for parking, you can sometimes park at a cheaper public garage a short walk away to save money. With a rental car, you have the flexibility to compare parking options. Also note: Chicago has strict winter overnight parking bans on some arterial streets (regardless of snow) from Dec 1–Mar 31, so read street signs if parking overnight in winter.
Top O’Hare Car Rental Deals
Economy Car from $25/day. Example: Toyota Corolla or similar, a compact ride perfect for city traffic and squeezing into tight parking spots. Great fuel economy for trips in and around Chicago.
Full-Size Sedan from $35/day. Example: Nissan Altima or similar, a roomy choice with comfort features, ideal for a business traveler or family visiting Chicago suburbs. Plenty of trunk space for luggage or shopping hauls from the Magnificent Mile.
Midsize SUV from $45/day. Example: Ford Escape or similar, seats 5 with cargo room, popular for trips to outer suburbs or neighboring states. Confidence-inspiring if you plan to drive in winter weather or take a weekend trip up to Wisconsin or Michigan.
Minivan from $55/day. Example: Chrysler Pacifica or similar, 7-passenger van, perfect for group travel. Whether you’re heading to a Cubs game with friends or doing a road trip to St. Louis, a minivan offers space and comfort (and the kids will appreciate the legroom).
Luxury/Premium from $60/day. Example: BMW 3 Series or similar, add a touch of luxury to your stay. Perfect for impressing at meetings or just cruising Lake Shore Drive in style. “From” rate makes upscale surprisingly affordable.
Rates above exclude taxes/fees. Enter your travel dates to get the latest prices, Chicago pricing can fluctuate with seasons (expect higher in summer peak and around holidays). Tip: book early for summer, as Chicago is busy then and prices can rise as inventory tightens.
Driving in Chicago: Local Tips
Driving in Chicago is the best way to explore the city’s surroundings, but it comes with its quirks. Here’s how to navigate like a local:
Navigating Downtown: Chicago’s downtown (the Loop) is a grid but note that Wacker Drive has upper and lower levels, your GPS may sometimes guide you to a lower-level street (often for through traffic). Don’t panic, just follow signs and be aware that lower levels have limited exits. If you miss a turn, it’s usually easy to loop around the block thanks to the grid layout. Watch out for bus-only lanes on some streets and pedestrian-heavy areas around Michigan Ave and State Street.
Rush Hour Patterns: As mentioned, rush hour can significantly slow your commute. Morning inbound and evening outbound are busiest. If you’re traveling from O’Hare to downtown during rush hour, I-90 can take 60+ minutes (versus 25 in light traffic). Consider using I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) if you’re heading around the city rather than into it, it can bypass some congestion (though it has tolls). Alternatively, Elston Ave or Ogden Ave are decent arterial roads that parallel some highway routes and can be used as backups. Always check traffic conditions; Chicago drivers rely on apps like Waze to dodge jams.
Tollway Tips: Chicago’s toll system (managed by Illinois Tollway) is cashless. If your rental car doesn’t have an I-PASS, you’ll be using the Pay-By-Plate system. You can set this up online by entering the car’s license plate and your travel dates, then tolls will automatically charge to your credit card at the cash rate (which is double the I-PASS rate). For example, driving from O’Hare to downtown via I-90 Kennedy Expwy has a toll around $1.50 with I-PASS, or $3.00 pay-by-plate. Not all routes from ORD have tolls, I-90 east does, but if you take the scenic route via Cumberland to I-190 to I-90, you’ll hit one. We provide toll info when you book. You can also avoid tolls entirely by taking city streets, though it may take longer. City and Suburban Driving Etiquette: Chicago drivers are generally assertive but follow the rules. It’s legal to turn right on red after a full stop, unless a sign says otherwise (common downtown no-turn-on-red zones). Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, the city enforces this. On the highways, keep right except to pass; faster traffic will appreciate it. Speed limits: 30 mph on most city streets, 20 mph in school zones, 55–60 mph on urban freeways, and up to 70 mph on rural interstates. The city has some speed cameras near parks and schools (they issue tickets if you exceed the posted limit by 6+ mph), so heed the limit especially if you see camera signs.
Winter Preparedness: If you’re visiting in winter, be ready for occasional snowstorms. The main roads get plowed quickly, but side streets can be slow-going. Chicago implements a snow route ban on main roads when over 2 inches of snow, meaning cars parked on designated snow routes will be towed to allow plowing. If you rent in winter, we supply an ice scraper/brush in the car. Before driving, clear all windows and headlights of snow/ice for safety. On highways, be cautious of black ice on bridges. If a big snow is forecast, consider keeping a little emergency kit (blanket, small shovel), though it’s rarely needed for city driving, it can be reassuring if you venture out further.
Exploring Beyond Chicago: One of the perks of renting at O’Hare is the easy access to multiple interstates. I-90/94 will take you north to Wisconsin or west towards Rockford; I-55 leads southwest (Route 66 path) to St. Louis; I-80/94 takes you towards Indiana and Michigan. Unlimited mileage on our rentals means you can take a spontaneous road trip without worry. Just remember, if you’re leaving Illinois, toll systems and traffic laws might change in other states (e.g., Indiana’s toll road accepts credit cards at booths, Wisconsin has no tolls). Always keep your rental agreement and insurance info in the glovebox, especially if driving out of state. And enjoy the Midwest hospitality, once you get outside Chicago, roads are often open and the scenery can be surprisingly beautiful (think rolling farmlands, forests, and Great Lakes shorelines).
Road Trip Ideas from Chicago O’Hare
Chicago is not only a fantastic destination in itself, but also a gateway to some epic road trips. Pick up your rental at O’Hare and consider these drives:
Route 66 Kickoff (Chicago to St. Louis):Distance: ~300 miles (480 km) via I-55, ideally 2–3 days with stops.
Route: Start from downtown Chicago (the official Route 66 “Begin” sign is at East Adams Street), then drive historic Route 66 (parallels I-55) south through Illinois. You’ll pass classic stops like Joliet, Pontiac, and Springfield before continuing to St. Louis, Missouri.
Highlights: Embrace nostalgia with stops at the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac, IL, and the Atlanta Giant (a 19-ft tall Bunyon Giant statue holding a hot dog!) in Atlanta, IL. In Springfield, visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to walk in Abraham Lincoln’s footsteps. Don’t miss lunch at Cozy Dog Drive In, home of the original corn dog on a stick. As you approach St. Louis, the towering Gateway Arch welcomes you. Cross the old Chain of Rocks Bridge (an original Route 66 alignment over the Mississippi River) if open, or drive into downtown St. Louis for BBQ and a stroll by the Arch.
Tips: Many small towns along old Route 66 have preserved roadside attractions, take the slower old alignments instead of the interstate when you can, to experience funky sites like vintage gas stations and diners. Bring a Route 66 guide or use an app to stay on track, sometimes the Mother Road isn’t clearly marked. This drive is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. If you can, spread it over two days: overnight in Springfield (so you can enjoy the evening in this historic capital). From St. Louis, you can either drive back to Chicago (5 hours via I-55) or continue Route 66 further southwest if you’re really bitten by the road trip bug.
Great Lakes Escape (Chicago to Michigan’s Gold Coast):Distance: ~200–300 miles one-way (depending on how far up you go), 3–4 days recommended.
Route: Head out of Chicago and drive north around Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Follow I-94 into Michigan, then take scenic routes like the Red Arrow Highway and Blue Star Highway along Lake Michigan through beach towns. Possible turnaround points: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (in northern Michigan, ~320 miles from Chicago) or earlier at Traverse City (~300 miles). You can return via the faster I-94/I-80 or double back the way you came for more shoreline views.
Highlights: Just 1.5 hours from O’Hare, stop in Milwaukee, WI for a brewery tour or bratwurst, then continue east into Michigan (or ferry across Lake Michigan if you fancy, from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI, though taking the car ferry requires advance booking). In Michigan, the “Gold Coast” along Lake Michigan is dotted with charming beach towns: New Buffalo (cute shops and beach), Saugatuck (art galleries and dune rides), Grand Haven (iconic lighthouse pier and musical fountain show at night). Farther north, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers colossal sand dunes overlooking the lake, you can even do the dune climb or drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for breathtaking vistas. Traverse City is famous for cherries and vineyards; if time allows, explore the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail or take a detour to Mackinac Island (park the car in Mackinaw City and ferry over to this car-free, Victorian-era island).
Tips: Summer is prime time, the lake is warm enough for swimming by July, and beach towns are in full swing. Aim to travel on weekdays or early mornings to avoid Chicago and Milwaukee traffic. Keep some cash for occasional small tolls in Illinois and the Indiana stretch (or use your rental’s toll pass). Chicago to Michigan involves crossing Indiana briefly, note that Indiana’s I-94 has a cash toll near Chicago. For a unique route back, you could loop down through Michigan’s interior (stop at Indiana Dunes National Park on the way back into Illinois for one last beach and dune experience). The Great Lakes sunsets are incredible, plan a stop at a beach around dusk each day if you can.
Midwest History Loop (Chicago to Niagara Falls):Distance: ~520 miles to Niagara Falls (835 km), plus stops, about 8–9 hours driving direct, but plan 4–5 days with sightseeing.
Route: Drive from Chicago through northern Indiana into Ohio on I-90 (Indiana Toll Road/Ohio Turnpike). Pass through Cleveland, then continue into Pennsylvania and New York, ending at Niagara Falls on the U.S./Canada border. Return via southern Ontario (Canada) and Michigan, or backtrack, making a loop. (If doing a loop, remember to arrange a Canadian visa if required and check that your rental company allows Canada entry, most do with prior notice.)
Highlights: In Ohio, consider a stop in Cleveland (about 5.5 hours from Chicago) to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or catch a game at Progressive Field if you’re a baseball fan. Just west of Cleveland, Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky offers world-class roller coasters if thrills are your thing. Continuing east, Erie, PA has the pretty Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie. Arrive at Niagara Falls (on the U.S. side in New York) to witness the magnificent falls, take the Maid of the Mist boat ride or cross the Rainbow Bridge into the Canadian side for the full panoramic view. From Niagara, you can loop back: drive to Detroit via Ontario (about 4 hours from Niagara Falls to Detroit through Canada), see the Detroit Riverfront and Motown Museum, then it’s 5 hours back to Chicago via I-94.
Tips: This is a multi-state (and possibly two-country) trip, so keep your passport if you plan to visit Canada. Check with your rental company at pick-up that they note you’ll cross into Canada, generally it’s allowed when you inform them, and there’s no extra fee for U.S./Canada travel with most brands. Bring some small bills for tolls; the Ohio Turnpike and New York State Thruway have tolls (you can pay cash or card). Break up the drive, maybe overnight in Cleveland and Niagara Falls. Niagara gets busy on summer weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday for fewer crowds. On your return, if you have time, detour into Amish Country in northern Indiana (shipshewana) or visit Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN, which is right along I-80/90. This loop showcases a mix of big cities, natural wonders, and cross-border adventure, truly a grand tour from Chicago!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can drive a U.S.-rented car across state lines freely, unlimited mileage means you’re not restricted to Illinois. A popular option is to drive from Chicago to Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, etc., with no problem. Just let the rental company know if you’re going far; some have geographic restrictions (very few, mostly luxury or exotic rentals keep you within certain states). As for Canada: Most major rental companies at O’Hare do allow you to drive into Canada, but you need to tell them at pick-up so they can provide a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card (proof of insurance for Canada) and note it on the contract. There’s usually no extra charge for taking a car into Canada. Just make sure your rental has the appropriate documentation (registration, etc.). Driving from Chicago to Canada is quite common, e.g., to Toronto or Montreal. Keep in mind if you drop the car in Canada (one-way), that’s not allowed with U.S. rentals in almost all cases. But round-trip driving is fine. Also, be aware of Canada’s entry requirements: everyone in the car needs a passport or equivalent to cross the border and return to the U.S. In winter, if you drive to Canada, the car likely won’t have snow tires (U.S. fleets rarely do, and Quebec law requiring snow tires doesn’t apply to short-term rentals from the U.S., but you should still drive cautiously). For other states: feel free to road trip coast to coast. If you plan a massive drive, consider an oil change, rentals are maintained regularly, but if you’re doing thousands of miles, check the oil or swap the car at a branch en route if needed. One limitation: some rentals may not allow driving into Mexico from Chicago, that’s typically a no for all companies (Mexico rentals require special insurance and usually rentals must originate near the border). So focus north and east, the whole U.S. and Canada is your playground. To summarize: interstate travel is fine and unlimited; Canada is allowed with notice; Mexico is not; and always bring your rental agreement and a map or GPS for the long open roads ahead! Enjoy the freedom, your Chicago rental can indeed be the start of a grand transcontinental journey if you want.
Many popular attractions in Chicago have parking options, though often for a fee. Here are some quick notes:
• Millennium Park/The Bean: The closest parking is the Millennium Park Garage (entrances on Columbus Dr) or Grant Park North/South Garages. Expect to pay ~$25 for a few hours. Alternatively, some cheaper lots a few blocks west (near Franklin or Wells St) might be ~$15 and a short walk or quick rideshare away.
• Navy Pier: Navy Pier has its own parking garages on-site, usually around $30 for day parking. They rarely fill up except on major holidays. There are also off-site lots a short walk away that might save a few bucks.
• Museums (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium): These are all on Museum Campus. There’s a big surface parking lot by the Adler Planetarium that serves all three, it’s scenic (right by the lake) and costs around $30/day. There’s also the Soldier Field North Garage that sometimes offers museum rates. If that lot is full, the Soldier Field south lot is another option. Tip: Arrive early, especially in summer, to get a spot close by.
• Wrigley Field (Cubs game): Parking is tight in Wrigleyville. The Cubs operate some remote lots with shuttles. Some private yards/garages around the stadium sell spaces (often $40+). For a hassle-free experience, consider parking a bit away near a Red Line station and taking the train in, or using a rideshare. If you must drive to Wrigley, give yourself plenty of time, game day traffic is heavy and streets close around the 7th inning.
• United Center (Bulls/Bears game or concert): United Center has large official lots around it (ranging $25-$30 for events). It’s in a more open area, so driving is relatively straightforward from O’Hare (just take I-90 to I-290 west a couple exits). Expect congestion right after events when everyone leaves.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: Lucky for drivers, LP Zoo has a parking lot right next to it (off Cannon Drive), you pay at a machine, roughly $20 for 3-4 hours. Street parking in Lincoln Park area is very limited or permit-only, so use the lot.
• Outlet Malls (e.g., Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont): These have free parking in garages. If you plan to shop on your way to the airport, note that the Rosemont outlet mall is just a 5-minute drive from O’Hare and has ample parking, a great last stop if you have time to kill.
Overall, Chicago’s downtown and tourist areas can be driver-friendly as long as you’re willing to pay for parking convenience. Use parking apps for discounts, look for early-bird specials in garages (some downtown garages offer ~$15 if you arrive by 9-10am and leave after 4pm), and always read street signs to avoid tickets. And one more tip: Chicago has quite a few one-way streets, if you spot a perfect parking space across the street, make sure it’s legal and you can navigate the block to actually get to it safely without an illegal U-turn. With a bit of patience, you’ll find that driving and parking in Chicago is very doable for a major city.
Yes, the Chicago metropolitan area has a network of toll roads (expressways) primarily in the suburbs. Key tollways include I-90/I-94 (Kennedy/O’Hare to Indiana), I-294 (Tri-State), I-88 (Reagan Memorial toward western suburbs), I-355 (north-south west of city), and IL-390 (Elgin-O’Hare Tollway). If you’re driving from O’Hare to downtown Chicago on I-90, you’ll encounter a toll near Rosemont, and another if you continue past downtown toward Indiana. Within the city of Chicago proper, there are no tolls on surface streets or Lake Shore Drive. It’s mostly the interstates outside downtown that have them. These tolls are all electronic, Illinois uses the I-PASS system (compatible with E-ZPass). As mentioned earlier, rental cars typically don’t come with a transponder by default unless you opt in. If you do nothing and drive through the automatic toll, the system will snap a photo of the plate. The rental company will then either charge you via a third-party service with an added fee, or you can go online and pay before the invoice hits (usually within 14 days on the Illinois Tollway site). If you know you’ll drive a lot on toll roads (say you plan to roam all around the suburbs daily), consider adding the rental company’s toll package, typically a flat daily fee plus tolls, which can simplify things. Alternatively, avoid tolls by using alternate routes: for example, instead of the Illinois Tollway to Indiana, you could take US-41 or US-30 (slower but scenic routes). For heading west, you can often use US highways paralleling the toll interstates. But frankly, the tolls are not very expensive (often $1–$1.50 each for cars), so sometimes it’s worth the few bucks for a faster road. Just be aware of them so you’re not surprised. We provide a toll cost estimate in your rental quote if you input a route on our site, and our support can advise on best routes if you want to avoid tolls altogether. And remember: pay-by-plate is an easy online solution if you don’t have I-PASS, just note the rental’s plate number and pay after your trip or as you go.
For most travelers, a midsize or standard car works perfectly in Chicago. Streets are reasonably wide and highways are big, so you don’t necessarily need a tiny car, though a compact/economy car will make city parking a bit easier and usually costs the least. If you’re mainly city-driving with 1-2 people, go compact or midsize (Corolla, Elantra, etc.). Families of 4+ with luggage might want an SUV or minivan for comfort, especially if doing road trips. Chicago’s terrain is flat, so you don’t need a powerful engine, but if visiting in winter, an AWD SUV could provide extra confidence (though it’s not required, as the city plows quickly). One thing you don’t need is a convertible, Chicago can be windy and cooler by the lake, plus convertibles are rare in rental fleets here. Instead, if it’s summer and you want something fun, maybe choose a standard or full-size sedan with a sunroof. If you have business meetings or a special event, consider a luxury car, we offer models like Lincoln, BMW, or similar at ORD. They can impress and often aren’t drastically more expensive for a day or two. Parking garages in Chicago have height limits (~6’8” typically), so any standard SUV or van fits fine, but if you rent an extra-large vehicle (12-passenger van or large pickup), double-check garage clearances or stick to surface lots. Lastly, think about your luggage: O’Hare travelers sometimes arrive with big suitcases, if you’re a party of four each with large bags, a full-size car or SUV will ensure you have trunk space for all gear (a compact car would struggle with 4 huge suitcases). In summary: pick a car that fits your group and comfort preference. We list vehicle capacities and have filters (like “Good for 5+ passengers” or “Extra trunk space”) to help.
Technically yes, O’Hare’s rental counters do accept walk-up customers, but we strongly recommend reserving in advance. Without a reservation, you risk encountering long lines or limited vehicle availability, especially after long flights or during peak travel periods. Chicago hosts many conventions and events, which can cause certain car classes to sell out. By booking ahead, you secure a better rate (walk-up rates are usually higher) and ensure a car is ready for you. If you do find yourself at ORD without a booking, head to the rental center via the ATS train and you can inquire with the various companies on-site. They often have electronic kiosks or staff who can check inventory. Just be prepared: if it’s a busy time, you might have to be flexible on the type of car (e.g. you wanted a standard sedan but only SUVs are left, which could be pricier). Also, the check-out process might take a bit longer for walk-ups since you’ll need to provide all info on the spot. Overall, Chicago O’Hare is such a busy airport that a reservation is the way to go. The good news is our site lets you book with no pre-payment for most rentals, so you don’t lose anything by reserving early, and you gain the peace of mind of a guaranteed car and rate.
Rental rates at O’Hare vary by season and vehicle type. Economy cars in off-peak times can start around $25–$30 per day, while standard sedans average $40–$60/day. In busy summer months or during big events (holidays, Lollapalooza, etc.), prices may be higher due to demand. We’ve seen basic cars for ~$25/day in winter, whereas July might push that same car to $45/day. Larger vehicles like SUVs or minivans usually cost more, perhaps $70–$90/day in peak season. Tip: Always book as early as possible for the best rate. Chicago is a major rental market with lots of competition, which helps keep prices reasonable year-round. Use our search to see current rates for your dates; the price you see already includes any applicable airport fees and taxes so you know the full cost upfront. Keep in mind, adding options like a GPS or child seat will add a small daily fee, and younger drivers (under 25) will see a surcharge.