Midway Airport (MDW) Car & Van Rentals | Airport Van Rental

Smooth Booking at MDW: We know you want to get off your flight and on the road quickly. Here’s how to make that happen at Midway:

• Pick-up Location: Select Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) as your pick-up. All MDW rentals are accessed at the consolidated Rental Car Center (5150 W. 55th St.), a facility where all major companies operate. After landing, follow the signs to “Rental Cars” and hop on the free shuttle from Lower Level Door #2 (arrivals). The shuttles run 24/7, about every 10–15 minutes, and take just 5–10 minutes to reach the rental center. Easy peasy you’ll be dropped off right at the building where all rental counters are under one roof.
• Dates & Times: Choose your pick-up and drop-off times to fit your travel. Flying in late at night? No worries the rental shuttles never stop, and rental agencies at Midway accommodate late arrivals (just provide your flight number when booking so they know if you’re delayed). Early flight out? You can return the car in the wee hours too. Just make sure your reservation times align with your flight schedule (and give yourself a cushion for Chicago traffic if you’re driving during rush hour).
• Vehicle & Provider: Narrow your search by vehicle type or rental company as needed. Looking for a fuel-efficient compact to zip around The Loop? Maybe an SUV for extra comfort (and confidence if it snows)? Or perhaps a minivan or passenger van for a group trip to a Cubs game? We list all vehicle classes economy cars, compacts, full-size sedans, SUVs of every size, minivans, 12–15 passenger vans, luxury models, even pickup trucks from multiple trusted brands. Whatever your needs, you’ll see plenty of options available.
• Book It: Found a great deal that fits your needs? Hit “Reserve” and you’re done in a few clicks. We’ll even highlight especially good bargains with a “Great Deal” badge. Most bookings don’t require pre-payment, so you can reserve now, pay at pick-up. You’ll get an instant confirmation email with all the details, including directions to the Midway Rental Car Center. Show up with your license and confirmation, and you’ll be behind the wheel in no time.

Why Book MDW Car Rentals with Airport Van Rental?

Chicago’s a city where having a car unlocks a lot of possibilities. Booking through us gives you some big advantages:

• Great Deals, Guaranteed: We leverage a vast network to find you cheap rates (from ~$25/day **) on all kinds of cars. Thanks to our bulk partnerships and best rate guarantees, you often get exclusive discounts here that you wouldn’t snag by walking up to the counter. If you somehow find a lower rate for the same car and rental terms, let us know and we’ll match or beat it. Chicago may be the Windy City, but we don’t let high prices blow your travel budget away.
• No Hidden Fees, Total Transparency: The price quotes you see include standard Midway airport fees and Illinois taxes, so you’re not blindsided at pick-up. We hate hidden fees as much as you do. Planning a one-way trip from Chicago to another city? We’ll disclose any drop-off fees upfront. Under age 25? We show the young driver surcharge in your quote. Honesty is the best policy and we practice it. No last-minute surprises, just straightforward pricing you can trust.
• Book Now, Pay Later & Free Cancellation: Most Midway car rentals via our site don’t require pre-payment. Reserve your vehicle without a charge on your card, and enjoy free cancellation if your plans change (usually up to 48 hours before pick-up). This flexibility is clutch if you’re coordinating flights, waiting on travel approvals, or just like having options. Lock in a great rate early and rest easy if something comes up, you can cancel without penalty.
• Specialty Vehicles & Vans: Need something beyond a standard car? You’re in the right place. We specialize in van rentals from 7-passenger minivans to 12- and 15-passenger vans perfect for school groups, sports teams, or big family reunions. Chicago hosts many conventions, tournaments, and group events, and those large vehicles can be hard to find last-minute (especially in summer). With us, you have access to that niche inventory. Likewise, if you’re moving equipment or want an AWD SUV for winter, we often have those too. We cater to needs that big-name travel sites might overlook.
• Local Expertise & Support: Our team knows Chicago and the Midwest inside-out. We can tell you the quickest route from Midway to downtown at 5 PM, or which toll pass you’ll need on the I-294 Tri-State Tollway. If you have questions on the road, our 24/7 support is here to help. Plus, this page is packed with Chicago-specific driving tips (see below) that can turn a good trip into a great one. We’re not just renting you a car we’re equipping you with insider knowledge for your journey.

Today’s Top MDW Car Rental Deals

• Compact Car, from $27/day, e.g. Nissan Versa or similar. Ideal for solo travelers or couples, and easy to zip around Chicago’s busy streets or fit into tight parking spots in popular neighborhoods.
• Full-Size SUV, from $58/day, e.g. Chevrolet Tahoe or similar (7-8 passenger). Great for families heading to Six Flags Great America or hauling tailgate gear to a Bears game. Plenty of room for luggage and an elevated view for highway driving.
• 15 Passenger Van, from $79/day, e.g. Ford Transit or similar. Spacious choice for large groups keep everyone together whether it’s a big family reunion, a church group outing, or a team trip. Ideal if you’re, say, taking a youth group to a museum campus or planning a weekend retreat to Wisconsin Dells with a full crew.
• Premium Sedan, from $55/day, e.g. BMW 5 Series or similar. Add a touch of luxury to your stay. Perfect for impressing clients at a meeting or enjoying a night out in downtown Chicago. Smooth, quiet ride to cruise Lake Shore Drive in style.
• Pickup Truck, from $45/day, e.g. Ford F-150 or similar. Great for hauling and exploring beyond the city limits. Ideal if you plan a mix of city and countryside driving from navigating Chicago’s streets one day to tackling a state park or DIY moving project the next.

Rates shown are base prices and exclude taxes/fees. “From” pricing is based on recent bookings in the past 7 days. Enter your travel dates to get the most accurate up-to-the-minute quote for your trip. (Pro tip: Chicago prices can spike in summer and around holidays booking early usually means a better deal!)

Driving Tips for Chicago Visitors

The Chicagoland area is huge and bustling. Here’s how to navigate Chicago and beyond like a pro:

• Navigating Highways & Traffic: Chicago’s road network is a mix of grid city streets and big expressways. Major highways have names locals use: I-90/94 is the Kennedy Expressway as it approaches downtown from the northwest (then Dan Ryan Expressway heading south of downtown), I-290 is the Eisenhower coming in from the west, I-55 is the Stevenson (runs southwest past Midway), and I-294 is the Tri-State Tollway bypassing the city. A GPS is your friend, especially with all the merges and exits around downtown. Rush hour traffic here is no joke weekdays roughly 7–9 AM inbound and 4–6:30 PM outbound, expect slowdowns on the Kennedy, Dan Ryan, Eisenhower, and Stevenson near downtown. Plan extra time if you’ll be driving during those periods. If you’re not afraid of an alternate route, local arterials like Harlem Ave or Cicero Ave can parallel some highways when the interstates clog up. And remember: if you miss an exit downtown, no sweat the city’s grid system makes it fairly easy to circle back around.
• Toll Roads & Payment: The Chicago area has several tollways (operated by Illinois Tollway) these include I-90 northwest of the city, I-294 and I-355 (suburban bypasses), I-88 west, among others. There are no cash booths on these roads; it’s all electronic. If your rental car has an I-PASS or E-ZPass transponder and you opt in, you can cruise through toll plazas and pay the lower discounted rate. If not, don’t avoid the toll roads out of fear cameras will simply bill the license plate. You’ll then need to pay the toll online within 14 days (the tollway’s “Pay By Plate” system) to avoid penalties. Toll costs aren’t high (e.g. about $1.50 with I-PASS, or $3 without, on I-90 from O’Hare into the city), but they can add up with many trips. We provide toll info for your route when you book, so you can decide whether to opt into a toll program. One more note: if you take the Chicago Skyway (I-90) southeast toward Indiana, that’s a separate toll bridge (around $5) just be prepared for that one, especially if heading to or from Michigan or Ohio.
• Parking in the City: Parking in downtown Chicago can be pricey and sometimes tricky. Many hotels downtown charge $50–$70 per night for valet parking. Public garages in The Loop or near Michigan Avenue typically run $15–30 for a few hours (look for early bird specials or evening rates). Using apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz can save you money they let you reserve a spot in advance at a discount. Street parking is metered in most areas of the city from 8AM to 10PM (free on Sundays in many zones). Pay at the kiosks or via the ParkChicago app; rates range roughly $2–$7/hour depending on the neighborhood. Always check the signs some streets have rush-hour parking bans (e.g. no parking on certain streets 4-6pm to allow extra lanes for traffic) and the city will tow violators. Outside of downtown, parking in neighborhoods is easier but watch for Residential Permit signs or street cleaning notices on certain days. If you’re visiting in winter, be aware Chicago has a strict winter overnight parking ban on many main streets from Dec 1 Mar 31 (2AM–7AM), regardless of snow cars parked on those designated routes will be towed, so heed the signage.
• Driving Etiquette & Safety: Chicago drivers are generally assertive but follow the rules. A few local customs/laws to note: It’s legal to turn right on red after a complete stop, unless a sign says “No Turn on Red” (common downtown). Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks state law requires it, and enforcement is strict especially near tourist areas. You’ll notice lots of cyclists in warmer months; give them room and check your mirrors when turning or opening doors (Chicago has hefty fines for “dooring” a cyclist). Speed limits: typically 30 mph on city streets (20 mph in school zones when children are present), and 55–60 mph on city expressways (higher, 65–70, on suburban interstates). The city uses speed cameras in some school and park zones (they’ll ticket if you exceed the posted limit by 6+ mph when active) and red-light cameras at certain intersections so don’t try to beat the light. On the highways, keep right except to pass; slower traffic should stay out of the far left lane. And if you see emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped on the roadside, Illinois has a “Move Over” law (Scott’s Law) you must either change lanes away if possible or slow down significantly. Overall, stay alert, drive defensively, and you’ll be fine navigating the city and burbs.
• Weather & Seasons: Chicago’s weather can swing to extremes, so plan accordingly.
• Winter (Dec–Feb) often brings snow, ice, and subzero temps. The main roads are plowed promptly during snowstorms, but if you’re not used to winter driving, take it slow and increase your following distance black ice (invisible slick spots) can form when temperatures drop. All our rentals come with an ice scraper/snow brush (check the trunk), and it’s wise to clear all windows and mirrors of snow before driving (it’s actually illegal to drive with obscured vision from snow/ice). If a major snowstorm is forecast and you can delay driving, it might be worth it Chicago does a great job clearing snow, but during the peak of a blizzard it’s best to stay put.
• Summer brings road construction season be prepared for some work zones especially on the expressways (heed the reduced speed limits in work zones; fines are hefty and workers are often present). On hot summer days, ensure the car’s coolant isn’t running hot if you get stuck in traffic (pretty rare with modern cars, but a quick eye on the gauge doesn’t hurt). Also, Chicago summers are humid you’ll appreciate that AC! Spring and fall are relatively mild, fantastic for road trips just watch for occasional thunderstorms in spring and be mindful of wet roads. Whenever and wherever you drive, keep a bottle of water, and maybe a few snacks, in the car for the longer drives. Chicago weather may be fickle, but with a little preparation, you can drive through it all safely.

Road Trip Ideas from Chicago

One of the best parts about renting a car in Chicago is the ability to explore the diverse regions around the Midwest. Here are a few exciting road trip ideas once you’ve got your vehicle from historic highways to natural wonders:

Historic Route 66: Chicago to St. Louis
Distance: ~300 miles (5 hours straight driving).
Route: Follow the path of old Route 66 by taking I-55 south from Chicago this interstate parallels the “Mother Road” through Illinois. You’ll pass Springfield on the way to St. Louis, or you can detour onto preserved segments of Historic Route 66 in towns like Joliet, Pontiac, and Lincoln for some classic sights.

Highlights: This trip is a journey back in time. As you cruise out of Chicago, consider a stop in Joliet to see the Old Joliet Prison (famous from The Blues Brothers). Further south, Pontiac, IL has a fantastic Route 66 Hall of Fame museum and colorful outdoor murals downtown. In Springfield (about halfway), you can visit Abraham Lincoln’s Home and Tomb for a dose of history and don’t miss a quick lunch at Cozy Dog Drive-In, home of the original corn dog on a stick (a Route 66 icon!). Continue toward St. Louis: just before crossing into Missouri, the Chain of Rocks Bridge is an old Route 66 bridge over the Mississippi (now pedestrian-only, but a neat walk if you have time). In St. Louis, you’re greeted by the towering Gateway Arch on the riverfront take a tram ride up for an incredible view. Treat yourself to some St. Louis-style BBQ or frozen custard (local favorite Ted Drewes) to celebrate your journey’s end. If you’re feeling adventurous, Route 66 doesn’t end here you could drive all the way to California, but that’s a whole other trip!

Tips: Route 66 is about the journey, not speed. Give yourself time to hop off the interstate and drive the business loops where the old road still runs through small towns you’ll find vintage gas station museums, giant roadside statues (hello, Gemini Giant in Wilmington!), and friendly locals. Summer is a great time for this trip, but it can get hot mid-July along I-55 often hits 90°F+, so keep hydrated and make sure the car’s AC is in good shape. If you’re doing a one-way rental into St. Louis, note that dropping off in a different state may incur a higher fee (we’ll show it upfront). Alternatively, you can make it a loop and drive back to Chicago via I-55 or I-57 at your leisure. Either way, don’t forget to cue up some classic rock or blues on the radio nothing like a little Chuck Berry or Buddy Guy to set the mood as you cruise the original road trip highway.

Lake Michigan Coast: Chicago to Sleeping Bear Dunes
Distance: ~340 miles (if you go all the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes, about 6–7 hours total drive time).
Route: Head east from Chicago into Indiana, then north up the Michigan shoreline via I-94 and US-31/US-131. You’ll trace the eastern shore of Lake Michigan almost the entire way. Popular stopping points: Indiana Dunes (45 minutes from Chicago), then into Michigan St. Joseph, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Ludington, and ultimately the Traverse City area for Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Highlights: This is a scenic beach getaway on wheels. First stop, just outside Chicago, is Indiana Dunes National Park miles of sandy beaches and dune trails right along Lake Michigan (you can literally climb a sand dune and see Chicago’s skyline across the water on a clear day!). Continuing into Michigan, the coastline is dotted with charming lakefront towns. St. Joseph has Silver Beach and a cute carousel perfect for kids. Holland, MI, further north, boasts Dutch heritage (think windmills and tulip gardens in spring). For pure beach vibes, Grand Haven and Muskegon offer boardwalks, lighthouses, and local ice cream shops. As you go north, the scenery becomes more pristine. Ludington’s State Park has beautiful dunes and forests (and the historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse you can tour). Finally, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore awaits near Empire/Glen Arbor massive towering sand dunes overlooking turquoise-blue Lake Michigan. Hike up the dunes or take the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive for breathtaking overlooks. Nearby Traverse City is great for a pit stop known for cherry orchards, wineries (yes, Michigan has wine country!), and a lively downtown with breweries and cafés. If time permits, you could even continue to the very top of Michigan’s mitten the Straits of Mackinac to see the Mighty Mac bridge or catch a ferry to Mackinac Island.

Tips: This trip is best in late spring, summer, or early fall. Summer will let you swim in Lake Michigan (water temps in July/Aug reach a pleasant 70°F in many spots). Keep in mind it’s also the busiest book accommodations ahead if it’s a weekend in July or August, as Chicagoans flock north for vacation. Traffic leaving Chicago on Friday afternoons can be heavy, so consider an early start or leaving on Saturday morning. Along the route, you’ll find plenty of farm stands try some fresh Michigan blueberries or cherries (July is cherry season!). If you’re into camping, many state parks along the way have lovely campgrounds (just reserve in advance). One more thing: Michigan has no toll roads, so once you’re out of the Chicago area, you can put the wallet away for a while. Enjoy the slower pace roll down the windows, sniff the fresh pine air up north, and dip your toes in all the Great Lakes water you can!

Crossing Borders: Chicago to Niagara Falls Road Trip
Distance: ~520 miles to Niagara Falls, NY (about 8 hours drive direct, not counting stops).
Route: Head east from Chicago into Indiana and Ohio. The fastest route is I-90/I-80 through Cleveland, then I-90 through Pennsylvania into upstate New York. An alternate is I-94 to Detroit (280 miles), then cross into Canada and take Ontario’s 401/403 to Niagara, re-entering the US at the falls. Consider making it a loop to see more: one way via Detroit/Windsor (through Canada), the other via Ohio.

Highlights: This epic trip takes you from the shores of Lake Michigan to the roar of Niagara Falls. On the way east, there’s plenty to see. If you go via Ohio, a great midway stop is Cleveland (about 350 miles from Chicago) check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the Lake Erie waterfront or grab a bite in the trendy Ohio City neighborhood (try some famous Cleveland Polish Boy sandwiches or pierogis!). Just west of Cleveland, families might detour to Cedar Point in Sandusky, one of the world’s top amusement parks, known for its roller coasters (thrill-seekers, take note!). Continuing on I-90, you’ll pass through the verdant vineyards of Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania wine country (yes, they have one, around Erie, PA) perhaps a quick winery tour if time allows. Arriving at Niagara Falls, you can explore from both the American side and Canadian side (the views from Canada looking back at the falls are most spectacular). Must-do: take the Maid of the Mist boat (or Hornblower if on the Canadian side) to ride up close to the base of the thundering falls you will get wet (they provide ponchos)! Also check out the Cave of the Winds on the U.S. side, where you can walk on platforms almost under the Bridal Veil Falls. The area offers more than just the falls: the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (in Ontario, 30 minutes away) is a charming historic village with wineries and shops, and Buffalo, NY (30 minutes the other direction) has famous Buffalo wings and a revitalized waterfront.

Tips: This is a long haul, so consider breaking it into a multi-day trip. If you’re crossing the border into Canada, bring your passport (and for the rental car, inform the counter you plan to go into Canada most major rental companies allow it, sometimes with a small extra insurance verification, but it’s usually no big deal). Also note: Canada’s highway speed limits are in km/h (100 km/h ~ 62 mph) and they use the metric system, but your car’s speedometer will have km markings, so you’re all set. Toll-wise, if you take I-90 through Indiana/Ohio, you’ll encounter toll roads (Indiana Toll Road and Ohio Turnpike) you can take a ticket and pay cash/credit at exit, or they’ll bill the license plate if you miss it. The Peace Bridge or Rainbow Bridge at the border also have small tolls. If you’d rather not drive both ways, one popular strategy is to drive to Niagara and then return by a different route to see more (for example, swing down through Pittsburgh or Detroit). With unlimited mileage, go for it! Autumn is an amazing time for this trip the fall foliage in upstate NY, Pennsylvania, and Ontario can be stunning around late September/October. Just pack a light rain jacket for the falls mist, and enjoy experiencing both American and Canadian culture on one road trip.

Quick MDW Rental Info

• On-Airport Rental Agencies: Midway’s Rental Car Center houses all the major brands (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and more) under one roof. It’s technically off-site from the terminal, but the continuous 24/7 shuttle service makes it feel seamless. Simply take the free shuttle from the terminal to reach the facility. When returning your car, follow signs for “Rental Car Return Midway” (you’ll basically head toward 55th St. and follow the access road). Pro tip: allow a few extra minutes when returning, just to account for fueling up and catching the shuttle back to the terminals, especially during peak travel times.
• Number of Vehicles: Midway may be Chicago’s “second” airport, but it still has a sizeable rental fleet. On a typical day, hundreds of cars, SUVs, and vans are available. Even during busy periods (like summer weekends or Thanksgiving), you’ll generally find a decent selection as long as you book in advance. That said, around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), Midway can get busy and inventory tight Chicagoans often use MDW for holiday travel. It’s wise to reserve early if you plan to visit during those peak times, so you can snag the vehicle type you want.
• Popular Rental Choices: In Chicago, we see a wide mix of rentals. Economy and compact cars are a hit with couples and solo travelers looking to save on gas and easily navigate the city. Standard and full-size sedans are often booked by business visitors heading to meetings. SUVs (especially intermediate and standard SUVs) are popular with families year-round in winter, many opt for SUVs for peace of mind on snowy roads, and in summer for road trip comfort. Of course, our specialty passenger vans (12 and 15 seaters) are frequently rented for church groups, school teams, or friends heading to events like Lollapalooza or a Cubs game together. Whatever you’re looking for, Midway’s range usually has you covered but those unique vehicles (large vans, luxury models) can sell out, so reserve early.
• Average Rental Price: Rental rates in Chicago fluctuate with the season. Generally, weekends are a bit cheaper than weekdays (since a lot of weekday demand comes from business travelers). You might find a midsize car for around $30–$40/day on a winter weekend, whereas a weekday in July could be $50+ for the same car. Summer (June–August) is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices then, as well as during big events (e.g. Lollapalooza, the Chicago Marathon) booking a few weeks in advance is your friend in those cases. Conversely, January–February (aside from New Year’s) often have the lowest rates of the year. A good rule: try to book about 2 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and availability. Last-minute rentals are fine if cars are available, but you’ll typically pay a premium for booking the day of.
• MDW Airport Facts: Midway is much smaller and easier to navigate than O’Hare. It has one central terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C). The rental car shuttle will drop you off near the baggage claim area on the lower level, and from there it’s a quick escalator ride up to ticketing or out to the CTA Orange Line train if you’re heading into the city after returning your car. If flying Southwest (Midway’s dominant airline), note which concourse your gate is in (A or B) so you get off at the right stop when the shuttle loops the terminal. When returning your car, follow signs along Cicero Ave. or 55th St. for “Rental Car Return” you’ll be directed into the rental facility area. The address (for GPS) is 5150 W 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60638. It’s wise to double-check your car before you hand it back make sure you didn’t leave that cellphone or stuffed animal in the back seat! The return process is usually quick: an agent will check fuel and mileage, then you can hop on a shuttle back to the terminal. Leave yourself a little extra time if you’re returning during rush hour, just in case there’s a line of people or traffic around the airport.
• Gas Stations Near MDW: You’ll want to refill the tank before returning (to avoid high refueling charges). Fortunately, there are a few gas stations conveniently close to Midway. There’s a BP station on 55th St. and Kilpatrick Ave (just a few blocks east of the rental car center) and a Mobil station on 55th & Pulaski Rd both are within a mile or so. Prices right next to the airport can be a tad higher (maybe $0.20 more per gallon than further out), so if you have time, you could fill up a bit earlier. For example, a couple of miles north on Cicero Avenue (around 47th Street) you might find slightly cheaper gas at another station. But if you’re in a rush, the ones on 55th will do the job and are very convenient. Just keep your receipt in case the rental company asks for proof of refueling (occasionally they do). Quick tip: after you top off, drive the car the few minutes back to the rental center the gauge should still read “Full” when you arrive. If it’s even a hair below full, consider adding an extra splash of fuel to avoid any fuel charge dispute.
• Toll Tags: Many rental cars in Illinois do not come with a toll transponder automatically, unlike some other states. At Midway, your rental counter may offer an optional toll program at pickup if you opt in, the car will be covered for tolls via a device or plate billing, for a daily fee (often around $3–$5 per day you use a toll, capped at a certain amount). This can be convenient if you plan to drive the tollways frequently (like trips out to the suburbs or Wisconsin). If you decline the toll package, you can still drive on toll roads just be prepared that each toll will be billed to the car’s license plate. Illinois Tollway gives you 14 days to pay online when billed by plate. However, the rental company will often get the bill and then charge your card later with an extra admin fee on top (each toll might incur a $5 or more processing fee). Those can add up quickly. Our recommendation: if your itinerary includes multiple tolls, it’s usually worth opting in to the rental’s toll coverage for convenience and peace of mind. We’ll display the toll policy details for each rental in your booking info, so you know the costs. And remember, within the city of Chicago itself, there are no tolls on the regular city expressways tolls are mostly on the suburban highways and the Indiana/Chicago Skyway.
• Emergencies & Roadside Help: If something goes wrong on the road, help is never far away. For any serious emergency, dial 911 on your phone that will connect you to local police/EMS. For non-emergencies or roadside assistance, use the 24/7 roadside assistance number provided by your rental company (it’ll be on your rental agreement or key fob). Most rentals through our platform include free basic roadside support, so if you get a flat tire, a dead battery, or lock yourself out, they’ll send help. On Chicago-area expressways, you might also be lucky to encounter the IDOT Minutemen these are patrol trucks that roam the busy highways (like I-90/94, I-290) during rush hours to assist stranded motorists free of charge. If you’re stuck on the shoulder, they might pull up and help with a jump or a tire change to get you moving again a great public service. Tip: If you have a minor issue and it’s safe, stay in your car with seat belt on until help arrives (Illinois law actually suggests this on highways). And always turn on your hazard lights if you’re stopped on the side. In the rare event of an accident, make sure to exchange information and fill out a police report if needed and call the rental company’s emergency line to report it. We hope you won’t need any of this, but it’s good to know. Drive safe, and you’ll likely only be calling your friends to tell them what a great time you’re having in Chicago!

Our Most Popular Vehicles

Economy Car Rental

12 Passenger Van Rental

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Standard SUV Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any unique local driving laws or customs in Chicago/Illinois I should know?

Illinois driving laws mostly align with general U.S. rules, but here are a few local points to keep in mind: 1) Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants, front and back Illinois is strict on this, so buckle up everyone. 2) It’s illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving anywhere in Illinois (texting or holding the phone to your ear). You can use hands-free (e.g. Bluetooth), but if you’re caught holding your phone, expect a ticket. 3) Chicago has a lot of one-way streets and “No Turn on Red” intersections downtown obey the signs, even if turning on red is generally allowed elsewhere, because cameras or cops will enforce those no-turn corners. 4) At 4-way stop signs, the right-of-way goes to the first vehicle that arrived; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. Chicago drivers actually tend to be pretty courteous at 4-ways you might even get a polite wave. Just don’t be overly aggressive and everyone will get through in order. 5) Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks (and frankly, often jaywalking too). In the city, you’ll see pedestrians everywhere Illinois law says cars must stop for people in crosswalks, and Chicago PD does issue tickets if you blow through while someone’s crossing. So yield to folks on foot a little courtesy goes a long way (and it’s the law). 6) If you see a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or even a disabled car with hazard lights on the shoulder, Illinois’ Move Over (Scott’s) Law requires you to change lanes away if possible, or slow down significantly if you can’t change lanes. This is taken seriously for the safety of roadside workers. 7) Winter quirks: from Dec 1–Mar 31, Chicago enforces a special overnight parking ban (2AM–7AM) on many main streets regardless of weather this is to keep roads clear for snow plows just in case. Streets with this rule are posted with signs; if you park there overnight in winter, your car could be towed even if it didn’t snow. So read parking signs carefully in the city, especially in winter. And one fun custom: In residential areas after a big snowfall, locals sometimes put chairs or cones in the street to “reserve” the spot they shoveled out this is called “dibs.” It’s not legally recognized (the city frowns on it), but touching someone’s dibs markers is a no-no culturally. Bottom line: drive defensively, respect the rules (and weather), and you’ll do fine on Chicago roads.

Are there toll roads around Chicago, and how do I pay tolls in a rental?

Yes, the Chicago metropolitan area has several toll roads (the Illinois Tollway system), but they’re all cashless these days. Major tollways include I-90 (Jane Addams Tollway northwest toward Wisconsin), I-294 (Tri-State Tollway around the city), I-88 (Reagan Tollway west), I-355 (suburban beltway), and a few others mostly in the ‘burbs. Also, heading out of Illinois, the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) and the Chicago Skyway (I-90 towards Indiana) have tolls. In a rental car, you have a couple of options: 1) Opt into the rental company’s toll program when you pick up the car. This means the car either has an I-PASS/E-ZPass transponder or the plate will be registered for toll billing. You’ll typically pay a small daily fee (only on days you incur a toll) plus the actual tolls, but you can then breeze through the I-PASS toll lanes without stopping. 2) Decline the toll program and pay tolls on your own. Since there are no cash booths, “paying on your own” means you’ll drive through the automatic toll gantries and then go to the Illinois Tollway website within 14 days to pay by your license plate. It’s doable, but you must remember to do it for each toll road you use. If you forget, the bill eventually goes to the rental car company, who will then charge your card with an extra admin fee for the trouble. Important: We show each rental agency’s toll policy in your booking details (fees and terms), so you can make an informed choice. If you know you’ll be hopping on and off toll roads (say you’re staying in Schaumburg or Naperville, or planning a run up to Milwaukee on I-94 which has a toll section), opting in is usually the hassle-free way to go. If you’re just doing a quick trip downtown and back and can avoid tollways, you might skip it. One nice thing if you do opt in, you also get access to the express toll lanes (like the reversible Express Lanes on the Kennedy or any future congestion-priced lanes) without worry. And remember, downtown Chicago streets and the inner expressways are toll-free; it’s mostly the bypasses and outskirts that charge tolls.

Is Midway’s rental car facility open 24 hours?

Yes in practical terms, 24/7 service is available. The Rental Car Center at Midway itself doesn’t close; it’s accessible at all hours, and the shuttles run 24/7 continuously between the terminal and the rental facility. Each rental agency at Midway has set operating hours (many align roughly with the airport’s flight schedule, often early morning till late night). For example, majors like Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, etc., typically stay open until the last arriving flight of the night has cleared. If you have a confirmed reservation and your flight is delayed into the wee hours, rest assured the rental counters will either stay open or make arrangements to get you your car (sometimes an agent from an affiliated brand will assist if one counter closes). In the very rare case of a super late arrival when a counter is unstaffed, there may be a courtesy phone or instruction to go to a partner counter (since many brands are managed by the same parent company). But frankly, Midway sees flights from 5 AM until around midnight, and rental staff are there to cover those. If you’re arriving at 2 AM due to a delay, there will typically still be a way to pick up your car just be sure to provide your flight info when booking, so they know you’re coming. For early morning returns, it’s also easy: you can drop off the vehicle at any hour. If it’s outside of normal desk hours, most companies have a drop box for the keys and will email your receipt later. The rental shuttles are always running, even at 4 AM, so you can get back to the terminal for that crack-of-dawn flight. In summary, while not every individual rental counter is manned 24 hours, between the shuttle service and the major companies’ commitment to honoring reservations, you can rent or return a car virtually any time at Midway. If you have an unusual situation (e.g. landing at 3 AM on a cargo charter or something), it doesn’t hurt to call ahead to confirm procedures. But for the typical traveler: Midway’s got you covered around the clock. Safe travels!