Rent a car in Chicago: practical information
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Distance from Chicago city centre |
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| 36 km | ||
Car rental in Chicago
Where to rent a car in Chicago
Welcome to the Windy City! Chicago in winter is one of the coldest spots in the country, but come summer, this city does nothing but charm. Having a car rental in Chicago is ideal, especially if you’d like to explore more than just the downtown core.
Pick up a rental car at O’Hare International Airport right after your flight. Choose from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National. You could also pick up a car from the city, but it’s worth comparing the offers on liligo.com before you go.
Most rental car companies are located downtown. You’ll find Avis on Clark Street, Hertz on North State Street and National on North Lasalle. You’re never too far from a rental agency but prices are typically more expensive in the city than at the airport.
Driving in Chicago: what you need to know
If you’re not used to big city driving, traffic in Chicago can be frustrating. It’s worth asking for a GPS to go with your rental car; that will save you at least one headache! Street parking is very rare in the downtown area and the parking lots tend to be really expensive. If you happen to bag a parking spot on the street, look for a Pay & Display meter.
We weren’t kidding when we said that parking lots can be expensive in Chicago… some charge as much as $38/day! They get cheaper the further away from downtown you go but still, it might be worthwhile to leave your rental at your hotel and grab a taxi if you only have a short distance to go.
Road trips from Chicago: what to see and do
The Loop
Chicago is one beautiful city and architecture buffs will have died and gone to heaven. The great thing about this city is that you can take your own sightseeing tour in your rental car, driving around downtown. The Loop is where you’ll want to go. Check out the Willis Tower, the Monadnock Building, the 1888 Rookery, the old Marshall Field’s and the stunningly ornamental Carson Pirie Scott & Co building.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Want a little break from the city? Take your car rental for a ride out to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore by following interstates 80, 90 or 94 from downtown. Lake Michigan is a beauty and the swimming here is absolutely refreshing on a hot summer day. This spot is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets… but not for long!
Madison
Wisconsin is a stone’s throw away from Chicago and if you want a taste of the Mid-West, there’s no better place than Madison. This young, vibrant student city has a wicked indie music scene… plus great beer! Ask for a pint of the house brew, because chances are you’ve found yourself in one of the city’s many microbreweries.
