Things To Consider For Car Rental in Chicago 2026

Welcome to Chicago, IL, the place which is packed with world-class museums, iconic architecture, and lakefront views that will keep you busy for days. But if you are a first-time visitor to Chicago, then it can get tricky for you. Public transportation in Chicago is convenient, but having a car rental in Chicago gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems, downtown, and deep-dish pizza joints at your own pace. With a reliable car rental in Chicago, you are not limited to exploring Navy Pier and Millennium Park; you can hit Indiana Dunes for beach days, drive to Starved Rock’s waterfalls, and what not! Whether you are planning to take a quick trip to Lake Geneva or cruise along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, having your own car in Chicago will definitely smooth your experience in this Windy City. 

Read our blog to know everything about car rental in Chicago, from vehicle types to tips and tricks. Bonus: you also get a list of day trips which you can cover on your trip to Chicago. 

Do You Need A Car Rental in Chicago?

Before heading towards your bonus part, first, let’s understand whether you need a car rental in Chicago. The answer to this question depends on where you are planning to go. If you are planning to go for day trips to state parks like Indiana Dunes or Starved Rock, then you definitely need a reliable car rental in Chicago. Moreover, a good car rental is necessary if you are - 

• Planning weekend getaways like Milwaukee (90 miles), Galena ( 165 miles), and Door County ( 272 miles)
• Want to explore Chicago suburbs like Oak Brook, Naperville, Evanston 
• Have multi-stop itineraries where flexibility matters for you 
• Or you are planning to visit friends or family outside the city center. 

So, are you ready to hire a reliable car rental in Chicago for that stress-free trip? Book your rental with Travelpodium so start your Windy City adventure with ease. 

Choosing Your Vehicle: Premium vs Mini Car Rental 

Another important factor that you need to consider when choosing your car rental in Chicago is the type of vehicle you choose, which can actually make or break your trip. 

You require Premium Car Rental in Chicago if you - 

• Business travel requiring a professional appearance for a meeting 
• Planning extended road trips over 400+ miles where comfort matters 
• There are special occasions or celebrations like birthdays or anniversary
• Multi-hour trips to Michigan or Wisconsin

Benefits - the benefits of renting a premium car for your time in Chicago include: 

• Upgraded sound systems for long drives, where you can enjoy your favourite songs
• More powerful engines for highway merging
• Comfortable seats for 3+ hour trips. 
• Enterprise and Hertz maintain the largest premium fleets. 

Mini Car Rental in Chicago 

This type of vehicle is perfect for you as it solves - 

• The main problem that comes with self-driving is Parking, so mini car rental in Chicago solves that. 
• It is best for solo travelers or couples. 
• Perfect if you are planning day trips under 200 miles
• Some of the popular models that you can look for are the Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Versa, or similar models. 
• However, the long limitation is the trunk size, as it fits only 2-3 carry-on bags. So, if you are a family or here for longer trips, you need larger vehicles. 

Confused about which vehicle fits your vibe? Let Travelpodium's travel experts match you with the perfect ride from budget-friendly compacts to luxury cruisers and handle all the booking headaches.

Best Day Trips from Chicago With Perfect Car Rental

This is where car rental in Chicago transforms your trip. Here are the top destinations that make the rental worthwhile:

1. Indiana Dunes National Park

• Distance: 50 miles southeast via I-90 (60-90 minutes)
• Entry fee: $25 per vehicle (7 days) or free with National Parks pass
• Highlights: 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Mount Baldy 120-foot dune with ranger-led climbs, 50+ miles of trails
• Don't miss: Chellberg Farm (Swedish immigrant homestead), Century of Progress Homes from 1933 World's Fair
• Pack lunch: Limited food options inside the park

2. Starved Rock State Park

• Distance: 96 miles southwest via I-80 (1 hour 40 minutes)
• Entry: Free admission
• Best for: 18 sandstone canyons with seasonal waterfalls most impressive March-May and after heavy rain
• Top canyons: French Canyon and Wildcat Canyon for highest cascades
• Trail: 4-mile canyon loop hits major formations, 13 miles of trails total
• Winter bonus: Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, cross-country skiing

3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Distance: 90 miles north via I-94 (1.5 hours)
• Miller Brewing: Free tours with samples (book online)
• Milwaukee Art Museum: Kinetic wings open/close daily at noon, 25,000+ artworks
• Harley-Davidson Museum: 450+ motorcycles including Elvis's custom bike
• Food: Milwaukee Public Market (20+ vendors), Third Ward boutiques and cocktail bars
• Baseball season: American Family Field hosts Brewers with famous sausage race

4. Galena, Illinois

• Distance: 165 miles northwest via US-20 (2.5-3 hours)
• Main Street: 125 boutiques, galleries, tasting rooms in 1850s buildings
• Grant Home: State Historic Site, $5 admission to Ulysses S. Grant's residence
• Galena Cellars: Wine tastings $10-15
• Fall foliage: Peaks October 10-25
• Tip: Stay overnight to maximize 4-5 hours round-trip driving stretches thin for a day trip

Practical Tips First-Timers Always Miss

Navigating Illinois Toll Roads

• System: Electronic via I-PASS or E-ZPass
• Rental transponders: $10 plus actual tolls and will be transferred into current I-PASS customer’s prepaid toll account balance. 
• Alternative: Register your license plate at Illinois tollway within 14 days to pay tolls online without transponder fees
• Indiana warning: Separate toll system- Illinois transponders don't work. Budget cash or use Indiana toll road app

During Winter Driving 

• Lake-effect snow: Creates sudden whiteout conditions November-March, especially near lakefront
• Request: All-season or winter tires
• AWD/4WD upgrade: $10-20/day, worthwhile for January-February visits
• Emergency kit: Ice scraper, phone charger, water, snacks
• Salt damage: Wash rental before return to avoid cleaning fees

Book Your Car Rental In Chicago With Travelpodium

So, whether you're cruising through the heart of Chicago or exploring the charming suburbs, renting from Travelpodium gives you the flexibility to make the most of every moment. No timelines, no restrictions just you, the open road, and endless possibilities. Ready to take the wheel? Your adventure awaits!