Car Hire
Chicago Airport

The most efficient way to reach the car hire centre, also known as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), is by using the Airport Transit System (ATS). This is a free, automated train that connects all domestic terminals (1, 2 and 3) and the international terminal (5) to the rental facility. Simply follow the overhead signs in your terminal for "Trains to Terminals" or "Rental Cars" to find the ATS station. The ride is typically short, running frequently throughout the day and night to get you to your car quickly.

After you clear customs and immigration in Terminal 5, collect your luggage and exit into the arrivals hall. From there, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to the Airport Transit System (ATS). You will need to take a lift or escalator up to the ATS station platform. Board the train, which will take you directly to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), where all the car hire desks are located in one convenient building.

The best meeting point for a group arriving in different terminals is directly at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), where the hire cars are located. After each person lands, they should independently follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS) and take it to the MMF. A practical place to gather is in the main lobby area right after you exit the ATS, near the large flight information boards. Alternatively, you can agree to meet at the specific desk of your chosen car hire company.

If the ATS is experiencing service disruptions, O’Hare provides a terminal transfer bus service as a reliable alternative. These shuttle buses are dispatched to transport passengers between all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) where hire cars are located. Follow the airport signs for "Terminal Transfer Bus" or ask an airport employee for the nearest bus stop location. While slightly slower than the train, these buses run on a continuous loop and will get you to the car hire centre safely.

For travellers needing extra assistance, the process is designed to be accessible, but planning helps. The Airport Transit System (ATS) and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) are equipped with lifts and escalators to avoid stairs. It’s wise to allow extra time so you don’t feel rushed making your way to and from the train. Once at the hire desk, you can also ask about vehicle pick-up locations closest to the lifts to minimise walking within the garage.

The two most common delays when picking up a car at O’Hare are waiting for the Airport Transit System (ATS) during peak travel times and potential queues at the car hire desk itself. To save time, walk briskly to the ATS station after deplaning and have all your reservation information ready before you get to the desk. Being prepared can help you get through the administrative part of the pick-up process much faster, getting you on the road sooner.

As you exit the car hire garage, pay close attention to the large overhead motorway signs. The key is to immediately follow the signs for major routes like I-190 East (to Chicago), I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), or I-90 (Jane Addams Tollway). Actively avoid any signs that say "Airport Terminals", "Departures", or "Arrivals", as these will direct you back into the airport traffic loop. Setting your sat nav before you start driving is the best way to ensure you head in the right direction from the start.

The most direct route to Schaumburg and other north-west suburbs is via the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90 West). When leaving the O’Hare car hire facility, follow the initial airport exit signs that point you towards I-190 West. This short connector expressway will quickly merge onto I-90 West. This route avoids central Chicago traffic entirely and provides a clear path towards destinations like Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Elgin.

For a straightforward drive to Naperville, your best plan is to use the Tri-State Tollway (I-294 South). From the car hire centre, follow signs for I-190 East towards Chicago, but stay in the right lanes to take the immediate exit for I-294 South. Continue on I-294 South for several miles until you reach the exit for the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88 West). Taking I-88 West will lead you directly into Naperville and other western suburbs like Aurora and Downers Grove.

To reach a nearby hotel without expressway stress, focus on using the main local roads surrounding the airport. As you exit the car hire facility, look for signs pointing to Mannheim Road (U.S. 45) or Higgins Road (IL-72). Many airport-area hotels are located directly on these major surface streets, allowing for a short, low-speed drive. This approach helps you avoid the fast-paced traffic and complex interchanges of the major tollways right after your flight.

The drive from O’Hare to central Chicago is most intense during weekday rush hours, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. For a much calmer experience, plan your arrival for mid-day, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or later in the evening after 7:00 PM. Weekend traffic can also be heavy, especially on Saturday afternoons, but it generally lacks the urgency of the weekday commute.

A great strategy is to book your first night’s stay at a hotel in a suburb near an 'L' train line, such as Rosemont or Oak Park. You can have a simple, low-stress drive from O’Hare to your suburban hotel and park the car there. Then, use the convenient public transport to travel into and out of central Chicago for your first day of sightseeing. This allows you to get comfortable with the area before tackling city traffic when you’re ready.

To avoid Chicago’s confusing lower-level streets like Lower Wacker Drive, pay close attention to physical street signs as you approach them. These signs will often explicitly indicate "Upper" or "Lower" levels, so you can make sure you stay on the upper roadway. In your navigation app, you can sometimes find a setting to "avoid tunnels", which may help prevent these routes. When in doubt, staying on major, numbered streets or avenues like Michigan Avenue or State Street is a safer bet.

For convenient parking near Union Station, look for the large public parking garage located at 525 W. Monroe Street. Its entrance is straightforward to access and it’s just a short walk from the station. Another excellent option is the garage at 210 S. Canal Street, which is also very close. To eliminate the stress of searching, consider using a parking app to reserve a space in advance, which allows you to see the garage location and entrance on a map before you even start driving.

The most practical plan is to park in the Millennium Park Garage, which has entrances on Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. This large, underground facility is located directly across the street from the Art Institute’s modern wing entrance, making for a very short and easy walk. Another great choice is the Grant Park North Garage, which is also just a block away. Pre-booking your parking online can often simplify the process and give you clear directions to the garage entrance.

The most straightforward way to drive to the Museum Campus is by taking Lake Shore Drive and exiting at 18th Street. From there, follow the signs directing you towards the campus. The primary and most convenient parking location is the Soldier Field North Garage, which serves all three museums. The entrance is clearly marked and easy to access from Museum Campus Drive, placing you in a central spot for walking to any of the attractions.

A smart plan is to have one person from your party run into the hotel lobby to check in while the driver circles the block. Once you have your room keys, the driver can pull into the hotel’s designated loading zone, which is often very brief. Unload your bags quickly with the help of a porter if available, and then the driver should immediately proceed to a pre-identified parking garage. Calling the hotel ahead of your arrival to ask for their specific unloading instructions is also a great idea.

When driving in Chicago at night, especially with construction, it’s crucial to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Rely heavily on your sat nav’s audio cues, listening for turn instructions well in advance, as lane markings can be confusing or temporary. Pay extra attention to illuminated signs and flashing arrow boards indicating lane shifts or diversions. Avoid abrupt manoeuvres and be mindful of other drivers who may also be navigating the unfamiliar layout.

The safest strategy is to seek out metered parking spaces on the main commercial streets, such as 18th Street in Pilsen or Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Carefully read all posted signs, as many residential side streets are reserved for permit holders only, especially in the evenings. Look for signs that explicitly state "Permit Parking Only" and note any time restrictions. When in doubt, using a paid public car park is the best way to avoid a ticket or a tow.

The most efficient method is to use a parking app to select and pre-book a space before you begin your drive. The garage located at 211 W. Adams Street is a very popular and convenient choice, situated just a block away from the tower’s entrance. By reserving ahead, your navigation app will guide you directly to the garage entrance, completely eliminating the stress of circling busy city-centre blocks. This allows you to park confidently and walk straight to the attraction.

The simplest plan is to reserve a parking space in a garage that is a few blocks away from the theatre itself, rather than right next to it. For example, consider the Wabash-Randolph Self Park garage. Parking slightly further away allows you to walk to the show easily but helps you avoid the immediate post-show traffic jam right at the theatre’s doorstep. After the performance, you can enjoy a leisurely walk back to your car and exit the area more smoothly.

The most direct driving route is to take Madison Street west from the city-centre area. As you approach the arena, you will see numerous official parking lots, which are well-signed and easy to enter. For a less congested exit, consider parking in one of the lots slightly farther from the arena, such as those north of Madison Street. While it adds a few minutes to your walk, these lots often clear out faster because they have easier access to the main roads after the event.

On event days, it’s essential to arrive early and approach the stadium from the south via Lake Shore Drive or I-55 to avoid the heaviest congestion. Pre-purchasing a parking pass for one of the designated lots like the Waldron Deck or South Lot is highly recommended, as this guarantees you a space. Follow the specific directions provided with your parking pass, as they will guide you around road closures and directly to your lot’s entrance, which is much more reliable than using a standard sat nav.

The drive from O’Hare to the Chicago Botanic Garden is quite simple and scenic. Take I-294 North towards Wisconsin and exit at Lake Cook Road. Head east on Lake Cook Road for a few miles, and the entrance to the garden will be clearly marked on your left. Parking is very straightforward, as there are large, dedicated lots located on-site right after you enter the grounds, making it a stress-free experience from arrival to departure.

The most direct route for a day trip to Madison, Wisconsin, is to take I-90 West from the Chicago area. This interstate will lead you almost the entire way, making for an easy and straightforward drive. A popular and convenient place to stop and break up the journey is the city of Rockford, Illinois, which is roughly the halfway point. Here you can find plenty of options for food, fuel and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing on to Madison.

The drive to Lake Geneva primarily uses state highways like IL-120 and US-12 rather than a major interstate. The most significant slowdowns typically occur at weekends, especially during summer and autumn, as you get closer to the town itself. The final few miles leading into Lake Geneva can become quite congested with visitor traffic. Plan to add extra time for this last leg of the journey, particularly if you are travelling on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.

The best strategy for an Oak Park visit is to park your car once and explore the area on foot. Drive to the village centre and use one of the large public parking garages, such as the Holley Court Garage, which offers hourly rates. From this central location, you can easily walk to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the surrounding historic district, and the town-centre shops and restaurants. This approach completely eliminates the hassle of trying to find on-street parking at each individual site.

The most hassle-free strategy is to secure a space in a commercial car park that offers 24-hour access and multi-day rates. Using a parking app to find and book a space near your hotel is highly effective, as it allows you to compare options and guarantees your spot. This gives you "in and out" privileges, so you can use the car if needed but are otherwise free from worrying about on-street parking rules, meters, or moving it for street cleaning.

The key is to read the signs from the top down, as the topmost rule is usually the most restrictive one currently in effect. For example, a sign might say "No Parking 4 PM - 6 PM" at the top, which overrides any permissions listed below it during those hours. Pay close attention to days of the week and specific times listed. If a sign seems confusing or contradictory, the safest choice is always to find a different space or use a paid car park.

To manage intense sun glare in the autumn, always have a pair of sunglasses readily accessible in the car. The low angle of the sun is most challenging when driving east in the morning and west in the afternoon. When heading west from O’Hare in the late afternoon on I-90 or I-190, the glare can be direct and blinding. Be sure to use your car’s sun visor and increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead to compensate for reduced visibility.

During winter weather, the elevated ramps and bridges connecting the airport to I-190 and I-294 are the most hazardous spots for ice. These surfaces freeze faster than the ground-level roadways. For your first drive, plan to go much slower than the posted speed limit, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and leave significant space between your car and the one in front. Poor visibility from blowing snow is also common in these open areas, so using your headlights is essential.

A compact or mid-size saloon is generally the easiest and most manageable vehicle for navigating Chicago. These cars are well-suited for the narrow lanes found in some neighbourhoods and fit comfortably into the tighter parking spaces of older city-centre garages. While a larger vehicle might offer more space, a smaller car provides significantly more confidence and less stress when manoeuvring in confined urban environments. It simplifies the entire parking experience, from on-street spaces to multi-storey structures.

When driving a larger SUV or people carrier, always look for the height clearance sign posted at the entrance of every parking garage, which is typically a yellow or white bar with the maximum height listed. Inside the garage, take turns much slower and wider than you would in a smaller car to avoid scraping pillars. It’s also wise to favour parking in newer, more modern garages, as they often have higher clearances and more spacious layouts compared with older structures.

The most efficient way to begin your trip to Michigan is to bypass city-centre Chicago traffic entirely. From O’Hare, take I-294 South towards Indiana. This tollway will merge with I-80/I-94 East, which takes you around the southern edge of the city and into Indiana. From there, you can connect to I-196 North, which leads directly up the Lake Michigan coastline to Saugatuck, Holland and other popular beach towns.

The key is to get into the correct lanes as early as possible. As you approach O’Hare, ignore your sat nav if it conflicts with the large overhead airport signs and begin following the signs for "Rental Car Return". These signs are distinct and will guide you to a dedicated entrance for the Multi-Modal Facility, separating you from the terminal traffic. Allowing at least 30 extra minutes of travel time during peak hours is a wise precaution against unexpected congestion.

After you drop off your car, enter the Multi-Modal Facility and follow the signs for the Airport Transit System (ATS). Before you board the train, check your airline ticket or boarding pass to confirm your departure terminal number. The ATS platform has clear, colour-coded signs indicating which direction and train to take for the domestic terminals (1, 2 and 3) versus the international terminal (5). The automated announcements on the train will also call out each stop.

During heavy rain or snow, expect significantly reduced visibility and slick conditions on the airport access roads like I-190. Traffic will be moving much slower than usual, so you must plan for substantial extra travel time to avoid being late. Be especially cautious on ramps and flyovers, as they can become icy. Keep your headlights on, maintain a safe following distance, and focus on the large, well-lit signs for "Rental Car Return" to guide you.

The most organised approach is for the driver to first drop off all passengers and luggage at the departures kerb of the correct airline terminal. This allows the family to proceed to check-in while only the driver takes the vehicle to the car hire return facility. After returning the car, the driver can take the Airport Transit System (ATS) back to the terminal to rejoin the group. This method prevents the chaos of managing multiple people and bags on the shuttle train.

A perfect layover destination is the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, located in the nearby suburb of Rosemont. It’s only a 5-10 minute drive from the car hire centre and offers a massive, easy-to-navigate parking garage. This allows you to enjoy some shopping or grab a meal at one of the many restaurants without venturing into unpredictable city traffic. The short distance makes it a low-stress way to pass the time before you need to return the car for your connecting flight.

A great half-day plan is to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. From O’Hare, you can take I-294 South to I-55 North, then connect to Lake Shore Drive South, which offers beautiful skyline views. This route avoids the most congested parts of the city-centre Loop. The museum has its own large, underground parking garage that is easy to access directly from the roadway, eliminating any time wasted searching for a space and maximising your visit.