Car Hire
Chicago

Most car hire companies at O’Hare operate out of the Multi-Modal Facility, which is accessible 24/7 via a shuttle bus from the terminals. While many rental counters are open around the clock to accommodate late arrivals, it’s always good practice to verify the specific hours of your chosen provider when you book. Including your flight number in your reservation is also highly recommended, as it allows the hire staff to track your arrival time in case of delays. This ensures a smoother pick-up process, no matter how late you land.

After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, you will need to head to the airport’s Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). To get there, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Airport Transit System." These signs will direct you to the designated shuttle bus pick-up points located on the lower level of each terminal. These free shuttles run continuously and will take you directly to the car hire centre where all the major companies are located.

Getting from O’Hare to downtown during rush hour can be challenging due to heavy traffic on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94). For a potentially less stressful drive, consider using a GPS app with real-time traffic updates to find alternative routes, which might include local roads like Higgins or Foster Avenue to bypass the worst congestion. Another strategy is to delay your departure from the airport area if your schedule allows, perhaps by grabbing a meal in nearby Rosemont. This can help you avoid the peak traffic window, which typically occurs on weekdays from late afternoon to early evening.

Finding overnight parking can be particularly challenging in dense, popular residential neighbourhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wicker Park. These areas often have extensive residential permit parking zones, meaning on-street parking is restricted to residents, especially in the evenings. If your accommodation is in one of these neighbourhoods, it’s wise to plan ahead. Look for hotels with dedicated parking facilities or identify nearby public car parks in advance to avoid a frustrating search for a legal space.

Chicago’s street parking signs can be complex, so it’s crucial to read them carefully. Pay close attention to signs indicating residential permit requirements, street cleaning schedules, and rush hour tow zones, which are strictly enforced. Multiple signs on a single post apply to different times or days, so be sure to read all of them before leaving your car. A common mistake is missing a temporary sign for a special event or construction. When in doubt, using a paid car park is often the safest and least stressful option.

Driving in downtown Chicago is a significantly different experience from driving in the suburbs. The city features a dense grid of one-way streets, more aggressive drivers, frequent stops for pedestrians, and the constant presence of delivery lorries and buses. In contrast, the suburbs generally have wider roads, more straightforward navigation, and ample parking in car parks. If you’re new to the area, it’s a good idea to acclimatise in the less congested suburban areas around O’Hare before heading into the heart of the city.

The most direct route from O’Hare to the Loop, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90), does not have tolls. However, some expressways in the wider Chicagoland area, like I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway), do require payment. To ensure a toll-free journey from the airport to downtown, simply follow the signs for I-190 East, which merges directly into I-90 East. Using a GPS navigation app and setting it to "avoid tolls" will also help you stay on the most direct, non-tolled route into the city centre.

Many Illinois tollways are now cashless, relying on the I-PASS transponder system for payment. To simplify this, most car hire companies offer programmes that equip their vehicles with a transponder or use number plate recognition technology to track your toll usage. These programmes let you drive through toll plazas without stopping. It’s a good idea to ask about the available options and how they work when you collect your car at the counter to ensure a smooth experience on your day trips.

While it’s possible to drive between these attractions, it’s often not the most practical approach due to traffic and the high cost of parking in these tourist-heavy areas. A better strategy is to drive to a central location, park your hire car for the day in a secure car park, and then explore these nearby spots on foot. The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier are all within a reasonable walking distance of each other, and you’ll save considerable time and frustration by not having to find new parking at each stop.

Driving directly to Wrigleyville on a game day is extremely challenging due to road closures, heavy pedestrian traffic, and severely limited, expensive parking. The least stressful approach is to park your hire car at a public transport station farther away from the stadium, such as one along the CTA 'L' train’s Brown or Red lines. From there, you can take the train directly to the Addison stop, which is right next to Wrigley Field. This park-and-ride strategy allows you to avoid the worst of the game-day gridlock entirely.

To be safe, plan to leave downtown Chicago at least three to four hours before your flight’s departure time, especially for a weekday morning flight. The drive to O’Hare on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over 90 minutes during the morning rush hour. Factoring in time to refuel the car, return it at the Multi-Modal Facility, take the shuttle to your terminal, and clear security will give you a comfortable buffer and help you avoid any last-minute stress.

The return process at O’Hare is centralised and straightforward, regardless of your departure terminal. You will return your vehicle to your specific company’s designated area within the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). After completing the return process and gathering your luggage, you’ll board the free airport shuttle bus. This shuttle service stops at all passenger terminals, so you can simply get off at the one for your airline.

Several petrol stations are conveniently located just outside the airport perimeter, making it easy to refuel before your return. A popular and easily accessible area is along Mannheim Road, just south of the airport entrance. You can also find options on Higgins Road or Cumberland Avenue, which are major routes leading to the airport. Using a navigation app to search for "petrol stations" as you approach O’Hare will show you the closest and most convenient options on your route.

Driving in Chicago during winter requires extra caution, especially after a storm. While major roads and expressways are typically ploughed and salted quickly, side streets can remain snow-packed or icy for longer periods. Be prepared for reduced visibility during snowfall, black ice, and potentially longer braking distances. It’s essential to drive more slowly, increase your following distance, and allow significantly more travel time to reach your destination safely.

Hire cars in the Chicago area are generally equipped with all-season tyres, which are suitable for most conditions, including light snow. However, they do not provide the same level of grip as dedicated winter or snow tyres in heavy snow or icy conditions. In winter, your best plan is to adjust your driving style: reduce your speed, avoid sudden manoeuvres, and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and consider delaying travel if conditions are severe.

For navigating Chicago’s busy streets and tight parking spaces, a compact or mid-size saloon is often the best choice. These vehicles offer good manoeuvrability, making it easier to handle one-way streets, dense traffic, and narrow lanes. Their smaller footprint is a significant advantage when searching for scarce on-street parking or fitting into compact bays in car parks. While they still offer adequate space for a few passengers and luggage, their agility is a key benefit for city-focused travel.

For a family travelling with pushchairs, child seats, and multiple pieces of luggage, a people carrier (minivan) or a mid-size to full-size SUV is the most practical option. These vehicles provide the generous cargo space needed to fit all your gear comfortably without compromising passenger room. The sliding doors on a minivan can be especially helpful for getting children in and out in tight parking bays. While a larger vehicle may be more challenging to park downtown, the convenience and space it offers for family travel from the airport are often worth the trade-off.

Yes, this is a very popular and effective strategy for visiting Chicago. The city’s core neighbourhoods are highly walkable and well served by an extensive public transport system, including the 'L' train and buses. You can easily explore downtown, museums, and popular areas without a car. Hiring a vehicle from O’Hare only for the days you plan trips to the suburbs, state parks, or nearby cities like Milwaukee can be a cost-effective and convenient way to structure your visit.

For first-time visitors, several excellent day trips are easily accessible from Chicago. A popular choice is Indiana Dunes National Park, about an hour’s drive away along the shore of Lake Michigan, offering beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Another great option is a trip north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which takes about 90 minutes and features breweries, museums, and a scenic riverwalk. For a charming suburban experience, you can drive to the historic town of Geneva, Illinois, known for its unique shops and restaurants.

The drive from O’Hare to downtown neighbourhoods like River North or Streeterville can vary significantly depending on traffic. During off-peak hours, such as midday or late at night, it typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, during weekday rush hours (roughly 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.), the same drive can easily take 60 to 90 minutes or even longer. It’s always wise to check a real-time traffic app before leaving the airport to get the most accurate estimate.

Chicago’s downtown Loop and surrounding neighbourhoods have a dense grid of one-way streets, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. It’s essential to rely on a GPS navigation system and pay close attention to street signs indicating the direction of traffic flow. Be particularly careful when making turns, as you may need to cross several lanes of traffic. Planning your route in advance and having a passenger help with navigation can make the experience much smoother and less stressful.

For visitors, the most confusing area to drive is often the downtown Loop, with its multi-level streets like Wacker Drive. Navigating the upper and lower levels can be disorientating, and GPS signals can sometimes be unreliable. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) interchange near downtown, known as the "Spaghetti Bowl", is also notoriously complex, with numerous merging lanes and exits. It’s best to approach these areas with caution, study your route beforehand, and have a passenger assist with navigation if possible.

A great way to structure this itinerary is to dedicate separate days or parts of a day to each location. You could spend one day focused on downtown attractions, leaving your car parked in a central car park and exploring on foot. For your visit to Oak Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, plan to drive there on a different day, ideally outside rush hour. The drive from downtown to Oak Park is relatively straightforward via the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and typically takes about 25-40 minutes.

The Museum of Science and Industry, located in the Hyde Park neighbourhood, is very accessible by car. The best approach is to drive there and use the museum’s large, dedicated underground car park, which offers direct and convenient access. While there is some on-street parking in the surrounding area, it can be limited, making the official car park the most reliable and secure option. The drive from downtown is quite scenic if you take Lake Shore Drive south, offering beautiful views of the lakefront.

Driving from Chicago to Indiana Dunes National Park is a very easy and popular half-day or full-day trip. The journey is straightforward, primarily following the Chicago Skyway (a toll road) and I-90 East. Without heavy traffic, you can typically reach the park’s main visitor centre or west-end beaches in about an hour from downtown. This makes it a highly accessible natural getaway, perfect for a few hours of hiking, swimming, or relaxing on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.

Driving on Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive offers some of the most stunning views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront. However, you should expect a fast-paced, multi-lane road with frequent curves and merging traffic. It’s important to be aware of the speed limit and maintain a consistent pace with the flow of traffic. Pay close attention to exit signs for attractions like museums or parks, as they can appear quickly. For the best experience, try to enjoy the drive during off-peak hours when traffic is lighter.

Several large, underground car parks are located directly beneath or adjacent to Millennium Park, offering the most convenient options. The Millennium Park Garage and the Grant Park North Garage are right by the park, providing easy access to attractions like "The Bean" and Lurie Garden. These facilities are well lit and secure, though they can be pricey. Using a parking app to reserve a space in advance can sometimes help you find a better rate at these or other nearby car parks.

Chicago has an extensive network of automated red-light and speed cameras, particularly in school and park zones, and they are active year-round. As a visitor, it’s crucial to adhere to posted speed limits and come to a complete stop at red lights. If the hire car is ticketed, the citation is sent to the hire company, which will identify the driver and forward the fine. This process often includes a significant administrative fee from the hire agency, so careful driving is essential.

The safest and most efficient method is to use the hotel’s main entrance and valet service on arrival. Pull into the designated loading area, and hotel staff can assist with your luggage while the valet parks your car. This prevents you from having to leave your vehicle unattended on a busy street or carry bags from a distant car park. Even if you plan to self-park later, using the loading area to unload first is best practice for security and convenience.

To avoid the worst afternoon gridlock, planning your route and timing is key. If you must cross the city, try to do so before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m. to miss the peak rush. Using a real-time traffic app like Waze or Google Maps is essential, as it can alert you to accidents and suggest alternative routes. For north-south travel, consider using Lake Shore Drive, which can sometimes be faster than the congested Kennedy (I-90/94) or Dan Ryan (I-94) expressways during rush hour.

Getting to nearby suburbs from O’Hare is quite simple. For Rosemont, which is adjacent to the airport, you can often use local roads like River Road or Mannheim Road for a very short drive. To reach Schaumburg, the most direct route is to take I-190 out of the airport to I-294 North, then merge onto I-90 West (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway). This route is straightforward and designed to handle traffic flowing to the north-western suburbs, making it efficient for business travellers.

Yes, a same-day round trip to Milwaukee from O’Hare is very manageable and a popular excursion. The drive is approximately 75-90 minutes each way, primarily on I-94 West, which is a direct and well-maintained interstate. Collecting your car at ORD gives you an easy start, as the airport is already on the north-west side of Chicago, closer to Wisconsin. Just be mindful of potential rush hour traffic when leaving in the morning and returning in the late afternoon to keep the journey hassle-free.

The drive to Starved Rock State Park from Chicago is about two hours, mostly on I-80 West, making it an accessible trip. The main consideration is the park’s popularity, especially on weekends in autumn and summer. Car parks can fill up very early, leading to temporary park closures. It’s strongly recommended to start your drive from Chicago as early as possible to arrive before the crowds. Also be prepared for rural, two-lane roads as you get closer to the park.

Using a hire car can be practical for getting to McCormick Place, as it offers flexibility, especially if you’re staying farther from the convention centre. McCormick Place has extensive on-site parking in several large car parks, which are well signed and convenient, though parking can be expensive. The main drawback is dealing with Chicago traffic, particularly if your event coincides with rush hour. An alternative is to park at your hotel and use a dedicated convention shuttle or a ride-sharing service for a less stressful commute.

Navigating Chicago’s complex expressways requires focus and advance planning. The best strategy is to use a GPS navigation app with lane guidance, which will tell you exactly which lane you need for an upcoming split or exit. Pay attention to the large overhead signs well in advance of your exit. Avoid last-minute lane changes, as they are a common cause of accidents. If you miss your exit, it’s safer to continue to the next one and let your GPS reroute you.

If you encounter an unexpected road closure due to an event, the most important thing is to stay calm and flexible. Your GPS will likely try to reroute you, but it may take a moment to adjust. Follow the diversion signs posted by police or event staff, as they will guide you around the closure. It’s often best to aim for a major route like Lake Shore Drive or a nearby expressway to bypass the affected area entirely, even if it seems like a longer way round.

During holiday weekends, expect significantly increased traffic volumes both on the roads leading to O’Hare and within the airport itself. This can mean longer waits for the hire car shuttle bus and potentially longer queues at the rental counters. When returning your car, allow extra time for possible traffic jams near the airport and for the return process. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your usual airport travel time during these peak periods.

A great strategy is to use your hire car for travel to and from the airport and for any suburban day trips, while relying on public transport for exploring downtown. Many hotels outside the city centre or CTA 'L' stations in neighbourhoods like Logan Square or Jefferson Park offer more affordable parking. You can leave your car there and take the train into the Loop. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: the car’s flexibility for longer trips and the train’s convenience for navigating the congested city core.

When staying in Lincoln Park, be aware that on-street parking is extremely difficult due to residential permit zones. The best practice is to book a hotel or holiday rental that offers a dedicated parking space. If that’s not an option, use a parking app to find and reserve a space in a nearby public car park for the duration of your stay. Once parked, consider using public transport, ride-sharing, or walking to explore the neighbourhood and nearby areas to avoid the constant hassle of finding parking.

For a smooth arrival with a group and luggage, planning is key. Before leaving the rental facility, enter your hotel’s address into your GPS and review the route overview to familiarise yourself with the main turns. It’s helpful to have a passenger act as a co-driver to assist with navigation. When you arrive at your hotel, pull into the main entrance or loading area to unload passengers and bags with help from hotel staff before you go to park the car, whether with a valet or in a car park.