Rental cars in Chicago, IL
Our top branches in Chicago, IL
Our services at Chicago, IL
SIXT Car Rental in Chicago
Begin your Windy City adventure with a SIXT car rental in Chicago. You can pick your vehicle up from convenient locations like the O’Hare International Airport (ORD), or select a branch downtown. Take advantage of our large fleet, made up of premium vehicles from leading brands, as well as the flexibility of the SIXT App to manage your booking. Rent a car in Chicago for easy access to the city’s diverse neighborhoods, renowned museums, and lakeshore drives on your terms.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in Chicago
- SUVs: Navigate Chicago’s windy weather and access outlying attractions like the Morton Arboretum with plenty of room for your entire group.
- Economy cars: A practical choice for navigating city streets, parking versatility, and downtown sightseeing.
- Automatic cars: Perfect for families or groups heading to the suburbs or beginning their road trip along the historic Route 66.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Chicago?
The price of your rental car in Chicago may vary based on a few factors:
- Vehicle class: SUVs, sedans, and luxury vehicles each come with a distinct rate.
- Rental duration: Weekly rentals are more cost-effective per day than a booking made for only a couple days.
- Branch location: The airport, downtown, and suburban branches may have varied pricing.
- Season: Rates may peak during large events like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Air and Water Show.
- Best Price: Select “Best Price” at checkout for special savings over flexible payment options.
SIXT Pro Tip: Compare rates for your travel dates and reserve your car early, especially if you need it during popular city events.
Add-ons & Protection Packages
Customize your rental with features catered to Chicago’s urban needs:
- Bookable extras: GPS units, child car seats, and additional drivers can help your trip go more smoothly.
- Explore our flexible protection options and find the right fit for you.
Driving Tips for Chicago
Chicago’s roads are clearly marked and efficiently laid out, but be mindful of parking rules and weather impacts during the winter months.
Traffic Rules in Chicago
- Most residential and urban thoroughfares have a 30 mph speed limit, but major expressways may go up to 55 mph.
- Pay special attention to bus-only lanes on downtown streets and signage denoting “No Turn on Red.”
- Winter parking bans may be enforced overnight on specific streets.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- After snow or freeze-thaw cycles, you may run into potholes or rough pavement.
- The city streets are laid out in a grid system, which helps with straightforward navigation, but be aware of one-way streets.
- Watch for drawbridges that may briefly block traffic along the Chicago River.
- Lake effect snow and rain in the colder months may impact visibility and traction.
Parking in Chicago
Chicago operates metered street parking spots and also has a wide range of public garages. Consider these options during your trip:
- Millennium Park Garage: Perfect for visiting Grant Park, The Art Institute, and Maggie Daley Park
- Navy Pier Parking: Convenient for a day at the pier or the Chicago Children’s Museum.
- 900 North Michigan Avenue Parking: Ideal for upscale shopping and dining in the Magnificent Mile.
Fueling Instructions
Local fuel is labeled Regular (87), Mid-Grade (89), and Premium (91/93).
SIXT Pro Tip: Use our Refuelling service to streamline your return — no extra stops needed before drop-off.
Tolls in Chicago
Several highways and tollways (such as the Tri-State Tollway and Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) surround Chicago, operated via the I-PASS or E-ZPass electronic systems. The roads in Illinois often require a toll for suburban or interstate travel. Ask about our prepaid toll program.
Top Places to Visit by Car in Chicago
Traveling with a rental car in Chicago allows you to uncover rich history and enjoy lakeside parks and diverse neighborhoods.
Millennium Park: An Urban Gathering Space
- Distance from Chicago O’Hare Airport: 18 miles (29 km)
- Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
Home to the iconic Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) sculpture, Millennium Park attracts locals and visitors with its beautiful gardens, vibrant art, and public concerts.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: an Interactive Discovery
- Distance from downtown Chicago: 7.5 miles (12 km)
- Estimated driving time: 15 minutes
This museum is packed with hands-on exhibits covering science, tech, and engineering for all ages. The building itself is part of the legacy of the 1893 World’s Fair.
Lincoln Park Zoo: A City Wildlife Retreat
- Distance from Chicago O’Hare Airport: 15.5 miles (25 km)
- Estimated driving time: 25 minutes
This zoo, located in Chicago’s largest park, offers animal habitats, lush gardens, and views of the city skyline. Visitors can park in the Lincoln Park Zoo Lot.
Oak Street Beach: A City Beach Vibe
- Distance from downtown Chicago: 2 miles (3 km)
- Estimated driving time: 8 minutes
Oak Street Beach offers a classic summer lakefront beach with golden sand and views of the city. It's popular for sunbathing, playing volleyball, and taking lakeshore strolls.
A car rental in Chicago gives you direct access to the city’s culture, parks, and hidden treasures.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Chicago, IL. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Chicago, IL
If your plans are uncertain, we offer the option to book now and pay when you pick your car up. This flexible policy lets you cancel your booking for free at any time.
Generally, SIXT allows one-way rentals between locations within a city or between different cities. Check with the station where you want to pick up the car in Chicago before booking. A one-way rental fee may apply.
It is possible to rent a car from the age of 21 with SIXT in Chicago. An underage fee applies to drivers under 25. Some car categories also have a higher minimum age for rental.
Yes. SIXT places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup for the amount of the deposit. For payments with debit cards, please refer to our rental information for more details about deposits. The amount depends on the location and vehicle. Please check for more details on payment information in this article.
In the U.S., generally a minimum of $200 will be charged to the payment method for security purposes. The deposit for high-value vehicles may be higher. Non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Illinois have higher minimum authorization amounts. Additional details on the deposit can be found in this article.
Reservations are by vehicle category (“or similar”), not by an exact model. When a "guaranteed model" option is shown for your dates and location, selecting it reserves that specific model. Otherwise, you’ll receive a comparable car in the same group with similar size and performance subject to availability.
The exact mileage policy for your booking is shown during the reservation process, so you’ll know what’s included before pickup.
Vehicles rented at most SIXT locations in the contiguous United States may be driven throughout the contiguous states. Travel into Canada must be in accordance with our geographical restrictions, which can be found in our rental information. Travel to Mexico is not allowed. If you drive outside authorized areas, a fee of $0.50 per mile will apply.
All renters and authorized drivers must present a valid, unexpired, original driver’s license at the time of rental. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license may also need to provide a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an international driver’s license. If the license is from a country not in the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation is required. See our rental information for full driver’s license and age requirements.
