Illinois Car Rental

Rent a car in Illinois with SIXT to explore the Prairie State's lush forests, rolling hills, and epic lakes. Chicago is the cultural epicenter of Illinois and the start of the iconic Route 66 that winds for 301 miles through the state, beginning at Lake Shore Drive on the banks of Lake Michigan. On this page, you can find out more about Illinois and our premium car rental service. Choose a car rental in Illinois with SIXT for a premium rental car experience. Use our fast and efficient online booking service to make your car rental reservation in Illinois.

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Sixt Rent a Car in Illinois

When you book your car rental in Illinois online with Sixt you can tailor your vehicle rental with optional add-ons. These include additional drivers and GPS navigation systems along with extra coverage options to suit your specific needs. We also offer one-way rentals between some stations which enables you to drop your vehicle off at a different Sixt branch, in Illinois or further afield. At Sixt, we provide top of the line customer service in case you need assistance and we accept all major credit cards for your convenience.

Which vehicle class is right for me?

Sedans are great for families and small groups in both urban areas and for driving long distances. We have both economy and luxury sedans in our car rental deals in Illinois.
Convertibles are some of the most fun and stylish rental vehicles available, cruise with the top down on a hot summer day.
SUVs are powerful and can handle a huge variety of terrains and driving conditions. They also have plenty of luggage space and some models can carry up to 7 passengers.
For larger groups we have spacious minivans or passenger vans equipped with high-grade safety features, great for a group car rental road trip in Illinois.

Tips for the Region

While Chicago is an obvious highlight, Illinois also boasts a fantastic stretch of Route 66 and the scenic Shawnee Hills in the south. Its nickname, the Prairie State, gives you a clue to the scenery on offer. Crossing the Mississippi River in the south, Route 66 winds its way through Springfield and into downtown Chicago in the north. Driving along this highway is in many ways the quintessential American road trip. Illinois has it all, from drive-in roadside movie theaters to the kitschy attractions on Mother Road like the Gemini Giant. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Shawnee Hills offer hiking trails with striking geological features such as The Garden of the Gods.

Chicago

With an immense skyline, world-class theaters, brilliant museums, and a stunning location, Chicago is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the United States. Take your rental car cruising along the Magnificent Mile commercial district to take in architectural highlights such as the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower. Then head down to the Navy Pier for its family-friendly attractions and views over Lake Michigan. The city also allows you to see as many shows and concerts as your vacation allows. Must-see museums include the Art Institute of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright's House and Museum and the epic Field Museum of Natural History complete with the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Springfield

The capital of Illinois and the home of Abraham Lincoln, this historic city is dotted with museums and institutions dedicated to the 16th president of the United States. Highlights include the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb and War Memorials. It's also worth checking out the Illinois State Capitol where you can take a tour of the building and its striking dome.

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What to Do in Illinois in Winter 2020

Illinois can get very cold in the winter, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit. Temperatures in much of the state hover just around freezing or below between December and February, although they can be about 10 degrees warmer in the far southern part of the state. The town of Alton is a destination due to its bald eagle sighting opportunities and there is also a festival with ice sculptures in early January. You can check out the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in mid-January. For an indoor activity, Chicago Theatre Week in February is a chance to see some top talent indoors. From the end of November to the beginning of January you can find the Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier in Chicago. Or head to the Botanic Garden for a holiday train show. There can be a lot of snow in the state so renting a 4-wheel-drive vehicle or SUV equipped with winter tires is recommended.