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Top 10 things to do in Chicago
With Chicago’s glamorous history of gangsters and jazz music – as well as its signature dishes, ...
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Car hire in Chicago with Hertz
Chicago is easy to plan around neighborhoods. You can do a downtown day for Millennium Park and the riverwalk, then switch gears for a lakefront afternoon, and keep a separate day for museums and family attractions.
Booking a rental car really helps with pacing. You can move between areas without building your day around fixed transit timings, and you can add simple day trips beyond the city when you want a change of scenery.
With car rental in Chicago through Hertz, it helps to match the car to how you’ll actually drive:
- City-first plans: a compact or midsize car is easier for garages, tight turns, and short hops
- Mixed city and suburbs: a sedan or small SUV keeps longer stretches comfortable.
- Bigger group days: an SUV gives you extra room for bags, strollers, or shopping stops.
Pickup locations in Chicago
- Chicago - Lincoln Park HLE
- Chicago - North State Street HLE
- O'Hare Airport
- Midway Airport
- Chicago - Signature Aviation Chicago Midway MDW (Gold Customers and Private Flights Only)
- Chicago - West Washington Street HLE
- Chicago Midway - Atlantic Aviation (Private Flights Only)
- Lyft Chicago
- Chicago - Signature Flight Support
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving Guide: Car Rental in Chicago
Parking Information
- The 200W Randolph St garage-style covered parking lot houses up to 510 vehicles with prices ranging from early bird to 24-hour periods. The closeness to popular city landmarks like the James R. Thompson Center makes it a suitable base to park in and continue exploring Chicago on foot.
- Hyatt Centric The Loop is a valet-only garage-style parking lot with 150 spots. This is a great option to park your booked car hire if you want to walk and explore the local culinary culture at plenty of eateries and restaurants scattered around the block.
- Block Thirty Seven is an underground parking lot with a capacity of 400 vehicles, which is available 24/7 with variable rates as per the time of day. You can park your car, pay on foot with a card, and move on to enjoy a walk through Chicago’s night and day life.
Key Roads in Chicago
- I-90 and I-94 (Kennedy and Dan Ryan corridors): This is the core expressway backbone for airport runs and cross-city positioning. However, while taking this road, it’s best to keep in mind that traffic can build quickly during peak commute windows.
- DuSable Lake Shore Drive: This is the main lakefront route that’s useful for north–south movement and for linking beach, park, and museum areas with downtown access. Taking this route, you gain a scenic view of Lake Michigan against the Chicago skyline.
- I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway): This is a common route for west-side connections and a practical link when your plans extend beyond downtown.
Electric Car Hire
If you want a lower-emission way to get around the city, Hertz electric car hire options can fit Chicago well.
In a place as vibrant as Chicago, many itineraries are stop-based, with a garage park, a long attraction visit, then a short drive to the next neighborhood. An electric car rental in Chicago with Hertz can feel especially comfortable when you plan charging around places you already expect to spend time, rather than adding separate charging-only detours.
Charging Points
Chicago has a strong base of public EV infrastructure, with 2957 publicly accessible charging ports and 904 charging stations within 30 miles of the city(including Level 2 and DC fast charging).
When driving your electric car hire in Chicago, make sure to keep track of your nearest EV charging points, so that you never run out of battery.
Congestion Charges
In January 2026, Chicago brought into effect a Ground Transportation Tax congestion-zone surcharge. It applies when a commercial passenger trip starts or ends within the city’s designated congestion zones between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Key detail for trip planning:
- $1.50 surcharge for a standard trip in the congestion zones during those hours
- $0.60 surcharge for a shared trip (weekday, same time window)
When you book a rental car, you should think from this perspective: you are mainly budgeting for parking costs and any toll roads your route uses, rather than a downtown entry fee.
Getting from Chicago to Evanston
Evanston is one of the easiest add-on drives from Chicago, especially if your day includes a lakefront stretch with your booked rental car and you want a quieter change of pace outside the downtown grid.
- Start in Chicago and proceed toward the North Side using a main corridor like the I-90W or the I-94W that keeps you moving smoothly.
- A common approach is to take Lake Shore Drive northbound for a cleaner, more direct run along the lake, then transition onto Evanston-bound surface roads as you get closer.
- As you approach Evanston, follow local signage and stay in the correct lane early. The last few turns can involve quick splits and one-way patterns, so early lane setup helps.
If you’re doing Evanston as a half-day stop, it usually fits best as a single block, rather than bouncing back and forth between Evanston and downtown multiple times.
Getting from Chicago to Indiana Dunes National Park
This is one of the most practical nature day trips from Chicago if you want a full reset without overcomplicating the day. Here’s how you can navigate it with a car hire.
- Leave Chicago heading southeast/east and connect onto the main expressway route out of the city toward Northwest Indiana.
- A common approach is to follow I-90/I-94 out of Chicago, then continue toward the Indiana Dunes area
- As you get closer, follow posted signs and switch to the local roads leading into the park zone and visitor areas.
Some expressway options on this corridor can include toll segments. If you’d prefer a non-toll route, turn on Avoid Tolls in Google Maps before you start navigation so the route is built that way from the beginning. That way, with your booked rental car, you can avoid toll roads as much as possible.
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Popular vehicles to rent
A Quick Guide to Chicago
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue, Chicago
521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
A polished base right by North Michigan Avenue, which makes sightseeing days feel more walkable once you’ve parked. It suits trips where you want a central location for shops, landmarks, and short transfers across downtown.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
A practical Downtown Chicago option near the river and the Loop, useful when your itinerary involves a lot of central stops. It works well for plans where you drive in, park, and then cover major sights on foot.
Swissotel Chicago
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
A strong pick for river and lakefront access, especially if you want to stay close to Millennium Park-adjacent areas. It’s a convenient base for balancing downtown sightseeing with quicker exits toward expressways for day trips.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (River North)
439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
A classic Chicago pizza stop that fits easily into a family day out. It’s best when you plan it as a sit-down and meal break between longer walking blocks.
Portillo’s and Barnelli’s Chicago
100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60610
A reliable, quick-service option when you want a filling meal without slowing the day down. It works well for mixed groups because the menu has plenty of familiar choices, with classic Chicago-style dishes.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
A convenient breakfast or brunch stop near major downtown attractions. It’s a useful option on busy days when you want a straightforward meal before heading out, or on slow days where a light brunch feels just right. So, when you are travelling with your booked rental car, this can be a good joint to go to.
Millennium Park
Chicago, IL 60602, United States
This is an easy downtown anchor point because you can pair it with nearby walks and photo stops without overplanning. It also works well as a starting point before you branch into surrounding neighborhoods. When hiring a car, this park cannot be missed.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
A strong family-friendly option on the Museum Campus that can take a few hours without needing a complex schedule. It’s easiest when you plan parking first, then spend the visit on foot.
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
A high-impact museum stop that suits both short visits and longer half-day plans. It pairs well with other Museum Campus locations if you want to keep driving minimally once you arrive.
FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Chicago?
Yes, we recommend booking a car rental in Chicago ahead, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak summer dates, and if you want a specific vehicle type. This way, you can avoid unavailability risks and travel in a vehicle of your choice.
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Chicago?
Yes, you do need a valid driving licence to hire a car in Chicago. If your license isn’t in English or isn’t in the Latin alphabet, you may need an International Driving Permit alongside it.
Can I pick up a rental car in Chicago and return it to a different city in the USA?
Yes, one-way rentals are available at Hertz. Any one-way fee incurred during the hiring period will be shown during booking.
What is the best time to book a rental car in Chicago?
Booking earlier for better vehicle choice and pricing, particularly around major events and holiday travel periods, is the best time to book a rental car in Chicago.
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Chicago?
In most cases, you can drive your rental car within Illinois and to other US states. It’s best to check the rental terms during booking for any location or vehicle-specific restrictions.
Will I be penalised for a late return on a car hire in Chicago?
Late returns can lead to additional charges. If your plans change, update your reservation as soon as possible so that changes can be viewed as renewal charges to avoid complications.
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Chicago?
Minimum age and young renter fees can vary by location and vehicle type. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young renter surcharge, and some vehicle categories may be restricted.
Can I pick up my Hertz rental in Chicago and drop it off elsewhere?
Yes, you can select a different drop-off location during booking to set up a one-way rental. Any additional charges would show up during booking.
What additional insurance options does Hertz offer in Chicago?
Optional protection products are typically available during checkout. Options and pricing vary by pickup location and rental terms.
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Chicago?
Yes, child seats are available as an optional extra when booking a car rental through Hertz. However, we recommend reserving in advance during busy travel periods to avoid unavailability risks.
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