O'Hare Car Rental Guide
Complete guide to renting cars at Chicago O'Hare. Find the Rental Car Center, compare rates, and learn when car rentals make sense vs other transport options.
Author: Sarah Mitchell
Quick Facts
- Location: Off-site Rental Car Center via ATS train
- Transit Time: 10-15 minutes from terminals via ATS
- Daily Rates: $40-80 economy cars, $60-120 mid-size
- Companies: All major brands (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, etc.)
- Best For: Suburban stays, multi-day trips, families
Getting to the Rental Car Center
O'Hare's consolidated Rental Car Center houses all major rental companies in one off-site facility, reducing terminal congestion while providing a better customer experience. The center is accessible only via the ATS (Airport Transit System) train—no walking option exists.
Step-by-Step Directions
- From any terminal: Follow signs for "Car Rental" or "ATS"
- Take ATS train: Board train toward "Rental Car Center" (clearly marked)
- Journey time: 10-15 minutes from Terminals 1-3, 8-12 minutes from Terminal 5
- Exit at Rental Car Center: Follow signs to your rental company
- Complete rental: All companies are located within the same building
ATS trains run every 3-8 minutes during peak hours. Factor in extra time for this journey when planning tight schedules.
Car Rental Companies at O'Hare
The Rental Car Center houses all major rental companies under one roof, making it easy to compare options or switch companies if your preferred choice is sold out.
Premium/Full-Service Companies
- Hertz: Premium fleet, President's Circle rewardsBook with Hertz
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- Avis: Wide selection, Preferred programBook with Avis
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- Enterprise: Largest fleet, excellent customer serviceBook with Enterprise
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- National: Executive aisle, premium vehiclesBook with National
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Value/Budget Companies
- Budget: Competitive rates, decent selectionBook with Budget
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- Alamo: Family-friendly, good value for weekly rentalsBook with Alamo
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- Dollar: Basic cars, lowest advertised ratesBook with Dollar
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- Thrifty: Budget option with older fleetBook with Thrifty
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Rental Rates and Pricing
Typical Daily Rates at O'Hare (2026)
Vehicle Classes
- Economy (Nissan Versa, Chevy Spark): $40-65/day
- Compact (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic): $45-70/day
- Mid-Size (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord): $60-90/day
- Full-Size (Chevy Impala, Nissan Altima): $65-95/day
- SUV (Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe): $80-140/day
- Luxury (BMW, Mercedes, Audi): $120-250/day
Additional Costs to Consider
- Airport Concession Fee: 10% of rental rate (unavoidable)
- State/Local Taxes: 15-20% total
- Insurance (optional): $15-35/day
- GPS Navigation: $10-15/day
- Additional Driver: $10-15/day
- Young Driver (21-24): $25-35/day surcharge
Example Total Cost: $50/day economy car = ~$75/day after taxes and fees
When Car Rental Makes Sense
Best Scenarios for Renting
- Staying in Chicago suburbs (Schaumburg, Naperville, etc.)
- Business travel with multiple meetings
- Family trips with children and lots of gear
- Stays longer than 4-5 days
- Day trips to Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana
- Visiting multiple Chicago attractions
- Traveling with elderly or mobility-impaired passengers
Consider Alternatives If
- Staying in downtown Chicago (expensive parking)
- Short trips (1-3 days)
- Solo travel without luggage
- Comfortable with public transit
- Visiting only downtown attractions
- Concerned about Chicago traffic/navigation
- Under 21 (most companies won't rent)
Cost Comparison: Rental vs Other Transport
5-Day Chicago Visit Cost Breakdown
Car Rental Option
- Economy car: $50 x 5 days = $250
- Taxes and fees (25%): $63
- Downtown parking: $35 x 5 nights = $175
- Gas: ~$40
- Total: $528
Rideshare/Transit Mix
- Airport to hotel: $40 (Uber/Lyft)
- Daily CTA passes: $20 x 5 days = $100
- Occasional rideshares: $60
- Hotel to airport: $40
- Total: $240
Verdict: Public transit + rideshare saves $288 for downtown-focused trips
Booking Tips and Strategies
- Book in advance: Rates increase significantly for last-minute bookings, especially during peak travel periods
- Compare aggregator sites: Kayak, Expedia, Costco Travel often offer better rates than company websites
- Check membership discounts: AAA, AARP, Costco, credit card perks can save 10-20%
- Avoid airport extras: Decline GPS (use your phone), additional insurance (check your coverage first), prepaid fuel
- Join loyalty programs: Free membership can provide upgrades, faster service, and skip-the-line benefits
- Read the fine print: Understand mileage limits, fuel policies, and return requirements
Returning Your Rental Car
Return process at the Rental Car Center:
- Fill up gas tank: Use the last station before the airport to avoid overpriced airport fuel
- Follow return signs: Each company has designated return areas within the facility
- Get receipt: Ensure you receive a final receipt showing no damage charges
- Take ATS to terminal: Allow 15-20 minutes for return process plus transit time
- Keep documentation: Save all paperwork until credit card charges are finalized
Insurance and Protection Options
Before accepting rental car insurance, check what coverage you already have. Many personal auto insurance policies and credit cards provide rental car coverage, potentially saving you $15-35 per day in insurance costs. Contact your insurance agent and credit card company before traveling to understand your existing coverage.
Bottom Line
Car rentals at O'Hare make sense for suburban stays, multi-day trips, families with lots of gear, or visitors planning day trips outside Chicago. For downtown-focused visits, public transit and rideshares typically cost 50-60% less. Factor in total costs including taxes, parking, and gas when comparing options. Book in advance and leverage discounts to get the best rates at the consolidated Rental Car Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the car rental center at O'Hare Airport?
The consolidated Rental Car Center is located off-site from the main terminals, accessible via the free ATS (Airport Transit System) train. From any terminal, follow "Car Rental" signs to the ATS station, then take the train to "Rental Car Center" - the journey takes 10-15 minutes. All major rental companies operate from this single facility.
How much does it cost to rent a car at O'Hare?
Car rental rates at O'Hare typically range from $40-80 per day for economy cars, depending on the season, demand, and how far in advance you book. Weekly rates offer better value at $200-400. Factor in additional costs: airport concession fee (10%), taxes (~15-20%), parking fees at your destination, and optional insurance if not covered by your existing policy.
Which car rental companies are available at O'Hare?
O'Hare's Rental Car Center houses all major companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, and Zipcar. Each company has dedicated counters and car lots within the same facility. Compare rates online before arriving, as prices can vary significantly between companies for the same vehicle class.
Should I rent a car at O'Hare or use other transportation?
Rent a car if you're staying in Chicago suburbs, taking day trips outside the city, staying more than 4-5 days, or traveling with a large group/family. Use public transit or rideshares if staying in downtown Chicago where parking costs $25-45/day and traffic is heavy. For weekend trips, car rentals often cost less than multiple rideshare trips to suburban attractions.