Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Illinois, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Illinois?
You should book your rental car in Illinois around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Illinois?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Sixt (62.81 ﷼/day), National (67.08 ﷼/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (112.78 ﷼/day).
What is the most popular rental car in Illinois?
Rentals in the SUV category (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Illinois, costing 405 ﷼/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 185 ﷼/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Illinois?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Illinois is January at an average cost of 166 ﷼/day. June is the most expensive month to rent a car in Illinois when prices are 275 ﷼/day on average, which tends to be 358% above the yearly average rental price for Illinois.
Which car hire company in Illinois has the most locations?
Avis operates 22 locations in Illinois, more than any other rental company.
Illinois car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Illinois by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
157 ﷼ - 235 ﷼
All Car Types
227 ﷼ - 342 ﷼
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Illinois?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Illinois?
Small car rentals in Illinois typically cost around 196 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average 157 ﷼ per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 29% cheaper than the average rental in Illinois, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Illinois typically cost around 257 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 179 ﷼ per day which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 7% cheaper than the average rental in Illinois, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Illinois typically cost around 272 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 216 ﷼ per day which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 1% cheaper than the average rental in Illinois, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Illinois typically cost around 243 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 197 ﷼ per day which is about 19% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 12% cheaper than the average rental in Illinois, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van rentals in Illinois typically cost around 411 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 330 ﷼ per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 34% more expensive than the average rental in Illinois, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Illinois typically cost around 273 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 203 ﷼ per day which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 1% cheaper than the average rental in Illinois, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Illinois typically cost around 358 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average 299 ﷼ per day which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 24% more expensive than the average rental in Illinois, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Illinois typically cost around 421 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average 354 ﷼ per day which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 35% more expensive than the average rental in Illinois, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Sixt
Medium
259 ﷼/day
229 ﷼/day
Top tips for renting a car in Illinois
When researching a car rental in Illinois, it’s important to understand what is required for the weather before renting the car. As for vehicle types, driving in Illinois during the winter often has snow and ice, so choosing the right vehicle for your trip is helpful. To help maneuver the icy roads, a four-wheel-drive SUV is a smart choice. You also might want to check to see if the car is equipped with GPS mapping to help you get around the state. Some parts of Illinois have tolls, so take a look at the options available, such as passes or devices, that allow you to go through the tolls without stopping.
When traveling with young children, it’s good to know the rules for booster or child seats in Illinois when renting a car. For driving a car in Illinois, children under eight years old must be secured in an approved child restraint system, such as booster seats or front and rear-positioned harness seats. Children under two years old and under 40 pounds must be seated facing the rear. Children four to twelve years old can be positioned in a booster seat with a shoulder and lap belt. Most car rental locations in Illinois have child seats available when renting a car, but it’s a good idea to check before traveling.
Some travelers renting a car in Illinois might want to take a car across the Canadian or Mexico borders. Most car rental agencies allow travel across a border, but certain rules might exist. Some agencies don’t allow vans or luxury vehicles to cross borders. Others might charge extra insurance or other fees, so it’s good to inquire. Be sure to tell the agency you plan to cross a border, or it could violate the rental policy. If you do plan to cross a border, make certain you have a driver’s license and two other forms of identification. Always tell the border agent how long you intend to stay in the country.
When renting a car in Illinois, it’s a good idea to know about the car and the area. For example, if you are renting an electric car, where are the charging stations located throughout the city, and how many are there? Most agencies provide you with a map of charging station locations so be sure to ask.
25% of our users found rental cars in Illinois for 229 ﷼ or less
Medium rental cars in Illinois are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Illinois
Should I hire a car in Illinois?
If you are traveling to Illinois, renting a car is an excellent way to see this beautiful state, especially if you are traveling around the countryside. Many remote areas in Illinois cannot be reached by public transportation, so renting a car solves this issue. In Southern Illinois, the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site is a must-see, and there are many parks like Mississippi Palisades State Park that can only be reached by car.
What is driving like in Illinois?
When you drive in the state of Illinois, depending on when you plan your trip, driving can be tricky. Illinois has harsh winters with lots of snow and ice, so make certain you pick the right vehicle if you’re traveling in winter. There are many major highways throughout the region and the roads are in great condition. Ferries are available on various waterways, and the state has one of the largest toll systems. Passes can be purchased during the car rental.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Illinois?
When renting a car in Illinois, it’s good to know the laws before traveling. Drivers must be eighteen years old to drive a car. Car agencies in Illinois have a “Young Rental Fee” for drivers between twenty one and twenty five. This fee varies between agencies, but it ranges from around $17 to $25 per day. Check with the car rental companies before planning your trip. You should also inquire about extra insurance fees for younger drivers.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Illinois?
On average a rental car in Illinois costs 259 ﷼ per day.
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