Chicago is famous for its museums, striking architecture and modern skyscrapers. If you are on holiday in the city, it's worth hiring a car to make the most of your visit. Drive from your hotel to the famed Art Institute of Chicago and check out their extensive collection. Head to Willis Tower and enjoy sprawling views of the city and Lake Michigan. With your own set of wheels, you can cover many points of interest in a short space of time. And if you fall in love with the city, take advantage of long term car rental in Chicago. There's no need to ride on crowded buses or trams, and you can have a relaxing holiday without depending on public transportation.
The most important car rental sites in Chicago
Auto rental is easy in Chicago, especially if you decide to book in advance. It is also possible to hire a car one way if you're planning to take a road trip through the U.S.. If you are relocating, you can even book a moving truck rental. Rent a car in Chicago, for example from the following sites, and you can save money with cheap deals and coupons:
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
Chicago O’Hare International Airport | 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, USA | 00:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Chicago North Loop | North Loop, 214 North Clark Street, 60601 Chicago | 06:30 a.m. - 08:30 p.m. |
*The opening times may differ and vary depending on the rental site. Precise information can be found in the listing details. Your vehicle can be picked up and dropped off outside of opening hours, but this may incur additional charges.
Rent a car to discover Chicago and its sights
Navy Pier: Amongst the places you should not miss is the Navy Pier. Spanning over 1,000 m along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier offers holidaymakers plenty of fun on a day out, including an IMAX cinema, a giant ferris wheel, a minigolf course and the Chicago Children’s Museum. You can also book a boat tour and check out the view of the city from the lake.
Field Museum of Natural History: Science lovers will surely be delighted with the Field Museum of Natural History, which offers more than 24 million specimens and artefacts and state of the art facilities. The museum has also a strong research programme. Spend time at the museum and examine their collections of fossils, gems and meteorites.
John Hancock Center: One of the high rise buildings that you should not miss when you're driving around Chicago is the John Hancock Center, home of 360 Chicago. The skyscraper boasts of restaurants, offices and condominiums. The observatory offers panoramic views of Chicago, Lake Michigan and from a distance, up to four states.
Grant Park: Make full use of your car rental in Chicago and enjoy a break from the city in the idyllic, 319-acre Grant Park. Its landmarks include the Millennium Park, the Art Institute and Buckingham Fountain.
Getting around by car
Chicago is one of the largest cities in the U.S., but the streets are on a straightforward grid, so it's not too difficult to navigate. Keep a few things in mind when you drive around Chicago in a rental car. Be on the lookout for cyclists, especially if you are going to make a right turn. Texting or using the phone whilst driving is strictly prohibited. You are required by law to wear seat belts while driving and children under the age of eight should be in child seats. To find inexpensive parking, try booking ahead of time with a mobile app.
When you rent a car in Chicago, it's good to note that motorways are called expressways and not freeways as in other American states. Also, if you are asking for directions you might be given proper names of expressways instead of numbers. Do not worry, this is how Chicagoans distinguish the different parts of the interstate highways. It might take getting used to but in due time you will get the hang of it.