Small
Chevrolet Spark
Thrifty- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €273/7 days
See offer →
ORD Airport Car Rental - Chicago O Hare Airport
Compare deals from 16 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.
LocationAirport
Providers16
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At Chicago O Hare Airport you can compare rental cars from 16 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Chicago O Hare Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 3 Dec. Prices collected 3 Nov.
ThriftyMid-size
Nissan Versa
SIXT- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €177/7 days
See offer →SUV
Toyota RAV4
SIXT- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €188/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Chicago O Hare Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Alamo | (78) | Inside the terminal | €284 |
 Hertz | (12) | Inside the terminal | €390 |
 Enterprise | (9) | Inside the terminal | €312 |
| SIXT | (18) | By shuttle bus | €177 |
 ACE Rent a car | (53) | By shuttle bus | €1 736 |
 Avis | (24) | €257 | |
 National | (4) | €319 | |
 Dollar | (83) | By shuttle bus | €228 |
 NextCar | By shuttle bus | €967 | |
 Budget | (12) | €229 | |
| Thrifty | (53) | Inside the terminal | €232 |
 FOX | (27) | By shuttle bus | €460 |
 Routes Car Rental | (963) | By shuttle bus | €383 |
 Europcar | (63) | By shuttle bus | €355 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 3 Nov, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Chicago O Hare Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's busiest airports and offers as many as 16 car rental companies, making it the largest car rental selection in all of Illinois. The airport is located 27 km northwest of Chicago's downtown via I-90/94. From O'Hare it takes 25-40 minutes to drive into Chicago Loop depending on traffic, and the Rosemont Entertainment District with Allstate Arena is reached in 5 minutes east.
Libertyville and Six Flags Great America to the north are reached in 35 and 45 minutes respectively. Rental cars at O'Hare are picked up at the dedicated Rental Car Center, accessed via the free ATS train from the terminals - plan for 15-20 minutes from gate to car. Book in advance during peak season and business travel days (Monday - Friday) when all 16 companies may have limited availability.
Choose I-294 south instead of I-90 if you're heading to southern Chicago to avoid the city's rush hour traffic. How do I find the rental cars at O'Hare? Take the free automated ATS train from Terminal 1, 2, or 3 to Rental Car Center.
From International Terminal 5, take a bus to the ATS station. How long does it take to drive from O'Hare to Chicago's downtown? Via I-90/94 it takes 25-40 minutes without traffic, but during rush hour the trip can take 60-90 minutes.
Can I return the rental car at Midway and pick it up at O'Hare? Yes, one-way rentals are possible with most of the 16 companies, but a one-way fee applies. Compare prices when booking.
We compare prices from all major providers at Chicago O Hare Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
What to Know Before Picking Up at Chicago O Hare Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Illinois (USA). Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Chicago O Hare Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Chicago O Hare Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Chicago O Hare Airport you can compare rentals from 16 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Illinois (USA) ▼
In Illinois (USA) you drive on the right side.
- Urban speed limit: 40-56 km/h
- Rural roads: 89-105 km/h
- Motorway: 105-129 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking in cities can be expensive, look for fee-free zones.
Road tolls: Watch for signs that inform about toll fees.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Chicago O Hare Airport
Which rental companies are available at Chicago O Hare Airport?▼
You can compare 16 rental companies at Chicago O Hare Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Illinois (USA)?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Chicago O Hare Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Illinois (USA) is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Illinois (USA)?▼
In Illinois (USA) you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 40-56 km/h in urban areas, 89-105 km/h on rural roads and 105-129 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Chicago O Hare Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Chicago O Hare Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Chicago O Hare Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Chicago O Hare Airport
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Rent a Car Near Chicago O Hare Airport
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Check prices from 16 providers at Chicago O Hare Airport - pick your dates and see what's available.
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Chicago O Hare Airport
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