Where to find rental counters and what to expect when you land
All major car rental companies operate at O'Hare International Airport, with counters located in the baggage claim area of each terminal. When you land, follow signs for "Car Rental" after you collect your luggage — you do not need to leave the terminal building or take a shuttle to reach them. The rental companies at O'Hare are Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, National, Alamo, and Advantage, plus several regional and luxury operators.
Walk-up rentals are possible, but most travelers reserve a car before arriving. A reservation locks in your rate and vehicle class, which matters because O'Hare prices fluctuate sharply by season and day of week. If you did not reserve, expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes at the counter during peak travel times, and your rate will be higher than a pre-booked rate for the same car on the same dates.
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy card or the rental company's coverage, which you can buy at the counter. Some companies require you to be at least 25 years old; younger drivers pay a daily surcharge. Have your reservation confirmation number ready if you booked in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Rental counters are in the baggage claim area of each terminal, and you can walk directly to them without leaving the building.
- Booking before you arrive locks in a lower rate and guarantees your vehicle class, while walk-up rentals cost more and may have limited inventory.
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and proof of insurance; drivers under 25 pay an extra daily fee at most companies.
- O'Hare rental rates include a 10.25% Illinois rental tax plus a 5% airport facility charge, both added to your quoted price.
- Return the car to the rental facility near the terminals, not to an off-airport location, if you want to avoid extra mileage or drop-off fees.
Comparing rental companies and rate differences at O'Hare
The same car rented on the same dates can cost 30% to 50% more at one company than another, so checking multiple sites before you book saves real money. Use a comparison tool like Kayak or Autoslash, which searches all companies at once, or visit each company's website directly. The price you see online is what you pay — O'Hare adds taxes and fees at checkout, not hidden charges later.
Budget and Alamo typically quote lower base rates but charge more for insurance and add-ons. Hertz and Avis fall in the middle. National and Enterprise often bundle insurance and roadside information into their base price, making the total cost lower even if the starting rate looks higher. Read the fine print on what is included before you compare numbers.
Loyalty programs matter if you rent frequently. National's Emerald Club, Hertz Gold Plus, and Enterprise Plus all let you skip the counter and go straight to your car, which saves 10 to 15 minutes at O'Hare during busy times. If you are renting only once, the program membership fee does not pay for itself.
Understanding taxes, fees, and what your quote actually costs
The daily rate you see online does not include taxes and fees. Illinois charges a 10.25% rental tax on all car rentals, and O'Hare adds a 5% airport facility charge. A car quoted at $50 per day costs $57.63 per day after taxes and fees. A week-long rental at that rate runs $403.41 before insurance.
Insurance is optional but important. Your personal auto policy may cover rental cars, so check your policy or call your insurer before you book. If your policy does not cover rentals, or if you want extra protection, buy the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) at the counter. CDW costs $15 to $30 per day depending on the company and car class. Credit card companies sometimes cover rentals too — American Express and some Visa cards include rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card.
Fuel charges add up fast. Most rentals come with a full tank and require you to return it full; if you do not, the company charges $6 to $8 per gallon for fuel they add. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price, which can save money if you use most of the tank. Decline pre-purchase fuel unless you know you will drive the car nearly empty.
Picking up your car and what happens at the counter
At the rental counter, the agent will ask for your driver's license, credit card, and reservation confirmation. They will show you the car's current condition — scratches, dents, fuel level — on a tablet or printed form. Walk around the car with the agent and point out any damage you see, or take photos yourself on your phone. This protects you from being charged for damage that existed before you rented it.
The agent will explain the fuel policy, insurance options, and any add-ons like GPS or a second driver. GPS rental costs $10 to $15 per day; your phone's navigation app is free and works just as well. Adding a second driver costs $10 to $15 per day at most companies. Decline both unless you have a specific reason to pay for them.
Before you leave the lot, test the windshield wipers, headlights, and turn signals. Check that the spare tire and jack are in the trunk. Make sure you know how to operate the fuel door and where the gas cap is. These five minutes prevent problems later.
Returning your car and avoiding extra charges
Return the car to the O'Hare rental facility, not to an off-airport location, unless you want to pay a drop-off fee. Off-airport returns in Chicago cost $25 to $50 extra. The O'Hare facility is a short drive from the terminals; follow signs for "Car Rental Return" when you leave the airport.
Return the car with a full tank of fuel. If the tank is not full, you will be charged for fuel at the company's rate, which is always higher than what you would pay at a gas station. Fill up at a station within a mile of the airport — there are several on the roads leading to O'Hare — before you return the car. Keep your receipt to prove you filled the tank if there is a dispute.
Return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate, sometimes doubled. If your flight is delayed and you cannot return the car by your reservation time, call the rental company when ready and ask to extend the reservation. Extending in advance costs less than being charged a late fee.
Driving from O'Hare to Chicago and the surrounding area
O'Hare is on the northwest side of Chicago, about 17 miles from downtown. The drive downtown takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic; rush hour (7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays) can stretch it to an hour. Take I-90 East toward the city, or use your phone's navigation app to find the fastest route on the day you are driving.
Parking downtown costs $15 to $40 per day at a garage, and street parking is metered and limited. If you are staying in a hotel, ask whether parking is included or what it costs. Many downtown hotels charge $25 to $50 per day for parking, which adds up over a week. If you are staying in the Loop or near Michigan Avenue, public transit (the "L" train) from O'Hare is cheaper and faster than driving and parking.
Tolls on I-90 and I-94 are electronic and charged to your rental car's license plate. The rental company will bill you for tolls after you return the car, usually within two weeks. There is no way to avoid tolls on major highways in the Chicago area, and toll charges range from $1 to $4 per trip depending on distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but you will pay an extra daily fee, usually $15 to $25 per day, at most rental companies. Some companies require you to be at least 21; a few require 25 with no exceptions. Check the company's age policy when you book, because the fee is not always shown in the initial quote.
What if I need to extend my rental after I pick up the car?
Call the rental company as soon as you know you need more time. Extending by phone costs less than being charged a late fee, and the company can often accommodate the extension if they have inventory. Do not just keep the car and return it late.
Do I need an international driver's license if I am visiting from another country?
No, a valid driver's license from your home country is accepted at all O'Hare rental companies. Some companies ask for an International Driving Permit as a backup, but it is not required. Bring your passport as proof of identity.
What happens if I get into an accident?
Call the rental company when ready and report the accident, even if it is minor. Do not leave the scene. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and file a police report if anyone is injured. The rental company will guide you through the claims process. Your collision damage waiver covers the rental car's damage; the other driver's insurance covers damage to their vehicle.
Can I rent a car one-way, dropping it off at a different location?
Yes, but one-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals at the same company. Dropping a car off at a different O'Hare location costs less than dropping it off downtown or at another airport. Get a quote for one-way before you book to see whether it makes sense for your trip.