Where rental counters are located at O'Hare
Car rental counters at Chicago O'Hare International Airport are in the baggage claim area on the lower level of each terminal. Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 5 each have rental desks where you can pick up a reserved car or rent on the spot. The counters are clearly marked and staffed during all operating hours.
If you have already reserved a car, you can go directly to your rental company's counter. If you have not reserved ahead, walk the baggage claim level and compare what is available. Most major companies operate at O'Hare: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo all have desks there. Availability and pricing vary by company and by the time you arrive, so checking multiple counters takes 10 to 15 minutes but can save money.
Some rental companies also operate off-airport locations near O'Hare, which can be cheaper but require a shuttle ride or taxi to reach them. The on-airport counters charge a facility fee on top of the daily rate, typically $10 to $15 per day, which is why off-airport locations sometimes undercut them. If you are flexible on pickup location, call or check online prices for both before you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Rental counters are in the baggage claim area on the lower level of Terminals 1, 2, and 5, and are open during all flight operations.
- Reserving a car online or by phone before you arrive usually costs less than renting at the counter, and guarantees a vehicle is held for you.
- O'Hare charges a facility fee of roughly $10 to $15 per day on top of the rental rate, so off-airport locations may be cheaper if you have ground transportation.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase the rental company's coverage.
- Rental car return is at the same terminal where you picked up, and you should allow 30 to 45 minutes to return the car and reach the terminal entrance.
What documents and information you need to bring
You must have a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canada, or another country recognized by the rental company. An international driver's permit is not required if your home country's license is in English and has your photo, but bringing one does not hurt. The license must not be suspended or expired.
You need a credit card in your own name. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the full rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the car size. Debit cards are not accepted for the hold, though some companies will rent to you if you show a debit card plus a utility bill or other proof of address. Call your rental company ahead if you plan to use a debit card.
Bring proof of insurance. Your personal auto insurance policy, a letter from your insurer, or a credit card that covers rental cars all count. If you do not have coverage, the rental company will sell you their own, which costs $15 to $30 per day. Read what your policy covers before you rent — some exclude rental cars, and some exclude certain states or vehicle types.
How to reserve a car before you arrive
Reserving online or by phone before your trip locks in a price and guarantees the rental company will hold a car for you. Most companies let you book through their website, through travel sites like Kayak or Expedia, or by calling their reservation line. Booking directly through the company's website often gives you the best rate and the easiest cancellation terms.
When you reserve, you will choose the car size (economy, mid-size, SUV, and so on), the pickup date and time, and the return date and time. Specify that you are picking up at O'Hare Terminal 1, 2, or 5 — the system will ask which one. You will also choose whether to buy the rental company's insurance or decline it. If you decline, you are responsible for any damage to the car unless your own insurance covers it.
Prices vary widely by company and by how far in advance you book. Booking two to three weeks ahead usually costs less than booking the week before. Weekday rentals are often cheaper than weekend ones. If you are flexible on dates, check a few different days to see the price difference. Once you have reserved, you will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number — bring this or have it on your phone when you arrive at the counter.
Pickup and return procedures at the airport
When you arrive at the rental counter, have your driver's license, credit card, and reservation confirmation ready. The agent will verify your reservation, check your license, and place a hold on your credit card. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The agent will then walk you through the car's condition, point out any existing damage, and ask you to sign a damage waiver. Read this form — it describes what you are responsible for if the car is damaged.
The agent will give you the car keys and direct you to the lot where your car is parked. The lot is a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal. Before you drive away, walk around the car and check for dents, scratches, or other damage. If you see anything, go back to the counter and report it when ready. Take photos with your phone if you can — this protects you if the rental company later claims you caused the damage.
When you return the car, drive it back to the rental lot at the same terminal where you picked it up. An agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and calculate your final bill. If you bought the rental company's insurance, minor damage is covered. If you did not, you will be charged for any damage beyond normal wear. The entire return process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Plan to return the car at least 45 minutes before your flight so you have time to return to the terminal and reach your gate.
Fuel, tolls, and other charges to expect
You can return the car with any amount of fuel in the tank, but if the tank is not full, the rental company will charge you for a fill-up at their rate, which is usually higher than a gas station. To avoid this charge, fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the airport before you return the car. Several gas stations are within a mile of O'Hare on the north and south sides.
Illinois tollways surround O'Hare, and you will likely use them to reach the airport or drive into the city. If you use a toll road, the rental company will charge you the toll amount plus a processing fee, usually $2 to $5 per toll transaction. Some rental companies offer an automatic toll payment option that you can buy when you rent — this covers all tolls and the processing fee for a flat rate, typically $15 to $25 for a week-long rental. If you do not buy this option and use tolls, the charges will appear on your credit card after you return the car.
Parking charges, traffic violations, and damage to the car are all billed to your credit card after you return the vehicle. These charges can take one to two weeks to appear. If you dispute a charge, contact the rental company within 30 days of your return.
One-way rentals and returning to a different location
If you want to pick up a car at O'Hare and return it to a different city, most rental companies allow this, but they charge a one-way or drop-off fee. This fee varies by destination — returning a car to downtown Chicago costs less than returning it to St. Louis or Milwaukee. The fee is added to your daily rental rate, so a one-way rental is more expensive than a round-trip rental for the same number of days.
When you reserve a one-way rental, specify your return location clearly. The rental company will hold a car at O'Hare for pickup and reserve a location in your destination city for return. Make sure the return location is open on the date and time you plan to return the car — some locations have limited hours or are closed on Sundays. Confirm the return address before you leave O'Hare so you do not drive to the wrong location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but most rental companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $30 per day if you are under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require you to be 25. Call the rental company or check their website to confirm their age policy before you book. Your driver's license must still be valid and not suspended.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late return fees vary by company but typically run $25 to $50 per hour or a fraction of the daily rate. If you are running late, call the rental company as soon as you know — some will extend your reservation without penalty if you call ahead. If you return the car more than a few hours late, you may be charged for an extra full day.
Can I add another driver to my rental?
Yes. When you pick up the car, tell the agent if another person will drive it. The agent will ask for that person's driver's license and may charge an additional driver fee, typically $10 to $15 per day. Both drivers must be present at pickup, or you can add a driver later by calling the rental company, though this may incur a fee.
What if the rental company's insurance does not cover something?
Read the damage waiver form before you sign it — it lists what is and is not covered. Damage from accidents, theft, and vandalism are usually covered if you buy the rental company's insurance. Damage from off-road driving, racing, or driving under the influence is typically not covered. If you have questions about coverage, ask the agent before you leave the lot.
Is it cheaper to book through a travel website or directly with the rental company?
Prices are often the same, but booking directly with the rental company sometimes gives you a lower rate and better cancellation terms. Travel websites like Kayak and Expedia let you compare prices across multiple companies at once, which saves time. Book whichever way shows the lowest price, but read the cancellation policy — some discount sites charge a fee to cancel or change your reservation.