Car Hire Illinois

Parking in Illinois

• Millennium Garages have around 9,176 spaces across four underground downtown Chicago garages, useful for Millennium Park and Loop stops.
• Navy Pier’s East and West garages accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles, giving drivers access to the pier, lakefront attractions, restaurants, and events.
• Grant Park South Garage has around 1,350 parking spaces, making it practical for Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute, and central Chicago plans.

Electric car hire

Looking for an eco-conscious way to drive around Illinois. Hertz electric car hire in Illinois can suit your exploration, helping you navigate Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Springfield, and the shorter Lake Michigan smoothly.

Charging points

Illinois has about 5,553 public electric charging ports, giving EV drivers flexibility for airport pickups, city stays, business trips, and Midwest routes.

Congestion charges

Illinois does not have a statewide congestion charge. Main extra costs are parking, tollways, airport fees, and garage charges.

Key roads

• DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Useful for driving around Chicago lakefront routes, museums, and north-south city travel.
• US Route 20: Connects Rockford, Freeport, Galena, and northwest Illinois.
• IL-2: A scenic Rock River route for Rockford, Oregon, Dixon, and smaller-town drives.

Toll roads

• Tri-State Tollway: Useful for routes around Chicago, O’Hare, the North Shore, and connections toward Indiana or Wisconsin.
• Jane Addams Memorial Tollway: Helps with drives between the Chicago area, Rockford, and northwest Illinois.
• Reagan Memorial Tollway: A key toll route for travel between the Chicago suburbs, Aurora, Dixon, and western Illinois.

Driving tips: When you are in Illinois

• The driver’s seat is on the left, overtaking is usually on the left, and roundabouts move anticlockwise, not clockwise.
• Illinois speed limits can go up to 70 mph on some interstate highways outside urban areas, while urban areas are commonly around 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
• Expect one-way streets, pedestrians, cyclists, delivery vehicles, tight parking, and heavy traffic near downtown, airports, stadiums, and lakefront areas.
• Street parking rules can vary by side of the street, day, time, snow route, event zone, permit zone, and meter area. This matters most in Chicago and the inner suburbs.

Best hotels in Illinois

The Robey

2018 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL

A stylish Wicker Park hotel with neighbourhood dining, skyline views, and access beyond downtown.

Hotel Lincoln

1816 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL

A North Side hotel near Lincoln Park, lakefront walks, restaurants, and short drives.

Deer Path Inn

255 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL

A refined North Shore stay suited to Lake Michigan towns, gardens, and quieter routes.

Popular restaurants in Illinois

Girl & The Goat

809 West Randolph Street, Chicago

A West Loop restaurant known for bold shared plates and a lively Chicago dining setting.

Lou Mitchell’s

565 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago

A classic breakfast stop near the start of Historic Route 66 in downtown Chicago.

Ariston Café

413 Old Route 66 North, Litchfield

A Route 66 restaurant that fits into a Springfield or southern Illinois drive and offers a global menu to satisfy your hunger.

Best places to visit in Illinois

Starved Rock State Park

2678 East 875th Road, Oglesby

A state park with canyons, waterfalls, walking trails, and a day-drive value from Chicago.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

212 North 6th Street, Springfield

A Springfield stop focused on Lincoln history, exhibits, and Illinois heritage.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

A peaceful Rockford garden with landscaped paths, water features, and northern route value.

FAQs

1. What do I need to bring for a car rental in Illinois?

To rent a Hertz car in Illinois, bring your valid driver's licence, a government-issued photo ID or passport, and a payment card in your name for the security deposit. In case your licence is not in English or the Latin alphabet, carry an International Driving Permit alongside.

2. What are the age rules for car hire in Illinois?

rivers can rent, but extra charges or vehicle limits may apply.

3. What payment types are accepted?

For most Hertz locations in the United States, including Illinois, the minimum rental age is 21. Drivers under 25 may be able to rent, but an Age Differential Charge can apply, and some higher-end or specialty vehicle categories may not be available to younger renters.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

Hertz rental cars are usually supplied with a full tank of fuel and should be returned with the same fuel level unless you choose another fuel option.

5. What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Illinois?

Prepaid bookings are generally free to cancel within 24 hours of booking, but cancellation fees may apply after that.