Why Hertz

  • Our locations
    You can find Hertz at over 220 locations across Australia, including all major cities and airports.
  • Our fleet
    Our diverse and modern fleet has a vehicle to suit every journey, including speciality vehicles in the Prestige, Adrenaline and Dream Collections.
  • Our award-winning loyalty program
    Gold Plus Rewards is free to join and offers exclusive benefits to members, including the ability to earn points for free rental days.

Hertz car rental in Chicago

Chicago has a lot to fit into one trip, from lakefront drives and downtown stays to business districts, neighbourhood stops, airport transfers, and weekend routes beyond the city. Having your own vehicle can make that movement simpler, especially when you are travelling with luggage, family, or a packed itinerary.

With Hertz car rental in Chicago, you can choose a vehicle that matches the way you plan to travel, whether that is a compact car for city routes or a larger option for longer drives. It is a practical choice if you want to rent a car in Chicago for flexible airport pickups, local travel, and road trips across the wider Midwest.

Pickup locations Chicago

  • O'Hare Airport

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5:00AM-12:00AM

    Address: 10255 West Zemke Blvd, Chicago, 60666, United States

    Phone: 773-481-2400

  • Midway Airport

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6:00AM-12:00AM

    Address: 5150 West 55th Street, Chicago, 60638, United States

    Phone: (773) 735-7272

  • Chicago - Lincoln Park HLE

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-6:00PM, Sat 9:00AM-12:00PM, Sun Closed

    Address: 2828 North Clark Street, Chicago, 60657, United States

    Phone: (773) 832-1912

  • Chicago - State Street HLE

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-6:00PM, Sat 9:00AM-12:00PM, Sun Closed

    Address: 401 North State Street, Chicago, 60610, United States

    Phone: (312) 372-7600

  • Chicago - Westin HLE

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 24 hours, Sat-Sun 5:00AM-1:00AM

    Address: 5821 South Central Avenue, Chicago, 60638, United States

    Phone: 773-767-4400

  • Chicago - West Loop HLE

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-6:00PM, Sat 9:00AM-12:00PM, Sun closed.

    Address: 181 West Washington Street, Chicago, 60601, United States

    Phone: (312) 726-1476

  • Chicago - Atlantic Aviation (Private Flights Only)

    Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 24 hours, Fri 6:00AM-1:00AM, Sat 6:00AM-10:00PM, Sun 24 hours

    Address: 6150 South Laramie Avenue, Chicago, 60638, United States

    Phone: (773) 686-7272

  • Uber Chicago

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 24 hours

    Address: 5259 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, 60632, United States

    Phone: 708-258-1677

  • Chicago - Signature Flight Support

    Opening hours: Mon-Sun 24 hours

    Address: 825 Patton Drive, Chicago, 60666, United States

    Phone: 773-686-7272

Driving guide: Car rental in Chicago

Parking information

  • Grant Park South Garage (325 S Michigan Ave): Offers around 1,850 parking spaces close to Millennium Park, Grant Park, and downtown attractions.
  • Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S Columbus Dr): Provides approximately 2,100 parking spaces near the lakefront and central Chicago landmarks.
  • Navy Pier Parking Garage (600 E Grand Ave): Includes roughly 1,500 parking spaces with convenient access to Navy Pier and nearby restaurants.

Key roads in Chicago

  • I-90 (Kennedy Expressway) runs through central Chicago and connects downtown with O’Hare International Airport and the northwestern suburbs.
  • I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) links Chicago with Milwaukee to the north and Indiana to the south.
  • Lake Shore Drive (US-41) is one of the city’s most scenic routes, running alongside Lake Michigan with views of the skyline and waterfront.

Electric car hire

Hertz also offers electric vehicles for travelers who want a smoother, quieter, and more efficient way to explore the city. Choosing an EV can be a smart option when you plan to hire a car in Chicago, especially for downtown travel, business trips, and shorter regional drives.

Charging points

Chicago has more than 2,000 public EV charging points across the metropolitan area, including locations near hotels, shopping centers, parking garages, and tourist attractions.

Congestion charges

Chicago currently does not operate a congestion charge system for regular passenger vehicles. Drivers should still expect tolls on selected highways and increased traffic around downtown during peak travel hours.

Travel routes

Getting from Chicago to Milwaukee

  • Start in downtown Chicago and join I-94 North heading toward Wisconsin.
  • Continue along the highway past northern suburbs and lakefront areas.
  • Follow signs toward downtown Milwaukee as you approach the city.
  • The drive usually takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Getting from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park

  • Begin in downtown Chicago and join I-55 South toward central Illinois.
  • Continue south before connecting to local routes leading toward Starved Rock State Park.
  • Follow park signs toward the main visitor and hiking areas.
  • The journey normally takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on road conditions.

A quick guide to Chicago

Best hotels in Chicago

The Langham Chicago

330 N Wabash Ave

A luxury riverside hotel known for its modern rooms and skyline views.

citizenM Chicago Downtown

80 E Wacker Pl

A contemporary hotel located close to the Chicago Riverwalk and downtown attractions.

The Palmer House Hilton

17 E Monroe St

A historic hotel situated near Millennium Park and the Theatre District.

Popular restaurants in Chicago

Giordano’s

223 W Jackson Blvd

A well-known Chicago restaurant famous for its deep-dish pizza.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

439 N Wells St

A popular local dining spot serving classic Chicago-style pizza.

Girl & The Goat

809 W Randolph St

A lively restaurant offering creative American dishes and shared plates.

Top places to visit in Chicago

Millennium Park

201 E Randolph St

One of Chicago’s most visited attractions, home to Cloud Gate and outdoor events.

Navy Pier

600 E Grand Ave

A popular waterfront destination with restaurants, entertainment, and lake views.

Willis Tower Skydeck

233 S Wacker Dr

An iconic observation deck offering panoramic views across the Chicago skyline.

FAQs

1. Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Chicago?

You may be able to rent at the counter, but booking ahead is usually the better option. It gives you more vehicle choice, clearer pricing, and a smoother pickup for your car hire in Chicago.

2. Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Chicago?

You need a valid driving licence to hire a car in Chicago. If you are visiting from overseas and your licence is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit along with your original licence.

3. Can I pick up a rental car in Chicago and return it to a different city in the United States?

Yes, Hertz offers one-way rentals between many US locations. Availability and any extra charges depend on the pickup point, return location, vehicle type, and booking terms.

4. What is the best time to book a Chicago car for hire?

It is best to book early if you are travelling during summer, holidays, major events, or busy airport periods. Early booking can give you better availability when renting a car in Chicago.

5. Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Chicago?

Most Hertz rentals can be driven beyond Chicago and across much of the United States. For long-distance routes, one-way trips, or cross-border travel, check the rental terms before you set off.