Chicago O'Hare Airport car rental comparison

Car Rental in Chicago Airport

Chicago is a steely city with impressive art museums and revolutionary architecture. As the gateway to Michigan, the Windy City is the perfect base to explore both the Great Lakes and surrounding nature trails with a cheap rental car from Chicago Airport ORD that will get you around conveniently. Some 15 miles north-west of Chicago's downtown, it takes roughly 25 minutes to travel with rental cars from Chicago Airport ORD to the city proper. It is one of two airports in Chicago, but the Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a little further out than its partner. Once you drove into the metropolis, you can choose between the main sights or more niche museums as you navigate the city's impressive streetscape.

Main attractions in Chicago

Chicago is renowned in the world for its architecture. A tour of the city by foot is the perfect introduction, with the Chicago Architecture Foundation offering great orientation for the city's Art Deco gems and landmarks. You also need to visit the Willis Tower at some point, zipping up the elevator for thrilling city views. Sports fans should visit Wrigley Field with their rental car from Chicago Airport, as this historic baseball park is home to the Cubs and offers both tours and lively games.

Chicago's museums and galleries are unrivalled. The Art Institute of Chicago is the second largest in the country and houses many outstanding impressionist paintings. The Museum of Contemporary Art on the Gold Coast also houses a strong collection of minimalist and conceptual artworks. The Museum of Science & Industry to the south can be accessed easily when you choose to rent a car from Chicago Airport and is a great spot to geek out with mock storm exhibits and futuristic tech. The Field Museum of Natural History offers a look at some dinosaur bones and ancient Egyptian mummies, while Millennium Park houses some of the city's standout art and sculptures. 

Trips to Lake Michigan and nearby beaches like North Avenue Beach or Montrose Beach are perfect for warm sunny days. Lake Michigan is great for sailing and fishing year-round, but you may find paddle boats more challenging on windy days – so opt for reserves like Skokie Lagoons.

What to eat in Chicago

Chicago offers a healthy blend of traditional Michigan fare and more cutting-edge, modern restaurants. Alinea, Blackbird and BOKA (among others) are all stand-out Michelin-starred restaurants where you can taste gourmet treats. Walkabouts in foodie neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Gold Coast, Chinatown, and the West Loop are a must-do for visitors to Chicago. You should also try the "love-it-or-hate-it" Chicago-style deep-dish pizza while you’re in town. The most famous pizza joints are Burt's Place, Bartoli's and Pequod's. For food trucks, head to Loop and the Near North.

Children’s activities in Chicago 

Chicago offers a number of magical attractions for kids. Aside from the many fantastic museums and galleries, Chicago's green spaces — like Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park — are great for little ones to let off some steam. Lincoln Park can be reached with acheap car rental from Chicago Airport and features a number of attractions, including a small zoo, which is free to enter. Children also love the nearby Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for its butterflies and frogs. The Chicago Children's Museum is located on the historic Navy Pier.

How do you book a rental car in Chicago?

Select the best car rental at Chicago Airport with HAPPYCAR. HAPPYCAR collects and compares the best rates in town for your travel dates, helping you find the cheapest car rental at Chicago Airport. You can also find cheap car rentals at Chicago Airport MDW, the city’s other international airport to the south. For cheap car rentals across the United States, HAPPYCAR offers access to cheap car rentals at Colorado Springs Airport COS, as well as cheap car rentals in Miami and cheap car rentals in San Antonio. 

What kind of day trips can you take from Chicago?

Day trips with a car hire from Chicago Airport are perfect for exploring the Great Lakes and Michigan state. Some ideal locations to visit by car include Milwaukee, Lake Geneva, Oak Park, and Oglesby.

What kind of vehicle should I book?

Chicago is known for its narrow streets and rush hour traffic, making a compact car ideal for navigating the city. If you're planning on leaving the city for scenic drives around Lake Michigan, opt for a comfortable SUV.

What is the speed limit in Chicago?

Ensure you drive safely and responsibly when using Chicago Airport car rentals. Residential areas here are limited to 30 mph, while rural areas have a limit of 55 mph. Once you leave the city, the highway to Lake Michigan and onward has limits of between 65 and 70 mph.

Search for a car rental in Chicago Airport and compare all of the best rates with HAPPYCAR. Type your travel dates in today for advanced booking offers at Chicago Airport.