Service Overview
Renting a car at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) gives you maximum flexibility for suburbs, business parks, Wisconsin/Indiana day trips, or destinations that are awkward by transit. All major brands operate from the O’Hare Rental Car Center, reached by a free airport shuttle from the terminals.
Best for: families with lots of luggage, travelers heading to the suburbs, and business travelers with multiple stops. It’s generally reliable, but your experience depends on traffic (Kennedy Expressway/I-90 can be slow) and on-site factors like peak-hour queues and vehicle availability—reserve ahead if your arrival is late or during holidays.
Route & Destinations
- Pickup: Terminal → free shuttle → O’Hare Rental Car Center (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, ACE Rent A Car, Routes Car Rental, Sixt, Thrifty).
- Downtown Chicago (Loop/River North): typically 30–60 minutes, but can stretch to 90 minutes in heavy traffic.
- Coverage: excellent for the suburbs (Schaumburg, Rosemont, Naperville), regional trips, and door-to-door hotel access.
- Connections: If you decide not to drive into the city, you can pivot to the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare (Terminals 1–3) for a predictable 40–45 minute ride downtown, or use taxi/rideshare from any terminal.
Pricing & Tickets
- Rates: vary widely by company, vehicle class, and demand; expect higher totals once taxes/airport fees, fuel, and optional toll products are added.
- How to book: reserve online in advance (recommended) or at the counter at the Rental Car Center.
- Payment: major credit cards are standard; many companies accept debit cards with added requirements (often ID/return travel proof)—check your provider’s policy before arrival.
- Discounts: AAA, corporate codes, and prepaid rates can reduce the base price; compare providers (including Fox, Routes, ACE) if you’re price shopping.
Schedule & Frequency
- Rental counters: hours vary by provider; some operate late, others close overnight—confirm your company’s closing time if you arrive late.
- Shuttle: runs frequently throughout the day from the terminals to the Rental Car Center (expect slightly longer waits during overnight hours).
- Peak considerations: afternoons, Monday mornings, and holiday weekends can mean longer counter lines and slower garage exits.
Practical Tips
- Finding the pickup: follow airport signs for “Rental Cars” to the designated shuttle bus stop at your terminal; Terminal 5 passengers use airport shuttles to connect as signed.
- Luggage: shuttles can handle suitcases, but keep valuables with you. If you have lots of bags, send one person ahead to manage the line while others wait with luggage.
- Accessibility: shuttle buses and the Rental Car Center are designed for airport accessibility; request ADA vehicles in advance if needed.
- Tolls: Chicagoland is heavy on toll roads—ask about I-PASS/toll programs and compare costs versus paying cashless tolls later.
- Best alternatives: For downtown stays, the CTA Blue Line is often cheaper and more predictable than driving/parking. For door-to-door without parking hassle, consider taxi or Uber/Lyft from your terminal.