Car rental Chicago

Experience cultural delights aplenty in the Windy City with car rental in Chicago. From a drive down the Magnificent Mile to a waterfront tour around the area, there’s something for everyone in this Illinois city. The grid-like road system and the nearby coast make it relatively easy to get around.

The I-90 runs through the heart of the city, from north to south, and branches out into other interstates and roads for easy access to Chicago, wider Illinois and across state lines. You can follow the I-90 north from Chicago to Rockford and into the state of Wisconsin, or south towards Gary.

The I-94 connects the to the I-90 in the south of the city and continues around the south side of Lake Michigan - take this road if you want to explore more of the Illinois area. You can head to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore along the I-94, where you can spot wild birds or relax on the sandy beach by the lakeside.

For more of Illinois, take the I-80 and I-88 out of the city. These roads will lead you into the heart of the area, so you can explore more of The Prairie State.

Chicago’s driving rules are similar to those across the US. You’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road and will need to look out for speed limit signs, which vary from 70mph (112km/h) on some interstate routes to 65mph (104km/h) on other state highways.

As you would expect from an urban metropolis like Chicago, the traffic can get heavy, particularly during prime commuting times. With this in mind, it’s worth planning your routes in advance and allowing plenty of time for your journey.

With a vibrant atmosphere that captivates you from the moment you arrive, car rental in Chicago afford you access to a city that will leave you wanting to come back time and again. As one of the biggest cities in the US, there is plenty to keep you occupied in the Windy City.

See Chicago from above

Standing proudly above all the other skyscrapers in the city, Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) is a stunning feat of modern architecture. With 110 floors filled with a whole host of different businesses, it’s the tallest building in the entire Western Hemisphere.

To get a real feel for the sheer height of this building, you can take a trip up the tower to The Ledge. Sitting on floor 103, The Ledge has glass boxes that extend out over 4ft from the side of the tower itself. You can stand in the boxes to get stunning panoramic views of the city around and below you - and don’t forget your camera to snap the incredible scene stretching out far below you.

Catch a game

Home to a wide range of major and minor league sports teams and backed by a fervent love of all things sport,  going to a game or two when you’re in Chicago is a must.

Just north of the heart of Chicago is where you’ll find baseball’s Wrigley Field. Home to the Chicago Cubs, this legendary stadium is well worth a visit. You can sit back and soak up the atmosphere on game day or go on a tour to delve into the 100 years of history this iconic ballpark boasts.

Alternatively, head to the United Centre, just a 30-minute drive south of Wrigley Field and home to both basketball’s Chicago Bulls and ice hockey’s Chicago Blackhawks. The Bulls were arguably basketball’s best team of the 90s, backed by legends such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have become a force in recent years, with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane leading the team to three Stanley Cups since 2010.

Explore the area

To get out and enjoy more of Illinois, jump in your rental car and take a drive along Lake Michigan. As one of the five great lakes, it’s only fitting to spend some time admiring this awesome expanse of water. If you carry on along the lakeside, you can drive one-and-a-half-hours to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Perfectly placed for a day out, you’ll find everything from stunning parks to museums. The Harley-Davidson museum is a must for petrol-heads. You can delve deep into the history and collection of vehicles with a tour or spend time wandering around the exhibits at your own pace.

A trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum is another must see when in the area. The building itself is incredible and the exhibitions inside are worth taking an entire afternoon to explore. From Warhol to Picasso, there’s plenty of masterpieces here for you to immerse yourself in. Take a look at the events which the museums hosts - encompassing everything from yoga to musical performances.

Enjoy everything the Windy City and the surrounding areas have to offer with car rental in Chicago. Cruise around the city or set out on an American road trip.