Rental cars in Chicago from $39

If your trip to Chicago is all booked but your travel itinerary is a bit on the empty side, let us give you a helping hand.You might need to ask your boss for an extra week off, because Chicago is overflowing with iconic attractions. Get started at Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. Don’t miss Skydeck Ledge and Willis Tower either.You’ll need to rise with the sun if you want to check out all the interesting sights this place has to offer. Chicago Cultural Center and Buckingham Fountain are must-sees. Merchandise Mart and Wrigley Building can’t be missed either.Not too far from the city center, Chicago Theatre is one sight to consider adding to your to-do list. If you still have space on that travel schedule, Chicago Riverwalk and Water Tower Place will keep you entertained too.

If you’re searching for day-trip inspiration, we’ve got some suggestions. Located 40 miles away, Sheridan Beach is worth the drive. See the sights starting with Blue Chip Casino, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets and Trail Creek. Duneland Beach is another terrific option. It’s 40 miles away and has a variety of fascinating things to do. Blue Chip Casino, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets and Trail Creek are only the start.

Chicago boasts some magical coastal areas, and what better way to explore them than from behind the wheel of your very own rental car. See what fascinating treasures you can find strewn along the shoreline of one of these popular beaches:

• North Avenue Beach (2 miles away).
• Montrose Beach (6 miles away).
• Kathy Osterman Beach (7 miles away).

If you have some important business to see to in Chicago, chances are you’ll be spending loads of time at a convention center. If that’s the case, you might like to know some of the ones that have cafés and restaurants nearby:

• Richard J. Daley Center (0.2 miles away).
• Symphony Center (0.2 miles away).
• McCormick Place (2 miles away).

With landmarks like Wrigley Field and McCormick Place, Chicago is a city on many bucket lists. But if you plan to drive in this major metropolis, think small. A compact car will have you zipping around the frenzied streets and parking will be simpler. If you’re not into city driving, there’s a good deal to discover farther afield. Pick up the keys to a four-wheel drive or an SUV and check out the beautiful prairies that Illinois is known for.

There’s more than enough choice when it comes to rental cars in Chicago. From SUVs with trunk space galore to zippy compacts that make parking a cinch, you’ll find it all here. Choosing your ride depends on how much you want to spend and what activities you’ve got planned. Some road trips are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others don’t need much more than a bargain, no-frills type model. The choice is yours.

Finding a parking spot in Chicago is a piece of cake. There’s no need to drive around the block in dense traffic here — and that’s what the locals love about it. There’s loads of on and off-street parking to take your pick of.

Since the population of Chicago is roughly 2,720,500, you’re likely to experience some congestion in the city center. Before and after work is when traffic is at its peak, so it’s a good idea to avoid driving during these times.

In the city of Chicago, speed limits range from 25mph to 70mph. Residential areas have a maximum speed limit of 30mph unless stated otherwise.

Generally, your car rental company will charge the amount stated on the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may share your contact information with local authorities so they can send a fine directly to you.

Not only is it prohibited to hold your cell phone while driving a car in Chicago, but it’s also possible to be hit with a fine for using hands-free functions like Bluetooth.

When behind the wheel in Chicago, it’s an offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) higher than 0.08%. Planning to have a couple of drinks while you’re out? Consider booking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Yes, you can turn on a red light in Chicago. Firstly though, you are required to bring the car to a total stop. Move on only when the lane is clear of oncoming traffic.

Subject to a small number of exceptions, seat belts are compulsory in Illinois.