Car rental Chicago O'Hare airport

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Cheap Car Rental Chicago O'Hare airport

Cheap Car Rental Chicago O'Hare airport

About Car Rental at Chicago O'Hare Airport

O'Hare International Airport, often known as O'Hare Airport, is a major international airport in Chicago, Illinois, situated on the Northwest Side of the city, 17 miles northwest of the Loop commercial sector. O'Hare International Airport serves 228 destinations throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and it is the world's sixth-busiest airport, with 83 million passengers in 2018. Besides serving as a major base for United Airlines, O'Hare also acts as a key hub for American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. O'Hare has four numbered passenger terminals with nine lettered concourses and a total of 191 gates, and boasts a wealth of shopping and eating options to keep even the most discerning traveler satisfied.

However, if you've got your fill of the airport, there's much to see and do in the city. Many first-time and return visitors to Chicago choose to hire a vehicle at O'Hare airport for a stress-free experience. Fortunately, there are a plethora of automobile rental firms right at the airport.

From the Upper Level, passengers should board a consolidated, free, 24-hour shuttle. The bus's digital display will say "Rental Cars / Parking Lot F." Each terminal has dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones. The shuttles will transport travelers to the automobile rental counter at O'Hare's Multi-Modal Facility to pick up a vehicle. The MMF can be found at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666.

Interstate 190 - which connects to Mannheim Road (U.S. 12 and 45), the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294), and Interstate 90 - serves O'Hare directly.

Downtown Car Rental in Chicago

Traveling with your family on an unforgettable holiday or simply spending time with your partner or friends in Chicago for a few days? Make sure you see the city from top to bottom. A rental car is a great way to explore as much as possible while yet maintaining a high standard of living. Don't worry if you didn't get a car at the airport; there are many rental firms in the city. The CBD is where the majority of them are located. You may choose to support smaller, locally owned businesses rather than national chains by renting a car outside the airport.

Driving in Chicago

Chicago is a lovely, dynamic city that has a lot to offer both residents and tourists. There is something for everyone, from spectacular skyscrapers to world-class public parks. If this is your first time visiting, this list of safe driving tips can help you get ready for your next trip to the city.

Important tips for driving in Chicago:

Car Rental Agencies in Chicago

Car rental companies from across the globe may be found at Chicago's O'Hare Airport and the city's downtown area. This means that you may be certain that they will take care of your needs. These companies strive to keep their customers happy, as seen by the hundreds of five-star reviews they've received. As a result, you can be sure that you are getting exactly what you want from the selection of vehicles available. It's possible to rent vehicles and vans of all shapes and sizes from Hertz in a range of sizes and configurations.

For a more personalized experience and all the local knowledge, you need to make your trip the best one yet, go with a small, locally-owned agency instead of a bigger, national one. You’ll find the best available prices with Holiday Cars.

Top Road Trips from Chicago

Chicago is such a popular center of art and culture that some call it a microcosm of the entire United States. However, as veteran visitors to the Windy City would argue, it isn’t just a great destination in itself – it’s also an excellent base from which you can make road trips to other unique places. The next time you feel saturated with the bustle of Chicago, consider hitting the road for a week or longer. Here are some road trip ideas from Chicago to get you inspired-

You've surely heard of Napa Valley's famed wines, but what about those from the Shawnee Hills (which are just as good)? Eleven wineries are located inside the Shawnee National Forest to make your vacation in the woods extremely memorable. You may visit all of them by traveling the 40-mile Shawnee Hills Wine Path, the state's oldest wine trail. If you don't want to leave before dusk, you may stay at one of the numerous B&Bs. Aside from housing a wine path, the Shawnee National Forest is unique in that it is one of the few wooded areas remaining in Illinois, so when you've done savoring the spirits on offer, go for a trek. You can even do rock climbing and rappelling in certain areas, so be ready for a pretty crazy couple of days.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Chicago O'Hare airport

What’s the best area to stay in Chicago?
The best area to stay in Chicago completely depends on why you’re going to visit. If you’re going to see any of the famous sites like Millennium Park or Navy Pier, make sure to book somewhere central that has good access to these places.
What is the cheapest time to go to Chicago?
The cheapest time to visit Chicago is from mid to late September.
What is the best time to go to Chicago?
In Chicago, the best time of year to visit is from April to May and from September to October. Temperatures between 59 and 86 F and intermittent rain are still warm enough in June and August to appreciate the state's adventures and natural splendor.
Can you get around Chicago without a car?
If you plan on staying in central Chicago, it is possible to rely on public transport. But if you want to explore further afield and see more of Chicago and the surrounding areas, then you most definitely need a car to do so.
Tips and experiences for Chicago O'Hare airport

Our customers rated Chicago O'Hare airport with an average of 8.8 based on 69 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

28-10-2021
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says:
I don't have much to say about the airport itself Chicago is great, and I recommend the architectural tour on the river, running along Lake Shore drive, and having drinks at the top of the Hancock tower!
30-09-2021
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Logan Square, in Chicago, was lovely. We enjoyed a number of great restaurants and coffee shops on the square itself and visited some great local shops.
22-09-2021
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says:
The best way to get around the Chicagoland area is defenatly by car, buses and trains turn out to be more expensive to travel especially travelling in a group of three. The rental car made it easy to visit family and friends that live in the suburbs. We also visited the amazing Volo Auto museum in volo illinois 50 miles north of Chicago. The downtown area was also very accesable by car and by using the spothero app you where able to find low-cost parking rates. I chose a small economy car that made it easy to park anywhere especially in small parking spots. The drop off service was very quick and easy!
09-09-2021
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Add 10mins to your overall experience. Its quick to and from the airport as long as there is not long line during peak times.
30-08-2021
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Always give yourself plenty of time when traveling. Be nice to people if things do not necessarily go your way, because usually we are all in the same boat. ;)
05-08-2021
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says:
Giordiano's for deep dish pizza - call ahead to reserve a seat & for them to start making the pizza.
27-07-2021
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says:
Quick pick up at terminal and shuttle to rental place. Smooth transaction and car pick up. Same at drop off, well organized.
24-06-2021
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says:
Make sure you have an insurance card for this company. Make sure you have COINS for the tolls. The cars are new. Make sure you know how to operate all of the controls before driving off the lot. Ask the attendant for directions, if necessary. Be prepared to wait. Don't forget to refuel.
18-06-2021
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says:
IT will be good when the automated train transport connects with the car rental facility. But even the buses were very efficient.
11-06-2021
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says:
Be early enough to the airport to make life simple. When leaving the airport be sure to ask someone direction to where you need to go. Have proof of insurance and drivers liscence available. Proof that your credit card covers you isn't enough. Make sure you have dollar bills and change. Not all tolls take Bill's. Give yourself time to check back in your rental. Don't forget to tips the drivers!
04-06-2021
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says:
Best travel trips: stay away from parts of the tollway. Lots of extra construction. Take your time. Travel places. Rainy day: Garfield Park Conservatory, Geja’s Restaurant, Frank Lloyd Wright tour.
03-06-2021
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says:
ORD has new consolidated rental car center. Although Routes is not located inside new rental car center, it is necessary to take shuttle bus there in order to then be picked up by Routes shuttle van. Without knowing this, I hopped on the shuttle bus from terminal, but was confused/alarmed when I didn’t see signs for Routes at the rental car center. Suggest the following: 1. Include these navigation details in email confirmation of rental, or in reminder email before reservation starts. 2. I had to go to Rental Car Center info desk to find out where Routes shuttle van pickup would be. Could a sign be added inside/outside of Rental Car Center to direct people visually?
28-05-2021
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says:
Flew into and out of Chicago O’Hare this week. Was pleasantly surprised by the ease of getting around the airport. It was very clean and well maintained. The shuttle service to and from the rental car lot was quick and easy. I have previously avoided traveling to Chicago O’Hare, but will after this experience I will happily use it again.
22-05-2021
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says:
Be on time. Be prepared to shuttle from the car rental center. Have fun. Be interested. Be interesting. Don't lose your phone.
15-05-2021
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says:
Easy online navigation for company’s offers and products. Competitive prices. Offering different varieties good car brands. Easy & fast way to get the rental car..
16-04-2021
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says:
I'M are is a very busy airport one of the largest. It can be intimidating but there are several ways to get help.
14-04-2021
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says:
If you need to drive to O'Hare airport (as we did when we picked up my son & his family the next day), have change available. You cannot get to the airport without paying a $1.50 toll at an automated (no person; no change).
09-04-2021
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says:
O’Hare has definitely made some changes since the last time I flew there. They had more TSA checkpoints set up. It was very fast getting thru and getting to where you need to be for the flight. One of the fastest actually. The customer service is always great! Only thing is more seating, variety of restaurants and phone charging chairs! But i also went around there busiest time as there was a festival going on. But very nice experience overall.
05-04-2021
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says:
O'hare doesn't have buses for single car rental places -- there is one bus that takes you to the intermodal car reservation area. This is different than it's been historically (I think they added this late last year). It's O'hare, so prepare for a walk!
28-03-2021
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says:
Plan in advance. Have a contingency plan. Know local emergency numbers. Know local customs. Know the basics of the local language (i.e. please and thank you). Know fair costs to avoid being taken advantage of.
22-03-2021
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says:
Have time to wait for shuttles both from the airport and back to it. Have time when picking up and dropping off, as the system takes time. Be prepared that you may not get the car you reserved, but a similar size car. Come with a copy of your insurance. Know what your insurance and your credit card company will cover. If you need car seats, bring them, they are free pieces of luggage and worth it!
22-03-2021
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says:
Have luggage easy to carry, since O'Hare is a big airport with limited transport between gates. Carry snacks and an empty water bottle to fill along the journey. I always ask the servers at restaurants for recommendations when it's a new region or different cuisine, and they often know a great place for coffee, nearby parks, etc. In the future I will have more change for tolls when I rent a car. I do a thorough inspection of the car after I get the paperwork because there can be scuffed paint or dings the attendees may have missed. When it's a first time to a new place, I like to do the top tourist sites even if they're cheesy because I never know if or when I'll be back again.
06-03-2021
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says:
First off, take dollars with you. This will help avoid high price ATMs. If not alone, get your rental and then luggage at the Terminal. It will save you some unnecessary work and time. Set your navigation for no tolls if you don't book the Toll options. Downloading offline maps of your areas to be traveled in case of bad internet connections.
14-02-2021
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says:
First: give yourself a little more time to travel so you aren't rushing... it's not uncommon for other delays (flight/shuttle/traffic) to place unforeseen obstacles in your path. Trust me, it happens. Vehicle pickup requires form of ID, insurance card - make sure your insurance card is up to date. Many credit cards offer rental insurance, be sure to review your card policies to save a little money. Vehicle pickup for Routes Rental Car - you first take the shuttle to the car rental place, then call Routes for a pickup. They will send a shuttle to get you, usually every 15-20 minutes. Returning the vehicle was quick and easy, give yourself about 30 minutes to get from the car return to your airline check-in. ORD has lots of good dining options so you can use your extra time wisely and enjoy a glass of whiskey.
05-02-2021
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says:
The perfect do is to pay your rental ahead of time and confirm your reservation!!! It saves so much time at the counter. Also familiarize yourself with where the rental company is and the rules ahead of time such as insurance policy and extra costs, etc!!! It helps.
30-01-2021
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says:
Chicago airport with no complaints , but to go to this rental , you have to take shuttle bus and then to call this company and wait was the only problem in Chicago .
29-01-2021
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says:
All Off Airport Car Rental Desk are located in one building. The rental desk are served by shuttle buses with little or no waiting. Shuttle buses are located on the ground level on the outer island. Check in was effortless. Returning Shuttles are arranged by their terminal/airline destination.
23-01-2021
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says:
To walk directly across the street to the Shuttle Bus Center at Chicago O'Hare Airport. It's confusing because it appears that you have to get on an Airport Shuttle Bus just to get to the Shuttle Bus Center to catch a ride to your Hotel, but you simply need to cross the street to the Shuttle Bus Center.
23-01-2021
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says:
Arrive with time to get through security. Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after you get through security.
05-01-2021
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says:
•Don’t wear a belt if you don’t need to •Wear slip on shoes for ease of removal •Pack all liquids and pastes in a check in bag, no plastic bag necessary •Give yourself more time than you think •Use a credit card, instead of cash, wherever you travel. The exchange rate will be better than buying a local currency! •Make sure all documents, passports, ESTA’s, driving license etc are in order.
22-12-2020
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says:
Don't use Routes Rent A Car. Also MOSI and Field Museum have reciprocal memberships so you might be able to get in for free with your local science museum membership.
18-12-2020
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says:
Big airport, rental shuttles are not at the shuttle center, but in front of the terminal.
16-12-2020
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says:
Travel light. Check in early. TSA precheck is handy.
30-11-2020
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says:
Crowded and very large, but otherwise well-organized
21-11-2020
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says:
Airport is quite big, be sure to know the terminal you arrive to and depart from.
15-11-2020
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says:
Not a bad airport, like the shuttle to car rental setup
08-11-2020
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says:
You take an additional shuttle after arriving to the main shuttle building. Don’t be alarmed - this is just so you get the better cost. The drive is quick from the airport, and totally worth the additional 20 mins for a way better deal.
25-10-2020
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says:
It's a pretty simple process. Take the shuttle to the rental center (outside OHare), then wait to get picked up by routed. Upon returning the car, Routed will take you straight to the airport.
20-10-2020
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says:
Be first off the shuttles. Read the rental confirmation for exact instructions for pick up area. Ask porters or other airport personnel for shuttle locations for directions (for affirmation of printed instructions as sometimes things change). Be prepared with any documentation and/or proof of insurance to keep waiting to minimum. Walk around vehicle before leaving for any damage and report any found before leaving the lot. Also look at wheels (rims) for any roadside damage, most people only look at the vehicle body. Check under seats for any contraband, etc. before leaving rental lot. Have sufficient change for tolls before getting on tollways.
15-10-2020
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says:
Go with the flow...everyone is doing their best. If you get lost or turned around ask someone, Chicagoans are very friendly. In the AM (before 10:00) at O Hara Airport you will find the lines shorter. Most museums have parking, and you can shuttle around town from there.
06-10-2020
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says:
Plan extra time (30-40 mins) after you get off the flight if your car rental is off the airport site. Make sure you bring proof of insurance if you don't want to have to buy their insurance for Routes. Always check the car for damages and mark it down. I've caught things at multiple car rental places. Going through TSA put unnecessary stuff in your carry on while you are waiting in line so you don't have to hassle with it on either side of the checkpoint. If you can pack light enough it is super slick to put everything in one carry-on and a backpack/bag. That way you are on and off without baggage worries. I always pick my clothes that will pack the best (avoiding cotton and wool) and roll it. I can almost always fit everything in the two even for week-long trips. Arrive early with something to do or plan to grab something to eat there. There is nothing more stressful than being late and worrying that you might miss the flight... other than actually missing the flight. That's no fun. I usually plan some work to get done while I'm waiting.
20-09-2020
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says:
Allow time for travel to off site location. Be aware of Gasoline tank. Do rent the IPass/toll device, it saves time and money . Have a credit card with you to rent a car, I saw people not being able to rent a car due to lack of owning a credit card. Figure our your route before hand, it helps to not get lost in the city. Do not give rides to people you do not know.
02-09-2020
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says:
If your sight-seeing in Chicago would recommend purchasing one of the "Ticket Bundles" for attractions as they give you a good discount on buying the tickets individually and allows you to jump the ticket queues. Head up the Hancock Tower just before sunset and so you can watch the sunset over the city with a drink. The Chicago Cultural Centre is free entry, close to Millennium Park, and amazing architecture on the inside.
22-07-2020
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says:
new rental lot. Did not know how to return since signs were not put in the correct area and Advantage is way in the back. Need better markings on how to return the car
02-07-2020
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says:
My understanding is that all the ohare rental cars will be in one location soon. But, for now try and pic and car rental closer to the airport. This advantage was far away
01-07-2020
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says:
O'Hare has multiple runways with lots of traffic, so expect up to an hour of taxiing from touch-down to gate. O'Hare buildings are huge, and they've gotten cute with the names of levels for terminals and parking. Allow extra time for navigation and don't be afraid to ask for directions. Burrito Beach has huge and delicious grass-fed beef burritos. They are a great way to fuel up for Chicago, even for breakfast! A river tour is one of the best values and one of the best was to see and appreciate Chicago's downtown. The car rental location is difficult to find for auto-return. Have the rental car office address programmed into a GPS.
27-06-2020
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says:
1) Have insurance cards and IDs stored on your phone as back up. 2) Sign up for TSA pre-check. Beats even the first class line. 3) Bring your roller board to the gate and have it checked for free rather than paying $25 - $35 to check it at ticketing counter. 4) Find a place to park for free as close as possible to the airport and UBER the rest of the way for those longer trips. 5) Use the iPass that Routes provides at $10/day. Saves the time and hassle of accidentally getting a ticket; Routes pays all tolls! 6) Always rent from Holiday Cars Rental Best rates/cars/customer service at O'Hare... dare to compare with any other rental car agency.
18-06-2020
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says:
It's a physically uncomfortable airport unless you're in the international terminal. Airports of a certain age have lower ceilings that can make them feel claustrophobic when stuck in them for a long time. They're working on a plan to renovate it, but in the meantime, you'll feel like you've been transported back to a run-down version of the 1980s in lots of places throughout the airport. All of that said, I'm thankful for the access to so many non-stop routes, and there are only a handful of airports in the world that can boast that. As for amenities, while there's a Rick Bayliss restaurant in the international terminal, interesting stops are hard to come by elsewhere, though my wife and I are always thankful for Argo Tea, Nuts on Clark, and a couple other local-to-Chicago establishments (Midway does a better job representing entities like those, but then, they've been more recently renovated).
02-06-2020
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says:
Don't overpack. Always bring an umbrella pack your belt so you can get thru security quickly Wear slip on shoes for the same reason Take a picture of your parking spot at the airport so you can find it Take a picture of your boarding pass and flight reservations in case internet is down
17-05-2020
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says:
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to drop off the rental and get to the airport. You can't control the other travelers around you, and most were not sure where they were going or what to do, and this held up the process for everyone else. You need to take a bus from the rental car return to the airport terminal, this takes time as well.
15-05-2020
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says:
What can I say, it’s an airport. I wish the airport lounges I have access to were in terminal 2 where I took off out of. If you get a Platinum AMEX though and fly Delta you get access to the Delta clubs which would be convenient for local travelers. I only gave 4 stars because during what was seemingly the height of the day, TSA was training six to eight new employees to include the X-ray machine operator, and the people who usher you through the scanner. This training included randomly selecting me to do a training search and swipe for explosives. So not only did I get to wait an extra 15 minutes to get through the scanner, I then was delayed another 5 minutes to train a TSA employee.
26-03-2019
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says:
Definitely take a moment to get to know the vehicle before you go. Connect your phone. Figure out which side the gas tank is on and get a stack of napkins just in case. Look for levers that you dont recognize and test it before you drive. The car I tented was a lot newer than my own car and I might not have noticed half the things it could do if I didn't take the time. The cruise control is also a good thing to het the hang of.
20-03-2019
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says:
Get there early.
15-03-2019
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says:
a bit of a shuttle drive to get car, so plan for the time. It's a car lot that has no one to check out the car (or waiting for you to check in for that matter). In the office the agent filled out the car condition form as being OK and sent me on my way to find the car... I found a bad crack/crunch in the front lower cowling (not very noticeable with a quick walk around)... I had to wave someone down to come mark and sign the form so I wouldn't be libel.
10-01-2019
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says:
Do not arrive after 1400, traffic will be horrible.
30-12-2018
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says:
Injoy the beautiful city of chicago...bordercrossing went faster and smoothlier compere to miami int.airport.
01-12-2018
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says:
The terminal is very well marked and easy to maneuver. There are plenty of shops and places to eat. Returning your car to Thrifty Car Rental is very confusing. There are no signs directing you clearly where to enter to return your car. Staff were not very helpful in directing you both leaving and returning. They will sell you insurance even if you tell them your have your own insurance.
02-11-2018
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says:
Chicago was okey It was cold to recomend to go in summer time.
28-10-2018
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says:
We travelled around Michigan. Don't miss the beautiful country side. We enjoyed a fantastic spring temperature week in February
11-10-2018
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says:
I'm not a tourist, I am actually a resident of Chicago. We are temporarily living in California, and we love both places. We frequently visit our family here and that's were we spend most of our time and actually that is the highlight of our trip. But we like what holiday cars.com's rental car offer, and we highly recommend them. We got our car from Hertz and got a good deal we like so much that we extended our rental for another week. But Chicago is always a good place to spend vacation anytime, there's a lot of places to go. Don't forget to visit Downtown Chicago, the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum.
23-09-2018
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says:
Very walkable city, even in winter. Lots of attractions and eating places in central The Loop to Magnificent Mile Magnificent Mile area also has some discount stores just off the main street for budget shoppers - corner of E.Ontario Street
13-09-2018
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says:
If staying at the Hyatt Regency near the airport, make sure you specify which one as there are three and they do not share the same shuttle
06-03-2018
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says:
See the sights outside of downtown. Beautiful trip to neighboring states is always a plus.
01-03-2018
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says:
Take time to see the many fine museums and parks in the downtown area. Also the Museum of Science and Industry. Taking a boat to see the skyline at night or an architectural tour of the many buildings in the downtown area.
20-02-2018
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says:
great shopping and entertainment in Chicago and the suburbs
20-01-2018
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says:
Car renters from Dollar Car!!!!! Beware, there is no gas station near airport car rentals. Do fuel up in advance or they will rob you at the car return.
19-11-2017
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says:
Car rental location requires a free bus ride. It only takes a few minutes and shuttle buses run regularly.
22-03-2017
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says:
Chicago is always a great destination.
24-02-2017
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says:
There are no bad museums. All are worth the price of admission.