Car Hire
Illinois Airport

The most convenient way to reach the car hire centre is by using the Airport Transit System (ATS), often referred to as the "people mover". After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs in the terminal for "Rental Cars" or "Airport Transit System". These signs will guide you to the ATS station, which provides a quick, free train ride directly to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). This consolidated centre houses all the major car hire companies, making it a simple, one-stop process.

When arriving at Terminal 5, the process is slightly different but still very straightforward. Instead of the ATS train, you will take a dedicated shuttle bus to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). After clearing customs and collecting your bags, follow the signs for "Rental Cars" and "Shuttle Bus Centre". These buses run frequently and will take you directly to the car hire counters, ensuring you don't have to navigate the other domestic terminals first.

The primary point of confusion for travellers is understanding the difference in transport from domestic terminals versus the international terminal. Passengers arriving at Terminals 1, 2, or 3 use the Airport Transit System (ATS) train. However, those arriving at Terminal 5 must take a dedicated shuttle bus. Another common issue is finding the ATS station itself, as it often requires going up an escalator or lift from the baggage reclaim level, so carefully following the overhead signage is key.

A great place for your group to gather is at the baggage reclaim carousel for your specific flight. This area is spacious, has some seating, and ensures everyone has collected their luggage before moving on. Once everyone is accounted for, you can proceed together towards the signs for the Airport Transit System (ATS) or shuttle bus. Meeting at baggage reclaim prevents anyone from getting lost while navigating the busy terminal concourses.

Transporting oversized luggage is a common scenario at O'Hare, and the airport is well equipped to handle it. The best approach is to use one of the complimentary luggage trolleys available in the baggage reclaim area. You can load all your bags and oversized items onto the trolley and push it directly to the Airport Transit System (ATS) platform or the shuttle bus stop. The trains and buses have ample space to accommodate larger items for the short ride to the hire facility.

During a snowstorm, the enclosed Airport Transit System (ATS) train that serves the domestic terminals usually remains quite reliable. The main slowdowns occur with the shuttle buses from Terminal 5, as they are subject to road conditions and potential traffic delays on airport roadways. Additionally, walking between the terminal and the transport stations can be slower due to slippery conditions. It's wise to allow extra time for the transfer and dress warmly for any brief exposure to the elements.

To ensure your navigation app directs you correctly, search for "O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility" or "ORD Rental Car Return". Using a generic term like "O'Hare Airport" will almost certainly route you to the passenger drop-off areas at one of the terminals. The Multi-Modal Facility has its own specific address and entrance off Mannheim Road, which is distinct from the terminal access roads. Using the correct destination name will provide the most accurate and stress-free directions.

As you navigate from baggage reclaim, look for large, clear overhead signs that explicitly mention "Rental Cars" and "Airport Transit System". These signs are typically accompanied by a universal train icon, making them easy to spot even in a busy environment. The airport uses consistent colour-coding and symbols to guide passengers. Following this specific signage will lead you directly to the escalators or lifts that take you to the ATS station platform for your ride to the car hire centre.

A practical strategy is to use the airport's cell phone lot, which is designed for short-term waiting and is located just a few minutes from the hire facility. This provides a safe and calm environment to programme your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and get comfortable with the vehicle. Alternatively, there are several petrol stations and fast-food restaurants on Mannheim Road or Higgins Road, just outside the main airport loop, where you can pull over and prepare for your drive into the city or suburbs.

The exit from the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility is designed to be quite direct and minimise confusion. As you leave the garage, pay close attention to the large overhead signs for "Airport Exit". These signs will clearly direct you towards the main expressways, such as I-190 East (to Chicago), I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), and I-90 West. Simply choose the lane corresponding to your desired route, and the roadway will guide you away from the terminal loops and onto the motorway.

The most direct route is to take I-190 East from the airport, which seamlessly merges into I-90 East, also known as the Kennedy Expressway. To avoid last-minute manoeuvres as you approach downtown, try to stay in the centre-left lanes. This helps you bypass the express lanes and avoid being forced into the far-right lanes, which lead to the busy Ohio and Ontario Street exits. As your specific downtown exit approaches, you can then merge over with plenty of time.

A straightforward route to the United Center is to take I-190 East from O'Hare, which becomes I-90 East. Continue on I-90 and then take the exit for Madison Street. After exiting, a simple right turn will put you on Madison Street heading west. This street leads directly to the United Center, allowing you to avoid the most congested and complex intersections within the central Loop area, making for a much simpler final approach.

Driving to McCormick Place from O'Hare typically involves taking I-90/94 East and then transitioning to I-55 North towards the lakefront. The final approach involves city streets that can be quite busy, especially during convention events. Hotel loading zones in this area are usually well marked but can be congested. It's a good idea to have your hotel's address programmed into your GPS and be prepared for a brief stop to unload luggage before proceeding to a designated parking garage.

To avoid the most complex downtown interchanges, a great option is to take I-190 East to I-90/94 East, and then follow the signs to merge onto Lake Shore Drive (US-41) South. This scenic route runs along the lakefront and bypasses the densest part of the Loop. You can then take one of the well-marked exits for Hyde Park, such as 53rd Street or 57th Street. This path is generally less stressful for visitors unfamiliar with the city's grid.

River North is known for its many one-way streets and busy intersections. Before you leave the airport, programme your hotel's exact address into your GPS and use a map app's street view feature to see the entrance. This helps you identify the hotel's designated loading zone ahead of time. When you arrive, pull fully into the zone to avoid blocking a lane of traffic. If the zone is full, it's often better to circle the block once rather than stopping in a travel lane.

Driving directly to Wrigley Field on a game day is highly challenging due to street closures and extreme congestion. A much better strategy is to use a parking reservation app to book a spot in a private lot or garage several blocks away from the stadium. This guarantees you a space and prevents endless circling. Another popular option is to park further away along a CTA train line, such as the Brown or Red Line, and take public transport for the final approach to the ballpark.

Visitors should be aware that Chicago's alleys are often very narrow and primarily used for rubbish collection and utility access, not as public thoroughfares. It's best to avoid using them as shortcuts. When it comes to parking garages, especially in older buildings, the ramps can be surprisingly steep and have tight turns. A compact or mid-size vehicle is often much easier to manoeuvre in these spaces than a large SUV or people carrier.

A highly practical plan is to delay picking up your hire car until the day you plan to leave the downtown area. For the days you'll be exploring the Loop, Magnificent Mile, or nearby museums, Chicago's public transport system (the "L" train and buses) and walkability are excellent. This approach saves you from the hassle and high cost of daily parking in downtown garages. You can easily take a taxi or the "L" back to O'Hare to pick up your car when you're ready for suburban trips or your departure.

For visitors, it's often best to adjust your GPS settings to avoid Lower Wacker Drive if possible. This multi-level roadway can be disorientating, with limited sightlines, confusing signage, and abrupt exits. If a route there is unavoidable, stay in a middle lane, reduce your speed, and pay very close attention to the overhead signs for your specific exit. Whenever you have the choice, remaining on the upper-level streets provides a much more predictable and less stressful driving experience.

Out-of-state drivers are often surprised by the city's dedicated bus lanes, which are typically painted red and are strictly enforced with cameras. Driving in these lanes can result in a significant fine. Another feature to watch for is the prevalence of lanes that abruptly become "turn-only" at junctions, often with little advance warning. It's crucial to read overhead and roadside signs carefully to avoid being forced into an unintended turn, especially during heavy traffic.

Excellent "park once" areas include the Museum Campus and Lincoln Park. At the Museum Campus, you can park in a large garage and spend the day visiting the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium on foot. In Lincoln Park, you can find a space in the zoo's car park or a nearby garage and easily walk to the zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the lakefront trail. Both options allow you to enjoy major attractions without repeatedly dealing with traffic and parking.

In residential neighbourhoods like Lincoln Park, on-street parking can be very challenging. Much of the area is designated as permit-only parking, especially in the evening and overnight hours, to reserve spaces for residents. Always read the signs on any street very carefully, as restrictions can change based on the time of day or day of the week. To avoid the risk of a ticket or towing, the safest option is often to find a public or hotel garage for overnight parking.

For a quick visit to Millennium Park, the most direct approach is to use one of the underground parking garages located directly beneath the park itself, such as the Millennium Park Garage or the Grant Park North Garage. These garages have entrances on Michigan Avenue and are extremely convenient, allowing you to walk directly up into the park. While they are a popular choice, their prime location makes them ideal for a short, hassle-free trip.

The key to avoiding heavy exit traffic at Navy Pier is timing. The biggest rush occurs immediately after major events, like the summer fireworks displays. To beat the congestion, plan to leave either about 30 minutes before the event ends or wait for about 45 minutes after it concludes. This allows the initial wave of vehicles to clear out of the parking garages and surrounding streets, making for a much smoother and faster departure.

Chicago uses an extensive network of automated cameras to enforce traffic laws. Visitors should be particularly aware of red-light cameras at major junctions and speed cameras located in designated "Children's Safety Zones", which are near parks and schools. It is crucial to come to a complete stop before the white line at red lights and to strictly adhere to posted speed limits, as the tolerance for violations is very low. These cameras operate 24/7, so cautious driving is always necessary.

Many of the major expressways surrounding O'Hare, such as I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) and I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway), are part of the Illinois Tollway system. Most hire vehicles are equipped with a transponder (such as I-PASS or E-ZPass) to handle tolls electronically, with the hire company managing the process. When joining these motorways, be sure to watch for signs indicating "I-PASS Only" or "Cash" lanes to ensure you are in the correct one for your vehicle's set-up.

The routes to these nearby suburbs are quite direct. For Rosemont, which is adjacent to the airport, you can simply take surface streets like Mannheim Road or River Road. For Schaumburg, the most straightforward path is to take I-190 East briefly to I-294 North, then merge onto I-90 West (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway). Following the signs for I-90 West towards Rockford will keep you on a direct path, avoiding the more complex interchanges closer to the city.

For first-time drivers, the simplest route is to take I-294 South, also known as the Tri-State Tollway, directly from the airport area. This allows you to bypass downtown Chicago entirely. For Oak Brook, you will exit onto I-88 West (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway). To continue to Naperville, simply remain on I-88 West for a few more miles. This route is well signed and generally less congested than the expressways that run through the city.

A simple driving route from O'Hare to Oak Park is to take I-190 East to I-290 East, also known as the Eisenhower Expressway. Take the exit for Harlem Avenue and head north into the heart of Oak Park. Because on-street parking near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is limited and often restricted, the best plan is to park in the public garage adjacent to the visitor centre. This allows you to leave your car and explore the historic neighbourhood on foot.

To have the most pleasant drive to Indiana Dunes National Park, timing is crucial. On a weekday, plan to leave the Chicago area either before 7:00 am or after 9:30 am to avoid the peak morning rush hour. For your return trip, aim to be back on the road heading towards Chicago before 3:00 pm. Weekend traffic can also be heavy, especially on summer afternoons, so an early start is always your best bet for a smooth journey.

The drive to Milwaukee is very straightforward: simply take I-94 West the entire way. To make the visit low-stress, adopt a "park once" strategy upon arrival. Good areas to park include the garages near the Historic Third Ward or the Milwaukee Public Market. From there, you can easily explore much of the city centre, the riverwalk, and the lakefront on foot or by using the city's streetcar, The Hop, which is free to ride.

Starved Rock is extremely popular, especially at weekends and on public holidays. The main car park by the visitor centre often fills up by 10:00 am, so arriving early is essential for securing a convenient space. If the main car park is full, you will be directed to overflow areas, which can add a significant walk to the main trailheads. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is a must, and be prepared for a bit of a trek from your car to the canyons even from the closest areas.

A great way to begin a Route 66 journey without battling downtown Chicago traffic is to start your drive towards Joliet. From O'Hare, you can take I-294 South to I-55 South, which runs parallel to the original Route 66. This route allows you to bypass the city and pick up the historic alignment in the suburbs. Joliet offers classic Route 66 sights and serves as an excellent, manageable first stop on your adventure west.

A compact or mid-size saloon generally offers the best balance for driving in Chicago. This size vehicle provides adequate boot space for luggage for a few travellers while remaining nimble enough to navigate congested streets and, most importantly, tight parking garage ramps. Many of the city's older garages feature narrow lanes and sharp turns that can be challenging for larger SUVs, making a smaller car a much less stressful option for city parking.

The parking garage levels at the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility are the best place to fit a child seat. After completing your hire paperwork, find your assigned vehicle and take your time in the parking bay. The garage is well lit and offers protection from the weather. To feel less rushed, you can pull into a corner bay or an area with less traffic, giving you plenty of space to work and ensure the seat is fitted safely and correctly.

During winter, it's critical to pay attention to street signs indicating a "Snow Route". When two or more inches of snow have fallen, parking is strictly prohibited on these major arterial streets to allow for ploughing, and vehicles will be towed. On smaller residential streets, be aware of the local custom known as "dibs", where residents use chairs or other objects to save parking spaces they've shoveled out. It's best to respect these markers and find an alternative space.

The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is notorious for significant slowdowns during any adverse weather due to its high traffic volume. Heavy rain can lead to poor visibility and slick conditions, while snow can quickly make the lanes treacherous. Lake Shore Drive is also highly susceptible to closures or delays during lake-effect snow and high winds. It's always wise to check traffic conditions before you depart and allow for substantial extra travel time in these conditions.

As you approach O'Hare on either I-90 (from the east) or I-190 (the airport spur), begin looking for the large overhead signs for "Rental Car Return". The airport has dedicated lanes and a specific exit ramp that leads directly to the Multi-Modal Facility. By getting into the right-hand lanes early and following this specific signage, you can avoid the confusing loops for passenger drop-off and arrivals, ensuring a smooth and direct path to the return garage.

There is a cluster of petrol stations conveniently located on Mannheim Road, which runs parallel to the airport just east of the terminals. These stations are situated just a few minutes' drive from the car hire return entrance. They are accustomed to serving airport traffic, making them easy to get in and out of quickly. Another option is on Higgins Road, just south of the airport, which also offers several accessible refuelling choices before you head back to the facility.

Once you have returned your vehicle at the Multi-Modal Facility, simply follow the prominent signs for the Airport Transit System (ATS). This automated train is free and runs every few minutes, stopping at Terminals 1, 2, and 3. If your flight departs from Terminal 5 (for most international carriers), you will take the ATS and then follow signs for the Terminal Transfer Bus service. The ATS station and terminal lobbies have large flight information boards where you can confirm your airline's specific terminal and check-in desk.