Split image comparing two car rental locations, Midway and O'Hare in Chicago, for car hire options.

Is Midway or O’Hare cheaper for Chicago car rentals?

O’Hare’s larger fleets often price best; Midway can edge cheaper for short trips and convenient access. Keep flexible...

1 min read

Flying into Chicago gives you two choices: O’Hare’s global hub to the northwest and Midway closer to the Loop. Prices move with flight schedules, sports weekends, and trade shows. Here’s how to decide quickly—and keep your budget in line.

Start with O’Hare because of fleet size. Compare base rates on the ORD airport car rental page, then check city‑wording results on the Chicago car hire listing. Larger on‑site inventories at ORD often translate to steadier prices midweek. When downtown hotel parking is expensive, consider collecting the day you leave the city rather than on arrival.

When Midway can edge cheaper

While O’Hare usually has the broadest selection, Midway’s demand pattern can create occasional dips—especially for shorter weekend trips. If your airfare lands you at MDW and you plan to head south or west immediately, you might save on rides to and from the airport by picking up there. (Booking still works best when you secure the vehicle class early and keep your reservation flexible.)

Vehicle choice that fits Chicago

Compact or midsize sedans make the most sense for city garages. Families should compare early for three‑row vans; March through August is busy around tournaments and graduation season. Look for loyalty lines and responsive counter service through partners with strong presence at ORD such as Budget at O’Hare and the Hertz O’Hare fleet. Need more seats? Check family van options at ORD and monitor rates weekly.

Timing tricks that lower the total

  • Price both airports for your exact pickup time; late‑morning windows can be less busy.
  • Add a day to trigger a cheaper weekly total if you’re near the threshold.
  • Return at the same time you collected to avoid an extra day rounding.
  • Match vehicle size to hotel garage height limits.

Why book with Hola Car Rentals

Hola Car Rentals offers transparent pricing, maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, and free travel insurance up to US$150,000. You also get Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup to re‑shop ORD vs. MDW without risk.

Bottom line

ORD’s bigger fleets usually keep prices competitive, especially midweek, but MDW can win for short trips based on timing and ground‑transport savings. Secure your booking now with Hola Car Rentals and adjust if the numbers move in your favor.

Set your Windy City plan today—book with Hola Car Rentals and drive with confidence.