Car Hire
at Chicago Airport

EASTER  45% OFF   

Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating at Chicago Airport, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:

• Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
• Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
• Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
• No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification

All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip at Chicago Airport.

No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking at Chicago Airport are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.

On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter at Chicago Airport charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.

The only costs outside this guarantee are:

• Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
• Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)

At Chicago Airport (O'Hare, ORD), all major hire car counters are located inside the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666, not inside the terminals themselves.

After collecting your baggage, you have two ways to reach the MMF:

• Free hire car shuttle buses: Exit through the baggage claim doors on the lower level of your terminal and follow overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Hire Car Shuttles." Look for buses marked "Hire Car / Parking Lot F" on digital signs. These run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Airport Transit System (ATS): This automated people mover connects all terminals to the MMF and also operates 24/7.

Once at the MMF, proceed to the 2nd floor. On-site brands at Chicago Airport include Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Fox, and Hertz. For Avis specifically, check the display board on floor 2 for your name and assigned parking space. Budget also operates 24-hour service at this facility.

Plan approximately 30 to 45 minutes from landing to driving away. International arrivals should add 15 to 20 minutes for customs and immigration before reaching baggage claim.

To pick up your hire car at Chicago Airport, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:

• A valid, original driver's licence in the main driver's name.
• A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, used for the authorisation hold.
• A passport or valid government-issued photo ID.
• Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
• Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States).

If your driver's licence is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For licences in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required at Chicago Airport.

All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the counter. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold.

Chicago Airport (O'Hare, ORD) is surrounded by several major Illinois Tollway routes, so most drivers will encounter tolls shortly after leaving the facility.

Common toll roads near Chicago Airport include:

• Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90): runs towards Rockford; tolls range from US$2.75 to US$5.50 for the full length.
• Illinois Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80): connects to Wisconsin and southern suburbs; tolls range from US$2.35 to US$4.70.
• Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): heads west towards Dixon; tolls range from US$5.10 to US$10.20.
• Chicago Skyway (I-90/I-94): connects to the Indiana border; tolls range from US$4.80 to US$47.60 depending on vehicle and time.

Illinois toll roads use I-Pass and E-ZPass transponders, as well as a cashless pay-by-plate system that photographs your licence plate automatically. Most modern gantries no longer have cash booths. Toll rates vary by time of day: daytime rates apply from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and lower overnight rates apply from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Note that the I-490/IL 390 interchange west of Chicago Airport is under active construction through late 2027, which may cause temporary disruptions when exiting westbound.

At Chicago Airport, you have two main options for handling tolls in your hire car, and the right choice depends on how many toll roads you plan to use.

Option 1: Hire company toll programme. Brands such as Avis, Budget, and National offer a daily toll pass service. National's TollPass Waiver Programme, for example, charges US$11.99 per hire day at Chicago Airport. This covers all tolls on that day and is convenient if you plan to drive multiple toll roads. However, the daily fee applies even on days you do not use any tolls.

Option 2: Pay-by-plate (no programme). If you decline the hire company programme, Illinois Tollway cameras automatically photograph your licence plate and bill the registered vehicle owner at the standard plate rate, which is slightly higher than the discounted I-Pass rate. The hire company will then pass the toll charge to you, often with an administrative processing fee added.

If you drive only one or two toll roads during your entire Chicago Airport hire, pay-by-plate may cost less overall. If you plan to use toll roads daily, the flat daily programme fee often works out cheaper once processing fees are factored in. Either way, do not ignore toll charges: unpaid tolls are linked to the plate and escalate into penalties.

Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Chicago Airport hire.

Given that Illinois toll roads near Chicago Airport can add up quickly, especially on routes like I-90, I-294, or I-88, this benefit can meaningfully offset your toll costs.

To claim your cashback after returning the vehicle:

• Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the car.
• Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation [Your Confirmation Number].
• Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid.
• Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for your booking.

The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your reservation and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted more than 30 days after vehicle return are not accepted. This benefit does not mean tolls are prepaid; you still pay them normally during the hire and claim reimbursement afterwards.

Hiring at Chicago Airport (ORD) comes with some of the highest combined hire surcharges in the United States. These fees are set by local and state authorities and are separate from the base rate you see online.

Key fees and taxes that apply to Chicago Airport hires include:

• Illinois Automobile Renting Occupation/Use Tax: 5% statewide.
• Airport concession fee and recovery fee: approximately 9.2% plus an additional 5% hire fee specific to Chicago Airport.
• Chicago Motor Vehicle Lessor Tax: US$0.50 per hire period (reduced from US$2.75 effective 1 January 2026).
• Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) fee: 6% on hires.
• Regional Transportation Authority surcharge: up to 1% in Cook County.
• Chicago Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax: 15% as of 1 January 2026, which may affect optional add-ons.

Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the counter. If your confirmation states "Taxes and Fees: Included," you should not be billed separately for those items at the Chicago Airport counter. If you are charged for something not disclosed on your confirmation, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply.

Yes, a major credit card in the main driver's name is required to hire a car at Chicago Airport. The card must have the driver's name physically printed on it and must be presented in person at the counter.

At Chicago Airport, the hire company will place a temporary authorisation hold on your credit card at pickup. Typical hold amounts for standard vehicles in the United States range from US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by hire brand, vehicle class, and season.

Important points to keep in mind:

• Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold.
• Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted for the deposit.
• The card must belong to the main driver, not a travel companion or family member.
• Even if you prepay your booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the Chicago Airport counter.
• Notify your bank of your travel plans in advance to prevent the authorisation from being flagged as suspicious.

Bringing a backup credit card in your own name is strongly recommended in case your primary card is declined.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always mandatory at Chicago Airport, but whether you need one depends on your licence.

An IDP is required at Chicago Airport if your driver's licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Cyrillic (Russian). In those cases, the hire counter will not accept the licence alone.

An IDP is strongly recommended, though not strictly mandatory, if your licence is in a Latin alphabet but not in English. Some hire agents at Chicago Airport may request a translation, and having an IDP avoids any dispute at the counter.

If your licence is in English or issued by an EU or EEA country, you can generally hire at Chicago Airport without an IDP.

Key rules to remember:

• An IDP is a translation document only. It is invalid without your original licence and does not replace it.
• Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling. U.S. issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to holders of non-U.S. licences.
• All documents presented at the Chicago Airport counter must be physical originals. Digital copies are not accepted.

Most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be especially useful if something goes wrong during your Chicago Airport hire, such as a breakdown on the Illinois Tollway or a medical situation while driving in the region.

Core benefits typically included are:

• Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers.
• Legal assistance in the event of a road accident.
• Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
• Flight cancellation insurance.

This coverage is designed for travellers renting abroad and applies to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this benefit.

If you need assistance during your Chicago Airport hire, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day:

• Phone (toll-free/collect): +1 888 980 9992
• WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
• Email: [email protected]

When you call, have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready (format: HOLA1000000), along with your location and a description of the situation. Always contact assistance before incurring expenses, as some reimbursements require prior authorisation. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits that apply to your reservation.

Returning your hire car at Chicago Airport follows a straightforward process, but allow enough time to reach the terminals after dropping off the vehicle.

Return your vehicle to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666, the same building where you picked it up. On the 2nd floor, follow signs to your hire company's return area.

Steps for a smooth return at Chicago Airport:

• Refuel within approximately 10 miles (15 km) of the MMF so the tank reads full at return. Keep your fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute.
• Take a photo of the dashboard showing the fuel gauge and odometer before handing over the keys.
• Allow at least 20 minutes after vehicle return to reach the airport terminals via the return shuttle or ATS.
• For after-hours returns, most brands at Chicago Airport offer a key-drop option. Confirm the exact procedure with your hire company at pickup, as liability rules may differ until the vehicle is formally checked in.

Most major brands at Chicago Airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz, operate 24-hour return service. Enterprise also offers after-hours return options. If you have any post-hire charges appear on your card after returning at Chicago Airport, keep your hire agreement and final receipt as documentation.

Yes, drivers under 25 years old are subject to a young-driver surcharge at Chicago Airport. The standard minimum age to hire without an additional fee in the United States is 25.

Drivers aged 21 to 24 can hire at Chicago Airport but will pay a daily young-renter surcharge. Typical fees by brand are:

• Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per hire day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes.
• Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes.
• Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes, with no published cap.

Drivers under 25 at Chicago Airport are also restricted from hiring certain vehicle classes. Categories such as full-size SUVs, premium, luxury, minivans, and convertibles are generally reserved for drivers aged 25 and older. Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are typically available to younger renters.

One exception applies at Chicago Airport for Latin American and Caribbean travellers aged 21 to 24 booking through Hola Car Rentals with Avis or Budget: the underage fee may be waived on eligible rate plans for the main driver. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver is shown.

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your hire at Chicago Airport, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.

Some Hola Car Rentals rates include one additional driver at no extra cost. Check your booking confirmation for the line "Additional driver free of charge" to confirm whether this applies to your reservation.

If your rate does not include an additional driver, the daily fees at Chicago Airport are:

• Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per hire day plus taxes, capped at US$65 plus taxes.
• Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes, capped at US$189 plus taxes.
• Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day plus taxes.

The additional driver must be present at the Chicago Airport counter at pickup. They must bring their own valid driver's licence (and an IDP if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet) and sign the hire agreement in person. Only drivers listed on the agreement are covered by the hire protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage.

For Avis, Budget, and Payless at Chicago Airport, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Confirm age requirements with the counter agent at pickup.

When hiring at Chicago Airport, two main types of coverages are worth understanding: protection for the hire vehicle itself, and liability cover for damage or injury you may cause to others.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) covers damage to the hire car from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero excess. CDW/LDW does not cover third parties.

Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to other people or vehicles while driving. Illinois does not universally require hire companies to include state-minimum liability in every hire, so this cover is not always automatic at Chicago Airport. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your booking.

Key points for Chicago Airport renters:

• CDW/LDW and LIS/ALI/SLI are separate protections. You may need both.
• Cover applies only to drivers named on the hire agreement. Add all drivers at the counter.
• Prohibited uses such as off-road driving, DUI, or unauthorised drivers void cover.
• Report any incident immediately using the number on your hire agreement.

Check your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation to see exactly which coverages are included in your Chicago Airport rate before arriving at the counter.