Alamo Car Hire
Illinois

All car hire companies at Chicago O'Hare, including Alamo, are conveniently located in one central Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). No matter which terminal you arrive at, including Terminal 5, follow the signs for the Airport Transit System (ATS) or a shuttle bus. This transport system will take you directly to the MMF. Once there, you’ll find all the rental counters, including Alamo’s, in a single, easy-to-navigate building.

The journey from the Airport Transit System (ATS) to the hire counters is designed to be traveller-friendly. The station at the Multi-Modal Facility has lifts and escalators, making it manageable with pushchairs and luggage. A good strategy is to have one adult handle the luggage trolley while the other keeps the kids together. The walk is short and indoors, with clear signage directing you straight to the Alamo counter, minimising stress.

Even with a late arrival, the process for reaching the car hire area at O'Hare is straightforward and runs on a continuous schedule. After collecting your bags, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or the "Multi-Modal Facility". The shuttle buses run frequently between the terminals and the rental centre well into the night. There’s no need to hurry, as the system is designed to accommodate passengers from the last flights of the evening.

The most efficient plan is for everyone to meet directly at the Alamo counter in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). Since all travellers must take a shuttle from their respective terminals to this single car hire centre, it’s a perfect central meeting point. This avoids the confusion of trying to coordinate a kerbside pick-up at different terminals and ensures your entire group is ready to go once the rental agreement is complete.

The exit from O'Hare's hire facility is generally well signposted, directing you towards major interstates like I-190, I-90, and I-294. A common point of confusion for first-timers can be the initial merge onto the main airport roadway. It’s highly recommended to have your GPS navigation set up and running before you put the car in drive. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs for key destinations like "Chicago" or "Rockford" to ensure you get into the correct lane early.

Yes, this is very achievable with some planning. The drive from O'Hare to downtown Chicago typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, but this can easily double during peak evening rush hour. To ensure a relaxed evening, give yourself a generous time buffer. Picking up the car, loading your luggage, and getting acquainted with the vehicle can take some time, so booking a later dinner reservation is a wise strategy.

For a straightforward drive, take I-190 East directly from the airport. This road will seamlessly merge onto I-90 East, also known as the Kennedy Expressway, which leads directly into the downtown Loop area. This route is the most direct path and avoids complex surface streets for most of the journey. While the Kennedy can be busy, it’s a direct and well-marked expressway, making it a good choice for visitors.

O'Hare is perfectly positioned for trips to the western and north-western suburbs, allowing you to bypass downtown Chicago traffic. For Schaumburg, you’ll primarily use I-90 West. To reach Naperville or Oak Brook, your main route will be I-294 South. The airport provides direct, well-marked access to these major suburban arteries, making for a relatively simple start to your journey.

In these busy downtown neighbourhoods, it’s best to use your hotel’s designated check-in area, as they’re designed for temporary loading and unloading. If you’re at a holiday rental, look for a nearby public car park where you can stop for a few minutes. Never stop in an active traffic lane, as this can be unsafe and may result in a fine. A little planning can ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival.

Hotels with valet-only service are well equipped to handle guests with significant luggage. Simply pull into the hotel’s designated driveway or porte-cochère. The valet and bell staff will assist you, allowing you to take the time you need to unload your belongings at the kerb. Once you’re ready, you can hand the keys to the valet, who will take care of parking the vehicle for you.

Driving in Chicago can be an adjustment, but it’s very manageable, especially with a GPS. The city’s grid system is logical, so if you miss a turn, it’s usually easy to go round the block. Pay close attention to posted signs, as turn restrictions can sometimes change depending on the time of day. After a short time, most drivers find the rhythm of the city and become comfortable with the traffic flow.

Visitors are often most surprised by the assertiveness required when merging on Chicago's expressways. Local drivers expect you to merge confidently and match the speed of traffic. Additionally, the prevalence of dedicated cycle lanes requires extra caution, especially when making right turns. Always check for cyclists before crossing a cycle lane. Being aware of these local norms will help you drive more safely and confidently.

The primary route from O'Hare to downtown Chicago, I-190 to I-90 East, is a motorway and does not have tolls. The main toll road to be aware of near the airport is I-294, the Tri-State Tollway. To avoid it, make sure your GPS navigation is set to "avoid tolls" and carefully follow the overhead signs for I-90 East towards Chicago.

Many of the major expressways circling Chicago are part of the Illinois Tollway system, which uses electronic, open-road tolling. This means there are no cash booths; cameras simply record the number plate. Car hire companies are very familiar with this system and typically offer convenient programmes to manage the tolls for you. It’s a good idea to ask about these options at the rental counter to ensure a worry-free trip.

Before driving off the lot in winter, it’s wise to do a few quick checks for safety and comfort. Make sure the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is full, as you’ll use it frequently to clear away road salt. Take a moment to locate and test the demister and heating controls so you know how they work. A quick visual inspection to ensure the tyres appear properly inflated is also a good habit in cold weather.

Chicago has specific winter parking bans on many main streets, which are clearly marked with signs. To avoid a fine or having your car towed, the safest strategy is to ask your Airbnb host for guidance on local street parking rules. If there’s any uncertainty, using a nearby public car park is the most reliable option, as it eliminates any risk associated with overnight on-street parking during snowy conditions.

For the easiest drive to Milwaukee, plan to leave the Chicago area after the morning rush hour, ideally between 9:30 and 10:00. The route is a straight run north on I-94, and the drive typically takes under two hours without heavy traffic. This timing allows you to arrive in Milwaukee for lunch and gives you a full afternoon to explore before heading back, again avoiding the worst of the evening rush.

A great plan is to leave the Chicago area by 8:00 to get ahead of traffic and crowds. The drive via I-80 West will take about two hours. On popular weekends, especially in the autumn, the main car parks can fill up by mid-morning. Aim for the visitor centre car park first, but be prepared to use designated overflow lots, which may require a short walk to the trailheads.

For a simple and beautiful autumn drive, head north from the city along Sheridan Road. This route winds through picturesque North Shore suburbs like Evanston, Winnetka, and Lake Forest, offering lovely views of Lake Michigan and stunning tree-lined streets. Another excellent and easy-to-navigate option is a trip to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, which is conveniently located off I-88 and showcases a world-class collection of trees.

To have the best experience at Indiana Dunes, timing is crucial, especially on summer weekends. Plan to leave Chicago no later than 8:00 to beat the heavy traffic that builds on I-90 East. Arriving early not only provides a much more pleasant drive but also dramatically increases your chances of securing a convenient parking space near the most popular beach access points, which often fill to capacity.

The best strategy for a trip to Six Flags is to arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before the park officially opens. This allows you to get a parking space closer to the main entrance and get through security before the biggest crowds arrive. The park has a massive, well-organised car park right off I-94 in Gurnee, and attendants will direct you to an available space, making the process very simple.

To avoid the infamous post-event gridlock at Soldier Field, consider parking in a garage slightly farther away and walking the last portion of the trip. The Millennium Park or Grant Park North garages are excellent options, offering a pleasant walk through the Museum Campus to the stadium. While the lots adjacent to the stadium are convenient for arrival, they can take an exceptionally long time to exit after an event.

Driving directly to Wrigley Field on a game day isn’t recommended due to numerous street closures and extreme congestion. A much less stressful approach is to use a parking reservation app to book a space in a commercial car park in a nearby neighbourhood like Lakeview. Many of these services offer shuttle buses to the game, or you can enjoy a 15–20 minute walk to the ballpark, soaking up the pre-game atmosphere.

When driving a larger vehicle like an SUV, it’s important to be mindful of the tighter spaces in some of Chicago's older parking garages. Always look for posted height clearance signs at the entrance before you commit to entering. When navigating narrow ramps, take your time, make wider turns than you normally would, and don’t hesitate to go slowly to ensure you have enough clearance on all sides.

For travellers with a hire car, staying in a neighbourhood just outside the immediate downtown core, such as Lincoln Park or the West Loop, is often a great choice. These areas typically offer more accessible on-street parking and cheaper garage options compared with the Loop or River North. They also provide convenient access to the expressways, making it easy to drive to the Museum Campus, suburbs, or other attractions.

The most effective strategy for a downtown discovery day is to park your car once in a central location and explore on foot or with public transport. A garage like the Millennium Park Garage is an ideal choice, as it’s centrally located and within easy walking distance of the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile. From there, you can enjoy a scenic walk or a short bus ride down to the Museum Campus, saving you the time and expense of parking multiple times.

When travelling north on I-90 from O'Hare, the cities of Rockford, Illinois, and Janesville, Wisconsin, are excellent places for a break. Both are located directly off the interstate and offer a wide variety of petrol stations, restaurants, and coffee shops. The exits are well developed, making it quick and easy to get off the motorway, refuel, and get back on your way without a significant detour.

Navigating Lower Wacker Drive can be confusing, as GPS signals are often lost underground. If your navigation system directs you there, the best strategy is to pay close attention to the overhead signs for your intended exit or cross street. If you’re uncomfortable with the multi-level roads, try reviewing your route on a map beforehand and opt to stay on the upper-level streets, even if it adds a few minutes to your trip.

To reach the West Loop or Fulton Market from the north or west, your key route is the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94). As you approach the downtown area, stay in the local lanes and look for westbound exits like Randolph Street, Washington Boulevard, or Madison Street. Taking one of these exits will lead you directly into the heart of the West Loop, keeping you well away from the lakefront.

After collecting your vehicle from the hire facility, a great place for a calm set-up is the airport's cell phone lot. It’s just a minute or two away from the hire centre and provides a safe, quiet place to park for a bit. This allows you to fit car seats, organise your luggage, and get the kids settled without the pressure of being in a busy garage, ensuring a more relaxed start to your drive.

The most seamless way to do this is by using the airport's cell phone lot. After getting your hire car, drive to the nearby lot and wait there. Have your friend collect their luggage first, then call you once they are standing outside at the arrivals kerb. They can tell you their exact terminal and door number, allowing you to drive directly to them for a quick and efficient pick-up.

For a morning flight, it’s highly advisable to leave downtown Chicago at least three hours before your flight’s departure time. This buffer accounts for potentially heavy morning rush-hour traffic, the time it takes to return the car and finalise your rental agreement, and the shuttle ride back to your terminal. Having this extra time helps ensure a stress-free experience before you even get to airport security.

Dropping off passengers before returning the car is an excellent and common strategy. Simply follow the signs for "Departures" and your specific airline's terminal. You can pull up to the kerb and unload your passengers and all their luggage. After they are safely on their way, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" to the Multi-Modal Facility on your own, making the process much quicker and easier.

The area surrounding O'Hare has numerous petrol stations and convenience stores, particularly along Mannheim Road and Higgins Road. These locations are perfect for pulling over to refuel, throw away any rubbish, and reorganise your luggage before heading to the rental return. This allows you to return the vehicle in good order without feeling rushed in the official return lane.

During Chicago's warmer months, from spring through autumn, expect roadworks on the expressways leading to O'Hare. This can cause significant and unpredictable delays due to lane closures and diversions. Before you begin your drive back to the airport, it’s essential to check a real-time traffic app. This will help you anticipate any issues and adjust your departure time to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to spare.

During major city-wide events like the Chicago Marathon or Lollapalooza, expect heavy traffic and street closures, especially in the downtown area and along Lake Shore Drive. When returning your car, it’s best to rely on the main expressways like the Kennedy (I-90/94) and avoid cutting through the city. Always allow a significant amount of extra travel time, as congestion can be widespread and unpredictable.

From the North Shore suburbs, the most reliable and direct route back to O'Hare is to take I-94 East (the Edens Expressway) south to I-294 North (the Tri-State Tollway). Follow the signs on I-294 for O'Hare Airport/I-190. This all-motorway route helps you avoid city traffic and potential delays on local roads, providing a more predictable travel time to the airport.

Starting your trip from O'Hare is convenient as it provides direct access to the interstate system. The drive to Springfield and St. Louis is primarily on I-55 South, a straightforward route. To make the journey feel more manageable, plan a break in a city like Bloomington-Normal, which is roughly the halfway point. This splits the 3-to-5-hour drive into smaller segments and offers plenty of options for food and fuel.

The most direct driving route to McCormick Place is via I-55 (the Stevenson Expressway), which has dedicated exits for the convention centre. This allows you to avoid navigating the more congested downtown streets. McCormick Place has three large, main car parks (A, B, and C) that offer ample space and are clearly signposted from the expressway, providing the most convenient access to the convention halls.

A frequent mistake visitors make is underestimating the pace of traffic on the expressways, where confident merging is key. Another common issue is failing to notice restrictions on turning during certain hours or inadvertently driving in a bus or cycle lane. The best way to plan ahead is to rely on your GPS, stay alert for posted signs, and always avoid stopping in an intersection, a local rule known as "don't block the box".