Avis Car Hire
in Illinois

The Avis counter at O'Hare is located in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), a central hub for all car hire companies. If you arrive at Terminals 1, 2, or 3, simply follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS) train for a short ride straight to the MMF. If you arrive at Terminal 5 (the international terminal), follow signs for rental car shuttles and take the designated bus that takes you directly to the same facility.

After clearing customs and collecting your luggage in Terminal 5, look for the overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars / Parking Lot F". These signs will take you outside to a designated shuttle bus stop. A complimentary bus runs frequently and will take you on a short trip directly to the Multi-Modal Facility. Once inside, you’ll find the Avis counter in the main hall, and the cars are located in the adjacent car park.

The most practical meeting point is the Avis counter inside the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). Each member of your group can make their own way there from their terminal via the Airport Transit System (ATS) train or the Terminal 5 shuttle bus. This lets everyone gather in a comfortable, climate-controlled space before the main driver finalises the rental and you all head to the car together.

During peak afternoon periods, it’s sensible to allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes from when your plane lands to when you drive away. This estimate covers deplaning, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for your bags, and taking the shuttle/train to the rental facility. The final step, the pick-up process at the counter, can vary with customer volume, but this timeframe provides a realistic buffer for a busy travel day.

The least stressful option is to use a luggage trolley, available at any baggage reclaim area. From domestic Terminals 1, 2, or 3, you can wheel the trolley straight onto the Airport Transit System (ATS) train. The train provides a smooth, level ride to the Multi-Modal Facility, where you can easily wheel your luggage right up to the Avis counter area without stairs or awkward transfers.

After clearing customs, the process is quite streamlined for international visitors. You’ll exit the secure area and follow prominent signs for the rental car shuttle bus. This bus provides a direct connection to the Multi-Modal Facility, so you don’t need to navigate the airport train system immediately after a long flight. Once at the facility, all rental counters, including Avis, are conveniently located in one central hall.

For first-time drivers, the most direct route is to follow signs for I-190 East out of the airport. This short expressway quickly merges into I-90 East, also known as the Kennedy Expressway, which leads straight towards central Chicago. While it’s often busy, it has clear overhead signage for major central exits like Ohio Street or Washington Boulevard, making navigation relatively straightforward.

To avoid some of the Kennedy Expressway’s more complex interchanges, a slightly calmer alternative is taking I-190 East to I-294 South for a very short distance, then exiting on to I-290 East (the Eisenhower Expressway). The Eisenhower approaches the Loop from the west and can sometimes feel less chaotic than the Kennedy’s merges closer to the city centre. This route offers a more gradual, predictable approach into downtown.

The most practical plan is to drive straight to your hotel’s address and use their designated valet or loading zone. Before you arrive, it helps to call the hotel and ask which street is best to approach from, as many are one-way. Keep your luggage organised for a quick unload, and be ready to hand the keys to the valet promptly to avoid holding up heavy city traffic.

A very simple and effective route is to take I-90 East and use the Ohio Street exit (Exit 50B). This places you directly on to a major eastbound one-way street that runs through the heart of River North, just south of the Magnificent Mile. This approach helps you bypass the most confusing parts of the Loop’s grid and provides straightforward access to Michigan Avenue.

Getting to Rosemont from O'Hare is exceptionally easy, as it’s the neighbouring suburb. From the rental facility, take I-190 East as if heading to Chicago, then immediately take the first exit for Mannheim Road South. The entertainment district, convention centre, and hotels are just a few minutes down this road. Expect concentrated traffic right around the venues, especially in the evenings or during large events.

Chicago’s multi-level streets, such as Lower Wacker Drive, can be disorienting for newcomers. Trust your sat nav, but also pay close attention to overhead signs specifying "Upper" or "Lower" levels. Bear in mind that lower levels often have fewer exits and are sometimes used for deliveries, so it’s best to stay in the main travel lanes. Knowing in advance whether your destination is on an upper or lower level is key to avoiding confusion.

To avoid city traffic, head south or west from the airport rather than east. The nearby suburbs of Rosemont and Des Plaines have plenty of grocery shops and retail centres with easy in-and-out car parks. Taking Mannheim Road south from the airport area for just a few miles will bring you to several convenient options for stocking up before you continue to your final destination.

Driving to Wrigleyville on a game day is extremely difficult and not recommended for visitors. Expect major road closures for several blocks around the stadium, strict residential permit-only parking enforcement, and intense pedestrian traffic. A much better plan is to park your rental at a CTA 'L' station, such as Rosemont near the airport, and take the train. If you must drive, use a parking app to pre-book a space well away from the ballpark.

The most convenient and workable plan is to park in the Millennium Park Garage, which sits directly underneath the park. You can access the garage entrances from Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive. Using this dedicated garage removes the stress of searching for street parking or navigating unfamiliar side streets. It provides direct, sheltered access to the park’s main attractions, including Cloud Gate (The Bean).

The most direct approach to Navy Pier is via Lake Shore Drive, exiting at Grand Avenue and heading east. Be prepared for the final stretch along Grand Avenue to be a significant bottleneck, especially at weekends, as it funnels all traffic into the pier’s two parking garages. To reduce frustration, try to arrive early in the day or consider parking in a public garage in nearby Streeterville and enjoying a short walk to the pier.

The simplest strategy is to aim for the Soldier Field North Garage, the main parking facility for the entire Museum Campus. Follow the clear signs from Lake Shore Drive for the "Museum Campus" exit, which will guide you towards the parking areas. Traffic can be heavy, particularly on summer weekends, so arriving before 10 a.m. is strongly recommended to secure a space without lots of circling.

Driving in Chinatown on a weekend evening is quite manageable, though you should expect busy streets with heavy foot traffic. The main thoroughfares of Wentworth and Archer Avenues are lively but straightforward to navigate. For parking, the most reliable option is the large Chinatown Parking Corporation lot on Wentworth Avenue, just south of the iconic gate. It’s well-lit and centrally located, making it a low-stress choice for visitors.

The easiest way to visit the zoo by car is to take Lake Shore Drive and exit at Fullerton Parkway, heading west. The zoo has a large, dedicated car park with an entrance directly off Fullerton Parkway, which is the most convenient option for rental-car drivers. This car park can fill quickly on nice days and at weekends, so arriving close to the zoo’s opening time is the best way to guarantee a space.

From O'Hare, the most straightforward route is to take I-90/I-94 East towards downtown, then connect to I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway). Take the exit for Martin Luther King Drive and follow the prominent signs for McCormick Place. The convention centre has several large, dedicated car parks; Lot A is typically the most convenient for accessing the main North and South buildings.

When driving in Chicago, be very mindful of lanes painted solid red, which are typically bus-only lanes with restricted hours shown on nearby signs. Also watch for green-painted cycle lanes, especially when turning right; you must give way to cyclists. The most common mistake for visitors is accidentally driving in a bus lane during rush hour or failing to check for bikes before turning.

Visitors are most often caught out by speed cameras in park and school zones, where speed limits are lower and strictly enforced during specific hours. With red-light cameras, the most common issues are not coming to a full stop before turning right on red, or misjudging how long the amber lasts at a wide junction. Always watch posted speed limits, as they can change quickly.

The biggest pitfall is not reading the entire parking sign, which often includes multiple restrictions for different days and times. Watch carefully for street-cleaning schedules, rush-hour tow zones (e.g., "No Parking 4 PM - 6 PM"), and residential permit parking areas. A common error is seeing an open space and assuming it’s fine without checking for a restriction that applies later in the day.

For a smooth arrival, pull your rental car straight into the hotel’s designated valet lane or loading zone. It’s best to keep the car running and have your luggage ready for a quick unload from the boot or back seat. The valet will greet you, provide a claim ticket for the car, and offer help with your bags, allowing you to head to check-in without delay.

Winter driving in Chicago requires extra caution. Be prepared for icy patches on bridges and flyovers, even when other roads seem clear. Along Lake Shore Drive, lake-effect snow can arrive suddenly and sharply reduce visibility. Always allow much longer stopping distances and expect slower journey times on major expressways, as the city prioritises clearing these main routes first.

A compact or mid-size saloon is often the most practical all-round choice for a Chicago trip. It’s nimble enough to handle narrow city streets and fit into tighter spaces common in older downtown garages, while still offering enough room and comfort for motorway driving on day trips to surrounding areas in Illinois or neighbouring states.

A highly effective plan is to use your rental car for suburban attractions and use public transport for downtown sightseeing. Drive to a CTA 'L' station with a large Park & Ride, such as Rosemont or Cumberland on the Blue Line near O'Hare. You can leave your car there for the day and take the train straight into the Loop, avoiding the stress and cost of downtown traffic and parking.

From O'Hare, the best route is to take I-294 North, which becomes I-94 West and leads directly to Milwaukee, bypassing most of Chicago’s city traffic. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes without major delays. Common slowdown points include around the Illinois–Wisconsin border and the final approach into downtown Milwaukee, especially during weekday rush hours.

The drive from O'Hare to Starved Rock takes about two hours via I-294 South to I-55 South, then I-80 West. Both I-55 and I-80 are major interstates with plenty of standard service stops for fuel and food. The most critical factor is arrival time: on pleasant weekends, especially in autumn, the park’s car parks often fill up and may close to new entries by mid-morning. Arriving early is essential.

To avoid the worst of Chicago traffic, take I-294 South from O'Hare, which loops around the city. This merges into I-80/I-94 East, known as the Borman Expressway, taking you into Indiana. While this route adds mileage versus cutting through the city, it helps you bypass downtown congestion. Note that the Borman is very heavy with lorry traffic, so travelling outside peak commuting times is advisable.

The easiest drive from O'Hare is to take I-294 South and exit at Ogden Avenue East. The zoo is just a few miles from the exit and is well signposted. During peak periods such as summer weekends, the main car park on the north side of the zoo can fill up. However, the zoo runs large, clearly marked overflow lots to the south, so you should always be able to find a space.

Most major roads around O'Hare, such as I-294 and parts of I-90, are part of the Illinois Tollway system, which is now almost entirely cashless. Your hire vehicle is typically fitted with a transponder that automatically records tolls as you drive under overhead readers at normal speed. This means you don’t need to stop or carry cash, as the system is designed for seamless travel.

When navigating the complex interchanges around O'Hare, prioritise the large green overhead motorway signs over your sat nav’s turn-by-turn prompts. Focus on the main route number you need, such as I-190, I-294, or I-90. It’s far safer to follow primary signage for that motorway than to make a sudden, unsafe lane change for a specific exit name. If you miss your turn, continue to the next exit and let the sat nav recalculate.

The Multi-Modal Facility is well set up for families. A good approach is for one adult to wait with the children, pushchairs, and luggage in the spacious main lobby while the other completes the rental paperwork at the Avis counter. Once you have the keys, you can drive the car to a designated passenger loading zone just outside the lobby doors. This lets you fit car seats and load your gear in a safe area away from moving traffic.

For a group with lots of luggage, a minivan or large SUV is the most practical option. These vehicles provide the cargo space needed for airport transfers and day-trip gear. A minivan in particular offers excellent practicality with sliding doors, which are very helpful for loading passengers and equipment in the tight confines of a downtown hotel garage or a busy car park.

For maximum convenience, there are several petrol stations along Mannheim Road, just south of the main airport entrance. You’ll also find a cluster of familiar brands on Higgins Road, just east of the airport. These locations are ideal because they’re situated right before the turn-offs for "Rental Car Return", allowing you to refuel easily without getting pulled into the terminal departure loops.

As you approach the airport, watch carefully for the large overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return" and follow them. They will guide you on to a dedicated road that leads straight to the Multi-Modal Facility, where Avis and all other car hire companies are located. This route is deliberately separated from passenger drop-off and pick-up traffic to make returns simple and low-stress.

For a low-stress early morning, first stop at one of the 24-hour petrol stations on Mannheim Road to refuel. From there, follow the "Rental Car Return" signs to the Avis drop-off area in the Multi-Modal Facility. After leaving the car, take the lift up to the Airport Transit System (ATS) station inside the facility. The ATS runs 24/7 and will take you directly to your departure terminal.

The most efficient order is to follow signs for "Departures" and the specific terminal number for your passengers first. Drop them off with their luggage at the upper-level kerb. Once they’re on their way into the terminal, rejoin the main airport road and start following signs for "Rental Car Return". This will take you on a simple loop back to the separate Multi-Modal Facility.

If you accidentally miss the turn for Rental Car Return, don’t panic or try a sudden manoeuvre. The airport road system is designed as a continuous loop. Stay on the main airport roadway and follow signs as if you’re circling back towards the terminals. You’ll quickly see the "Rental Car Return" signs again, allowing a second, safe attempt to enter.