VERIFIED REVIEWS
About renting a car with Dollar in Chicago
Best Car Rental Deals

Chevrolet Trax | Automatic
SUVor suv similar

Kia K5 | Automatic
SEDANor sedan similar

Ford Focus | Automatic
SMALLor small similar
Traveler Tips & Price Insights
When is the best time to book a rental car in Chicago?
You should book your rental car approximately 7 days before your trip to get a below-average price.
Price Trend (Last 90 Days)
What is the most popular rental car type in Chicago?
suv rental cars (suv or similar) are the most popular option in Chicago.
Popular Car Types
Which is the cheapest car rental agency in Chicago?
In the last 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were from Dollar at 66.42/day.
Average Price by Rental Company
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Dollar in Chicago include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Chicago, including Dollar, 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 rental 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 Dollar rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Chicago.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Dollar counter in Chicago when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Dollar booking in Chicago 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 Dollar 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 Dollar counter in Chicago 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 Dollar 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)
How do I pick up my Dollar rental car at Chicago O'Hare Airport?
Your Dollar rental car at Chicago O'Hare Airport is located at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), 10255 W. Zemke Blvd. All rental brands, including Dollar, operate from this consolidated building.
To get there from your arrival terminal, follow these steps:
- After collecting your baggage, follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS) inside the terminal.
- Board the ATS train toward MMF / Rental Cars. The ATS is free and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The ride from any terminal to the MMF takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, plus a short walk inside the facility.
- Once inside the MMF, follow the Dollar signage to the counter. Vehicle pickup levels are clearly marked by brand.
Bring your booking confirmation, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, your driver's license, and any other required documents. The Dollar counter at Chicago O'Hare operates within the MMF, which is open around the clock, though counter hours may vary.
Are there toll roads I should know about when driving a Dollar rental car in Chicago?
Yes, Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have several toll roads you will likely encounter when driving your Dollar rental car.
The Illinois Tollway system includes five major routes:
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90, Chicago to Rockford): US$2.75 to US$5.50
- Illinois Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80): US$2.35 to US$4.70
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88, Chicago to Dixon): US$5.10 to US$10.20
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355): US$3.80 to US$7.60
- Chicago Skyway (I-90/I-94 to Indiana border): US$4.80 to US$47.60
Illinois uses I-Pass and E-ZPass transponders, as well as a pay-by-plate system. Most toll gantries are cashless and automatically photograph your license plate if no transponder is present.
Your Dollar rental vehicle comes equipped with an electronic toll device. At the counter, you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) or pay per use, where actual tolls plus administrative fees are billed to your card after the rental. Toll rates also vary by time of day: daytime rates apply from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight rates from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
What documents do I need to pick up a Dollar rental car in Chicago?
To pick up your Dollar rental car in Chicago, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name. If your license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States).
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Dollar counter in Chicago. If you are adding an additional driver, that person must also be present with their own valid license and ID.
Can I get a tolls cashback refund on my Dollar rental in Chicago?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Dollar rentals in Chicago, include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental.
Given that Chicago has multiple active toll roads, including the Tri-State Tollway, the Kennedy Expressway corridor, and the Chicago Skyway, this benefit can meaningfully offset your toll costs.
To claim your cashback after returning your Dollar rental in Chicago:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number (for example, HOLA1000000).
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed rental agreement from the Dollar counter, 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 the booking.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted.
How much is the security deposit for a Dollar rental car in Chicago?
When you pick up your Dollar rental car in Chicago, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card as a security deposit. For standard vehicles in the United States, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount can vary based on the vehicle class, the specific Dollar location in Chicago, and the season.
A few important things to keep in mind:
- The hold is not a charge. It temporarily reduces your available credit and is released after you return the vehicle, though your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release.
- You must present a physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit at Dollar locations in Chicago.
- Premium or specialty vehicle classes may carry a higher hold amount.
- Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
Before swiping at the Dollar counter in Chicago, ask the agent to confirm the exact authorization amount so there are no surprises.
Is there a young driver surcharge for under-25 renters at Dollar in Chicago?
Yes, Dollar applies a young driver surcharge in Chicago for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. The standard underage fee for Dollar (part of the Hertz group) is US$13.50 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes.
Additional restrictions apply to younger renters at Dollar locations in Chicago:
- Most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older. Categories such as full-size, SUV, minivan, luxury, and premium vehicles are typically unavailable to under-25 renters.
- Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are generally the available options for younger drivers.
- The minimum age to rent at Dollar in Chicago is 21. Drivers under 21 cannot rent.
Illinois does not have a state law requiring rentals to drivers under 21, unlike New York or Michigan, so the standard Dollar policy applies in Chicago. If you are 21 to 24, Budget for the daily surcharge and confirm your vehicle class eligibility before booking.
Can I pick up a Dollar car in Chicago and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are generally available with Dollar in Chicago, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location.
Here is what to expect:
- Returning to a different Dollar location within the Chicago metro area, such as from O'Hare to a downtown location like 181 W Washington St or 2828 N Clark St, may not incur a drop-off fee, but this depends on the specific route.
- Returning to a different city or state will typically trigger a one-way drop-off fee. The amount varies by destination, vehicle class, and season.
- Cross-border one-way rentals, such as from Chicago to Canada, may be restricted or carry significantly higher fees.
During the booking process, any applicable drop-off fee for your Dollar rental in Chicago will be shown under the section labeled as the amount due at destination. Review this before confirming your reservation. If the fee does not appear, no drop-off charge applies to that specific route. Changes to your return location after booking may reprice the rental and recalculate the fee.
What happens if I drive through a Chicago toll without paying in my Dollar rental?
If you drive through a cashless toll on a Chicago-area road in your Dollar rental without enrolling in a toll program, you are automatically billed through the pay-by-plate system. Cameras photograph your license plate and the toll is charged at the standard plate rate, which is slightly higher than the discounted I-Pass or E-ZPass rate.
The toll is linked to the vehicle registration and sent to Dollar. Dollar will then charge the toll amount to your credit card, along with an administrative processing fee, which can add up significantly if you use multiple toll roads during your Chicago rental.
To avoid unexpected post-rental charges on your Dollar booking:
- Ask about the unlimited toll package at the Dollar counter in Chicago. This typically costs US$11 to US$25 per day and covers all tolls incurred that day.
- If you decline the package, tolls will be billed per use plus administrative fees, and may appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle.
- Keep records of any toll roads you used during your Chicago rental in case you need to dispute a charge.
Ignoring toll bills can result in escalating penalties, so always ensure tolls are settled.
What fuel policy applies to Dollar rentals in Chicago?
Dollar rentals in Chicago follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. This means you receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
To avoid fuel charges on your Chicago Dollar rental:
- At pickup, verify the fuel gauge with the Dollar agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer.
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location before dropping off the car, whether at O'Hare or a downtown Chicago Dollar location.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address in case of any dispute.
- For after-hours returns, leave the receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone.
If you return the Dollar vehicle in Chicago with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Some Dollar counter locations in Chicago may offer a prepaid fuel option; if you accept it, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable.
Does my Dollar rental in Chicago include travel assistance coverage?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to Dollar rentals in Chicago as well. However, this benefit is available only to travelers who are not residents of the United States or Canada.
For eligible renters, the coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers.
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident, which can be particularly useful if you are involved in an incident on Chicago expressways such as the Kennedy or the Tri-State Tollway.
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
If you need assistance during your Dollar rental in Chicago, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call. This coverage does not replace CDW/LDW for damage to the Dollar vehicle itself, nor does it cover third-party liability to others.
How does Chicago's street grid affect driving a Dollar rental car?
Chicago uses a precise numbered grid system that can be disorienting if you are not familiar with it, and it directly affects how you navigate your Dollar rental car around the city.
Key things to understand before driving in Chicago:
- The grid is centered at the intersection of State and Madison streets. Addresses indicate distance and direction from this point. For example, 1200 South is approximately two miles south of Madison Street (Roosevelt Road).
- North-south streets are numbered in 800s (Halsted is 800 West, Racine is 1200 West), and east-west streets are numbered in 400s or 800s. Navigation requires some mental math if you are used to named or alphabetical street systems.
- Diagonal streets such as Lincoln Avenue, Milwaukee Avenue, and Northwest Highway cut across the grid and create complex multi-way intersections that can surprise drivers used to standard grids.
- The West Loop area has several abrupt one-way street changes that are not always intuitive, so rely on GPS navigation in your Dollar rental rather than instinct.
- The Jane Byrne Interchange, where I-90/94, I-290, and I-94 converge, is considered one of the most complex interchanges in the city and can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Using a GPS device or smartphone navigation is strongly recommended when driving your Dollar rental in Chicago.
How do I add an additional driver to my Dollar rental in Chicago?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Dollar rental in Chicago, either as part of your booking or at the counter during pickup.
For Dollar (part of the Hertz group), the additional driver fee in Chicago is US$13.50 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$189 plus taxes, unless your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
To add a driver at the Dollar counter in Chicago:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup with a valid driver's license and photo ID.
- If their license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet, they must also carry an International Driving Permit.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement.
- The additional driver must meet the same minimum age requirements. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be subject to a young driver surcharge on top of the additional driver fee.
Only drivers listed on the Dollar rental agreement in Chicago are covered by the vehicle's protections, including CDW/LDW and liability coverage. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the vehicle may void those protections.
Are there airport fees or extra taxes on Dollar rentals at Chicago O'Hare?
Yes, renting a Dollar car at Chicago O'Hare Airport typically involves additional fees and taxes beyond the base rental rate. These are standard charges applied at airport locations across the United States and are not unique to Dollar.
Common fees you may see on your Dollar rental agreement at Chicago O'Hare include:
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): a percentage-based surcharge that rental companies pass on to recover the cost of operating at the airport.
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): a flat daily fee that funds the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at O'Hare where Dollar and all other rental brands are located.
- Illinois state and local rental taxes, which can add a significant percentage to the base rate at an airport location compared to off-airport Dollar locations in Chicago such as the West Loop or Lincoln Park.
If your booking confirmation shows taxes and fees as included, you should not be billed separately for those items at the Dollar counter in Chicago. If you are charged for something not listed on your confirmation, document it carefully and contact support after your rental is complete. Hola Car Rentals' No Extra Charges© Coverage may apply to undisclosed counter charges.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Suggested Currencies
- $ USD - United States Dollar
- € EUR - Euro
Other Countries
-
Albania
-
Algeria
-
Andorra
-
Angola
-
Antigua & Barbuda
-
Argentina
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Bahamas
-
Bahrain
-
Bangladesh
-
Barbados
-
Belgium
-
Belize
-
Benin
-
Bermuda
-
Bolivia
-
Bosnia & Herzegovina
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
British Virgin Islands
-
Bulgaria
-
Burkina Faso
-
Burundi
-
Cameroon
-
Canada
-
Cape Verde
-
Cayman Islands
-
Central African Republic
-
Chad
-
Chile
-
Colombia
-
Comoros
-
Congo - Brazzaville
-
Congo - Kinshasa
-
Costa Rica
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Croatia
-
Curaçao
-
Cyprus
-
Czechia
-
Denmark
-
Djibouti
-
Dominica
-
Dominican Republic
-
Ecuador
-
Egypt
-
El Salvador
-
Equatorial Guinea
-
Eritrea
-
Estonia
-
Eswatini
-
Ethiopia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Gabon
-
Gambia
-
Germany
-
Ghana
-
Greece
-
Grenada
-
Guatemala
-
Guinea
-
Guinea-Bissau
-
Guyana
-
Haiti
-
Honduras
-
Hong Kong SAR
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
India
-
Iraq
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Jamaica
-
Japan
-
Jordan
-
Kenya
-
Kuwait
-
Latvia
-
Lebanon
-
Lesotho
-
Liberia
-
Libya
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Madagascar
-
Malawi
-
Mali
-
Malta
-
Mauritania
-
Mauritius
-
Mexico
-
Moldova
-
Monaco
-
Montenegro
-
Morocco
-
Mozambique
-
Namibia
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Nicaragua
-
Niger
-
Nigeria
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Palestinian Territories
-
Panama
-
Paraguay
-
Peru
-
Philippines
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
Romania
-
Russia
-
Rwanda
-
San Marino
-
São Tomé & Príncipe
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Senegal
-
Serbia
-
Seychelles
-
Sierra Leone
-
Singapore
-
Sint Maarten
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
Somalia
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
South Sudan
-
Spain
-
St. Lucia
-
St. Vincent & Grenadines
-
Sudan
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Togo
-
Trinidad & Tobago
-
Tunisia
-
Türkiye
-
Turks & Caicos Islands
-
Uganda
-
Ukraine
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Uruguay
-
Vatican City
-
Venezuela
-
Yemen
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe