National Car Hire
Illinois

Whether you arrive at a domestic terminal (1, 2, or 3) or international Terminal 5, all car hire pick-ups at O'Hare take place at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). After collecting your luggage, follow airport signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation". This will take you to the designated shuttle bus pick-up area outside the baggage claim level of your terminal. These complimentary shuttles run continuously, taking passengers to the central car hire centre where the National counter and vehicles are located.

The process from Terminal 5 is designed to be straightforward, even with luggage. Once you clear customs and collect your checked bags, exit into the arrivals hall and look for overhead signs directing you to "Rental Cars". These will guide you to the kerb outside, where you’ll find the dedicated shuttle bus stop for the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). The buses can accommodate luggage, making it a simple one-seat ride to the car hire centre where you’ll find the National service area.

A good strategy for gathering your group is to meet at the baggage claim carousel assigned to your flight. It’s a natural stopping point for everyone and helps ensure no one heads to the car hire shuttles alone. Once everyone has their luggage and is accounted for, you can move together towards the shuttle bus stop. If your group is arriving on different flights, choosing a specific baggage claim carousel number in one of the terminals, or meeting near a well-known landmark such as an airline check-in desk, can work as an effective central meeting point.

When returning a hire car before a flight, it’s wise to build in a generous time buffer, especially for busy morning departures. Factor in your drive time to the airport, which can be affected by rush-hour traffic. Then allow around 15–20 minutes for the return process itself and another 15 minutes for the shuttle ride from the rental facility back to your terminal. From there, you still need the standard amount of time your airline recommends for check-in and security. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 45 minutes to your usual airport arrival time to accommodate the return process comfortably.

The process is streamlined and consistent for all major airlines at O'Hare. After you drop off your vehicle at the National return area in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), simply follow signs for the Airport Transit System (ATS), also known as the people mover. This train system connects the car hire centre directly to all terminals. The ATS has clear announcements and maps showing the stops for each airline’s primary terminal, making it easy to get off at the correct point for your departure.

To minimise the chances of motion sickness, the best approach is to stay on the motorways for as long as possible, as they provide a smoother ride than city streets. When heading from O'Hare towards downtown or most neighbourhoods, I-190 East to I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway) is the most direct route. Try to avoid peak rush-hour times, typically 7–9am and 4–6pm on weekdays. Using a navigation app with real-time traffic can also help you identify and bypass unexpected slowdowns or heavy congestion.

A great option for a quick, low-stress stop is one of the small shopping plazas or parks in nearby suburbs such as Rosemont or Park Ridge, just a few minutes’ drive from the car hire facility. For example, you could navigate to a coffee shop or a large supermarket car park. These locations offer plenty of space to pull over safely, adjust mirrors and seating, enter your hotel address into the GPS without pressure, and let passengers get settled. This avoids the immediate stress of merging onto a busy motorway while still disoriented.

GPS issues can sometimes occur around large airport structures or within the multi-level car hire facility. The best preventative step is to load your destination into your navigation app while you’re still in the car park and have a stable connection. If the signal becomes unreliable as you start driving, focus on following the large, clear overhead signs for the main routes such as I-190 East, which leads to I-90 and I-294. Driving for a minute or two away from the airport complex will almost always allow your GPS to regain a strong, stable signal.

For a smooth departure from O'Hare, follow the main signage for I-190 East. This is the primary road out of the airport and connects to the other major routes. To reach downtown Chicago, stay on I-190 East, which merges directly into I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway). Pay close attention to the overhead signs immediately after leaving the car hire facility, as there are early splits for I-294 (Tri-State Tollway). Having your GPS set up and using lane guidance can be very helpful to confirm you’re in the correct lane for the I-90 East merge.

For a less stressful drive to River North, take I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway) and exit at Ohio Street (Exit 50B). This exit is designed to feed traffic directly into the River North area from the expressway. It’s a long, dedicated ramp that puts you onto a one-way eastbound street, avoiding many of the complex underground interchanges and sharp turns common with other downtown exits. From Ohio Street, it’s a relatively straightforward grid-based drive to most hotels in the neighbourhood.

The most straightforward route from O'Hare to the West Loop or Fulton Market is to take I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway) towards the city. Rather than using the more complex downtown exits, continue on I-90 and look for the Randolph Street or Madison Street exits. These provide more direct access to the heart of the West Loop. This approach helps you bypass the most congested parts of the Loop and the confusing Ohio/Ontario ramp system, making the final few blocks simpler.

To reach Hyde Park, take I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway) through downtown. The expressway eventually curves south and becomes the Dan Ryan Expressway (still I-90/94). Continue south, then take the exit for I-55 North towards Lake Shore Drive. From I-55, you’ll quickly exit onto the southbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive (US-41 South). This scenic route provides views of the skyline and has well-marked exits for Hyde Park, such as 53rd Street or 57th Street, leading you to the museum and university.

Driving to Wrigleyville from O'Hare on a game day can be very challenging due to heavy traffic and extensive street closures. The area around the ballpark, especially the intersection of Clark and Addison, becomes extremely congested with vehicles and pedestrians several hours before the game. If you must drive, take I-90 East and exit at Addison Street, but expect significant delays as you get closer. A better option can be to park in a nearby neighbourhood such as Lakeview or Roscoe Village and then walk or take a short bus ride the rest of the way.

Many streets in Lincoln Park are narrow and can be busy, so having a plan for unloading is important. Before you arrive, check your accommodation’s location on a satellite map to identify any potential loading zones or alley access. When you get there, have one person stay with the car while others quickly take the luggage inside. Pull over as far as possible, use your hazard lights, and be prepared to move if needed. If there isn’t a suitable spot directly outside, briefly double-parking for a few minutes is often tolerated if you’re actively unloading, but be courteous and efficient.

This can be an effective approach for visiting Chicago. Choose a hotel with dedicated parking, even if it’s outside the immediate downtown core, perhaps in neighbourhoods such as Lincoln Park, the West Loop, or River North. For days exploring the city centre, use Chicago’s extensive public transport system, including the 'L' trains and buses, which are efficient and affordable. You can leave your hire car parked at the hotel and use it only for planned trips to the suburbs, state parks, or other regional destinations, avoiding the stress and cost of driving and parking downtown.

For convenient and secure parking near the Riverwalk, consider a large underground public car park such as Millennium Park Garage or Grant Park North Garage. These facilities are centrally located, well lit, and allow you to park for several hours or the whole day without needing to feed a meter. From these garages, it’s a short walk to various access points for the Riverwalk. Using a parking app can also help you find and even pre-book a space in a nearby garage, often at a discounted rate.

Lower Wacker Drive can be disorientating for first-time drivers, largely because GPS signals are often lost underground. The most important tip is to review your final turn-by-turn directions before you descend. Pay close attention to the overhead and wall-mounted signs, which are your best guide to specific cross streets, building entrances, and car parks. Drive cautiously, stay in your lane, and avoid sudden manoeuvres. If you miss your turn, it’s safer to continue and find a place to loop back above ground rather than trying to correct course in the tunnel.

A straightforward route from O'Hare is to take I-290 East (the Eisenhower Expressway), which you can access from I-90. Exit at Damen Avenue or Ashland Avenue and head north towards the arena. To avoid the worst post-event traffic, consider parking in one of the official lots a bit farther from the main entrance, which often makes for an easier exit. Alternatively, leaving a few minutes early can make a significant difference. When departing, try to head away from downtown initially to rejoin the expressway with less congestion.

For an easy drive to Chinatown from O'Hare, take I-90/94 East (Dan Ryan Expressway) south of the Loop and exit at Cermak Road. Head east on Cermak and you’ll drive into the heart of Chinatown. The most convenient place to park is the large Chinatown Parking Corporation lot near the main gate on Wentworth Avenue. This central lot provides easy walking access to most restaurants and shops. For quick food stops, many bakeries and smaller eateries are right on Wentworth, so it’s easy to park once and explore on foot.

Navigating downtown hotel entrances requires patience and awareness. As you approach your hotel, slow down significantly and indicate early to show you intend to pull in. Be especially alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and delivery vehicles that often share the same space. Entrances are usually well marked with hotel signage for "Valet" or "Self-Park". If you’re unsure which driveway is correct, it’s acceptable to pull into the loading zone briefly with your hazard lights on and ask a member of staff for guidance.

Several major attractions are very accessible by car. The Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, has a large surface car park right next to the venues. The Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park has a dedicated underground garage with direct lift access into the museum. The Art Institute of Chicago also has several nearby public garages. For these destinations, arriving early on a weekday often helps you secure a closer space and minimise walking distance.

A visit to Oak Park is a great idea, as it’s a relatively easy drive from O'Hare. Take I-290 East (Eisenhower Expressway) and exit at Harlem Avenue or Austin Boulevard. A practical approach is to drive straight to the public parking garage at the corner of Lake Street and Forest Avenue. This central garage is a short walk from the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Unity Temple, and the surrounding historic district. Parking here lets you leave the car for several hours and explore on foot without worrying about street-parking time limits.

To make the most of a day trip to Starved Rock, timing is key. Leave the Chicago area very early, ideally before 7:00am on a weekday, to get ahead of rush-hour traffic. The drive typically involves taking I-55 South to I-80 West. For the return, aim to leave the park either before 3:00pm to beat the afternoon rush or wait until after 7:00pm when traffic has eased. This strategy helps you spend more time on the trails and less time sitting in congestion on the expressway.

The simplest and most direct route to Naperville from O'Hare avoids going through the city. From the airport, take I-294 South (the Tri-State Tollway). Continue on I-294 South to the interchange with I-88 West (the Reagan Memorial Tollway), which is a major, well-signed junction. Once on I-88 West, it’s a straight drive to Naperville with several clearly marked exits for the city, such as Naperville Road or Winfield Road. This all-tollway route is generally efficient and easy to follow.

The easiest way to approach Northerly Island is via Lake Shore Drive (US-41). From either the north or south, exit at 18th Street, which serves the Museum Campus area. The most common point of confusion is navigating the local roads on the campus itself to reach the designated concert parking. Follow event-specific signs and the directions of parking attendants carefully. Arriving early is strongly recommended, as traffic onto the peninsula can back up significantly and the closest lots fill quickly.

A good plan is to stop at a classic spot in a neighbourhood just off the expressway between O'Hare and downtown. For example, take I-90 East and exit at Harlem Avenue to visit Gene & Jude's for a classic Chicago-style hot dog; it has its own car park. Another option is to exit at Belmont or Western Avenue to find a neighbourhood pizzeria for a slice of deep-dish. These locations offer an authentic taste of the city and generally have far more manageable parking than the Loop, making for a low-stress first meal.

Chicago has an extensive network of automated speed and red-light cameras, so it’s important to watch your speed and obey all signals. Speed cameras are particularly common in designated "Safety Zones" near parks and schools. Speed limits in these zones are often lower than on surrounding streets and are strictly enforced, sometimes with only a small margin of error. Best practice is to stick to the posted limit, watch for signs indicating camera enforcement, and come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs.

GPS is helpful, but it’s important to back it up with your own observation of road signs and lane markings. Many bus-only lanes in Chicago are painted red and clearly signed with the hours they’re restricted. Pay particular attention in the Loop and on major streets such as Madison or Washington. If your navigation app tells you to use a lane that is clearly marked for buses only, follow the signs and choose an alternative legal manoeuvre.

When winter weather hits, slow down and increase your following distance significantly. Allow much more time than usual for any journey, especially your drive back to the airport for departure. Major roads and expressways around O'Hare are typically prioritised for ploughing and salting, but surfaces can still be slippery. Before setting off, check local weather and traffic reports. Make sure your hire vehicle has adequate screenwash and that you know how to operate the demisters/defrosters effectively before you begin driving.

Spring and autumn in the Chicago area can bring unpredictable weather that affects driving. Heavy rain can appear suddenly, reducing visibility and making roads slick, so be ready to slow down and switch on your headlights. These seasons can also bring dense fog, especially in the mornings around the airport and in low-lying areas. Another common surprise is strong crosswinds on open stretches of expressway, which can affect vehicle stability, so it’s sensible to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

A trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden is a great option. From O'Hare, the most direct route is to take I-294 North towards Wisconsin and exit at Lake Cook Road. Head east on Lake Cook Road and the garden entrance will be on your left. For the easiest parking, aim to arrive on a weekday morning right at opening time or shortly after. This gives you the best chance of getting a space in the main car parks close to the entrance before midday crowds arrive.

For a comfortable day trip to Galena, start early from the Chicago area, no later than 8:00am. The drive is around three hours, mainly on I-90 West to Rockford, then US-20 West. Rockford makes a good midway break for a coffee or a short walk. Spend about four to five hours exploring Galena’s historic downtown. To make the return easier before dark, plan to leave Galena by 4:00pm, especially in months with shorter daylight hours. This schedule gets you back to the Chicago suburbs before late evening.

Milwaukee is an easy day trip up I-94 West. For stress-free parking, head straight to one of the large public parking structures in the Historic Third Ward rather than searching for on-street spaces. The structure at the corner of Milwaukee and Chicago streets is centrally located and provides easy walking access to Third Ward shops and restaurants, as well as the lakefront and the Milwaukee Public Market. Using a parking app to locate and pay for your space in advance can make things even smoother.

A practical way to see the Indiana Dunes with limited time is to focus on one specific, easy-to-access area. From Chicago, drive east on I-90 (the Chicago Skyway) into Indiana. West Beach in Indiana Dunes National Park is a good choice for a short visit: it’s one of the closer beaches to the city and has a large dedicated car park. That lets you get from your car to the shoreline and trails quickly, so you can enjoy a couple of hours and still get back to Chicago without committing a full day.

The most straightforward approach to McCormick Place is via I-55 North (the Stevenson Expressway). This route has dedicated exit ramps leading directly into the convention centre’s parking garages, minimising the need to drive on congested city streets. As you approach from I-90 or I-294, follow signs for I-55 North. Once on I-55, move into the right-hand lanes and watch for large overhead signs for McCormick Place parking. These dedicated routes are much simpler than trying to navigate from Lake Shore Drive.

The most common confusion point is the final approach to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), where all hire cars are returned. As you follow I-190 towards the airport, you need to be in the far-right lanes and watch carefully for the "Rental Car Return" signs, which appear well before the main terminal exits. Drivers sometimes stay in the main lanes for the terminals out of habit and miss the dedicated exit ramp. To avoid this, set your GPS to the specific return address and pay close attention to signs as soon as you reach airport property.

For a smooth drop-off at Terminal 5, drive first to the upper-level Departures roadway. Pull in at the kerb, unload your passengers and all luggage, then return the car on your own. After dropping everyone off, follow airport signs for "Rental Car Return" to the Multi-Modal Facility. This prevents the rest of your party from having to manage luggage on the shuttle from the car hire centre and lets them go straight to check-in while you handle the return.

Before you leave the vehicle for the last time, do a thorough check of all compartments. Look in the glove box, centre console, and door pockets for items such as sunglasses, documents, or charging cables. Don’t forget to check under the seats and in any seat-back pockets. It’s also worth checking the boot one final time after removing your luggage to ensure no small bags or loose items are left behind. Taking an extra minute can save the hassle of discovering something missing once you’re already at the terminal.

The best place to wait is the airport’s Cell Phone Lot. This free parking area is designed for exactly this purpose and is only a few minutes’ drive from all terminals. You can park and wait in your car until your family has collected their luggage and calls to say they’re ready at the kerb. Once you get the call, drive directly to their arrivals terminal to collect them without repeatedly circling the airport roads.

This is an efficient travel plan. After picking up your car at O'Hare, head east into Chicago for your overnight stay. The next day, when you’re ready to leave for Milwaukee or Madison, you can access I-90/94 West easily from most central Chicago neighbourhoods. This expressway takes you north-west out of the city. For Milwaukee, stay on I-94 West; for Madison, continue on I-90 West. This avoids the need to drive back towards O'Hare and creates a smooth, linear route to your next destination.