Avis Car Rental
Chicago

After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for “Rental Cars” or “Multi-Modal Facility.” These signs will direct you to the designated shuttle bus pickup area located on the lower level roadway, just outside of baggage claim. All rental car companies, including Avis, are housed in a consolidated facility off-site. The free shuttle bus is the only way to get there, and it runs continuously to take you directly to the Avis counter.

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 share a centralized shuttle bus pickup point, making the route equally simple from any of them. Just exit baggage claim and cross the street to the designated curb. If you arrive at Terminal 5 (the international terminal), the process is similar but uses a separate, dedicated shuttle stop. Look for the rental car shuttle signs outside the lower-level arrivals door (Door 5E) to find the correct pickup location for the Multi-Modal Facility.

The Avis rental car facility is located in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), which is accessible only by a dedicated shuttle bus from the airport terminals. It is not connected by the Airport Transit System (ATS) train, and it is too far to walk. The shuttle bus is by far the easiest and only practical option, especially with luggage, as the buses have ample room for bags and drop you off directly at the MMF entrance.

Arriving late at night is generally a smooth process, as the airport is much quieter. The signs for the rental car shuttles are well-lit and easy to follow, even in the late hours. While the shuttles may run on a slightly reduced schedule, they are still frequent enough to avoid long waits. The Avis facility is open 24/7, so you can expect a fully staffed counter ready to help you get on your way without significant delays.

During peak afternoon hours, a realistic timeline from deplaning to driving away is approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This accounts for walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, catching the shuttle bus to the rental facility, and completing the rental process at the counter. To save time, having your reservation details ready can help expedite your experience once you arrive at the Avis desk.

The most practical meeting point is directly at the Avis counter inside the Multi-Modal Facility. Rather than trying to coordinate a meeting at a specific terminal's baggage claim, have each person take the rental car shuttle from their respective terminal. Everyone will arrive at the same building, making it simple to regroup at the counter before picking up your vehicle and heading out together.

First-time visitors often get confused because they expect the rental car counters to be inside the airport terminals. The key thing to know is that all rental companies are located in a separate, off-site building called the Multi-Modal Facility. The most common mistake is looking for a walking path or a train instead of realizing that you must exit the terminal and take a dedicated shuttle bus from the curb.

The easiest way to manage your gear is to use a luggage cart, which you can get in the baggage claim area. You can load all your bags, car seats, and the folded stroller onto the cart and wheel it directly to the rental car shuttle bus stop. The shuttle drivers are accustomed to helping passengers with bulky items, and the buses have designated space for luggage, making the transfer to the Avis facility manageable.

Before you travel, it's wise to confirm that your home country's driver's license is printed in English or is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). While at the airport, ensure you have your valid license and your passport readily accessible when you head to the Avis counter. Having these two key pieces of identification handy will help ensure a smooth and efficient pickup process after your long flight.

The route is very direct and well-signed. As you exit the rental car facility, follow the overhead signs for I-190 East toward Chicago. This airport access road will automatically merge onto I-90 East, also known as the Kennedy Expressway, which leads directly to downtown. Simply stay in the main flow of traffic and you will be on the correct highway without needing to make any complex turns.

Immediately after leaving the rental facility, you will need to make a lane decision quickly. The key is to follow signs for I-294 Tri-State Tollway, which will require you to move into the right-hand lanes. Out-of-town drivers sometimes get caught in the left lanes, which are dedicated to I-190 East to Chicago. Pay close attention to the large green signs to ensure you are positioned correctly for the I-294 split.

For a less intense drive, consider taking I-190 East to I-294 South toward Indiana for a few miles, then connecting to I-290 East (the Eisenhower Expressway). While this route can add a little time, the Eisenhower often has a more manageable traffic flow and fewer lanes than the Kennedy Expressway (I-90). It provides a more straightforward approach into the west side of the Loop, avoiding some of the most complex downtown interchanges.

A practical plan is to navigate directly to your hotel's entrance and use the designated loading zone, which typically allows for a brief 10-15 minute stop. Have one person from your party go inside to check in while the driver stays with the car. Once you have your room key, you can unload your luggage quickly and then proceed to a nearby parking garage, as street parking in River North is extremely scarce.

When driving in Streeterville and near the Magnificent Mile, rely heavily on a GPS app, as the area is a dense grid of one-way streets. Be prepared for heavy pedestrian traffic, frequent delivery trucks, and lanes that may suddenly become turn-only. It's best to identify your parking garage in advance and navigate directly to it rather than attempting to circle the block looking for a spot.

The simplest route is to take I-90 East (Kennedy Expressway) toward downtown and then merge onto I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway). Follow the signs for Exit 293D for McCormick Place. Visitors often get confused in the complex interchange where I-90/94 meets I-290 and I-55. The key is to stay in the lanes specifically marked for I-55 North to avoid being accidentally routed into the Loop.

Driving near Wrigley Field on a game day is extremely congested, with numerous street closures and heavy pedestrian traffic. The most practical plan is to avoid driving to the stadium itself. Instead, use a parking app to pre-book a spot at a garage several blocks away from the ballpark. Arriving at least an hour or two before the game starts is essential to navigate the area and find your reserved spot without stress.

The most convenient and stress-free option is to park in the Millennium Garages complex, which is located directly underneath the park and Grant Park. There are multiple entrances, with the one on Michigan Avenue being very easy to find. While other options exist, heading straight for this underground garage eliminates the frustration of searching for scarce and confusing street parking in one of Chicago's busiest areas.

The easiest approach is via Lake Shore Drive, exiting at Grand Avenue and heading east. Expect significant traffic, as Navy Pier is a major attraction with only a few access points. The main pinch point is on Grand Avenue itself, which can become very slow-moving, especially on weekends and summer evenings. To minimize delays, try to visit on a weekday or arrive early in the morning before the largest crowds.

Driving in Chinatown on a busy Saturday is quite manageable, as the area is relatively compact. The main thoroughfares, Wentworth and Archer Avenues, will be bustling but navigable. For parking, your best bet is the large, centrally located Chinatown Parking Corporation lot on Wentworth Avenue. It's easy to find and provides convenient access to most restaurants and shops, saving you from hunting for limited street parking.

The simplest plan is to navigate directly to the zoo's official parking lot, located on Cannon Drive with an entrance just south of Fullerton Parkway. This lot provides the most convenient access to the zoo entrance. On weekends or sunny days, it's crucial to arrive early, ideally close to opening time, as the lot fills up very quickly. If the main lot is full, there is additional street parking nearby, but it can be difficult to find.

The Loop is by far the most challenging area for drivers. The combination of the elevated 'L' train tracks creating dark, noisy underpasses, a confusing grid of one-way streets, and constant congestion from buses and delivery vehicles makes it very stressful. For a better experience, consider parking your car in a garage on the edge of the Loop and exploring the dense central business district on foot.

Be highly aware of lanes with red pavement or markings that say “BUS ONLY,” as these are strictly enforced and driving in them can lead to fines. Similarly, watch for green-painted bike lanes, especially when making turns. You must yield to cyclists and ensure you are not blocking their path. Always double-check signage before entering a lane that looks different from the standard traffic lanes.

These automated cameras are common throughout the city, and they affect visitors the same as locals. People are most often caught off guard by speed cameras in zones near parks and schools, where speed limits are strictly enforced. For red-light cameras, be sure to make a complete stop behind the white line before turning right on red, as even a rolling stop can trigger a violation.

In winter, you should be prepared for potentially slick conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. Lake-effect snow can develop quickly, causing sudden drops in visibility on major expressways like I-90. Always allow for extra travel time, increase your following distance, and drive at a speed that feels safe for the conditions, as Chicago weather can change rapidly.

A compact or mid-size sedan is an excellent choice for navigating Chicago. These vehicles are nimble enough to handle narrow city streets and fit comfortably into the tight parking spots common in downtown garages. At the same time, they provide enough space and comfort for longer drives to the suburbs, offering a great balance of maneuverability and practicality for a varied itinerary.

For bulky items like golf clubs or multiple large suitcases, an SUV or a minivan is the most convenient option. The large, open cargo areas and wide rear hatches make loading and unloading much simpler than trying to fit everything into a sedan's trunk. The higher roofline and flat load floor in these vehicles are particularly helpful when managing awkwardly shaped gear.

A great strategy is to book a hotel in a suburb near O'Hare, such as Rosemont or Schaumburg. This gives you easy access to the interstate system for day trips without having to navigate downtown traffic daily. You can use your rental car to explore places like the Chicago Botanic Garden or Ravinia Festival, and then use public transportation like the Metra train for any excursions into the city center.

To avoid the heaviest traffic, plan to leave the Chicago area after the morning rush, around 9:30 AM. The drive north on I-94 is typically smooth during the late morning and early afternoon. For your return trip, aim to leave Milwaukee either before 3:00 PM to beat the Chicago evening rush or wait until after 7:00 PM for a much clearer drive back to O'Hare.

The most reliable route to avoid unpredictable lakefront traffic is to take I-90 East from the O'Hare area and connect to the Chicago Skyway. Although this is a toll road, it is a direct, elevated highway that bypasses the surface streets and local congestion along the southern edge of the city. This route provides a much more consistent and less stressful drive to the Indiana border.

The drive is straightforward, primarily on I-80 West. Expect typical suburban congestion as you pass through the Joliet area, but traffic generally thins out significantly after that. The small towns of Morris or Ottawa, located right off I-80, are excellent places to stop for gas, food, or a quick break before you reach the final stretch to the park.

The drive from ORD to Rosemont is incredibly easy, as it's the immediate suburb next to the airport; just follow signs for River Road or the convention center. What often surprises visitors is that parking, while plentiful in large garages, can be expensive and fill up quickly during major events. If your hotel is nearby, consider walking or using a hotel shuttle to the convention center to save time and hassle.

The best route from O'Hare is to take I-294 South to I-290 East, then exit at First Avenue and follow the signs. To ensure easy parking, the most workable plan is to arrive right around the zoo's opening time, typically 10:00 AM. This allows you to get a prime spot in the main north parking lot before the midday crowds arrive, especially on a weekend or holiday.

For a very easy first-day trip, consider the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, which is just a five-minute drive from the airport and has a large, simple-to-navigate parking garage. Another great option is the Des Plaines River Trail, with multiple trailheads near O'Hare that offer free and easy parking for a relaxing walk in nature. Both options allow you to get out and explore without dealing with highway traffic.

Most highways around Chicago, like I-294 and I-90, use an electronic system called I-PASS for open-road tolling. This means you won't need to stop and pay with cash at a tollbooth. Your Avis rental car is typically equipped with a transponder that automatically records the tolls. You can simply drive through the designated I-PASS lanes, and the tolls will be handled through your rental agreement.

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

As you approach the airport, pay close attention to the large overhead signs and stay in the lanes specifically marked “Rental Car Return.” This will direct you onto a dedicated roadway that completely bypasses the hectic arrivals and departures loops for the passenger terminals. Following these specific signs will lead you straight to the entrance of the Multi-Modal Facility where Avis is located.

A safe timeline is to budget about 45 minutes for the entire car return process. This allows 15 minutes to find a gas station on Mannheim Road and refuel, 10 minutes to drive to the return facility and check in the car, and another 20 minutes for the shuttle ride back to your terminal. Add this 45-minute block to the airline's recommended airport arrival time to ensure a stress-free morning.

The most efficient order is to handle the passenger drop-off first. Follow the signs for your specific airline and use the upper-level “Departures” roadway to drop off your passenger and their luggage. After they are safely on the curb, simply continue following the airport road signs for “All Terminals,” which will loop you back around to the entrance for “Rental Car Return” without having to exit the airport.

If you accidentally miss the turn for Rental Car Return, do not panic or try to make a sudden move. The airport's road system is designed as a continuous loop. Simply stay on the main airport roadway and follow the signs as if you were circling back to the terminals. You will quickly see the signs for "Rental Car Return" appear again, allowing you to make a second, safe attempt to enter.

A perfect, low-risk stop is the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district in Rosemont, located just a few minutes east of the airport. It features a variety of restaurants and cafes with convenient and accessible parking, making it ideal for a final meal. Because it's so close to the airport, you can enjoy your stop without worrying about getting stuck in traffic on your way to return the car.