Hertz Car Rental
Illinois

At Chicago O'Hare, all rental car companies, including Hertz, are conveniently located in one central hub called the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). Regardless of which terminal your flight arrives at—be it 1, 2, 3, or 5—you will not find rental counters in the baggage claim area. Instead, you'll need to follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Airport Transit System." A free shuttle bus or the airport train will then take you on a short ride directly to the MMF, where the Hertz counter and vehicles are situated.

Navigating from Terminal 5 to the rental car facility is a straightforward process designed for international travelers. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars / Parking Lot F." These signs will guide you outside to the lower-level curb, where you will find the designated pickup area for the free rental car shuttle bus. This shuttle runs 24/7 and will take you directly to the Multi-Modal Facility, ensuring you arrive at the Hertz counter without any complex navigation.

Arriving late at O'Hare is generally a smooth experience for renters, as the airport is designed for 24/7 operations. The shuttle buses that connect all terminals to the Multi-Modal Facility run continuously throughout the night. The pickup areas are well-lit and clearly marked with signage for "Rental Cars," making them easy to find even after a long flight. The rental facility itself is also brightly lit and staffed, ensuring a secure and clear process for picking up your vehicle at any hour.

A practical plan is to have everyone meet directly at the Hertz counter inside the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). After each person lands and collects their luggage from their respective terminal's baggage claim, they can independently take the airport shuttle to the MMF. This approach avoids the confusion and crowding of trying to coordinate a meeting point within a busy terminal. Meeting at the rental counter ensures the entire group is together and ready to go once the rental agreement is finalized.

Once you exit the rental car facility, a great option is to use the airport's cell phone lot, which is designed for short-term waiting and is just a minute or two away. This provides a safe and calm space to adjust mirrors, set up your navigation, and secure luggage without the pressure of moving traffic. Alternatively, there are several gas stations and coffee shops along Mannheim Road just south of the airport entrance. Pulling into one of their parking lots offers a quick and convenient spot to get organized before merging onto I-190.

If your navigation fails, the key is to look for signs directing you to I-190 East. This is the main interstate that leads directly away from the airport and toward the city of Chicago. Following the signs for I-190 East will put you on the right path, and from there it will merge with I-90 East (the Kennedy Expressway), which is the primary artery into downtown. As long as you see signs for "Chicago" or "I-190 E," you are heading in the correct direction.

The most direct and well-marked route into downtown is to take I-190 East from the airport, which merges into I-90 East, also known as the Kennedy Expressway. While this highway can be busy, it avoids complex surface streets for the majority of the journey. To make the drive less stressful, try to plan your arrival to avoid peak rush hour traffic, typically between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM on weekdays. Once you are closer to downtown, your GPS will guide you to the specific exit for your destination in The Loop or nearby neighborhoods.

The initial part of the drive from O'Hare is identical for all three destinations, as you will take I-90 East (Kennedy Expressway) toward the city. The main difference lies in the final few miles and the exit you take. Exits for River North and Streeterville, such as Ohio Street, appear slightly before the exits for The Loop. These areas can sometimes feel a bit less congested upon exiting the highway compared to the dense grid of one-way streets and multi-level roads you'll immediately encounter when exiting directly into The Loop.

Yes, reaching hotels in Rosemont or Schiller Park is exceptionally easy and avoids major highway interchanges. These suburbs are located immediately adjacent to O'Hare airport property. From the rental car facility, you will primarily use well-marked local thoroughfares like Mannheim Road or River Road. The drive to most area hotels is typically less than ten minutes and involves simple, straightforward turns, making it a very low-stress start to your trip.

Planning a trip to the suburbs from O'Hare involves getting onto the correct beltway to bypass downtown Chicago. For western suburbs like Naperville, you'll want to follow signs for I-294 South. For northwestern suburbs like Schaumburg, you will take I-190 West for a short distance to connect with I-90 West. Using these routes is far more efficient than driving toward the city and then back out, saving you considerable time and traffic-related stress.

First-time visitors are often surprised by the speed and assertiveness of local drivers, especially when merging onto the Kennedy Expressway (I-90). Once downtown, the multi-level streets, such as Upper and Lower Wacker Drive, can be very confusing if you're not prepared for them. Additionally, the city has many one-way streets and intersections where turning on red is prohibited, so it's crucial to pay close attention to signage. Finally, be aware of the reversible express lanes on I-90, which change direction for rush hour.

The Kennedy Expressway (I-90) between O'Hare and downtown features reversible express lanes to manage rush hour traffic. It is critical to watch the large overhead electronic signs, which display a green arrow or a red 'X' to indicate if the lanes are open or closed for your direction of travel. These lanes are typically open for inbound traffic (toward the city) in the morning and outbound traffic (toward the airport) in the afternoon. Entering them when they are closed to your direction is extremely dangerous, so always verify the signs before merging.

During rush hour, the most chaotic part of the drive is typically the merge from I-190 onto the Kennedy Expressway (I-90), where traffic from the airport must integrate with an already packed highway. As you get closer to the city, the section known as the 'Kennedy/Dan Ryan split' near downtown becomes another major bottleneck with heavy congestion and frequent lane changes. The final exits into The Loop or River North can also feel hectic due to the dense city traffic and complex intersections.

For a convenient stop shortly after leaving the airport, consider pulling off in the nearby suburb of Rosemont. The area around the intersection of River Road and Higgins Road offers numerous options, including coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations. This allows you to take a brief break, grab a drink, and confirm your navigation before you merge onto the Kennedy Expressway for the drive into downtown Chicago. It's a low-stress way to pause and prepare for the busier part of your journey.

The best strategy is to contact your hotel ahead of time to ask about their specific loading and unloading procedures. Most downtown hotels have a designated, short-term pull-in area or valet service right at the entrance. Plan to have one person from your party stay with the vehicle while others quickly move the luggage inside. This avoids the need to circle the block and prevents you from obstructing traffic on busy one-way streets.

The most effective 'park once' strategy involves pre-booking a spot in a secure public parking garage for the duration of your stay. Using a parking app or website allows you to compare locations and rates in areas like The Loop, River North, or Millennium Park. Once you've parked the car, you can rely on Chicago's excellent public transportation system (the 'L' train and buses) or ride-sharing services to explore the city. This approach is often more convenient and cost-effective than trying to find street parking at each destination.

Driving to major attractions like Navy Pier and Millennium Park is entirely realistic, but the key to a smooth experience is planning your parking in advance. Both destinations have dedicated parking garages, and it's highly recommended to check their capacity or even pre-book a spot online, especially on weekends or during events. Arriving early in the day can also help you secure a spot more easily. Once parked, these areas are very walkable, so you can leave the car and enjoy the sights on foot.

On a non-game day, driving to Wrigley Field is quite manageable. The most common route is to take I-90 East from O'Hare and exit at Addison Street, heading east for a couple of miles. Without the game-day crowds, you'll find that traffic in the Wrigleyville neighborhood is much lighter. Street parking is often available, though you should still pay close attention to any posted restrictions. This allows for a relaxed visit to see the historic ballpark and surrounding area.

On a game day, the best plan is to avoid driving directly to the stadium at all costs. Traffic becomes extremely congested for miles around Wrigley Field or Soldier Field, and parking is scarce and expensive. A much better strategy is to use a remote parking service offered by the teams or park at a CTA 'L' train station in a nearby neighborhood or suburb. From there, you can take the train directly to the game, saving you significant time and frustration.

For a direct route to McCormick Place that largely bypasses the most congested downtown areas, take I-190 East from the airport to I-90 East. Continue on I-90/94 and then follow the signs to merge onto I-55 North (the Stevenson Expressway). McCormick Place has its own dedicated exit off I-55, making it a very straightforward drive. This route is the preferred path for convention traffic and is well-signed, helping you avoid the complexities of navigating through The Loop.

The Museum Campus, home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, is a great first stop. You can reach it by taking Lake Shore Drive, which offers beautiful skyline views and has large, dedicated parking lots that are easy to access. Another excellent option is the Lincoln Park Zoo; taking I-90 to the Fullerton Avenue exit provides a relatively direct route. Arriving at either location early in the morning on a weekday will help ensure a less crowded and more relaxed parking experience.

When traveling with someone who has limited mobility, it's wise to call your destinations and hotel ahead of time to inquire about their specific accessible drop-off zones. Most major attractions and hotels have designated areas for this purpose. For parking, nearly all downtown public garages offer accessible parking spots, which are typically located near the elevators. Using a parking app can help you identify these garages in advance so you can plan your route directly to the entrance.

When driving in Chicago during the winter, always allow for extra travel time. Be particularly cautious on elevated surfaces like bridges, overpasses, and highway ramps, as they can freeze before other road surfaces and become slick. Lake Shore Drive can be hazardous during snow or ice storms due to blowing snow and spray from the lake, which can reduce visibility and create icy patches. Drive at a reduced speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers to ensure a safe journey.

Chicago's weather can shift quickly, so it's smart to check the forecast before you start driving. During heavy rain, visibility on the expressways can decrease significantly, so reduce your speed and turn on your headlights. Be aware that some lower-level streets, like Lower Wacker Drive, are prone to flooding during intense downpours and should be avoided. If a sudden storm hits, the safest option is to find a safe place to pull over, like a rest stop or gas station, until the worst of it passes.

The most efficient and direct route to Wisconsin from O'Hare is to bypass Chicago's city traffic entirely. From the airport, follow the signs for I-190 and then quickly merge onto I-294 North (the Tri-State Tollway). This major tollway will take you directly north toward the Wisconsin border, where it seamlessly connects with I-94 West. This route is specifically designed for through-traffic and is the standard path for traveling between O'Hare and destinations like Milwaukee.

For a simple day trip, take I-294 North from O'Hare to I-94 West, which leads you directly into Milwaukee. To avoid complex navigation upon arrival, set your GPS for a large, central parking structure, such as one near the Historic Third Ward or the lakefront. Parking there for the day allows you to explore Milwaukee's most popular areas on foot or by using the city's streetcar, The Hop. This 'park once' strategy makes for a much more relaxing and enjoyable visit.

To get to Starved Rock State Park, you'll typically take I-294 South to I-55 South, and then follow signs for I-80 West. The most important part of your plan should be an early start, especially if you're going on a weekend or during the fall color season. The park's parking lots often reach full capacity by mid-morning, leading to temporary closures. Arriving early ensures you get a spot and can enjoy the trails before they become too crowded.

The key to a smooth drive to Champaign-Urbana is to avoid leaving the O'Hare area during peak rush hours. Plan to begin your drive mid-morning, between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, or after the evening rush has subsided, around 7:00 PM. The route itself is straightforward—you'll take I-294 South to I-57 South. By timing your departure strategically, you can bypass the worst of the Chicago-area congestion and enjoy a much more consistent and pleasant drive south.

The most efficient route from O'Hare to the Indiana Dunes National Park is to use the tollway system to bypass the city center. From the airport, take I-294 South, which circles around the western and southern suburbs of Chicago. This will connect you to I-80/I-94 East, which takes you directly into Indiana and toward the park's main entrances. This route is significantly faster and less stressful than attempting to drive through downtown Chicago traffic.

The least stressful way to begin your drive to St. Louis is to use the suburban tollway system to avoid downtown congestion. From O'Hare, take I-294 South, which is a beltway that bypasses the city. You will then connect directly with I-55 South, the main interstate that runs all the way to St. Louis. This well-signed route is designed for long-distance travel and is the most efficient way to exit the Chicago metropolitan area.

Most toll plazas in the Chicago area are now electronic and do not accept cash, so it's important to be prepared. Rental vehicles are generally equipped with a tolling transponder that automatically registers the tolls as you drive through. You should look for and use the lanes marked for I-PASS or E-ZPass, as your rental car's device will work there. The process is seamless, and you can discuss the specific rental company's tolling program when you pick up your vehicle at the counter.

While it is possible to avoid tolls, it often results in a significantly longer and more complicated drive using local roads. The simplest strategy is to use a GPS navigation app on your phone and select the "avoid tolls" option in the settings. Be aware that for many key routes, such as getting from O'Hare to the suburbs or neighboring states, the tollways are the most direct and efficient paths. Avoiding them can add substantial time to your journey.

A smart timing plan for a day trip is to travel during off-peak hours. Aim to drive into the city after the morning rush, arriving downtown after 9:30 AM. For your return trip, plan to leave downtown either before the evening rush begins, around 3:00 PM, or wait until after it subsides, typically after 7:00 PM. This schedule allows you to miss the heaviest congestion in both directions, making for a much more pleasant and predictable driving experience.

Downtown Chicago, especially The Loop, operates on a dense grid of one-way streets, so relying on a good GPS is essential. Pay very close attention to street signs, as many intersections have specific turn restrictions, particularly during rush hours. A common rule that catches visitors is the prevalence of "No Turn on Red" signs throughout the central business district. Always look for these signs before making a right turn at a red light to avoid a ticket.

For convenient refueling, there are several gas stations located along Mannheim Road, just south of the main airport entrance. Another excellent option is the cluster of stations on Higgins Road, just east of the airport. Both of these areas are easily accessible from the main roads leading to O'Hare and allow you to refuel and then proceed directly to the rental car return entrance. This avoids the complex and often congested inner airport roadways.

The smoothest sequence is to handle passenger drop-off before returning the vehicle. As you approach the airport on I-190, follow the signs for "Departures" and your specific airline's terminal. Pull up to the curb, unload your passengers and their luggage, and then get back on the main airport roadway. From there, simply follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you to the Multi-Modal Facility in a separate, dedicated loop.

For a morning flight during peak rush hour, typically from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM, it's wise to add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to your planned travel time to the airport. This buffer accounts for potential delays on the expressways leading to O'Hare. The return process itself is usually quick, but building in extra time for traffic ensures you won't be rushed getting from the rental facility to your terminal via the airport transit system.

Finding the entrance is straightforward as it is extremely well-signed. As you drive toward O'Hare on the main access highway, I-190, you will see large overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return." Make sure to stay in the middle or left lanes as you get closer to the terminals. These signs will direct you into a dedicated roadway that leads directly to the entrance of the Multi-Modal Facility, where all rental companies are located.

The process is simple and consistent regardless of your departure terminal. After you drop off your vehicle at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), you will take an escalator or elevator up to the Airport Transit System (ATS) station. This free, automated train connects the MMF to all of O'Hare's terminals, including 1, 2, 3, and the international Terminal 5. The trains run frequently, and the ride to any terminal is just a few minutes long.

Staying in the suburbs immediately surrounding the airport, such as Rosemont, Schiller Park, or Des Plaines, makes the return process incredibly simple. Hotels in these areas are just a short, 5-to-10-minute drive from the rental car return facility via local roads like Mannheim Road or Higgins Road. This allows you to avoid expressway traffic entirely on the morning of your flight, leading to a predictable and low-stress final leg of your journey.