Cruising the Jane Addams (I‑90) or the Tri‑State (I‑294) is the fastest way around Chicagoland—but both include cashless tolls. If you’re picking up at O’Hare, the car rental center puts you minutes from these expressways, so it pays to know how your charges work before you merge.
Short answer: You don’t need to bring your own transponder. Most providers support automatic plate billing on Illinois Tollway roads. Tolls are matched to your license plate after you drive, then billed to your payment card—often with a small admin fee according to provider terms. Some partners also offer optional devices for frequent travelers.
When an I‑PASS helps. If you plan multiple round‑trips on I‑294 or long runs on I‑90 toward Rockford, a provider‑issued device can simplify statements. If you’re here for a single weekend, plate billing is generally the easiest. At the counter, teams at the Budget desk at ORD or similar partners can explain available options.
Cross‑state trips. Neighboring states use their own systems; parts of I‑80/I‑90 east of Illinois have different operators and rules. Your provider’s agreement covers how those tolls are processed. Always keep your contract email handy so charges are easy to reconcile later.
Pro tips to keep costs down. Plan your route in advance to minimize backtracking through gantries, combine errands into one loop, and consider non‑tolled alternatives when traffic is light. If you’re a frequent visitor, ask whether a weekly cap or pass is available.
UK and Ireland travelers can switch to our car hire view to compare vehicles and insurance in pounds while keeping identical pickup locations.
Illinois toll FAQ for visitors
- Do I need to pay at a booth? No—gantries read plates and devices; payments settle later.
- Can I avoid admin fees? Some providers offer device plans that bundle fees; check your agreement.
- How fast are charges posted? It varies by operator; expect a short delay after your trip.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals includes All‑Inclusive+ coverage on eligible plans, maximum liability protection on selected itineraries, and cashback on tolls that helps offset expressway costs. Free Cancellation up to 48 hours adds flexibility.
Bottom line: You can drive Illinois Tollway routes without bringing a device; plate billing works for most visits. If you’ll cross gantries all weekend, a provider device can tidy up the bill. Book with Hola Car Rentals and enjoy a smoother run around Chicago.
Need help at pickup? Teams at the National counter at ORD and the Dollar desk at O’Hare can point you to the best lanes for your route.
Route planning examples. For a weekend based in River North with a day trip to Schaumburg and back, I‑90 is usually fastest. If you’re skirting the western suburbs, I‑294 can be worth the tolls to avoid surface lights. Early mornings and late evenings are quieter on both corridors.
Receipts and records. Keep a photo of your license plate and your rental agreement on your phone. When toll statements arrive, you can quickly verify dates and times against your itinerary. If your employer reimburses travel, PDFs are easy to forward from the provider portal.
Driving style still matters. Cashless gantries don’t change safety rules: maintain safe following distances, don’t brake abruptly at sensors, and respect variable speed limits in active work zones.
What about rental EVs?
Electric vehicles use the same gantries and billing as gasoline cars. Factor charging stops into your plan—many stations are just off I‑90 and I‑294. Leave a few extra minutes before return so you can top up if your agreement requires it.
Traveling beyond Illinois? Each state and toll authority has its own timetable for posting transactions. Expect separate line items for out‑of‑state segments, which may appear after your trip ends. Your provider handles the matching so you don’t have to chase receipts from multiple agencies.
