NON OFFICIAL. Visitors intending to reach the official site should visit flychicago.com
Car Rental at O'Hare Airport (ORD)
Renting a car at O'Hare gives you the freedom to explore Chicago and its surroundings at your own pace. Most major companies are located in a unified facility, but experiences can vary widely. This guide, based on real experiences, will help you choose the right company and avoid the most common issues.
Quick Questions About Car Rental at O'Hare
- What's the biggest issue? Hidden fees and unexpected cleaning charges. Companies like Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, and Budget frequently receive complaints about charges of hundreds of dollars for alleged odors or damages that appear days after return.
- Long wait times? Yes, this is a very common complaint, even with reservations. Especially at Avis and Budget, travelers report waits of over an hour due to lack of staff or available vehicles.
- Which are the most reliable? Alamo and National are praised for efficiency (especially with online check-in or Emerald Aisle) and transparent processes. Enterprise also gets strong marks for service.
- Which have the most warnings? Dollar and Thrifty lead in complaints for deceptive billing practices. Avis and Budget for long waits and billing problems. It's crucial to document everything with these companies.
- Where are they located? All major companies are in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). Reachable via the free Airport Transit System (ATS) from any terminal.
Image
AI-generated image
Location and How to Get to the Rental Center
O'Hare’s Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) houses a centralized car rental center where all major companies operate. To reach it, take the automated train known as the Airport Transit System (ATS) or People Mover.
This free train provides smooth connections not only between the MMF and all terminals, but also with Parking Lot F, the Kiss 'n' Fly zone, and the bus station. While the system is generally efficient, trains can be crowded during peak hours and you may experience some waiting.
Key tip: The biggest risk when renting a car at O'Hare is arriving to find high rates or no available vehicles, especially in high season. To avoid surprises and ensure not just a better price, but also the availability of the car you need, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Compare rates and book your vehicle here.
On-Airport Rental Companies (Multi-Modal Facility)
Rental experiences vary greatly between companies. Below is a summary based on the most recent reviews.
Alamo
User experience: Consistently top-rated. Travelers praise the quick and efficient pickup and return process, often thanks to online check-in that allows skipping the counter. Staff is described as friendly and professional, and vehicles are usually clean and in excellent condition. A solid and reliable choice.
Phone: +1 844 354 6962 – Hours: 24/7
National
User experience: Another favorite, especially for business travelers. The Emerald Aisle program, allowing you to pick your car directly from the lot, is the most praised feature. Service is consistently efficient and hassle-free. While the Executive car selection may vary, staff are proactive in resolving issues.
Phone: +1 800 367 6767 – Hours: 24/7
Enterprise
User experience: Generally receives good reviews for friendly and efficient customer service. The check-in and return process is fast, and many appreciate the option to skip the counter using the app. Vehicle quality is a strong point. One downside: toll fees can be expensive and the Illinois toll app doesn't always work well for travelers.
Phone: +1 855 266 9289 – Hours: 24/7
Sixt
User experience: Known for its premium vehicle fleet and standout customer service (frequent mentions of Marcus or Trey). Online check-in is very efficient. However, damage charges are a recurring concern. Users report being charged for minor or pre-existing issues. It's essential to inspect and photograph the car before leaving.
Phone: +1 888 749 8227 – Hours: 5:30 AM to Midnight
Avis
User experience: Mixed reviews. Biggest complaints include long wait times (over an hour) and mysterious charges, such as cleaning fees for non-smoking cars. Staff shortages during peak hours are common. However, some travelers praise employees like Sandra for great service. Always double-check your bill.
Phone: +1 773 825 4600 – Hours: 24/7
Budget
User experience: Shares issues with Avis (same parent company). Frequent complaints about hidden charges and long waits. Some report not getting a car despite reservations. However, managers like Terry are praised for resolving issues effectively. Document everything and check all charges.
Phone: +1 800 218 7992 – Hours: 24/7
Hertz
User experience: Variable experiences. Online check-in helps avoid lines. Complaints about post-rental damage charges and smoke cleaning fees. Fleet quality in loyalty tiers can be disappointing. Resolving issues with customer service may be frustrating.
Phone: +1 800 654 3131 – Hours: 5:00 AM to Midnight
Dollar
User experience: One of the most problematic companies. Frequent reports of surprise cleaning charges of $400 and post-return billing. Long wait times are common. Even with friendly counter staff, the recurring issues make it a risky choice.
Phone: +1 800 800 4000 – Hours: 6:00 AM to Midnight
Thrifty
User experience: Similar to Dollar, plagued by unclear billing practices. Users report being charged for insurance or toll passes they declined. Staff shortages and long lines are also frequent issues. Attractive rates can be deceiving.
Phone: +1 800 847 4389 – Hours: 6:00 AM to Midnight
Fox
User experience: Offers low rates but can be hit or miss. Frequent complaints about hidden fees, especially for toll passes and fuel. Staff shortages lead to long waits. However, employees like Cynthia and Jovani are often praised for exceptional service.
Phone: +1 323 593 7485 – Hours: 6:00 AM to Midnight
Payless
User experience: Mixed reviews. Quick service when there's no line. Complaints about unauthorized charges and unhelpful customer support. Sometimes counters are unattended. Employees like Darryl are highlighted for going the extra mile.
Phone: +1 800 729 5377 – Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Off-Airport Rental Companies
These companies often offer more competitive rates but require a shuttle ride from outside the terminals to their facilities.
- ACE Rent a Car: Phone: +1 866 551 8267
- Routes Car Rental: Phone: +1 847 671 4000
User experience: Off-airport companies are a trade-off: lower prices in exchange for more time and potential complications. Common issues include long shuttle waits, unclear final charges (insurance, tolls), and slower return processes. Still, many choose them for savings and report positive experiences when everything goes smoothly.
REMEMBER:
Booking your rental car in advance is key to avoiding long waits and securing a better rate. Many travelers also recommend carefully reviewing terms and conditions, especially if driving out of Illinois, as extra fees may apply. Returning the car with a full tank is also advised — several users reported unexpected fuel charges despite refueling.