Car Hire Illinois

Guide

Illinois, a state in the USA’s Midwest, features flat lands, farmlands and hills that can easily be roamed by car rental in Illinois. Springfield, its historic capital city, is best known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln, while Chicago, the largest city in the state, is famed for its fantastic museums, famous skyline, and blues and jazz. Illinois is also home to one of the country’s few UNESCO World Heritage sites, Chahokia Mounds.

Hiring a Vehicle

Arranging car hire in is simple as there are a number of pick-up points including Chicago, Springfield, O’Hare Airport and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Vehicles are available through well-known suppliers such as Avis, eRentals and Hertz, and if you compare car hire ahead of time you can grab some great deals.

Transport Options

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, found three miles northwest of Springfield, serves flights from Chicago and Dallas. The largest airport in the state is Chicago’s O’Hare, which is one of the busiest hubs in the USA and receives flights from all over the globe. Amtrak trains stop in Chicago from all directions, and the UP train runs trains throughout the state. Numerous highways run through Illinois, allowing access to all corners of the state.

Car Hire Driving Tips in Illinois

Illinois is criss-crossed with highways and driving is the most convenient way to get around, with Americans driving on the right. All highways change to toll routes near Chicago and have a speed limit of 65mph. On smaller routes that have less than four lanes the maximum limit is 55mph.

Not to be Missed!

Springfield is located in the middle of the state, making it a great starting point for visiting Illinois’ attractions and for organising car rental in Illinois. Visit the laid-back small city of Champaign, surrounded by farmlands and home to some great museums. Try your luck at Metropolis’ floating casino at night and explore the Shawnee National Forest Park in the day. The massive cultural city of Chicago is a must for those who like dining, shopping and strolling through museums.

Weather & Tourist Seasons

The temperature and weather throughout Illinois vary quite a bit. Of course Chicago is the windy city, being situated on the tip of Lake Michigan. In general, Illinois experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters. In July expect it to be 28°C in the north and up to 32°C in the south. Temperatures in winter range from -11°C to 5°C with plenty of snow.