CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT (ORD) CAR RENTAL
Chicago Airport Car Rentals
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, with over 2.7 million residents. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago began its journey in 1837, and grew rapidly until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, destroying much of the city and leaving over 100,000 of its citizens homeless. As the city rebuilt, population growth took off, and less than 30 years after the fire, Chicago was the fifth-largest city in the world.
Today, Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications and transportation, with one of the highest gross domestic products in the world. Home to Fortune 500 companies, Chicago draws over 58 million tourists annually. Voted the best large city in the U.S. four years in a row by Conde Nast Traveler, Chicago has a full slate of cultural activities, sporting venues, and educational institutions.
Chicago is also known as the railroad capital of the United States, with more major railroads than any other city in America. Chicago’s downtown underground pedestrian system, the Pedway, consists of overhead bridges, and tunnels covering over 5 miles, linking more than 40 blocks in the business district.
Today, Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications and transportation, with one of the highest gross domestic products in the world. Home to Fortune 500 companies, Chicago draws over 58 million tourists annually. Voted the best large city in the U.S. four years in a row by Conde Nast Traveler, Chicago has a full slate of cultural activities, sporting venues, and educational institutions.
Chicago is also known as the railroad capital of the United States, with more major railroads than any other city in America. Chicago’s downtown underground pedestrian system, the Pedway, consists of overhead bridges, and tunnels covering over 5 miles, linking more than 40 blocks in the business district.
Things to do in Chicago
- Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain - 319 acres of green space is home to several of the most popular things to do in Chicago. Plan on spending lots of time here, as you will find The Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and Shedd Aquarium all waiting to be explored as well as flower gardens, and walking paths. One of the largest Fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain, is tiered water feature with water shooting as high as 150 from 133 jets, creating a 20 minute choreographed show every hour during its operating season. To see the fountain at night is best, as there are lights and music to accompany the display.
- Lincoln Park Zoo - In the neighborhood of Lincoln Park, the Zoo is home to dozens of animal species in their natural habitats. You will discover gorillas in the Regenstein Center for African Apes, and harbor seals in the Kovler Seal Pool, as well and zebras, sloths and of course, hippos.
- Navy Pier - extends out into Lake Michigan, and offers plenty of family entertainment, such as the large Ferris Wheel (196 feet tall!) as well as thrill rides and a carousel. Visit the Children's Museum, the 18-hole mini golf course and take in a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. If you are traveling during the summer months, you may be able to take in some fireworks as well.
- Art Institute of Chicago - One of the country’s most incredible collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art, as well as other genres can be found in this collection of over 300,000 works from all over the world. Take your time, as there is a lot to take in here, with art dating back to the late 13th century.
- Shedd Aquarium - one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, the Shedd Aquarium houses over 32,000 creatures, and allows plenty of opportunities to participate in, and well
Interesting Facts About Chicago
- Chicago has had several nicknames: Windy City, Second City, and the City of the Big Shoulders
- Chicago started out as “Chigagou”, and Algonquin word meaning “onion field”
- Each year, the Chicago River is dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
- Home to 26 miles of lakefront, and 25 beaches
- Home to the World’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Company, built in 1885
What’s available at O’Hare International Airport?
Located on the northwest side of Chicago, about 14 miles northwest of the Loop business district, sits O’Hare International Airport. O’Hare began as an airfield servicing military transports during the second world war, and became famous as the first “World’s Busiest Airport”, holding that distinction from 1963 until 1998, and today it is still the world’s sixth busiest airport.
O’Hare serves over 83 million passengers per year, with over 2500 flights per day - the most of any airport in the world due to its large numbers of regional flights - serving as a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. O’Hare International Airport was the first major airport planned after the conclusion of World War II, pioneering design concepts for the future of airports, such as concourses, access to the terminal, underground fueling systems and jet bridges so passengers could embark without going outside and climbing stairs.
The neighborhood around O’Hare includes airport hotels and fashion outlets. A nature preserve with walking trails and picnic areas is located along the Des Plaines River.
O’Hare Airport comes complete with all of the amenities found at large international airports, including ATMs, banks, various Airline Lounges, WIFI connection and charging stations, as well as business centers where you can sign into your online meeting while waiting for your flight.
While you are waiting for your flight, you can explore displays from Chicago Airport’s Public Art Program, situated throughout the airport. In the mezzanine level of the Rotunda Building in Terminal 3, you can enjoy the first aeroponic garden ever built at an airport anywhere in the world.
For persons with disabilities, there is a first-of-its-kind facility called Changing Places Facility, that provides a restroom, shower and other ADA features for disabled passengers. All elevators are accessible and equipped with Braille and raised numerals.
If you need to have specialized equipment installed in your rental car, please contact us at Discount USA Car Rental as soon as you book your vehicle, so we can make arrangements for installation - as this process can take a few days at times. We would need to know your confirmation number and exactly what equipment you require.
There is an Airport Transit System (ATS), also known as the people mover, which is currently under construction, to improve the movement of people around the various terminals at the airport.
The Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) is a state of the art building that includes parking spaces as well as all Chicago O’Hare International Airport rental car facilities. This nearby 2.5 million square foot facility is accessible by shuttle from the airport, and connects easily to all surrounding expressways, making renting a car at ORD an efficient and convenient experience.
O’Hare serves over 83 million passengers per year, with over 2500 flights per day - the most of any airport in the world due to its large numbers of regional flights - serving as a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. O’Hare International Airport was the first major airport planned after the conclusion of World War II, pioneering design concepts for the future of airports, such as concourses, access to the terminal, underground fueling systems and jet bridges so passengers could embark without going outside and climbing stairs.
The neighborhood around O’Hare includes airport hotels and fashion outlets. A nature preserve with walking trails and picnic areas is located along the Des Plaines River.
O’Hare Airport comes complete with all of the amenities found at large international airports, including ATMs, banks, various Airline Lounges, WIFI connection and charging stations, as well as business centers where you can sign into your online meeting while waiting for your flight.
While you are waiting for your flight, you can explore displays from Chicago Airport’s Public Art Program, situated throughout the airport. In the mezzanine level of the Rotunda Building in Terminal 3, you can enjoy the first aeroponic garden ever built at an airport anywhere in the world.
For persons with disabilities, there is a first-of-its-kind facility called Changing Places Facility, that provides a restroom, shower and other ADA features for disabled passengers. All elevators are accessible and equipped with Braille and raised numerals.
If you need to have specialized equipment installed in your rental car, please contact us at Discount USA Car Rental as soon as you book your vehicle, so we can make arrangements for installation - as this process can take a few days at times. We would need to know your confirmation number and exactly what equipment you require.
There is an Airport Transit System (ATS), also known as the people mover, which is currently under construction, to improve the movement of people around the various terminals at the airport.
The Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) is a state of the art building that includes parking spaces as well as all Chicago O’Hare International Airport rental car facilities. This nearby 2.5 million square foot facility is accessible by shuttle from the airport, and connects easily to all surrounding expressways, making renting a car at ORD an efficient and convenient experience.
Contact Information for O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Telephone: 1 (800) 832-6352
Address: 10000 W. O’Hare Avenue, Chicago, IL,
IATA Code: ORD
Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) Location
0255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666
Address: 10000 W. O’Hare Avenue, Chicago, IL,
IATA Code: ORD
Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) Location
0255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666
Chicago Car Rental FAQs
What is the most popular rental car in Chicago?
- Most customers choose the intermediate or mid-size car as their preferred option when renting a car at O’Hare Airport. This car is more fuel efficient than most of the larger vehicles, and also easier to park. The cost is often very competitive as well, making this a great choice for an individual or small family. If you have a larger group of passengers, you may need to consider a 7 passenger SUV or a minivan, both being practical alternatives for larger parties wanting a car rental at O’Hare Airport.
How will I find the best price for my Chicago rental car?
- The best way to obtain a good price for your O’Hare car rental is to search our website as soon as you have finalized your trip plans, and you have your arrival/departure dates and times. Determine which type and size of rental vehicle will suit your needs, and book the best option right away. As your trip date gets closer, come back on the website, and start another search, as sometimes the prices fluctuate, and you may see the same or a better rental car for Chicago at a better rate. When you do, rebook and cancel your existing O’Hare Airport car rental reservation.
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
- No problem - it is always free to book and to cancel a rental car reservation with Discount USA Car Rental. Our staff are here to help as well if you need to make changes to an existing reservation - you can email or phone us, and we will assist you in re-booking your car rentals in Chicago with your changes.
What should I provide at the rental counter for the best car rental at O’Hare International Airport?
- When you book your Chicago car rentals with us, we send you an email confirmation with all of the details including the name of the car rental company at O’Hare Airport and the confirmation number you will present at the car rental counter. Print this confirmation and bring it with you to the airport. It also has our phone number, in case you have any last minute questions, or difficulties.
Don’t forget your driver’s license. The driver’s license must match the name of the driver on the confirmation email. If you are traveling from a country that does not have alphabetical driver’s licenses, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit and bring it with you as well as your driver’s license. A passport will also be good to have with you.
A credit card in the name of the driver is a necessity. Debit cards may or may not be accepted and have some restrictions such as car size, age, and more. Make sure you read the details when booking so you know your debit card will qualify. Debit Cards must have a Visa or Mastercard logo, and be associated with your bank account.