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Explore Chicago with a One-Way Rental from Baltimore

Seamlessly plan your journey and discover the conveniences of reaching Chicago with ease.

Can I rent a car from Baltimore to Chicago?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Baltimore to Chicago. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Italy national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some rentals may require two credit cards.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.21 per day or US$ 28.80 per day, depending on the rental provider.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • EU Driving Licence

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some rentals may require two credit cards.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.21 per day or US$ 28.80 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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How much does renting a car from Baltimore to Chicago cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 138/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 140/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 340-US$ 440US$ 304-US$ 405US$ 413-US$ 512Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 341-US$ 356US$ 304US$ 415-US$ 460Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 342-US$ 356US$ 304US$ 418-US$ 461Large groups, long drivers

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Consider the additional charges for a one-way rental by confirming with your rental company.
  • Documentation Requirements: Ensure that you have a valid driver's license and the required paperwork for interstate travel.
  • Mileage Limitations: Check if there are any mileage caps and what exceeding them might cost.
  • Vehicle Availability: Book ahead to ensure the availability of your preferred vehicle type for long-distance drives.
  • Route Planning: Pre-plan your route to identify toll roads, fuel stops, and potential traffic delays.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in Advance: Secure the best deals and vehicle availability by reserving your car early.
  • Review Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance options and what is covered to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Choose Drop-Off Locations Wisely: Check for drop-off facilities near your Chicago destinations, such as O'Hare Airport.
  • Plan For Refueling Before Returning: Refuel close to your drop-off location to avoid high rental company refueling rates.
  • Inspect the Vehicle: Check the car thoroughly during pickup and drop-off to ensure proper condition documentation.
  • Understand Road Rules Between States: Familiarize yourself with the differences in driving regulations between Maryland and Illinois.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use gas stations near the drop-off location for convenience.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $3.80 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel usage.

Check tire pressure before starting your trip.

Limit the use of air conditioning when possible.

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Baltimore Parking

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.

Use parking garages for overnight parking.

Check for mobile payment options for metered parking.

Chicago Parking

Downtown parking can be expensive; consider using parking apps.

Many hotels offer valet parking for convenience.

Look for public parking lots for lower rates.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkWhiz

SpotHero

BestParking

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Major Driving Routes from Baltimore to Chicago:
I-70 West and I-65 North Route
Interstate Highway Approximately 12 hours

A direct and fast route primarily using I-70 West and I-65 North, ideal for those looking for speed with minimal stops.

Pittsburgh, PA , Columbus, OH , Indianapolis, IN
I-70 West and I-80 West Scenic Route
Rural Highway Approximately 13 hours

A scenic route through the Appalachian landscape, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy natural scenery.

Wheeling, WV , Zanesville, OH , Toledo, OH
US-40 and US-30 Midwestern Experience
State Roads Approximately 15 hours

A historical route following old highways for a nostalgic drive through small towns and rural landscapes.

Cambridge, OH , Fort Wayne, IN , Gary, IN
Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan your stops: Determine rest areas, fuel stops, and vehicle charging stations in advance.

Allocate time wisely: Budget for sightseeing and account for potential delays due to traffic or weather.

Choose the right vehicle: Ensure you rent a vehicle that comfortably accommodates passengers and luggage.

Watch rental costs: Look out for one-way fees and check pricing details to avoid surprises.

Pack for the trip: Have essentials like maps, snacks, and emergency tools readily available.

Travel safely: Follow traffic laws, rest regularly, and adapt drive routes to conditions.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

An overview of companies that provide one-way rental services between Baltimore and Chicago.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$ExcellentExtensive Offers vehicle drop-off flexibility , Frequent discounts for one-way rentals , Wide selection of car types
Hertz$$GoodNationwide Premium condition vehicles available , Convenient pick-up and drop-off processes , Member discounts for frequent rentals
Avis$$$ExcellentWide availability in urban and suburban areas High availability of luxury options , Efficient rental procedure , 24/7 customer support
Budget$GoodModerate Affordable rental prices , Simplified rental terms , Great availability in major cities
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Efficient Connections at Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Most car rental counters in Baltimore and Chicago operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Rental Car Center Locations:

Baltimore location: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI); Chicago location: O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles run every 10-15 minutes between the terminals and rental car centers.

Other Transportation Options:

Baltimore offers free Light rail transit to the center; Chicago features Blue Line subway access directly to the terminal.

Pro Tips for Baltimore Airport(BWI) Car Rentals

Always confirm specific directions for vehicle return to avoid additional charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car at one location, such as Baltimore, and drop it off at a different location, such as Chicago. This can be a convenient option for travelers not planning a round trip.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way rental?

Many rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. These fees compensate for the logistical inconvenience of returning the car to its original location. Fees vary based on company and booking specifics.

What route options are best between Baltimore and Chicago?

Common routes from Baltimore to Chicago may include I-70W or I-80W, both providing efficient highways with accessible amenities and services along the way.

Is unlimited mileage included in my rental?

Many companies include unlimited mileage for one-way rentals, especially for long-distance bookings like Baltimore to Chicago. Verify details during the booking process.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

You will typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card under the renter's name, and proof of insurance if required by the company. Check with the rental provider for any additional requirements.

Ready to Book Your Baltimore to Chicago Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes