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One-Way Car Rentals from Dubuque to Chicago

Convenient, flexible, and efficient one-way transportation solutions.

Can I rent a car from Dubuque to Chicago?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Dubuque 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 United States 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 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. For drivers aged 20-24, a young driver fee of US$ 25.00 per day applies. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee of US$ 45.00 per day applies.
  • 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 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP): Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version): An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.
  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. For drivers aged 20-24, a young driver fee of US$ 25.00 per day applies. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee of US$ 45.00 per day applies.
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How much does renting a car from Dubuque 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$ 69/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 89/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 114-US$ 116US$ 0-US$ 56US$ 205-US$ 242Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 119US$ 50US$ 214Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 119-US$ 120US$ 0-US$ 56US$ 207-US$ 244Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 176-US$ 193US$ 0-US$ 112US$ 266-US$ 344Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understand one-way rental fees: Some rental companies charge additional fees for returning the vehicle to a different location. Always inquire ahead to avoid surprises.
  • Verify drop-off location: Make sure to confirm the exact drop-off location in Chicago to ensure it's convenient and accessible for you.
  • Consider distance and fuel policies: Understand distance limitations or fuel policies which could impact your trip costs.
  • Check cross-border restrictions: If your trip involves crossing into another state or country, verify that the rental agency allows for this and understand any associated restrictions.
  • Inspect the vehicle thoroughly: Before departing, check the car's condition and document any pre-existing damages.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in advance: Booking your rental ahead of time often gives you access to better rates and a more extensive selection.
  • Plan drop-off timing: Choose your drop-off time strategically to avoid late return fees or scheduling conflicts.
  • Map out the best route: Plan your route from Dubuque to Chicago to avoid traffic and optimize fuel efficiency.
  • Allow extra time for drop-off: Account for potential delays at the drop-off point, especially during busy hours.
  • Pack smartly for the trip: Ensure you bring necessary documents including your rental agreement, ID, and payment method.
  • Refuel before return: Many agencies require the vehicle to be returned with a full tank or charge a premium if refueling is needed.
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

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Ensure to use the type of fuel specified by the rental company to avoid penalties.

Save the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling before returning the car.

Fuel Cost

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

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of 55-65 mph for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.

Limit the use of air conditioning to reduce fuel consumption.

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Dubuque Parking

Dubuque offers various parking options, including street parking and public garages.

Street parking rates are typically around $0.50-$1.00 per hour.

Consider using parking apps to find available spaces in busy areas.

Chicago Parking

Chicago has numerous parking facilities, including public garages and metered street parking.

Parking rates in downtown Chicago can range from $5 to $20 per hour.

Using parking apps can help locate and reserve spots in advance.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkChicago for metered parking in Chicago.

SpotHero for finding and reserving parking spaces.

ParkMobile for easy payment and parking management.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Dubuque to Chicago:
US-20 E and I-90 E Route
Expressway 3 hours 20 minutes

A direct route that's efficient, featuring open highways and minimal stops.

Freeport , Rockford , Elgin
US-52 and I-88 E Scenic Drive
Scenic 4 hours

This route showcases beautiful rural countryside and includes smaller highway access.

Mount Carroll , Sterling , Aurora
I-380 S and I-80 E Combination
Interstate 3 hours 50 minutes

A mix of interstates offering varied scenery and potential stops in major cities.

Cedar Rapids , Iowa City , Moline
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a rental car suitable for your road type and trip duration.

Route Familiarity: Map out your route and familiarize yourself with major stops in advance.

Fuel Stops: Plan for fuel stops, especially when traversing rural areas.

Avoiding Extra Costs: Understand rental agreements, including overage fees and insurance options.

Vehicle Inspection: Conduct a quick inspection of the vehicle for existing damages before starting.

Local Laws and Requirements: Stay informed about relevant traffic laws in the states you are traveling through.

Choosing the Right Car Rental Company

Selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Dubuque to Chicago involves considering factors like the availability of locations, fleet variety, pricing, and ease of drop-off.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$★★★★☆★★★★★
Hertz$$$★★★★☆★★★★☆
National Car Rental$$$★★★★★★★★★☆
Alamo Rent A Car$$★★★☆☆★★★★☆
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

Car Rental Information for the Chicago Area

Operating Hours:

Many rental centers in Chicago operate 24/7, but check with your specific company for details.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Rental car centers can typically be found in or near Chicago O'Hare and Midway airports.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are available from airport terminals to the rental car centers.

Drop-off Process:

Follow the designated return signs to the rental area at your chosen drop-off location.

Pro Tips for Dubuque Municipal Airport(DBQ) Car Rentals

Remember to refuel the car before dropping it off to avoid additional charges. Choose a rental company that aligns best with your travel preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location (like Dubuque) and drop it off at another location (such as Chicago). This type of rental is convenient for travelers not returning to their starting destination.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to the original location. This fee varies depending on the company and the distance between locations.

Can I choose the type of car for the rental?

Yes, car rental companies offer a variety of vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks. Availability may vary based on your pickup location.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?

Typically, rental agreements require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. Alternatively, some companies offer pre-paid fuel options.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and in some cases, proof of insurance.

Ready to Book Your Dubuque to Chicago Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes