Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Indianapolis to Chicago. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
Notes: Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID as a second form of identification.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 66/dayStarting from
US$ 68/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 100-US$ 489 | US$ 0-US$ 152 | US$ 198-US$ 589 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 152-US$ 507 | US$ 0-US$ 50 | US$ 662 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 101-US$ 532 | US$ 0-US$ 51 | US$ 201-US$ 704 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 102-US$ 554 | US$ 0-US$ 100 | US$ 204-US$ 753 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Premium | US$ 532 | US$ 0 | US$ 704 | Families, comfort seeker |
| Van | US$ 553 | US$ 0 | US$ 762 | Large families, groups |
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.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.
Always save the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.
Ensure to refuel at a station close to the drop-off location to avoid additional charges.
The estimated average fuel price along the route is approximately $3.50 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed of around 55-65 mph for optimal fuel efficiency.
Check and inflate tires to the recommended pressure before starting the journey.
Minimize AC usage by using the car's ventilation system when possible.
Downtown Indianapolis offers several parking garages with rates around $2 per hour.
Street parking is available but often limited to 2-hour maximums.
Consider using parking apps to find and reserve spaces in advance.
Parking in downtown Chicago can range from $10 to $25 per hour in garages.
Street parking is available but requires payment via meters or apps.
Utilize parking apps to locate cheaper options or reserve spots.
SpotHero: Allows users to book parking spots in advance.
ParkWhiz: Provides discounted parking options and reservations.
PayByPhone: Enables payment for street parking directly through the app.
A trip to incredible dunes along Lake Michigan offering opportunities for hiking and beach relaxation.
Explore one of the largest science museums in the world with interactive exhibits.
Enjoy the beautiful green spaces and cultural points of interest in central Indiana.
Dive into early American history with this iconic battlefield site.
Reserve vehicles early: Ensure vehicle availability and potentially lower costs by booking your car rental ahead of time.
Plan your stops: Research attractions and stops along the route to make your trip enjoyable and relaxing.
Understand rental costs: Review the terms for fuel policies, mileage charges, and insurance options to avoid unexpected fees.
Carry a physical map: While GPS is helpful, having a backup map can be beneficial if you lose signal.
Pack essentials: Keep snacks, water, a first aid kit, and phone chargers in the car for emergencies.
Familiarize with traffic laws: Understand the road regulations and speed limits for both Indiana and Illinois.
When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Indianapolis to Chicago, consider fees, vehicle options, and office availability.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | $$ | Excellent | Nationwide | Wide network of rental locations , Diverse fleet including sedans, SUVs, and trucks , Frequent promotions for regular customers |
| Hertz | $$$ | Extensive | Global | Premium vehicle selection , 24-hour roadside assistance , Special benefits for members |
| Avis | $$ | Good | Major cities | Convenient office locations , Affordable rates with frequent discounts , Speedy online booking system |
| Budget Car Rental | $ | Moderate | Wide across the US | Value-friendly options , User-friendly app for reservation and management , Flexible return policies |
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Open 24/7 to accommodate all flight schedules.
Located within the Ground Transportation Center, adjacent to the main terminal.
Shuttles run every 10 minutes from remote parking lots and nearby off-site locations.
Conveniently located near Interstate 70 for easy access to the Chicago-bound route.
To save time, consider signing up for a rental company's express service or loyalty program.
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