Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Madison to Chicago. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
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$ 76/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 114-US$ 498 | US$ 0-US$ 450 | US$ 227-US$ 639 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Large | US$ 118-US$ 225 | US$ 0-US$ 450 | US$ 243-US$ 428 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 175-US$ 434 | US$ 0 | US$ 301-US$ 747 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Van | US$ 260 | US$ 0 | US$ 559 | 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.
Always refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges.
Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.
Check the rental agreement for specific fuel policies.
Average fuel cost in Chicago is approximately $3.80 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.
Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.
Limit the use of air conditioning when not necessary.
Street parking is available but may have time limits.
Public parking lots are accessible in downtown Madison.
Consider using parking apps for availability and pricing.
Chicago has numerous parking garages and lots.
Street parking may require a permit in some areas.
Utilize parking apps to reserve spaces in advance.
SpotHero
ParkWhiz
ParkChicago
Explore Rockford before heading to Chicago; offers gardens and museums.
Visit Milwaukee for a variety of attractions before continuing southward.
Make a detour to the resort town of Lake Geneva on the route.
A charming, historic town ideal for a short road trip destination.
Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your rental vehicle is fueled and checked for roadworthiness before heading out.
Plan Your Stops: Map out fuel and food stops in advance along your route.
Calculate Travel Time: Account for possible delays such as traffic or construction.
Route Backup: Keep an alternative route ready in case of road closures or detours.
Safety First: Follow speed limits and road etiquette, prioritizing safety for passengers.
Consider Costs: Account for tolls and car rental drop-off fees when planning your budget.
Choosing a car rental company for your one-way trip from Madison to Chicago requires considering fees, fleet variety, and convenience.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $$ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | Wide variety of luxury and standard vehicles , Customizable rental periods , Multiple return locations available |
| Enterprise | $$ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Frequent flyer partnerships , Clean and well-maintained cars , Exceptional customer service |
| Avis | $$$ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Express pick-up services , Integration with loyalty programs , High availability at most airports |
| Budget | $ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Cost-effective pricing , Simple online booking , Economy cars for efficient trips |
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The rental car counters are located inside the main terminal at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison.
A frequent shuttle service is available at Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports, connecting passengers to the off-site car rental locations.
Car rental centers at both Madison and Chicago airports operate between 6:00 AM and midnight.
You can return your car to designated locations in Chicago such as the downtown return center or at either of the main airports.
Reserve your vehicle in advance during peak travel seasons to ensure availability of your preferred car model.
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