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Effortless One-Way Car Rentals: Minneapolis to Chicago

Discover the convenience of one-way car rentals for your journey between Minneapolis and Chicago.

Can I rent a car from Minneapolis to Chicago?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Minneapolis 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 national photo ID is required.
  • 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 2 years.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21 to 80 years. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 27.00 or US$ 35.00 per day, depending on the rental policy. Some policies also allow drivers aged 18 to 70 or 25 to 80 without additional fees.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. 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.)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (Driver's licenses printed in Roman alphabet such as English, French, German, etc., are acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabet must be accompanied by an IDP.)
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license).

    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. 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 is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21 to 80 years. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 27.00 or US$ 35.00 per day, depending on the rental policy. Some policies also allow drivers aged 18 to 70 or 25 to 80 without additional fees.
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How much does renting a car from Minneapolis 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$ 35/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 36/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 90-US$ 272US$ 0-US$ 203US$ 104-US$ 358Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 98US$ 0US$ 114Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 91-US$ 177US$ 0-US$ 102US$ 112-US$ 307Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 91-US$ 183US$ 0-US$ 102US$ 107-US$ 326Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 103US$ 0US$ 131Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Many rental providers charge an additional one-way fee. Confirm this in advance to avoid surprises.
  • Drop-Off Restrictions: Ensure there are no issues with returning the car in Chicago at your desired location, especially in urban areas.
  • Fuel Policies: Check whether the vehicle must be returned with a full gas tank and plan accordingly along your route.
  • Vehicle Selection: Consider the distance and road conditions to choose a comfortable and suitable vehicle for the trip.
  • Booking Modifications: Know the rental policies regarding changes to your booking in case your travel plans change.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early: Reserve your car rental in advance to secure the best rates and availability, especially during peak travel times.
  • Verify Licensing Requirements: Ensure that your driver's license and any other required documentation are valid and accepted in both states.
  • Use Reliable Routes: Plan your driving route using highways like I-94 for a direct and efficient journey from Minneapolis to Chicago.
  • Fuel Station Accessibility: Identify gas stations along your route and near your destination to refuel comfortably.
  • Consider Travel Time: Account for travel time, including rest stops, to estimate arrival in Chicago at an appropriate hour for vehicle drop-off.
  • Review Insurance Coverage: Understand your rental insurance or check with your insurance provider for existing coverage for rental vehicles.
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 higher charges by the rental company.

Keep the last refueling receipt as proof of a full tank.

Plan your refueling stop near the drop-off location to minimize fuel wastage.

Fuel Cost

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

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated before embarking on the trip.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Minneapolis Parking

Downtown parking costs range from $2 to $5 per hour.

Street parking is available but often limited during peak hours.

Utilize parking ramps for secure and long-term parking options.

Chicago Parking

Parking in downtown Chicago can cost $15 to $30 per day.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid high costs.

Street parking is available but check for permit requirements.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero

ParkWhiz

BestParking

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Minneapolis to Chicago:
Interstate 94 (I-94) West to I-90 East
Highway Route 6 hours and 30 minutes

Quickest highway route connecting Minneapolis to Chicago.

Rochester, MN , Madison, WI , Milwaukee, WI
Scenic Route: Along the Mississippi River
Scenic Route 9 hours

A scenic drive featuring views of the Mississippi River and smaller towns.

Winona, MN , Dubuque, IA , Rockford, IL
Historic Route: U.S. Route 61 to I-88
Historic Route 8 hours

Explore historic landmarks and sites along this route.

Red Wing, MN , La Crosse, WI , Quad Cities, IL
Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car suitable for the duration and terrain of your trip.

Understand Fees and Costs: Review rental agreements for extra fees and maintain a budget.

Plan Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stations along the route to avoid running out of gas.

Research Route Details: Check for road construction or detours before starting.

Pack Efficiently: Bring essentials but avoid overloading the vehicle.

Emergency Preparation: Keep emergency contacts and vehicle support information readily accessible.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Start your journey from Minneapolis and reach Chicago by choosing a car rental company offering one-way rental services. Here, we provide insights into companies available, their services, and benefits.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$4.5/55/5 Large network of locations , Extensive vehicle selection
Enterprise$$4/54.5/5 Good customer service , Flexible rental durations
Avis$$4/54.5/5 Convenient airport locations , Clean, well-maintained vehicles
Budget$3.5/54/5 Affordable rates , User-friendly booking process
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

Chicago O'Hare International Airport Rental Car Center

Operating Hours:

Rental car centers typically operate 24/7; verify with your specific provider for exact times.

Center Location:

Follow signs from the terminal to the rental car shuttle pick-up area to reach the rental center.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle buses are frequent and connect terminals to the rental car facilities within minutes.

Nearby Gas Stations:

ESSO and BP stations are within a 5-minute drive from the drop-off location for quick refueling.

Pro Tips for Minneapolis Airport(MSP) Car Rentals

Remember to refuel your rental car before returning it to avoid additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car at one location and return it at another. For example, you might pick up a car in Minneapolis and drop it off in Chicago. This is a convenient option for road trips or cases where you don't need to return to the starting point.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, one-way rentals usually involve an additional fee called a drop-off charge. This fee varies by rental company and is often based on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off points. It's best to confirm this fee when making your reservation.

Can I return the rental car at any location in Chicago?

This depends on the rental company's policy. Most companies require you to drop off the car at a specified location or at a local office in the city. Ensure you verify the available drop-off options for Chicago before completing your booking.

What is the approximate distance and travel time between Minneapolis and Chicago?

The driving distance between Minneapolis and Chicago is approximately 400 miles (644 kilometers). The travel time is roughly 6-7 hours without significant stops, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Are there any specific documents required for a one-way rental?

You will typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the renter's name, and potentially proof of insurance. Check with your rental provider for specific documentation requirements.

Ready to Book Your Minneapolis to Chicago Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes