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Discover the Best Way to Travel from New York to Chicago

Navigate your one-way car rental with ease and convenience.

Document required for international visitors
  • 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 years.

    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 physical United States national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee of US$ 25-35 per day may apply. Drivers aged 18-20 may also incur a young driver fee of US$ 84 per day.
  • 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 years. Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Please note that an IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented. Alternatively, an original driver's license in Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German) is acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP or an official embassy translation in English.

    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.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee of US$ 25-35 per day may apply. Drivers aged 18-20 may also incur a young driver fee of US$ 84 per day.
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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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 142-702US$ 0.00-628.55US$ 421-770Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 93-649US$ 0.00-628.55US$ 212-765Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 149-724US$ 0.00-628.55US$ 325-765Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 151-1036US$ 0.00-628.55US$ 344-1836Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 724-724US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 806-806Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understanding One-Way Fees: Different rental companies may charge a one-way fee for dropping the car at a different location.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure your rental contract allows travel between state lines without additional fees or restrictions.
  • Vehicle Options: Check which car types are available for one-way rentals; options can sometimes be limited.
  • Card Requirements: Confirm if the company mandates a credit card for a one-way rental or accepts debit cards as well.
  • Return Policies: Understand the timing details about when and where you need to return the vehicle.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route Effectively: Map out your stops to include fuel stations and rest areas for seamless travel.
  • Avoid Peak Traffic Hours: Highways from New York to Chicago can face congestion; try traveling during off-peak hours.
  • Fuel Check: Refuel before returning as rental companies may charge higher prices for refueling.
  • Insurance Policies: Understand the coverage provided in diverse locations and for interstate travel.
  • Emergency Contact Numbers: Keep the rental company’s helpline and roadside assistance number handy.
  • Navigation Tools: Bring a GPS device or download maps as cell service might be limited in certain areas.
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
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

O'Hare BP Convenience Store Gas Station - 4111 Mannheim Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176, United States

Mobil - 10909 W Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60666, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

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New York Parking

Consider utilizing parking garages near your starting location for security and convenience.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Chicago Parking

Look for street parking in less busy areas or use parking apps to find affordable spots.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with a toll transponder or arrange toll payment beforehand.

Use online toll calculators to estimate expenses along your route.

Actual toll roads and charges

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Top Routes: New York to Chicago:
I-80: The Direct Route
Highway Route 12-13 hours

The most direct route through Ohio and Pennsylvania with minimal detours.

Cleveland, OH , South Bend, IN
Route 66: The Scenic Trail
Scenic Route 16-18 hours

Experience America’s iconic roadway with various attractions along the way.

St. Louis, MO , Bloomington, IL
Adirondack Trail
Mountainous Adventure 18-20 hours

A longer path with beautiful landscapes and nature stops.

Lake Placid, NY , Buffalo, NY
Essential Road Trip Tips

Plan Route: Choose the desired route considering travel time and interest points.

Fuel Stops: Identify key fuel stations along your route to avoid running low.

Budget Wisely: Plan your expenses, including tolls, fuel, and accommodation costs.

Rental Assurance: Ensure your rental car is fit for a long drive and includes necessary insurance.

Snacks & Refreshments: Bring a supply of water and snacks for long stretches.

Rest Breaks: Schedule occasional rest breaks to stay alert and refreshed.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from New York to Chicago, it is essential to consider companies that offer one-way rental services, cost-efficient options, and convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$HighExtensive Widespread locations across major cities. , Consistent high-quality customer service. , Offers rewards program for frequent renters.
Hertz$$ExtensiveNationwide Diverse fleet including premium options. , Easy online booking and management. , Special deals for frequent customers.
Avis$$$ModerateNationwide Reliable vehicles with full maintenance guarantee. , Dedicated customer service for one-way rentals. , Flexible booking options.
Budget$ModerateModerate Economical pricing for budget travelers. , Simplified pick-up and drop-off process. , Frequent coupons and discounts available.
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

Rental Car Locations & Services

Drop-off Location in Chicago:

Affiliated car rental centers are primarily located at O'Hare International Airport and strategically around downtown Chicago.

Operating Hours:

Car rental centers operate typically from 6:00 AM to midnight, with variations depending on each company's policy.

Airport Shuttle Services:

Shuttle services connect major areas in Chicago and O'Hare Airport, running every 15–30 minutes based on demand.

Payment Methods:

All rental locations accept credit, debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

To avoid additional charges, ensure that the vehicle is returned with the agreed fuel level and in proper condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off the rental car at Chicago and pick it from New York?

Yes, one-way rentals typically allow you to pick up a vehicle at one location and drop it off at another.

Is there an extra fee for a one-way rental?

Yes, there is often an additional fee called a drop-off fee, but it varies by rental company and car type.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

You need a valid driver’s license, proof of identity, and sometimes an international driver's permit if applicable.

Are unlimited miles included in a one-way rental?

Most companies include unlimited miles for this route, but confirm in advance to ensure your rental agreement covers this.

Can I add a second driver to my one-way rental?

Yes, additional authorized drivers can be added, but there may be an extra fee or restrictions on who can qualify as a driver.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes