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Experience the Freedom of a One-Way Car Rental

Journey conveniently from the vibrant city of San Antonio to the bustling heart of Chicago.

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.

    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. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX. Debit cards are not accepted.
  • Age requirements: General driving age requirement: 21-80 years old. Young driver policy: Drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Acceptable licenses include: (1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original license); (2) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish). Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an IDP; (3) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back.

    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. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, and JCB. Debit cards are not accepted.
  • Age requirements: General driving age requirement: 21-80 years old. Young driver policy: Drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 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$ 60-492US$ 0.00-404.67US$ 101-693Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 65-65US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 116-546Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 60-408US$ 0.00-303.50US$ 103-721Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 60-464US$ 0.00-303.50US$ 102-1600Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fees: Check if there are any additional fees for dropping off the car at a different location.
  • Airport vs City Pickup: Compare costs and convenience between airport and city pickup options.
  • Geographical Restrictions: Verify if driving across state lines or into another country is permitted under the rental policy.
  • Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy; some rentals might require returning the car with a full tank.
  • Rental Duration: Longer rentals may offer better rates and flexibility, but check terms and conditions.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early: Reserving your vehicle well in advance often secures better deals.
  • Understand Insurance Options: Explore different insurance policies to ensure coverage during your travel.
  • Plan for Stops Along Your Route: Identify convenient stops for food, gas, and sightseeing between San Antonio and Chicago.
  • Pack Essentials: Carry necessary travel items like phone chargers, snacks, and maps in case of limited connectivity.
  • Inspect the Vehicle Before Departure: Ensure the car is in good condition and take note of any pre-existing damage.
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

Drive at a steady speed to maximize fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Keep tires properly inflated to improve mileage.

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San Antonio Parking

Consider using downtown parking garages for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Chicago Parking

Look for parking near public transit stations for convenience.

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

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Use electronic toll payment methods for faster processing.

Actual toll roads and charges

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Best Routes from San Antonio to Chicago:
Route via Dallas and St. Louis
Scenic and Urban Mix 17 hours

This route blends natural vistas with bustling cityscapes, passing through prominent urban centers and scenic countryside.

Dallas, TX , Little Rock, AR , St. Louis, MO
Route via Memphis and Springfield
Cultural Journey 18 hours

Experience a cultural expedition through iconic music and historical locations.

Memphis, TN , Springfield, IL
Route via Louisiana and Jackson
Southern Charms 20 hours

A southern charm route featuring vibrant landscapes and historical depth along the way.

Shreveport, LA , Jackson, MS , Decatur, IL
Road Trip Planning Tips

Prepare Your Vehicle: Conduct a thorough check of your vehicle's maintenance needs before departure.

Plan Your Route: Map out your journey including breaks, key destinations, and alternative roads.

Budget Wisely: Estimate costs for fuel, food, accommodations, and unexpected expenses.

Review Rental Agreement: Understand all terms of your rental agreement to avoid unexpected charges.

Know Refueling Options: Research convenient refueling stops along your route to avoid running low on gas.

Pack Smart: Bring essential items while maintaining luggage space for a comfortable journey.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

It is crucial to consider several factors when selecting car rental services for a one-way trip from San Antonio to Chicago. Focus on companies that offer one-way rental services, evaluate their fleet variety, location coverage, and the associated fees.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Wide range of vehicles , Strong presence in major airports , Flexible rentals
Enterprise$$$Very HighExcellent Extensive branch network , Great customer service , Diverse vehicle options
Avis$$HighGood Innovative rental options , Convenient airport counters , Competitive pricing
Budget$MediumAdequate Affordable rates , Simple booking processes , Various promotional offers
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

San Antonio Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Car rental centers at San Antonio International Airport operate 24/7, ensuring convenience for travelers at any time.

Rental Car Center Location:

The center is located adjacent to the main airport terminals. Shuttles are operated every 5 minutes from the arrivals section.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles run from airport terminals to the rental center, with minimal waiting times between services.

Vehicle Return Process:

Vehicles can be returned directly at the rental center location. Clear signage is provided to direct customers to return areas.

Plan your pickup and drop-off timings considering traffic conditions in both cities. Ensure to confirm any one-way fees during booking.

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 (e.g., San Antonio) and drop it off at another location (e.g., Chicago). This type of rental is convenient for long road trips or relocating.

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals?

Yes, many rental car companies charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop-off fee, to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location or managing inventory.

Are there alternative drop-off locations near Chicago O'Hare Airport?

Yes, most rental car companies offer flexibility with drop-off locations. You can check with the rental company to find options closer to your travel needs, whether within the airport vicinity or in nearby areas.

What vehicle options are available for this route?

Options typically include economy cars, sedans, SUVs, and sometimes minivans or luxury models. It's best to verify specific availability with the rental company, considering factors like fuel efficiency for long-distance travel.

What documents do I need to rent a vehicle?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card for payment and deposit purposes, and potentially additional identification depending on the rental company’s policies.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes