One-Way Car Rental from Seattle to Chicago | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Seattle to 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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year.
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 and Master.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25-27 per day, depending on the provider.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted combinations include: (1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original licence. (2) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English. Note: The English translation must be authorized by the embassy. (3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) require an accompanying IDP.

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.
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, UnionPay, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25-27 per day, depending on the provider.

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 590-1345	US$ 0.00-1310.36	US$ 528-1428	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 1345-1345	US$ 1310.36-1310.36	US$ 536-1420	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 597-1396	US$ 0.00-1310.36	US$ 650-1477	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 596-1357	US$ 0.00-1310.36	US$ 553-1443	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 1396-1396	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 1477-1477	Families, comfort seeker
Pickup Truck	US$ 572-573	US$ 0.00-500.00	US$ 611-810	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Some rental companies apply additional fees for one-way trips. Check the pricing details before booking.
Drop-Off Locations: Ensure you know the exact drop-off location in Chicago to avoid unexpected inconvenience.
Mileage Policies: Verify whether your rental includes unlimited mileage or if limitations apply.
Driver's License Requirements: Bring a valid driver's license and be aware of age requirements or restrictions by the rental company.
Cross-State Travel Restrictions: Confirm if there are any restrictions or specific permissions needed for driving across states.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Stops: Map out key stops along your route to enjoy sights and ensure fuel availability.
Be Mindful of Time: Account for potential delays and allocate extra time for your journey.
Check Fuel Policies: Understand fuel policies, such as full-to-full or prepaid, to avoid additional charges.
Understand Insurance Coverage: Review included insurance options and consider supplemental coverage if needed.
Keep Contact Information Handy: Save the rental company’s emergency contact details for any unforeseen situations.

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.

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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

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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.

Seattle Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking fees in Seattle.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Chicago Parking

Search for parking garages near your destination to secure a spot in advance.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have sufficient funds or a valid payment method for toll roads.

Use an electronic toll pass to save time at toll booths.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Subsection heading for main routes around this area:

Northern Route via I-90

Interstate Highway ~31 hours

This scenic route takes you through the northern states, featuring stunning landscapes and roadways.

Spokane, WA , Billings, MT , Rapid City, SD , Madison, WI

Midwestern Route via I-94

Interstate Highway ~32 hours

A less direct yet equally fascinating path with numerous midwestern cultural adventures.

Portland, OR , Denver, CO , Kansas City, MO , Peoria, IL

Scenic Route via US-20

National Highway ~35 hours

Perfect for enthusiasts looking to explore the countryside and lesser-known spots.

Missoula, MT , Yellowstone National Park, WY , Des Moines, IA , South Bend, IN

Subsection heading for popular trips around the area:

Yellowstone National Park Detour

5-8 hours from main route

Explore the remarkable natural landscapes and wildlife at Yellowstone.

Mount Rushmore Loop

3-5 hours extra

Visit the iconic carvings on your way east.

Devil’s Tower Side Route

2 hours extra

An intriguing geological landmark in northeastern Wyoming.

Great River Road Trail

4-6 hours from main route

Drive along the Mississippi River to soak in the history and scenic views.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Route Choice Tips: Compare different routes for their distance, attractions, and time needed to ensure the best fit for your journey.

Fuel Management: Identify gas stations along your route and plan refueling spots to avoid high prices in remote areas.

Packing Essentials: Pack a mix of entertainment, snacks, a first aid kit, and essential tools for a smooth road trip.

Insurance Coverage: Verify car rental insurance policies and consider additional coverage to avoid unexpected costs.

Local Traffic Laws: Familiarize yourself with traffic regulations in the states you will travel through to prevent violations.

Navigation Preparedness: Ensure your GPS is up-to-date and you have offline maps ready in case of limited connectivity.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Explore companies that provide one-way rental services from Seattle to Chicago. Consider options based on fee levels, vehicle variety, and location coverage to find the best fit.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Excellent	Comprehensive vehicle selection including luxury options , Dedicated support for one-way trips
Enterprise	$$	High	Very good	No young driver fee for ages 21-25 , Competitive one-way fees
Avis	$	Good	Excellent	Budget-friendly options , Multiple airport locations
Budget	$	Standard	Good	Affordable rental options , Multiple service locations

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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

Car Rental Information at the Airports

Rental Car Center Operating Hours:

Open 24 hours a day, Monday through Sunday.

Location of Rental Car Center:

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located in the dedicated rental car facility accessible via a 24/7 shuttle service.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttle buses to the rental car facility arrive every 5 minutes.

Drop-off Location at Destination:

Vehicles can be dropped off at the O'Hare International Airport rental car facility.

Always confirm the policies and fees for one-way rentals with the chosen company, as they can vary significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car in one location and return it to another. This is particularly useful for road trips, relocations, or when your travel itinerary doesn't include a return to your original location.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, most car rental companies charge a one-way fee or drop-off fee. This is because the car needs to be returned to its original location for future rentals. Fees vary depending on the company and route.

How can I find the best deal for a one-way rental from Seattle to Chicago?

To find the best deals, compare prices across different car rental companies, book early, and consider discounts available through memberships or credit cards. Some companies may have promotions on specific routes or timeframes.

What vehicle options are commonly available for this route?

Options typically include compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and sometimes premium or specialty vehicles. Choosing a vehicle with good fuel efficiency is advisable for long-distance travel.

Can I add additional drivers for the rental?

Yes, most companies allow additional drivers for an extra fee. However, the additional driver must meet the age, license, and driving history requirements of the rental agreement.

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