Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Should I rent a car in Chicago?

I’m planning a business trip to Chicago. I’ve never been to the city, and I’m not entirely sure how easy it is to get around. Should I rent a car for my stay, or will I be able to rely on public transportation?

avatar
Ethan Daniel Moser · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Don’t forget to take your photo with the famous Bean sculpture at Cloud Gate! Generally speaking, it’s not necessary to rent a car to get around
Chicago
, as public transport in the city is cheap, reliable, and extensively connected.
Here are a few reasons you probably don’t need to rent a car in Chicago:
  • You can get anywhere you need to go by using the city’s public transportation system, which consists of both buses and train lines.
  • Parking in Chicago’s Loop district can cost you as much as $6.50 an hour. Meanwhile, bus and train rides will only set you back $2.50 per trip.
  • Taxis in Chicago are readily available and relatively cheap. Additionally, ride-share apps like Lyft and Uber are also frequently used to get from Point A to Point B in a pinch.
  • Chicago’s train lines run directly from both Midway and O’Hare airport to the city center for only $2.50.
If you are deadset on renting a car in Chicago, you need to invest in
rental car insurance
before renting. You can purchase rental insurance either through your own
car insurance
policy or with your credit card company.
It’s easier than ever to alter your insurance policy to find the coverage options you need at the prices you want when you shop with
Jerry
, the #1-rated car insurance
super app
.
MORE: How to get a rental car discount code
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings