Renting a car at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a convenient way to explore Chicago and the surrounding area. Major rental car companies operate from the Rental Car Facility, a separate building that houses rental counters and vehicle pickup and return areas. Passengers can reach the facility using free shuttle buses that operate 24 hours a day.
The essentials in 30 seconds- Rental car facility: Rental Car Facility, 5150 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60638.
- Rental counters and vehicles: located in a building separate from the passenger terminal.
- Shuttles: free, operating 24 hours a day, with scheduled departures approximately every 15 minutes.
- Pickup stop: terminal lower level, inner lane, near Door 3 according to the airport’s ground transportation information.
- Returns: at each rental company’s designated area within the Rental Car Facility.
- Return to the terminal: free shuttle service from the rental car facility.
Book in advance
During busy travel periods in Chicago, booking your rental car in advance is recommended. Check the total price, your rental company’s operating hours, and pickup and return conditions, especially if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning.
Rental Car Facility location
The Rental Car Facility is located within the airport grounds, in a building separate from the passenger terminal.
- Address: 5150 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60638, United States.
- Facilities: rental counters, parking areas, and vehicle pickup and return locations.
- Access: free shuttle buses from the terminal’s lower level.
- Shuttle service: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Major rental car companies share the building, although they use different floors and parking areas. Once at the facility, follow your rental company’s signs to complete the required procedures and collect your vehicle.
How to reach the Rental Car Facility from the terminal
Chicago Midway Airport provides free Rental Car Shuttle buses between the terminal and the Rental Car Facility.
After collecting your baggage, follow these directions:
- Proceed to the terminal’s Lower Level.
- Follow the Ground Transportation / Rental Car Shuttles signs.
- Look for the inner lane near Door 3, as indicated by the airport’s ground transportation information.
- Take the free shuttle to the Rental Car Facility.
- Once there, proceed to the counter of the company listed on your reservation.
Shuttles operate 24 hours a day, with scheduled departures approximately every 15 minutes.
This is an approximate schedule rather than a guaranteed maximum waiting time.
Check the shuttle pickup locationThe airport’s official pages provide different pickup references: the general rental car page identifies Door 2, while the dedicated ground transportation information lists Door 3 in the inner lane. Follow the current Rental Car Shuttles signs and ask airport staff for assistance if needed.
Rental car companies at MDW
The official Chicago Midway Airport directory lists eight rental car companies associated with the airport.
Seven have specific information available about their operations at the Rental Car Facility. Their contact details are listed below.
Corporate Rent A Car
The airport’s official directory also lists Corporate Rent A Car among its rental car operators.
- Phone: +1 331-208-5100.
- Location: confirm the exact pickup and return location directly with the company.
Although Corporate appears in the airport directory, different addresses have been associated with its operations near Midway. For this reason, passengers should confirm the transfer instructions and vehicle location before traveling.
Rental counter hours
Rental counters do not necessarily operate on the same schedule as the airport’s shuttle service.
For reference, Enterprise lists opening hours from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM, while Budget lists hours from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM. Both provide specific procedures for certain after-hours returns.
Other companies’ operating hours may vary and should be checked directly before pickup.
Important: the fact that shuttles operate 24 hours a day does not mean every company allows vehicle pickups at any time.
Vehicle pickup and return
Pickup
Once at the Rental Car Facility, locate your rental company’s counter and follow the instructions provided with your reservation.
The usual procedure includes:
- Presenting a valid driver’s license and the required documentation.
- Confirming your reservation details and completing the rental agreement.
- Reviewing insurance, security deposit, and fuel conditions.
- Proceeding to the floor or parking area assigned by your rental company.
- Inspecting the vehicle before leaving.
Rental counters and vehicles may be located on different levels.
For example, Alamo and National list counters on Level 1 and vehicle pickup areas on Level 2. Enterprise identifies its counter on Level 1 and vehicle pickup on Level 4.
These locations are based on the companies’ own instructions and may change.
Return
For vehicles rented from companies operating at the Rental Car Facility, use the following address:
5150 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60638.
- Drive to the Rental Car Facility, following the Rental Car Return signs.
- Locate your rental company’s designated return area.
- Park in the assigned location and complete the return procedure.
- Collect your belongings and keep your return receipt.
- Take the free shuttle back to the passenger terminal.
Some companies use specific floors or entrances. If your reservation provides different directions or an alternative address, follow your rental provider’s instructions.
After-hours vehicle returns
Several companies allow vehicles to be returned after their rental counters have closed.
These procedures may involve designated parking areas, key drop boxes, or special return instructions.
Policies vary by company. Before traveling, confirm whether after-hours returns are permitted and when your responsibility for the vehicle ends.
️ Allow enough time before your flightThe Rental Car Facility is separate from the passenger terminal. When planning your airport arrival time, account for the vehicle return process, shuttle waiting time, transportation to the terminal, and security screening.
Where to refuel before returning your car
Many rental companies offer a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring the vehicle to be returned with the agreed fuel level.
One refueling option near Midway is:
Shell — South Cicero Avenue
- Address: 4900 S. Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638.
- Hours: open 24 hours a day.
- Fuel: regular, midgrade, and premium gasoline, as well as diesel.
- Phone: +1 773-424-0404.
- Information: official Shell station listing.
Whether this station is convenient depends on your route and the entrance you use to reach the Rental Car Facility.
If your rental agreement requires a full tank upon return, refuel before entering the facility, keep your receipt, and check the fuel gauge.
Documents and rental conditions
Rental requirements depend on the company, vehicle category, and reservation details.
Before renting a car at MDW, consider the following:
- Driver’s license: must be valid and accepted by the rental company. International visitors should check whether additional documentation is required.
- Identification: a passport or another valid identity document may be required to verify the driver’s identity.
- Payment method: many companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name, while some accept debit cards under specific conditions.
- Minimum age: requirements vary by company, and young-driver surcharges may apply.
- Security deposit: check the hold amount and the conditions for its release.
- Insurance: review included coverage, exclusions, and possible deductibles.
- Additional drivers: check eligibility requirements and applicable fees.
- Fuel and mileage: review the conditions stated in the rental agreement.
- One-way rentals: returning the vehicle to another location may result in additional charges.
Rental companies offer different vehicle categories, from economy cars and sedans to SUVs and minivans, depending on availability.
Reservations are usually made by vehicle category and do not necessarily guarantee a specific make or model.
Check the total rental priceBefore confirming your reservation, review the full price breakdown, including taxes, possible airport fees, optional insurance, and security deposits. Keep a copy of the confirmation showing your rental conditions.
️ Electronic toll roads in Chicago
Chicago and the surrounding area have toll roads operated by organizations including Illinois Tollway.
Rental vehicles may use different payment systems, depending on the rental company and travel route.
I-PASS
Drivers with an I-PASS account may use a compatible transponder in a rental vehicle, provided they meet the system requirements and correctly register the vehicle’s license plate and rental period.
Pay By Plate
Illinois Tollway also offers Pay By Plate, a system that allows drivers to pay certain tolls by registering the vehicle’s license plate, travel dates, and a payment method.
This option may be useful for drivers without a transponder, subject to the applicable requirements and payment deadlines.
For further information about payment methods, visit the official Illinois Tollway website.
Important: before leaving the Rental Car Facility, ask your rental company how tolls are charged and whether administrative fees apply. This can help prevent duplicate payments or unexpected charges.
Is renting a car worthwhile for visiting Chicago?
A rental car may be useful for visiting surrounding communities, taking road trips across Illinois, or traveling to destinations with limited public transportation.
However, if your visit is focused mainly on downtown Chicago, consider the following:
- Traffic: major highways and downtown access roads may experience heavy congestion, particularly during rush hours.
- Parking: downtown parking garages and many hotels may charge substantial fees.
- Tolls: some highways require electronic toll payments.
- Public transportation: the CTA Orange Line connects Midway Airport with downtown Chicago.
For stays focused on well-connected parts of the city, comparing rental car costs with public transportation and other mobility options may be worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions about car rental at MDW
️ Official information
For the rental company directory, Rental Car Facility address, and shuttle service details, visit the official Chicago Midway Airport rental car information.
You can also check the official airport shuttle and bus information.