Car Rental in Chicago

Whether you're taking a quick business trip to Chicago or you're looking forward to exploring after your meetings, the Windy City is great for business travelers. Discover how to get around and what to do in Chicago.

Things to Do in Chicago

Planning a business lunch in the Windy City? Take your pick from one of the best power lunch spots. In the Financial District, Steadfast serves creative American classics, while Cold Storage serves upscale seafood in the West Loop. In the Fulton River District, Roister is one of the most creative and impressive restaurants in Chicago.

With so many sprawling parks, Chicago is an excellent place for outdoor exercise. Run along the lakefront or through Millennium Park or head north for a power walk through Lincoln Park. The latter is home to the Lincoln Park Conservatory, while Millennium Park and the lakefront host numerous attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum. You'll also find some of the city's best business hotels near Millennium Park and the Loop.

Traffic and Parking Information

Since Chicago spans 234 square miles, you can anticipate at least a couple of long drives as you make your way through the city. If you're heading to Chicago's busy downtown Loop area or along Lake Shore Drive, you're likely to find the most traffic.

While many Chicago neighborhoods do offer street parking, you should always look for paid meters or signs indicating that only vehicles with resident tags can park. With dozens of large parking garages throughout the city, you'll always find somewhere safe to leave your car during a conference or meeting.

Business Travel Information

Chicago's premier conference center is McCormick Place, which is also the largest convention center in the nation. It's about a 25-minute drive from O'Hare International Airport with no traffic and about 20 minutes from Midway Airport with no traffic. McCormick Place has 6,000 on-site parking spaces, making for easy access for exhibitors and attendees alike. You can reach Chicago's Loop neighborhood in about 25 minutes by car from either O'Hare or Midway. Be sure to plan extra time to reach your destination during morning or evening rush hour.