Avis Car Rental

- Traders parking garage, 335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606

For residents and visitors across Illinois, having access to a reliable and efficient car rental service in the heart of Chicago is often a key component of seamless travel. Avis Car Rental, located at 335a S Franklin St within the Traders parking garage, stands as a prominent option for those seeking dependable transportation. This article, crafted from the perspective of local Illinois users, aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this specific Avis branch. We'll delve into its accessibility, the range of services it offers, its standout features, and why it remains a suitable choice for navigating Chicago's vibrant cityscape and exploring the broader wonders of Illinois.

Avis is a well-established name in the global car rental industry, recognized for its extensive fleet and customer service initiatives. For the Illinois community, a downtown Chicago location offers unparalleled convenience, whether you're a business professional needing a quick rental, a family planning a road trip to the state's picturesque regions, or someone simply requiring a temporary vehicle. Understanding the specific nuances of this branch, including its operational procedures and customer experiences, is essential for making an informed choice that best fits your travel plans.

Location and Accessibility

The Avis Car Rental branch at 335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA, boasts an exceptionally strategic location within Chicago's central business district, often referred to as the Loop. This address places it within the Traders parking garage, making both pick-up and drop-off experiences relatively streamlined, as vehicles are on-site. The counter for Avis is located inside the office at 335A S Franklin St. Customers will proceed inside this Avis office located at the address of 335A S Franklin St. Then, they will proceed outside, turn right, and walk down and into the ground floor of the Traders parking garage. Please take the elevator to the 5th floor then follow signs to where the vehicles are parked for pick-up. For returns, all customers returning vehicles should proceed to the garage entrance, which is conveniently located at 329 S Franklin St. Please follow the signs to the 5th floor and return the vehicle in the area identified as car rental/return. This central position offers excellent connectivity to various parts of Chicago and the greater Illinois area.

Accessibility is a major highlight of this location. It's incredibly well-served by Chicago's robust public transportation network. Multiple CTA 'L' train lines (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple, and Green Lines at Quincy/Wells or Washington/Wells stations, and Blue Line at Jackson or Monroe stations) are within easy walking distance. Numerous CTA bus routes also have stops very close by, providing convenient access from virtually any neighborhood in Chicago or from commuter rail lines serving the vast Illinois suburbs. For those arriving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW), direct CTA train lines or ride-share services offer straightforward routes to downtown, making this Avis branch a practical choice for both incoming travelers and local residents returning from trips. Its downtown setting also ensures quick access to major expressways for seamless journeys out of the city and into other Illinois destinations.

Services Offered

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Avis at this location typically offers a wide selection of vehicles to cater to various needs. This includes fuel-efficient economy and compact cars (like a Kia Rio or Toyota Corolla) ideal for city driving or short trips, to more spacious mid-size and full-size sedans (such as a Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Jetta) for comfortable travel. For larger groups, families, or those needing more cargo space, various SUVs (like a Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, or Chevrolet Suburban), minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), and even passenger vans may be available. For a touch of luxury or a special occasion, specialty vehicles like convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible) might also be part of the fleet. The diverse range aims to cater to nearly any travel purpose, from daily commutes to family road trips across Illinois.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers have the flexibility to choose from daily, weekly, or longer-term rental options to suit their specific travel plans. Whether you need a car for a quick business trip, a weekend getaway to Galena, or an extended stay exploring the sights of Illinois, Avis provides options to match your schedule.
• One-Way Rentals: For those whose travel itineraries involve different start and end points within Illinois or even across state lines, the option to pick up a car at this Chicago location and return it to another Avis branch is generally available, though subject to availability and potential drop-off fees.
• Optional Add-ons: To enhance the rental experience, Avis offers various optional accessories and services. These can include GPS navigation systems to help navigate unfamiliar routes, child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster) for families traveling with young children, satellite radio (SiriusXM®) for entertainment on longer drives, and Extended Roadside Assistance for peace of mind in case of unexpected issues like lockouts, flat tires, jump starts, or fuel delivery. They also offer electronic toll payment solutions like e-Toll Unlimited to streamline travel on tolled roads throughout Illinois and beyond.
• Avis Preferred Program: For frequent renters, the Avis Preferred loyalty program is a significant benefit designed to expedite the rental process. Members can often enjoy expedited service, potentially skipping the counter and going straight to their car at participating locations. This program also includes benefits like earning points for free rental days and upgrades, and generally receives priority service, making it an excellent choice for regular travelers.
• Online Booking and Management: Avis provides a user-friendly website and mobile app, allowing customers to conveniently make reservations, modify existing bookings, and manage their rental details from anywhere, at any time. This digital convenience streamlines the planning process.
• Insurance and Protection Options: Various coverage options, such as a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), are available for purchase to provide protection against damage to or theft of the rental vehicle during the rental period. This offers customers flexibility in choosing the level of protection that best suits their needs.
• Accessibility Services: Through its Avis Cares Program, the company offers a range of products and services for passengers with special needs. This includes providing hand controls, spinner knobs, a swivel seat, and a transfer board for wheelchair users at no extra cost, typically with advance notice to ensure availability.

Features / Highlights

• Central Downtown Location within Parking Garage: Its placement within the Traders parking garage at 335a S Franklin St is a distinct advantage. This means vehicles are conveniently on-site, facilitating quick and easy pick-up and drop-off, a crucial factor for busy individuals navigating downtown Chicago. The specific multi-level process of counter-to-garage is clearly outlined, ensuring a smooth transition from arrival to departure.
• Reputable Global Brand: Avis is a globally recognized and trusted car rental brand. This brings with it the assurance of a large, well-maintained fleet and established service standards, which can be particularly reassuring for Illinois residents and visitors accustomed to quality and reliability.
• Customer-Oriented Service: Several customer reviews specifically highlight the excellent service provided by the staff at this location. They are often described as welcoming, professional, efficient, and speedy during both the pick-up and drop-off processes. The practice of not pressuring customers to buy additional insurance is also consistently praised, contributing to a more comfortable and trustworthy rental experience.
• Avis Preferred Benefits: For loyalty program members, the Avis Preferred program offers tangible benefits such as pre-prepared paperwork and expedited service. This can significantly reduce wait times and streamline the entire rental process, making it highly convenient for repeat customers from Illinois who value efficiency.
• Strategic Access to Transportation: Its proximity to major CTA train lines and bus routes, as well as easy access to expressways connecting to the wider Illinois region, makes it an ideal starting point for journeys both within Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods and to other destinations across the state.

Contact Information

Address: Traders parking garage, 335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Phone: (708) 392-6979

Mobile Phone: +1 708-392-6979

Hours of Operation:

• Sunday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

It's important to note that holiday hours may differ. For example, in 2025, the location is listed as closed on Labor Day (September 1st) and Thanksgiving (November 27th), with adjusted hours on Black Friday (November 28th), Christmas Eve (December 24th), Christmas Day (December 25th), and New Year's Eve (December 31st). Always verify current hours and make reservations directly with Avis via their official website or by calling the provided phone numbers for the most accurate information.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the diverse population of Illinois, Avis Car Rental at 335a S Franklin St in downtown Chicago presents a highly suitable option for a wide array of car rental needs. Its prime location within the Traders parking garage offers unparalleled convenience, allowing for smooth pick-ups and drop-offs right in the heart of the city's bustling financial and commercial district. This central placement also means it's easily accessible from various parts of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs via a comprehensive public transit network, making it an ideal choice for both city dwellers and those commuting in from across Illinois.

The consistent positive customer feedback regarding the welcoming, professional, and efficient staff is a significant draw, indicating a strong commitment to smooth and pleasant customer interactions. The reported ease of pick-up and drop-off, coupled with a transparent and no-pressure approach to additional services like insurance, contributes to a more relaxed and trustworthy rental experience, which is highly valued by local users who appreciate straightforward transactions. The availability of a diverse fleet ensures that whether you need a compact car for navigating Chicago's busy streets, a spacious SUV for a family outing to one of Illinois' many state parks, or a more specialized vehicle for a particular event or business requirement, Avis typically has options to meet your specific needs for any journey within the state.

While one customer experience highlighted an isolated issue with a same-day reservation not being immediately honored, leading to temporary inconvenience, this appears to be an exception rather than the norm. It serves as a reminder for all customers, especially those with critical travel plans, to understand booking policies and consider making reservations well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods, to ensure vehicle availability. Overall, the combination of a strategic and accessible location, a comprehensive range of services, and the notable benefits of the Avis Preferred program for frequent renters, firmly positions this Avis branch as a strong, reliable, and convenient choice for anyone in Illinois seeking dependable car rental services. For the most seamless journey, proactive planning and leveraging loyalty program benefits can further enhance the experience, ensuring you get on the road quickly and efficiently for all your Illinois adventures.

Avis Car Rental

Traders parking garage, 335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA