Budget Car Rental in Chicago, IL: Your Go-To for Illinois Adventures

Budget Car Rental Photos

Budget Car Rental Introduce

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Budget Car Rental, a key player in providing transportation solutions for residents and visitors throughout the Illinois region. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, need a reliable vehicle for business travel, or simply require a temporary car while yours is in the shop, Budget Car Rental offers a range of options designed to meet your needs. In this article, we'll delve into what makes this particular location a relevant choice for those in and around Chicago, focusing on its accessibility, services, and overall suitability for local users.

Navigating the diverse landscapes of Illinois, from the bustling streets of downtown Chicago to the serene beauty of its state parks, often requires dependable transportation. Public transport is excellent in many urban areas, but for ultimate flexibility and access to all corners of the state, a rental car is often the best solution. Budget Car Rental aims to provide that freedom, with a variety of vehicles and services tailored to different preferences and budgets.

This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision, from understanding their service offerings to knowing how to reach them. We’ll also share insights from customer experiences to give you a well-rounded perspective, ensuring you have a clear picture of what to expect when choosing Budget for your next car rental in Illinois.

Location and Accessibility

Budget Car Rental is conveniently located at 8181 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60652, USA. This address places it strategically within a well-trafficked area of Chicago, making it relatively easy to access for individuals coming from various parts of the city and its surrounding suburbs. Cicero Avenue is a major thoroughfare, providing direct routes to and from several key locations.

For those traveling by air, the proximity to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a significant advantage. While not directly inside the airport terminal, this location is very close, offering a practical alternative for picking up or dropping off a rental car without navigating the full airport rental car complex. This can often save time and provide a smoother transition from your flight to your rental vehicle.

The surrounding area is well-served by public transportation options, though the most convenient way to reach the branch will often be by car, taxi, or ride-sharing service, especially when picking up a vehicle. For local residents, the location's position within a commercial zone means it's often close to other amenities and businesses, making it easy to incorporate into daily errands. Its accessibility makes it a practical choice for anyone needing a car rental whether they are residents of nearby neighborhoods or visitors arriving in the area.

Services Offered

Wide Range of Vehicles: Budget Car Rental offers a diverse fleet to suit various needs, from economy cars for fuel efficiency to full-size sedans for comfort, SUVs for family trips, and even minivans for larger groups. Specialty vehicles like muscle cars (e.g., Dodge Challenger, as noted in a customer review) may also be available for those seeking a more exciting driving experience.
Flexible Rental Periods: Whether you need a car for a day, a week, or even longer, Budget provides flexible rental periods to accommodate both short-term and extended requirements.
Optional Add-ons: Enhance your rental experience with optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and roadside assistance coverage.
One-Way Rentals: For travelers planning to pick up a car in Chicago and drop it off at another Budget location in Illinois or beyond, one-way rental options are typically available, offering great convenience for extended travel plans.
Corporate and Business Programs: Budget often provides specialized programs and rates for businesses and corporate clients, catering to frequent travelers and companies needing regular access to rental vehicles.
Online Booking and Management: Customers can easily book their vehicles online through the Budget website, manage reservations, and often check-in digitally for a quicker pick-up process.

Features / Highlights

Diverse Vehicle Selection: As highlighted by customer experiences, the availability of various car types, including popular models like the Dodge Challenger, allows customers to choose a vehicle that truly fits their travel style and needs.
Competitive Pricing (Generally): While specific charges should always be verified upfront, Budget is known for offering competitive rental rates, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious renters.
Proximity to Midway Airport: This location's close proximity to Chicago Midway International Airport is a significant convenience for air travelers, offering a quick and easy way to access a rental car upon arrival or before departure.
Accessibility from Major Roads: Situated on Cicero Avenue, a main road, the branch is easily reachable by car from various parts of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
Customer Service at Airport Locations: While some isolated incidents regarding customer service at specific branch locations have been noted, customer feedback also indicates that customer service at airport locations (like Midway Airport, where a customer exchanged a vehicle) can be excellent, providing a more positive experience for issues that require escalation.

Contact Information

Address: 8181 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60652, USA

Phone: (708) 229-8360

Mobile Phone: +1 708-229-8360

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Illinois, particularly those in the greater Chicago area, Budget Car Rental at 8181 S Cicero Ave offers a practical and accessible solution for their car rental needs. Its strategic location near Midway Airport and on a major thoroughfare makes it highly convenient for various scenarios, whether you're catching a flight, need a temporary vehicle while your car is serviced, or planning a road trip across the state.

The diverse fleet ensures that you can find a vehicle that perfectly matches your requirements, from economical compact cars for daily errands to spacious SUVs for family outings. The flexibility in rental periods, including one-way options, further enhances its appeal for both short-term and longer-term needs. While customer experiences can vary, the potential for a wide selection of vehicles and the convenience of the location remain strong points.

For locals, the ability to quickly pick up a reliable vehicle without traveling far from home or work can be invaluable. It provides the freedom and flexibility necessary to explore Illinois at your own pace, handle unforeseen transportation needs, or simply enjoy a different driving experience. While it's always advisable to confirm all details and charges upfront and inspect the vehicle upon pickup, Budget Car Rental in Chicago continues to be a viable and often convenient option for residents seeking dependable car rental services in the region.

Budget Car Rental Details

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Budget Car Rental Location

Budget Car Rental

Illinois Cook County Chicago Scottsdale South Cicero Avenue

8181 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60652, USA

Budget Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★3.3 from 147 user reviews.

pick upmoneyphonemidway airportdrivefeecleandiscountmorningvan

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The car I rented was a Dodge Challenger. It had impressive gas mileage. However, I did notice that the steering wheel was quite stiff. But overall, it was a good car..The customer service and information desk at Budget could benefit from improvements in the information provided to customers. It would be helpful to inform customers about the process after renting a car, such as the electronic receipt issuance, and clearly state how to get to the car.Additionally, ensuring that all charges are transparent and visible before the rental would significantly enhance the customer experience, as unexpected fees are often frustrating. I believe that providing concise information about the car's features can give the company a competitive edge.Additionally, I am having difficulty understanding why a dirty car was provided for rental. I have rented from Avis, Enterpise, Almo, payless, and Hertz in the past and have not encountered similar issues. I had to wash the car. Nonetheless, I won't be renting from them again.
Jun 26, 2025 · keresa Keresa
They gave me a vehicle with expired temporary tags. Before I left the rental place, I told the guy it was expired. His response was it’s okay you’re good. About thirty minutes later, police pulled me over. I showed him it was a rental, his response was this wasn’t going to fly. He seen my military ID. He said be careful. Twenty minutes later, three police cars stop me. Got Put in handcuffs. On a busy street. They looked at the paper work. Told me to take the car back. While I was in cuffs, they put a ticket on the car for not plates and expired tags. Went back to where I picked up the car. They didn’t want to correct what they did. Guy told me that it wasn’t nothing they could do. They said it’s corporate problem.Took the vehicle to midway airport to turn it in for a new one. Customer service was great. Got a legal vehicle.
Feb 19, 2022 · Michael Norwood
We arrived at 8am, on a very cold day, when the location is due to open to pick up car..when we left at 9:15am no staff had shown up. No one on the phone could advise why not or what time they would open
Jan 07, 2025 · Betty Clayton
Having previously rented from Budget, I was expecting a decent experience, but that was not the case this time. The first car that was given to us was a Jeep Compass which was bigger than we expected, so that was great. Once getting in the car, it smelled strongly of cigarette smoke and marijuana. I was sure to report it to the associate as to not get charged a cleaning fee, he noted it but he didn't offer any additional help. After sitting in the car a few minutes, I realized I could not handle the smell as I am pregnant nor did I want my toddler exposed to it for the weekend. The only car available in the car type we reserved was a pickup truck that was old and smelled as well. We drove to a new location to see if there was any other car we could get, willing to pay for an upgrade fee but the location was low on cars. We finally found a location that had a car available so we took it. It was a downgrade from the car reserved yet we still paid the fee for the bigger car even though it was a lack of cleaning and enforced policies that caused the problem in the first place. Considering I was charged extra for a small car and no upgrades were offered, I'm extremely hesitant to rent from budget again nor would I would I suggest it to friends or colleagues.
Nov 13, 2024 · Callie Kaynish
Went to pick up cargo van my daughter had reserved last week. Clerk told us “corporate had called the day after she had reserved the van to say they wouldn’t have one”. She has no missed calls on that day and no voicemail message. Why wouldn’t Budget have followed up with an email? Or call again to try to find another van to rent? She needs to move today! He found a truck instead (which are worse to drive) at another location 10 miles away. Said price would be same as van. Should get a discount for inconvenience. I don’t recommend Budget.
Jun 26, 2023 · Judy Varley