Thrifty Car Rental - Chicago - O'hare International Airport

- 10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666

For anyone traveling to or from the vibrant state of Illinois, especially those flying into the bustling Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), securing reliable transportation is often a top priority. Whether you're a local needing a temporary vehicle, a business traveler with meetings across the Chicagoland area, or a visitor eager to explore the diverse landscapes of Illinois, car rental services provide the freedom and flexibility you need. Thrifty Car Rental at Chicago O'Hare International Airport stands as a prominent option, offering a range of vehicles and services designed to get you on your way quickly and efficiently.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Thrifty Car Rental's O'Hare location, specifically tailored for users in Illinois. We understand that local users prioritize convenience, a good selection of vehicles, and transparent service. By delving into the specifics of this airport branch, we hope to equip you with the information necessary to make an informed decision for your next car rental from Chicago O'Hare. From understanding their fleet and additional services to navigating the airport's rental car facility, we'll cover key aspects that are important from a local perspective.

The convenience of picking up a rental car directly at the airport cannot be overstated, particularly at a major hub like O'Hare. It eliminates the need for extra transfers and allows you to transition smoothly from air travel to road travel. Thrifty, as a well-known name in the car rental industry, strives to make this transition as seamless as possible, providing a gateway to all that Illinois has to offer.

Location and Accessibility

Thrifty Car Rental - Chicago - O'Hare International Airport is strategically located at 10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666, USA. This address places it directly within the consolidated rental car facility at O'Hare, known as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). This modern facility streamlines the car rental process for all airport users.

Upon arrival at O'Hare International Airport, accessing the MMF and Thrifty Car Rental is straightforward. All travelers needing rental cars are directed to the MMF, which is easily reachable via the Airport Transit System (ATS). The ATS is a free, automated rail system that connects all of O'Hare's terminals with the MMF. Once you collect your luggage from baggage claim, follow the signs for "Airport Transit System" or "Rental Cars." The ATS will transport you directly to the MMF, where Thrifty's counter and vehicle pick-up area are located. This dedicated transit system ensures a quick and efficient transfer from your arrival gate to your rental car, minimizing walking and waiting times.

For those driving to the airport to pick up or drop off a rental, the MMF is also accessible by road. Signs around the airport clearly guide drivers to the "Rental Car Return" or "Multi-Modal Facility" areas, ensuring a smooth process. The design of the MMF is intended to consolidate all rental car operations in one central location, making it highly accessible and user-friendly for both incoming and departing travelers in Illinois.

Services Offered

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Thrifty at O'Hare offers a wide array of vehicle categories to suit various travel needs and preferences. This includes economy cars for budget-conscious travelers or solo trips, compact cars, intermediate sedans, and full-size sedans for general travel and comfort.
• SUVs and Minivans: For families, groups, or those requiring more space for luggage and passengers, Thrifty typically provides a selection of SUVs (ranging from small to full-size) and minivans, offering flexibility for different group sizes and activities.
• Specialty Vehicles: Depending on availability and demand, customers may find specialty vehicles such as luxury cars, convertibles, or even electric vehicles (EVs) at this location, catering to specific desires for a unique driving experience.
• Optional Add-ons: To enhance the rental experience, Thrifty offers a variety of optional add-ons. These often include GPS navigation systems to help navigate unfamiliar routes, child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster seats) for traveling with children, and roadside assistance plans for peace of mind during your journey.
• Fuel Options: Thrifty typically provides various fuel policy options, such as "full to full" (return with a full tank), or the option to purchase a full tank upfront and return empty. It's crucial for customers to understand these policies to avoid unexpected charges, as evidenced by some customer feedback.
• One-Way Rentals: For travelers planning to pick up a car at O'Hare and return it to a different Thrifty location within Illinois or another state, one-way rental options are usually available, offering great flexibility for longer trips or different itineraries.
• Online Check-in and Car Selection: Thrifty often provides online check-in services and the ability for customers to select their exact car from their phone at participating locations, which can help in expediting the pick-up process and skipping the line upon arrival.

Features / Highlights

• Airport Convenience: Being located directly within the Multi-Modal Facility at O'Hare International Airport is a significant advantage, providing seamless access for air travelers. The free ATS connection makes pickup and drop-off particularly easy.
• Thrifty Blue Chip Program: For frequent renters, the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program offers benefits such as expedited service at the rental counter, the potential for express return lanes, and the ability to earn free rental days, enhancing the overall value and convenience.
• Variety of Rental Protection Options: Thrifty offers various rental protection packages, including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Protection, and Personal Protection Packages, allowing customers to choose coverage that suits their needs and existing insurance.
• Modern Fleet: Reviews suggest that Thrifty, like its sister company Dollar, maintains a relatively new fleet, with some customers even reporting access to new 2025 vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and reliable driving experience.
• Customer Service Potential: While experiences can vary, as with any high-volume service, there are instances of exceptional customer service, where staff members like Laquantis (mentioned in a review) go above and beyond to assist customers with their selections and address concerns. This indicates a potential for positive interactions and problem-solving at the branch.

Contact Information

Address: 10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666, USA

Phone: (877) 283-0898

Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Illinois, and especially those in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, Thrifty Car Rental at O'Hare International Airport presents a compelling option for their vehicle rental needs. The primary advantage is its unparalleled accessibility directly from one of the nation's busiest airports. This convenience significantly reduces the logistical challenges associated with car rentals, making it ideal for both business travelers and individuals planning personal trips. Locals flying out of O'Hare can return their rental with ease, and those arriving home can quickly transition into a rental if their personal vehicle is unavailable or if they require a larger or different type of car for specific needs.

The diverse fleet, ranging from economical sedans to spacious SUVs and minivans, ensures that Thrifty can cater to a wide array of local demands – be it a compact car for navigating city traffic, a comfortable sedan for a weekend getaway to Starved Rock State Park, or an SUV for a family trip across the state. The availability of optional add-ons like GPS and child seats further enhances its suitability for varied local uses.

While some customer experiences highlight areas for improvement, particularly concerning transparency in pricing and additional charges (such as fuel top-offs), the positive feedback regarding courteous staff and new vehicles indicates a commitment to service quality. It is always wise for locals to thoroughly review their rental agreements, inquire about all potential fees upfront, and take photos of fuel gauges, especially when opting for "full to full" policies, to ensure a smooth and transparent transaction.

Ultimately, Thrifty Car Rental at Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers a robust and convenient service for Illinois residents. Its location, coupled with a wide range of vehicles and supplementary features, makes it a valuable resource for maintaining mobility, facilitating travel, and enabling exploration across the diverse landscapes of Illinois, providing a practical solution for a multitude of transportation requirements.

Thrifty Car Rental - Chicago - O'hare International Airport

10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666, USA