MDW Rental Car Guide: Chicago Midway International Airport
Renting a car at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago, Illinois. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, pricing, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at MDW that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at MDW
All Midway rental brands share one Rental Car Facility at 5150 W. 55th Street. Free shuttles leave from Lower Level Door #2 and run 24/7.
Head to Lower Level Door #2 for the rental car shuttle. On the way back, leave extra time for the shuttle.
MDW pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: A daily customer facility charge, a concession recovery fee, Illinois's 5% automobile renting tax, the 6% MPEA car rental tax that applies in Cook County, and Chicago's lease tax. Check your agreement for the exact amounts.
These charges are added on top of the quoted base rate, so a cheap headline price at MDW can look very different at checkout. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at MDW
MDW hosts 8 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Corporate Rent A Car
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
Best for premium service: National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter
Cheapest base rates: Compare Dollar and Corporate Rent A Car against the majors, since the gap changes with your dates
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
MDW-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
Midway is on Chicago's Southwest Side. City branches can skip airport charges, but compare the total including your ride there.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Take the Orange Line downtown and rent from a city branch only on the days you need a car.
How to save the most at MDW
- Compare the all-in total. At MDW, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at MDW?
Free 24/7 shuttles leave Lower Level Door 2 for the shared Rental Car Facility on W. 55th Street.
What is the average rental car price at MDW?
There is no reliable average for MDW: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at MDW?
A daily customer facility charge, a concession recovery fee, Illinois's 5% automobile renting tax, the 6% MPEA car rental tax that applies in Cook County, and Chicago's lease tax.
Which rental car company is best at MDW?
National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter. Dollar and Corporate Rent A Car are worth pricing against them.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from MDW?
Often for downtown stays: ride the Orange Line and rent from a city branch only on the days you drive.
Are there any quirks to renting at MDW?
Illinois Tollway roads are cashless and downtown hotel parking is expensive, so a Loop-only trip may not need a car.