Rental car operations at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are consolidated at a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (often called a CONRAC), which houses every major brand under one roof. The facility connects to the terminals by either a covered walkway or a dedicated shuttle that runs in a continuous loop, so transit time from the baggage claim to the rental counter is predictable.
Brands operating at MDW
The on-airport rental brands at MDW include the major full-service operators — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Alamo — alongside the value brands Dollar, Thrifty, and Sixt. Specialty offerings such as Silvercar by Audi and Fox Rent A Car are available at some markets. Off-airport operators offer pickup from the terminal via their own free shuttle.
Bypassing the counter
Loyalty members of National (Emerald Club), Hertz (Gold Plus Rewards), Avis (Preferred), and Enterprise (Plus) can usually skip the counter entirely. National's "choose-any-car-on-the-aisle" model is the fastest path through the facility for travelers who do not need a specific vehicle class. Always join the loyalty program before your trip — it is free and saves twenty to forty minutes at peak arrival times.
Insurance, fuel, and tolls
Decline the rental company's collision damage waiver if your personal auto policy or premium credit card already covers rental cars — the savings are typically the largest line item on the rental contract. Decline the prepaid fuel option unless you are returning the car at an unusually inconvenient hour; gas stations within a few miles of MDW are clearly signed as "rental car return" stations and are competitively priced. Toll transponders rented from the counter are convenient but expensive; check whether your destination route uses tolls before opting in.
Returning the car
Follow the "Rental Car Return" signs from the surrounding highways. The CONRAC has dedicated return lanes by brand, and a return agent will inspect the car, scan the fuel level, and email a final receipt. Plan for fifteen to twenty minutes between pulling into the return lane and reaching your terminal's check-in counter via the shuttle or walkway.
Off-airport rentals
Off-airport rental locations near Chicago occasionally offer dramatically lower rates than on-airport counters because they avoid the airport concession fee. The tradeoff is the additional shuttle time and the dependency on the off-airport operator's hours. For a multi-day trip, the savings can justify the inconvenience; for a one- or two-day trip, the time cost almost always makes the on-airport option more economical.
Accessibility
Hand controls and other accessibility equipment can be requested at the time of booking; allow at least 48 hours for the rental brand to fit the vehicle. Wheelchair-accessible vans are available with advance reservation through specialty operators on request.