How to find a cheap car hire deal in Champaign
Searching for a cheap rental car in Champaign? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,571 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices in Champaign start from just R 981.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 4,329 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best price on a Champaign car hire, book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Grab your wheels from Hertz, Thrifty or Enterprise. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Hertz or another supplier offers for your Champaign car hire can vary, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,721 a day.
In second position is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 1,344.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 1,354 a day.
The Economy rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Champaign.
Flying to Champaign? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car hire at University of Illinois Willard Airport. If you're flying to Champaign through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Champaign
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this Champaign car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Champaign that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Champaign car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Champaign.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may rent vehicles to younger drivers at an extra cost, so carefully review the policies before securing your wheels.
Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Champaign car hire reservation.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to make sure you're always covered.
English is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.
Best hotels in Champaign for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying your stay at Drury Inn & Suites Champaign. Around 3 kilometres from central Champaign, it comes with parking, internet access and air conditioning.
Comfort Suites Urbana Champaign, University Area is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features accessible parking, plus express check-out and a games room. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Champaign for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
You're ready to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Champaign and your hotel. From Parkland Art Gallery to State Farm Centre and Krannert Art Museum, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Champaign
Keep travelling to Bloomington. Around 72 kilometres northwest of central Champaign, you'll find must-see sights like BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bloomington and Angler's Lake Nature Preserve.
Red Roof Inn Bloomington - Normal/University and The Chateau Bloomington Hotel and Conference Centre are reliable accommodation options with parking in Bloomington.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Champaign and head roughly 64 kilometres southwest to Decatur. Featuring Scovill Zoo and Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum, its highlights live up to the hype.
Decatur has some comfortable accommodation options including Holiday Inn & Suites Decatur-Forsyth and Comfort Inn & Suites Decatur-Forsyth. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
Not done driving yet? Fort Wayne is a popular road trip destination that's around 290 kilometres northeast of Champaign. Make a few pit stops at African-American Historical Museum and Salomon Farm Park.
Time to think about catching some z's. Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Centre and Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Centre have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Fort Wayne.
