Avis Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors in Illinois looking for dependable vehicle rental services, Avis Car Rental offers a centrally located branch in the heart of downtown Chicago. Whether you need a compact car for navigating city traffic, an SUV for a weekend getaway, or a van for moving or group travel, the Avis Car Rental located at 335a S Franklin St aims to provide a range of options for your transportation needs. It's important for local users to have clear, factual information to make the best choice for their rental requirements, keeping in mind both the convenience of the location and the specifics of the services provided.
This particular Avis location functions as a dedicated Car rental agency and a Van rental agency, catering to both personal and light commercial needs. Situated in the bustling Loop area of Chicago, this office is positioned to serve busy professionals, tourists, and Illinois residents who require a reliable vehicle solution quickly and efficiently.
## Location and Accessibility
The Avis Car Rental branch is strategically located at 335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. This address places it in a highly convenient area of the Chicago Downtown business district, often referred to as "The Loop." Being near major landmarks and business hubs like the Willis Tower and the Chicago Board of Trade Building makes it easily accessible for anyone working or residing downtown. The location is situated inside the Traders parking garage, which is key information for customers attempting to find the office and the vehicles.
For Illinois locals relying on public transportation, the central location offers proximity to several major transit options, including the CTA 'L' trains and various bus routes, and is near the Chicago Union Station, making both pick-up and drop-off relatively straightforward for those arriving by rail. Specific directions for picking up and returning a vehicle at this location involve:
- Pick-up: Customers first proceed inside the Avis office at 335A S Franklin St. They then proceed outside, turn right, walk down, and enter the ground floor of the Traders parking garage. Customers take the elevator to the 5th floor and follow the signs to the parked vehicles.
- Returns: All customers returning vehicles must proceed to the garage entrance at 329 S Franklin St, follow the signs to the 5th floor, and return the vehicle in the area identified for car rental/return.
## Services Offered
This Avis location provides a range of services designed to meet diverse customer needs, from everyday rentals to specialized corporate requirements. The vehicle types generally include a variety of rental classes such as:
- Economy and Compact Cars: Ideal for city driving and maximizing fuel efficiency in the Illinois area.
- Intermediate and Full-Size Sedans: Comfortable options for longer road trips across Illinois or extended business travel.
- SUVs (Standard, Full-Size, and Premium): Excellent choices for families, groups, or those needing extra cargo space, including models that may seat seven passengers.
- Minivans and Passenger Vans: Available for larger groups or significant hauling needs, catering to the "Van rental agency" designation.
- Luxury and Premium Cars: For those seeking an elevated driving experience.
- Pickup Trucks: Sometimes available for light hauling or utility needs, though inventory varies.
## Features / Highlights
Avis Car Rental strives to provide a professional experience bolstered by convenience and special considerations for certain groups:
- Onsite Services: The convenience of having the office and vehicle access integrated within the same downtown location simplifies the rental process for busy Chicago users.
- Active Military Discounts: A notable feature is the offer of Active military discounts, providing savings to those who serve or have served, which is a valuable benefit to the Illinois military community.
- Accessibility: A commitment to serving all customers is demonstrated by providing a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot. Additionally, through the Avis Cares Program (mentioned on the corporate website), specialized equipment like hand controls, spinner knobs, and transfer boards can often be requested in advance at no extra charge for renters with disabilities.
- Payment Flexibility: The location accepts common forms of electronic payment, including Credit cards and Debit cards. However, customers should be aware of stringent policies related to debit card usage, particularly for larger or premium vehicle classes, and understand that a credit check may be performed when using a debit card for the required security hold, which can vary in amount.
- Avis Preferred Status: Customers can benefit from the Avis Preferred program, which offers perks like skipping the counter, express checkouts, and vehicle upgrades when available, making the rental process smoother for frequent travelers.
- Early Return Policy (Prepaid Rentals): Avis's policy for rentals prepaid online is that no refund is provided for returning the vehicle before the scheduled return date. This is a crucial point of difference from some competitors and is something Illinois customers should factor into their booking strategy if their plans might change. If you have a prepaid reservation and return early, you will be charged for the full original term.
- Debit Card Policy: While the location generally accepts Debit cards, specific corporate policies, especially regarding the rental of larger vehicles like SUVs, may be restrictive. Customers are often required to present a credit card for the security hold, or face a credit check and a higher hold amount when using a debit card, particularly for premium vehicles. It is essential to verify the debit card policy directly with the local office and corporate customer service before booking a large vehicle to prevent being stranded or forced to rent a smaller car.
- Vehicle Condition and Maintenance: Customers have occasionally reported issues regarding vehicle condition, such as non-functional media ports and past-due maintenance warnings. While Avis states they meticulously maintain their fleet, it is always best practice for renters to inspect the vehicle thoroughly upon pickup and report any issues or necessary maintenance (like low fluid levels) to the desk agent before leaving the garage.
## Contact Information
Prospective renters or existing customers can reach the Avis Car Rental Chicago Downtown location using the following information:
Address: 335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Phone: (708) 392-6979
Mobile Phone (Direct Line): +1 708-392-6979
It's always recommended to call the local number directly for specific questions about vehicle availability, immediate policies, or directions to the parking garage. The operating hours generally cater to the business schedule of downtown Chicago, so checking them in advance is wise, especially for weekend rentals.
## What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Avis Car Rental at the South Franklin Street location is a decision driven by centralized convenience and the breadth of vehicle offerings in a major metropolitan area. For those in Chicago, the ability to rent a car, SUV, or van right in the Loop is a significant time-saver, eliminating the need to travel far out of the central business district. The accessibility features and military discounts demonstrate an inclusive approach to serving the Illinois community. Furthermore, Avis, as a major brand, generally maintains a fleet of regularly serviced vehicles, which contributes to reliability for your trip.
However, an informed decision requires acknowledging important policies and past customer experiences. Key points for Chicago users to note, based on publicly available information, include:
In summary, for reliable service and a wide selection of vehicles in the heart of downtown, Avis at 335a S Franklin St is a competitive option. By understanding the accessibility of its location near Union Station, taking advantage of features like military discounts, and being aware of critical policies regarding prepaid rentals and debit card usage, Illinois renters can best prepare for a smooth and efficient rental experience.
Avis Car Rental Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Avis Car Rental Photos










Avis Car Rental Location
Avis Car Rental
335a S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Avis Car Rental Reviews
drivepricepickupquestionsdeskphonelightlicensewirelessaltima
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Vehicle had broken Media USB port - zero possibility of wired or wireless Apple CarPlay - was not disclosed to me during pickup. Vehicle stated it was -(2,250) miles past due for maintenance. Vehicle had low-to-no wiper fluid - had to ask for this before leaving. Additionally: Beware that AVIS policy is to NOT accurately bill customers when returning a car early. I returned my car 2 full days early from planned expecting a corrected charge on the receipt. I am being charged for the full term. Enterprise/National does not do this; they only charge for the time you rent the vehicle. I frequently rent and this is my first experience with Avis. I will not use or recommend any Avis location and continue to use the excellent LaSalle st National/Enterprise location - avoiding Avis entirely.
September 06 · JustinWhat a nightmare!!! Two weeks ago I flew into Chicago to grab stuff out of my storage locker. I rented a large SUV from Avis several months in advance that I would use to drive back home to Denver with my stuff. I purposely chose a vehicle that would fit a ton of boxes to bring back. When I made the reservation, I called the 800 number Avis customer service number and asked if a debit card would be accepted for this reservation. She took some time to research and said that not only did this location accept debit cards, but that the 'category' of vehicle I rented allows for debit cards as well. Not wanting to rest on that, I also made a point to speak to this location directly to verify this and was told again that I would have no issues with a debit card. Fast forward to arriving at the location to pick up the SUV and I was (very rudely) informed by the guy behind the desk that I am not allowed to rent a large SUV with a debit card. I explained to the employee that this rental was my way home to Denver, which now left me stranded in Chicago, and that I needed the larger space for boxes. He said he could give me a much smaller vehicle to me with a debit card, but they would also need to run a credit report first. I declined because the whole point was to move stuff from Chicago to Denver, which I wouldn't be able to do with the car he offered. I tried to find another vehicle in Chicago through basically every other rental company, but there wasn't a single vehicle available to rent anywhere. Ultimately I ended up having to rent a cargo van through Budget Truck Rentals, which was triple the price of the SUV I reserved from Avis. It was that or flying home with nothing in hand. All in all, it made my trip to Chicago massively more stressful. And yes, I get it. Renting a car with a debit card is incredibly difficult. My problem isn't with the policy itself. My problem is when I triple check that I will be okay and it turns out I was given the wrong information by several people in a row. The entire situation almost turned into a huge disaster because they didn't know what they were talking about. That's unacceptable.
August 27 · James GavinI've been renting cars here for literally years and have always had a great experience. Yesenia specifically has gone above and beyond to make sure not just I but everyone I've witnessed here gets the best service. Sometimes, corporate overbooks them and doesn't let them turn off the reservation availability, but instead of just letting customers come in for no cars, they call everyone in the days leading up to let them know if they have cars or not so they can make alternative plans. I haven't experienced that at other locations and it's personally saved me a number of times. Highly recommend this location if you have a choice. They've made me a loyal customer.
July 23 · Malachi W. RandolphMy reservation was at the Chicago Downtown location. At first, the agent, Nestor, told me his system could not process my Washington State driver’s license and that he needed manager approval. I waited over 45 minutes until he finally received approval from his manager confirming that my license was valid.Afterward, Nestor asked me to insert my credit card for the rental total plus a $200 deposit. However, I noticed the charge was more than $100 higher than the confirmed reservation amount plus the deposit. When I asked him why, he said he didn’t know and asked me to accept the unexplained charge. I asked again for clarification, since it made no sense to accept a higher amount without any explanation. At that point, Nestor suddenly told me he could no longer help me and refused to provide me with a car.In the end, I spent nearly an hour at the rental facility, only for Nestor to cancel my reservation without my consent simply because I declined the unexplained extra charge. As a result, I was left without a car, and my travel plans were delayed. This was by far the worst experience I have ever had with Avis.
August 31 · Siyu XieI had an excellent experience renting from this Avis/Budget location. It was all thanks to Nestor’s phenomenal service. It was like having a friend in a new city. He kept my best interests at heart and shaved invaluable tips and made the experience a very friendly, smooth, and enjoyable one. I will happily visit this location anytime I’m in Chicago. Thanks, Nestor!
August 17 · Akbar Khan
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