Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors traveling through Illinois, securing reliable transportation is often the first step in any journey, whether it’s a quick business trip or a family vacation. The Budget Car Rental location at 5150 W 55th St in Chicago, IL, serves as a major hub for car and van rentals, primarily catering to traffic moving through the busy Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). As a globally recognized brand, Budget offers a vast selection of vehicles and a promise of low rates, making it a familiar name for those looking to rent a car near the Southwest Side of Chicago.
This location is a key player in the Chicago car rental market, classifying itself as both a general car rental agency and a van rental agency. This dual focus ensures that they can accommodate both the individual traveler needing an economical sedan for city driving and the larger group or family requiring more spacious transport for trips across the Prairie State. Understanding the full range of services, accessibility options, and, importantly, the customer service record associated with this high-volume location is crucial for any Illinois user planning their travel arrangements.
While the convenience of a major rental provider is undeniable, especially one connected to a major travel artery like Midway, prospective renters are well-advised to approach their booking with attention to detail. Reviews from local customers often highlight that the quality of the car and the final charges at return can sometimes be sources of frustration, pointing to issues such as unexpected fees, vehicle maintenance concerns, or cleanliness issues. This variability underscores the necessity of thoroughly documenting the condition of the rental car and all fuel levels both upon pick-up and drop-off to ensure a smoother experience.
The Budget Car Rental office is situated at the consolidated rental car facility for Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), making it highly accessible for air travelers. The address is 5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638, USA. This location is not within the terminal itself but is connected via a dedicated rental car shuttle service from the airport, a standard arrangement for major airport operations.
For local residents, the address is conveniently positioned near major Chicago thoroughfares, including access to Interstate 55 (Stevenson Expressway), which connects the area to downtown Chicago and the broader metropolitan region.
A significant highlight of this facility is its commitment to accessibility:
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The facility is designed to accommodate all customers, ensuring ease of entry.
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated parking spaces are available for individuals with mobility challenges.
This central location and focus on physical accessibility make it a practical choice for a wide range of Illinois users.
As a major car and van rental agency, Budget at this location offers a comprehensive suite of rental and payment services:
- Comprehensive Vehicle Fleet: Providing a wide selection of vehicles ranging from economy and compact cars for urban driving to full-size sedans, SUVs, and specialized vans for larger groups or utility.
- Van Rental Services: A dedicated focus on van rentals, including minivans and larger passenger vans (potentially up to 12- or 15-passenger models), catering to group travel, school outings, or large family gatherings.
- Onsite Services: Offering the convenience of transacting the entire rental process—from counter check-in to vehicle pick-up and return—all within the consolidated rental car facility.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accepting various methods to complete transactions, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards (subject to specific rental policies and security checks), and modern NFC Mobile Payments.
- Rental Accessories: Offering optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and potentially other mobility enhancements, though availability should be confirmed upon booking.
The key features of this Budget location that are beneficial to the Illinois community include:
- Active Military Discounts: A valuable benefit for service members, Budget offers special pricing and discounts for active military personnel, which is a significant saving for those serving our country. Documentation is required to confirm eligibility.
- Major Airport Convenience: Being located at the MDW rental facility offers extended operating hours (generally open very early until past midnight), accommodating a wide range of flight schedules and late-night returns, though policies for after-hours drop-off should always be confirmed.
- Accessibility Commitment: Dedicated accessibility features, including entrances and parking designed for wheelchair access, ensuring a more inclusive rental process for all customers.
- One-Way Rentals: As a national brand, the Chicago Midway location typically facilitates one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up the vehicle here and drop it off at another Budget location across Illinois or the wider United States.
For making a reservation, confirming vehicle availability, or addressing any specific questions regarding your rental at this Chicago location, you can contact the office directly:
- Address: 5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638, USA
- Phone: (773) 948-7002
- Mobile Phone: +1 773-948-7002
Choosing Budget Car Rental at the Midway location is primarily worth it for the convenience, selection, and valuable specific features they offer. The broad inventory of cars and vans makes it a one-stop-shop for almost any travel need, from a small sedan for a weekend in the city to a large van for a long road trip out of Illinois. The highlight of the active military discounts offers substantial savings and recognition for our valued service members. Furthermore, the commitment to physical accessibility at an airport-adjacent facility ensures a less stressful start and finish for all travelers, regardless of mobility requirements.
However, potential renters in Illinois must balance these benefits with an awareness of the operational reality of a high-volume, corporate rental service. Customer reviews frequently point to the need for extreme diligence. It is highly recommended that you take photos or videos of the vehicle's condition, the odometer, and the fuel gauge at both the pick-up and drop-off to protect yourself against unexpected charges, such as the described $80 charge for gas, despite the receipt stating otherwise. Likewise, thoroughly inspect the assigned vehicle for cleanliness and operational integrity (such as checking warning lights or ensuring basic functions like air conditioning work) before leaving the lot. While Budget offers the necessary logistical services, an informed and cautious approach is the best way to secure a satisfactory experience when renting from this Chicago location.
Budget Car Rental Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Budget Car Rental Photos










Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Wow I should have checked the reviews before booking a rental with Budget. When returning my car, I checked with the representative that the gas was full and the car was fine and he confirmed. I also got the receipt that the gas was full. I then got an $80 charge later on saying that my gas wasn't full. I contacted customer service and they keep contradicting themselves. I ended up just filing a bank dispute report just now after going back and forth with CS and wasting my time. Very shady and sneaky of them to do that as I know many people forget to check each charge. Stay away from this rental company while visiting Chicago.
October 02 · Hasan HameedBig time FAIL at Budget. 1st rental (Dodge Hornet) was completely empty - NO GAS. Hit the highway - dash lit up - TRANS NEEDS SERVICE!! Wouldn't go over 50mph. Spent hours waiting for a tow.2nd rental (Ford Edge) - FILTHY. Sticky seats, food all over the interior. Smells!!Spent $350 for our travel plans to be WRECKED. Spent a multiple HOURS on the phone with customer service trying to be treated fairly and get what we paid for.In the end they tried to offer us 2 FREE DAYS IN THE FUTURE 😂!! NEWS FLASH WE WILL Never RENT FROM YOU AGAIN. WORST RENTAL COMPANY. I rent regularly from Alamo, National, Enterprise - never have had an issue. Not once! Stay far away!!
June 27 · Dan HendryWas able to rent a van to accommodate 3 adults and 3 children. Minor scratches on the vehicle when i rented so make sure you video before you leave to have proof it was there before you rented. The representatives were very friendly and made the experience great.
August 14 · C F DavisHad to wait 20 minutes or so in line, because no one was there for a while until one lady showed up at the counter, with her food. line grew to five or six people quickly. none of the other car rental agencies have more than one person waiting at a time or at the counter. has happened in the past also. after I declined their fuel/gas coverage , I was told I had to bring in a small slip of paper they gave me, when I fill the tank, along with my gas receipt in order to not be charged for fuel. When I went to my truck it stunk strongly of marijuana. I went to the desk inside the garage and told Lacole (a lady) about that and she found a another truck for me. But I you think I gave her my fuel slip which also had the truck info on it, but with the rush, I believe the slip got left at the counter, so when I realized that a few days later, when I returned the car , I was worried about that, but the girl checking me in said barcode on the car tells them that I filled it up so I didn’t need to worry about the fuel slip. i’ve never, ever, had a another rental agency tell me I had to hang onto a fuel slip. It seemed bizarre and old fashioned. Isn’t everything electronic these days in their system etc.? Besides, all they had to do was look at the gas gauge inside the car to see that I filled it. anyway, the best experience was dealing with Lacole, who tell me another vehicle quite quickly, and was very friendly, positive, and helpful.
September 27 · fil bayteeOn Sunday, 25 April (0937am), my Budget Car Rental experience started with reserve booking the rental online (+). We then took the car rental shuttle (+) to the car rental facility; the driver engaged everyone to sing "The Wheels On the Bus" (LOL).The lines to the respective rental choices weren't long; but the process & wait was. For the most part of the 65-minute line wait, there was only one (1) Budget rep assisting us. If lunch or restroom break was calling to her (sad smh); and honestly, the waiting clients were rather patient without vocal complaints.Eventually, the rep (Mr Andre) sitting in front of the Avis logo began assisting. He was cheery and tried to explain the paperwork expeditiously - while not trying to confuse one. You really don't have much time to "read" all the MUCH paperwork; but we were prepared with all necessary documentation and were on our way within 10-mins. At the garage, we were greeted and assisted by Ms Tianna (this lady works hard, but keeps up a good personality👍🏽); who also helped me navigate the buttons, knobs, & know-hows of the mini-SUV (W-Class . The tank was not on full and she informed me to notify Ms Linda at the exit gate; which I did. Exiting was smooth.NOTE: Always take a picture (with date/time stamp) of the mileage, fuel gauge, and any vehicle/tire bruises).I will NOTE that I'd prefer to have the rental documentation upon signing paperwork BEFORE leaving the countertop. When I received the documentation & receipt, upon rental return it annotated that the vehicle was on a full tank and the mileage was way below what my photo showed.
May 12 · Phoenix Grad
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