National Car Rental

- 5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638

For Illinois residents and travelers flying into Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), the car rental experience often starts with finding a provider that offers speed, convenience, and a quality vehicle selection. The National Car Rental agency, located within the MDW consolidated rental car facility at 5150 W 55th St, is a key option. As a widely recognized Car rental agency, National is known for catering specifically to the frequent traveler and business renter through its highly-regarded Emerald Club loyalty program, which focuses on providing an expedited, self-service rental process.

A significant aspect of this particular location is its commitment to diversity, proudly identifying as a women-owned business. This local distinction adds a unique flavor to the customer experience, rooting the national brand in the community values of Chicago. The location is strategically positioned to serve both air travelers and local residents who require a rental car for various purposes, whether for a quick business trip, a family vacation, or temporary transportation within the Chicagoland area.

While the convenience of the loyalty program, such as Executive Aisle access, can be a major draw, prospective renters in Illinois should be aware that vehicle availability and selection can vary. As noted by some customers, there are times when the premium "Executive Aisle" may not offer the diverse selection expected, sometimes limiting choices to a large number of a single model. This variability means that while the core service is designed for speed and choice, the actual experience on the day may depend heavily on fleet logistics and current demand. Furthermore, the transportation between the terminal and the consolidated rental facility, managed by the city, is a factor that influences the overall time required to secure a vehicle.

National Car Rental at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a professional, high-volume car rental agency committed to efficient customer service, particularly through its Emerald Club membership tier. Situated just minutes from the terminal, the facility offers a broad fleet of modern vehicles designed to suit any Illinois travel need, from compact cars for city driving to large SUVs and passenger vans for family and group travel.

The operational focus of this branch is on speed and user control. Through the Emerald Club, eligible members can bypass the counter entirely, moving directly to their reserved area to select their vehicle and proceed to the exit booth—a feature that can dramatically reduce overall transaction time, especially valuable for time-conscious travelers. This dedication to efficiency, coupled with the facility’s capability to handle both major credit/debit transactions and modern NFC mobile payments, positions it as a technologically forward-thinking option for the discerning local renter.

The agency’s dual commitment to both high-speed service and inclusivity is also evident in its structural and promotional offerings, providing necessary accommodations such as accessibility features and targeted benefits for certain community members. They offer Onsite services to assist customers face-to-face, ensuring that while the process is automated for some, personalized support remains available.

The National Car Rental branch is situated at the consolidated rental car facility serving Chicago Midway International Airport, providing seamless access for both incoming air passengers and local Chicago users.

Address: 5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638, USA

This address places the agency in a highly accessible area near the airport and major thoroughfares. Customers arriving at MDW will typically utilize the city's complimentary shuttle bus system to reach the facility, though users should factor in potential wait times for this service as part of their overall rental duration.

For all customers, the agency has prioritized physical accessibility, offering essential features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring ease of entry and exit from the rental facility building.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Providing designated, convenient parking spaces for those with mobility requirements.

This commitment to accessibility helps ensure that a wider segment of the Illinois population can comfortably access the vehicle rental services without undue difficulty.

National Car Rental at MDW provides a wide spectrum of services and vehicle classes tailored to diverse transportation needs in the Illinois region:

• Extensive Fleet Options: Offering vehicles ranging from Economy and Compact sedans to Midsize/Full-size cars (e.g., Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry), as well as a variety of SUVs (e.g., Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox), Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), and Luxury/Specialty vehicles (e.g., BMW, Audi A4).
• Loyalty Program Expedited Service: Through the Emerald Club, members can benefit from Emerald Aisle and Executive Aisle access, allowing them to select their own vehicle from a designated area and bypass the counter.
• Official and Leisure Military Discounts: Provides discounted rates and special terms for Active military discounts and U.S. government travelers for both official and personal (leisure) travel.
• Onsite Services: Face-to-face assistance from staff is available for new renters, complex transactions, or resolving issues, ensuring personalized help when the self-service model is not preferred.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Accepting major Credit cards, Debit cards (subject to specific airport requirements), and modern NFC mobile payments for fast, secure transactions.
• Additional Driver Policy: Spouse or domestic partner of the renter is authorized to drive at no additional charge, a valuable benefit, particularly for long road trips out of Chicago.

The MDW National Car Rental distinguishes itself with several key highlights that appeal to the local and traveling Illinois customer base:

• Women-Owned Business Status: The business officially identifies as women-owned, demonstrating a commitment to supporting diverse business enterprises within the Chicago area.
• Executive Aisle Access: For Executive members of the Emerald Club, this feature allows them to book a midsize car and choose any vehicle (Fullsize and above) from the Executive Area, only paying the reserved midsize rate. This guarantees an automatic upgrade and a selection of premium vehicles, significantly enhancing the rental experience.
• Advanced Payment Technology: The acceptance of NFC mobile payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay) provides a fast, contactless, and modern way to complete financial transactions.
• Military and Government Benefits: The availability of Active military discounts and government travel programs, which often include additional perks like waivers for certain fees and enhanced protection options.
• Commitment to Accessibility: Features such as the Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensure a more inclusive service for all members of the Illinois community.

For renters in the Chicago area, the primary contact information for the National Car Rental at 5150 W 55th St (MDW) is as follows:

Address: 5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638, USA

Phone: (844) 917-0958

Mobile Phone: +1 844-917-0958

For the Illinois traveler, especially those who frequently rent or hold Emerald Club status, National Car Rental at Chicago Midway is a highly attractive choice due to its speed and self-selection model. The Executive Aisle access is consistently praised as the strongest benefit, allowing members to secure high-value upgrades at a midsize rate, as one customer experienced with a complimentary upgrade to a BMW. The friendly and proactive staff, as highlighted in positive reviews, are a testament to the local team's dedication to quality service, often making the difference in a travel experience.

Furthermore, the agency’s identification as a women-owned business and its provision of Active military discounts align with social and community-focused values that many Illinois residents prioritize. The flexibility of accepting NFC mobile payments also speaks to a modern, hassle-free transaction process.

However, potential renters must temper expectations regarding vehicle selection at all times. The goal of the Emerald and Executive Aisles is choice, but a local shortage or fleet imbalance can lead to a reduced variety, as one customer noted with a selection consisting of numerous identical vehicles. Furthermore, renters should be prepared for potential delays associated with the city-managed shuttle service connecting the airport terminal to the rental car facility, as this is outside of National’s direct control but affects the overall rental time. Ultimately, for the frequent flyer prioritizing fast access, potential upgrades, and a diverse range of vehicle options when available, this National Car Rental location is arguably one of the best-equipped facilities in the Chicagoland area.

National Car Rental

5150 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638, USA