So, You Wanna Rent Wheels in the Windy City? Hold Your Horses (Unless You're Actually Old Enough to Ride One)
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and... a burning desire to cruise down Lake Shore Drive with the wind in your hair (or, if it's winter, the wind that's attempting to steal your eyebrows). But before you channel your inner Ferris Bueller and dream of escaping in a cherry red convertible, there's a minor hurdle to jump: Age. Yes, those pesky rental car companies have a thing about who gets to play Mario Kart on the streets of Chicago.
The Age Game: Not Quite as Fun as Donkey Kong, But Important Nonetheless
So, how old do you need to be to rent a car in Chicago? Buckle up, because here comes the bold answer: You gotta be at least 21 years old.
Yep, that's the magic number. Why 21? Well, the rental car companies have their reasons (insurance costs, maybe a suspicion you'll use the car to reenact the Blues Brothers chase scene), but hey, that's the rule.
Now, before you cry into your deep-dish, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Age ain't nothin' but a number (unless it's 20 or below): If you're under 21, don't despair! You can still explore Chicago's public transportation system, which is pretty darn good. The trains will take you almost anywhere you need to go, and you can spend your saved rental car money on extra deep-dish (priorities, people!).
- Young grasshopper, there's always next year (or the year after that): Remember, 21 isn't that far away. In the meantime, channel your inner petrolhead by playing some classic racing games or reading car magazines. By the time you're old enough to rent, you'll be a Chicago driving pro (in theory).
So, what's the moral of the story?
- Check the age requirements before you get your heart set on a road trip (unless you're planning a road trip on the city bus, which is totally doable).
- Age is just a number, but 21 is the magic number for renting a car in Chicago.
- There are other ways to explore the city, so get creative!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a giant slice of deep-dish and a map of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). Happy adventuring (and maybe rent a car when you're legally allowed to, you rebel).
