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Car rental in Lake Forest, IL

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Rental cars in Lake Forest

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Lake Forest, EN

Car rental Lake Forest adventures await you

Lake Forest combines elegant suburban charm with stunning Lake Michigan shoreline access, offering tree-lined streets and historic estates alongside pristine beaches. You'll discover this affluent North Shore community features world-class shopping, dining, and cultural attractions spread across its scenic landscape. A rental car unlocks the freedom to explore Lake Forest's diverse neighborhoods, from the prestigious Market Square to the beautiful lakefront parks. Your rental car provides convenient access to nearby Chicago attractions while serving as your base for discovering Illinois' hidden gems. The flexibility of having your own vehicle transforms your Lake Forest experience into a personalized adventure.

Recent reviews

Renault TWINGO II 2014

Eric and Valerie have made it impossible for me to ever rent from one of the big international car rental companies again. This was my third rental with them and they are everything the big guys are not. They are friendly, efficient, customer focused are most importantly really easy to deal with. Their cars are great as well.

Sally
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Kia K5 2021

The host, the car, and the whole Turo experience was 10/10. The price was fantastic and the whole experience was seamless. We had weird hours we wanted to leave and return the car that would not have worked with a car rental agency, but Angel and Turo made the whole process easy and seamless. I’m a bigger guy so I was worried about how comfortable the car would be and it was perfect. The great ride made our whole vacation possible and comfortable. I really appreciated the vehicles safety features too!

Daniel Alexander
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Nissan Altima 2025

The Nissan Altima was great. Good mpg, clean, lots of power, great response time. The car needed to be picked up at an off site location called, economy car rental at 2367 India street. A proximity 2 1/2 miles from the airport. You will need to find a ride to their location. The price of taxi will be $30, however we took the free shuttle to the car rental center then walked 20 minutes the rest of the way. The team at this location did a great job, fast, friendly, polite, and after returning they able to offer a ride back to the airport. We would rent this Altima again, and I would recommend this vehicle.

Cori
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Megan
Nissan LEAF 2016

Easy pick up and drop off. Car was very clean inside. A/C blows super cold even when it's 100 degrees out!! The windows are not tinted so I suggest bringing your own sun shades if you are going to be parked anywhere but the shade in the summer. Luckily I had those and that made my trip much better. The flip down visors do have the extenders to help block sun while driving thankfully. Charging prices are comparable to current gas prices - about $45 to get 250 miles of charge over a few sessions which is the same as I get from a full tank in my Toyota Yaris. This car DOES have the CHAdeMO fast charge input so it's 30-50 seconds per mile to charge depending on the fast charger & whether you're running the car (AC/radio) or it's fully off. Radio speakers were a little blown out so I had to adjust some settings to listen to my audiobooks but it was easy to do. I had no problem driving from the pickup spot to Kyle, then to the airport, and back into town without needing a charge which was about 90 miles, mostly highway. Just like any Turo rental make sure to take your own photos at pickup and drop off since scratches and such aren't usually documented after every drive by the car owners which seems standard in my experience. Overall a great deal, best price in town especially for a last minute rental. I requested the rental at 9pm on a Tuesday after my personal car died and was able to get this the next morning with no issue. Will definitely keep them in mind when I need a rental near by. Thanks again!

Megan
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Cary F.
Honda Civic 2012

First, I contemplated leaving a 4 star review for a few reasons. However, the prompt response to the issue with the original vehicle reserved, partly due to luck that someone happened to be onsite with the car, and the flexibility with returning the vehicle without requiring washing and vacuuming is deserving of some grace. The price for 5 day/4 night rental was fantastic, around $150 total. I certainly didn't expect a car in pristine shape for the cost. This car is a part of a Turo "rental company" fleet. It seems like a company that buys cheap, used cars to rent out. There are 12-15 cars parked behind a strip mall 8-10ish minutes from the airport in an area I was glad we were picking up and dropping off midday rather than the evening. The hybrid we originally reserved had stained seats and a lot of cosmetic wear. One tire looked like it was on a spare wheel and didn't have a lot of life left, honestly. A lot of the roads in San Diego aren't exactly in great shape, I was concerned about getting a flat. When we turned the car on to leave we immediately got check engine lights and a "pull over immediately" message. Fortunately, someone with the "rental company" was on site and qas able to quickly switched cars for us. It wasn't a hybrid, though. We didn't plan on a lot of driving, but originally opted for a hybrid to save money since we had two days of freeway driving. We definitely spent more on gas then originally planned. If there wasn't someone available onsite to help, it could have been a much longer ordeal which is a terrible way to start a vacation. Communication day of pick up felt slow with the owner. I didn't think to look back to the 2 month old message about how to find the car. I received a message from Turo saying we'd be sent details the day before the trip. I never got that confirmation text or measage the day before or day of pick up from the actual rental owner. When I first reached out to the rental company through the turo app to find the car at pick up time, I didn't get a response. I finally found a way to text someone about 20 minutes later. We did get a pretty quick response that way, but it's frustrating to be in a random parking lot messaging through an app and not get a response. The Honda interior is definitely cleaner than the hybrid we reserved, but the exterior, not so much. Its been side swiped and has a lot of sun damage. The TPMS light was on the whole time, but the actual tire pressure was fine. There was also a rattle and grinding noise when accelerating from a stop or on a hill, but it didn't cause an issue. The car drives fine for a 14-15 year old car, it's just a little noisy and you feel all the bumps on the road. I understand with the cheaper cost of renting through Turo amd choosing a 12-15 year old car, I'm not getting a newer car like I would with a standard rental company or paying more for a newer car. That said, with my last few Turo rentals, it feels a lot of these Turo "rental companies" aren't checking their cars or doing much more than standard maintenance as frequently as they should when they have over 150,000 miles on them. The confirmation message also suggested the cars are kept in great shape. These cars were not in great shape by any stretch of the imagination. No one wants to be on vacation and have their car break down or even be worried that the car they're driving is gonna get a flat or break down.

Cary F.
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Mireille
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2023

I love the rental cars from Mohammed. He and his staff is friendly and helpful. The cars are small and good at gas. I would suggest anyone to rent a car with Mohammed.

Mireille
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Eliasmanuel
Subaru Impreza 2014

I had an excellent experience renting from this host and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and smooth car rental experience. The vehicle was extremely clean, well-maintained, and exactly as described in the listing. Communication was outstanding from start to finish. The host was friendly, professional, responsive, and made both pickup and drop-off incredibly easy and convenient. The car drove perfectly and made my trip stress-free and enjoyable. It’s clear the host takes great care of both their vehicles and their customers. I truly appreciated the attention to detail and overall professionalism throughout the rental process. I would absolutely rent from this host again in the future and highly recommend them to others looking for a top-quality rental experience.

Eliasmanuel
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Joseph
Audi S3 2015

The host was excellent throughout the whole process. Communication was very good, he was friendly and easy to deal with, and he made the whole car rental process simple and stress-free. Everything was straightforward from start to finish, and I would definitely rent from him again.

Joseph
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Ella
Mitsubishi Mirage 2023

Easy pickup and drop off, saved us when the car rental companies ran out of cars at the airport.

Ella
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Jennifer M.
Subaru Outback 2013

Andre was great, the car was somewhat still dirty, dust, dirt, what appeared to be cigarette ashes, animal hair, sticky spills around the cup holders in the center console and the door panels. Crumbs and dust/dirt left in the door handles and cubby's. In the center console cup holders and cubbys. On the top of the dashboard, around the steering column and gauges. Sticky dusty windows and stereo buttons. Rear view mirror had sticky smudges on it. All the windows inside were dusty and dirty with smudges and idk what really.. the car had a bad smell of animals like dogs, and faint cigarette smell.. however as I got further into my trip I got used to it and wasn't bothered by it anymore. A lot of these issues honestly didn't bother me very much. I was more worried of being blamed for them when I returned the car. Unfortunately I was put behind schedule due to a passenger side headlight and passenger side tail light being burned out. However upon informing andre, he was very quick with a solution to take the car to valvoline where they were able to repair the lights before I left for my trip. If I wasn't already running late It wouldn't of bothered me. Andre was also very quick to reimburse me the whole price of the repairs immediately upon me sending him the receipt of the work.. I very much appreciated that! I also appreciate that instead of canceling my trip Andre worked out a way to have the lights fixed with no trouble of my own. He was always quick to respond to all of my very long messages full of questions. This is my first time using turo and I did not know the ins and outs of the rental process. He was able to guide me threw every step all while being polite and keeping his patience with me! Hah. I ended up running behind schedule on my way back as well and was surprised how simple and easy it was to change the return time from noon to after 9 p.m. all without adding any fees to my bill! That was very helpful of andre to allow me to do. I also ended up being a little passed my return time due to vacuuming the car and dusting everything to my best ability. So that andre wouldn't have to deal with someone else's mess and the next person who rents the vehicle will not have to worry about it either. I had no issues with doing that for him after he was so helpful with me! The vehicle was a little different then what im used to. But in no time I settled in with the car and had a very enjoyable trip! I would forsure rent another vehicle from andre in the future due to how well he accommodated me on this trip. Even tho the car had the mess, that was not andre, But left over from previous renters. He even made sure to have a snow brush and ice scraper in the car for me. But unfortunately the previous renters also took that with them. Im sure there will be a new one for the next person who rents the car because thats how much andre cares about his customers !! 5 stars for andre !!! Whoever returned his vehicle like that should be ashamed and think about how it would feel if someone treated your things the same way! Once again THANK YOU andre! I will reach out to you next time I need to rent a car.. I appreciate all your help thru the process! I appreciate your professionalism and quick responses to all my questions and thank you for making sure the vehicle was 100% good to go for me before I left and wouldn't of been able to fix it. 5 of 5 stars for andre !!

Jennifer M.
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Azeema
Toyota Yaris 2012

My credit card wasn’t working for some odd reason and rental companies wouldn’t let me rent a car so I booked this Turo last minute and it was a reasonable price for five days. I will do it again when I come back to Vancouver in August.

Azeema
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Chevrolet Cruze Limited 2016

Excellent 1st experience using Turo. The host was very responsive and timely. The vehicle was in great condition and rode very well. The price was a good deal and would definitely use this again as opposed to a major car rental facility. It was a simple process overall and very straightforward.

Jaretta
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Toyota Camry 2018

Kiara had great communication throughout the rental process , the car was amazing , clean and comfortable. Rental was a great price as well. I'll be happy to rent from Kiara again in the future.

Timothy
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Trieu-Chung
Honda Civic 2025

The host, Tadeh was exceptional. The very best in customer service. I had the best experience with renting from Tadeh. Everything was so easy; Tadeh was super accommodating, very kind, he went way above and beyond what I reasonably expected. Tadeh is a thousand times better than AVIS, HERTZ, Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, and all the major car rental. Tadeh gave me the best deal; the major car rentals do not come close; I saved a lot of money. The car was great, very good on the gas mileage; and very clean. Tadeh made sure pick-up location was very convenient for me, Tadeh drove the car to where I was; it’s the best. Tadeh also picked up the car when I was done and again made sure it was convenient for me. I am very grateful for this. Once I return from my deployment, absolutely renting from Tadeh again; will be telling all my friends and colleagues. This is just amazing customer service. I am very appreciative for everything. THANK YOU

Trieu-Chung
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Jose
Ford Fusion 2016

Good Morning 🌞 Yall! This Car was Amazing! I was able to go see my older Son's College Graduation during the week. The Car rental process was amazing and an easy process. I would definitely rent this Car again!!

Jose
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Chevrolet Volt 2014

A great car and definitely attentive host. I really appreciate that- Leon was great. So glad I went this route to rent a car vs going to a commercial car rental place. So much more personable. Would definitely recommend working with Leon!

Tracie
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Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2026

“10/10 experience. I rented the car for a week and the total came out to around $400, which was an amazing price for a brand new 2026 vehicle. The entire process was incredibly easy from start to finish. Pickup and drop-off were smooth and convenient, and I loved that I didn’t have to physically meet or talk to anyone. The key was waiting in a lockbox by the window, which honestly made the experience even better for me. The car itself was spotless, smelled clean, and drove perfectly. It was also amazing on gas — I drove all the way through Saturday and the tank was only halfway. The host responded quickly to messages and was super helpful the entire time. Overall, this was one of the easiest and best rental experiences I’ve had. I would absolutely rent from them again and honestly would choose this over Enterprise or Hertz any day

julissa
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Discovering Lake Forest attractions and scenic Illinois destinations

Lake Forest offers exceptional attractions easily accessible by car, from the historic Market Square shopping district to the expansive Lake Forest Beach along Lake Michigan's shoreline. Your rental car provides the freedom to explore nearby Ravinia Festival grounds, one of the United States' premier outdoor music venues located just minutes away. The scenic Lake Forest Open Lands preserve system features multiple locations perfect for nature enthusiasts, while downtown Lake Forest showcases beautiful architecture and boutique shopping experiences that define this Illinois community.


Market Square shopping and dining destination

Market Square stands as Lake Forest's crown jewel, featuring upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafes in a charming European-style setting. You'll find ample parking throughout the area, making your rental car essential for carrying purchases and exploring the various shops at your own pace. The square's central location puts you within easy reach of other Lake Forest attractions while offering a perfect starting point for your Illinois adventure.


Lake Forest Beach lakefront recreation area

Lake Forest Beach provides stunning Lake Michigan access with sandy shores, picnic areas, and scenic walking paths perfect for relaxation. Your rental car makes beach visits convenient, allowing you to transport beach gear, coolers, and family supplies with ease. The beach area offers parking facilities and serves as an ideal spot to experience Illinois' beautiful lakefront while enjoying the natural beauty that defines the Lake Forest region.


Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve natural escape

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and historic military buildings set within preserved Illinois woodland. You can easily reach this expansive preserve by car, with parking available near trail entrances and historic sites throughout the area. The preserve's diverse landscapes showcase the natural beauty of the Lake Forest region while providing educational opportunities about local military history and conservation efforts.


Reaching Lake Forest from major transportation hubs

Getting to Lake Forest offers several convenient options:
• By plane: Fly into O'Hare International Airport, then drive south through Illinois suburbs
• By car: Take Interstate highways connecting Chicago to Lake Forest via scenic Illinois routes
• By train: Arrive at Chicago Union Station, then continue north to the Lake Forest area using ground transportation


Essential car rental tips for your Lake Forest Illinois experience

Book your rental car early on Turo to secure the best vehicle options for exploring Lake Forest and surrounding Illinois destinations. Consider vehicles with features like heated seats for comfortable winter driving, all-wheel drive for various weather conditions, and keyless entry for convenience during your travels. Choose a car size that accommodates your planned activities, whether you're shopping at Market Square, visiting Lake Michigan beaches, or exploring the greater Chicago area from your Lake Forest base.

Frequently asked questions in Lake Forest

What are the best parking options in Lake Forest?

Lake Forest offers convenient street parking throughout downtown areas, with metered spots available for short-term visits. The city provides several municipal parking lots near the train station and shopping districts, making it easy to explore on foot after securing your car. Many businesses also offer dedicated customer parking, particularly around the Market Square area.

Which car types work best for Illinois driving?

SUVs and full-size vehicles perform excellently on Illinois highways and provide comfort for longer drives across the state. Compact cars offer great fuel efficiency for city driving in Chicago and suburban areas like Lake Forest. Electric vehicles work well for local trips, with charging stations becoming more common throughout Illinois communities.

What scenic routes start from Lake Forest?

The Great River Road extends through Illinois, offering beautiful Mississippi River views and charming small towns perfect for day trips. Lake Forest sits perfectly positioned for exploring the scenic North Shore, where tree-lined streets and lakefront drives provide stunning natural beauty. Route 176 westward leads through rolling countryside and historic Illinois towns, showcasing the state's agricultural heritage.

Where can I find gas stations around Lake Forest?

Major gas stations are located along Route 41 and at key intersections throughout Lake Forest, ensuring convenient fuel stops. The downtown area features several service locations within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Interstate 94 access points provide additional fuel options when traveling to Chicago or other Illinois destinations.

How should I prepare for long drives from Lake Forest?

Plan your route in advance and identify rest stops along major Illinois highways for comfort breaks during extended travel. Keep your vehicle well-fueled and check tire pressure before departing, as Illinois roads can vary from city streets to rural highways. Weather conditions change quickly in Illinois, so monitor forecasts and pack appropriate supplies for your journey.

What driving tips help in unfamiliar Illinois areas?

Illinois uses a grid system for many roads, making navigation straightforward once you understand the numbered street patterns. Pay attention to school zones and residential speed limits, which are strictly enforced throughout Illinois communities including Lake Forest. Rural Illinois roads may have limited lighting, so plan arrivals before dark when exploring unfamiliar locations outside major cities.

Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?

You can get discounts and low-cost car rental on Turo. On your Account page, make sure you've checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we'll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals. Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.

Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you'll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you'll see the total miles or kilometers you're allowed to drive under the heading "Distance included." You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the "Unlimited distance" filter.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

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