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Car Hire In Springfield, United States: Great Value, Simple Pick-Up, Freedom To Explore

Compare competitive prices and use this practical guide to choose the right pickup point, avoid surprise fees, and drive Springfield and the wider region with confidence.

UK Traveller Essentials
Springfield Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers
Hiring a car in Springfield is one of the easiest ways to get around, as attractions and suburban areas are spread out and public transport can be limited outside the city centre. For travellers from the United Kingdom, a rental car also makes it straightforward to plan day trips and manage luggage, especially if you are arriving by air or travelling onward to nearby towns. Expect right-hand traffic, generally wide roads, and plentiful parking compared with larger US cities. The best choice of pickup location depends on your arrival plans: airport desks are convenient for immediate departure, while downtown branches can be better value if you are already staying centrally.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) – Car Rental Area
Springfield’s main airport. Convenient for collecting a car shortly after landing, with rental counters on-site or a short walk/transfer depending on the operator. Pros: quickest exit to the road network, good for late arrivals and luggage. Cons: prices can be higher, and you may face airport concession surcharges and busier peak-time queues.
Downtown Springfield – Central City Branches
Ideal if you are staying in the centre first and only need a car for day trips. Pros: often lower base rates than the airport and easier to compare nearby branches. Cons: shorter opening hours, limited weekend availability, and you may need a taxi/ride-share to collect the car with luggage.
Near Illinois State Capitol & Government District
Useful for business travellers and those visiting central Springfield sights. Pros: walkable from many central hotels and offices. Cons: parking and pick-up access can be tighter at busy times, and vehicle choice may be smaller than at airport locations.
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Hire a Car in Springfield, USA and Explore

Plan your Springfield road trip with the perfect hire car. Compare our top picks and discover more popular rental options for British travellers exploring the USA.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

City Streets

Small

Nimble & Wallet-Friendly
5
2
Auto

A small car handles Springfield's compact downtown and quieter residential streets with ease. Comfortable seating and excellent fuel economy make short hops between attractions a pleasure. Slotted parking on South 6th and Capitol Avenue is far easier in a smaller car, giving you more time to enjoy local sights.

Open Roads

SUV

Comfort for the Long Haul
5
3
Auto

An SUV is ideal for road-tripping out of Springfield along the interstate towards Branson, St Louis or Kansas City. Higher seating gives a commanding view, while the boot easily swallows luggage for the family. A smooth automatic gearbox makes long motorway stints thoroughly relaxing for British visitors.

Country Trails

Pickup Truck

Built for the Outdoors
5
4
Auto

A pickup truck opens up the rolling Ozark countryside, rivers and lakes within a short drive of Springfield. You can load up kayaks, fishing tackle or camping gear in the bed with no fuss. The elevated ride height also copes well with gravel farm tracks leading to Forest Service land.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup
Downtown Pickup

Choose SPI Airport Pickup For Maximum Convenience

Collecting your car at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) is usually the most convenient option if you are flying in, travelling with luggage, or arriving late. Airport desks typically offer longer opening hours, more consistent vehicle availability, and faster access to major roads—ideal for starting a road trip immediately. Do note that airport rentals may include additional concession or facility fees, so comparing the full price (not just the base rate) is key.

logo
City zippySmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City zippySmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City zippySmall
Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
1
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
All-weather capableSUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
All-weather capableSUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
All-weather capableSUV
Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

ThriftyIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$640.00 - $940.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Highway cruiserLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Highway cruiserLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Highway cruiserLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

ThriftyIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$630.00 - $930.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Springfield Car Hire Ratings — Honest Reviews from Real Drivers

Browse verified customer ratings and detailed feedback for car rental services in Springfield, helping you choose a trustworthy provider for your journey.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$99In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
National
2.9
57 reviews
$111In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$63In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$102In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$175In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$65Shuttle busLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$2072 mi from Springfield Downtown
$425 - $871
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$169In terminal, Walk to counter
$510 - $756
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 12 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations capture over 38% of US car rental revenue, with Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport serving as primary pickup hub for business and tourism travellers."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars hold 32-36% market share while SUVs grow fastest at 10.7% CAGR; 71% of bookings occur online with daily rentals comprising 64.88% of all transactions."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of US car rental customers report disconnect between advertised and final prices due to hidden fees, while 57% find the rental checkout process frustrating."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Report 2024-2025
  • Mordor Intelligence - Car Rental Market Analysis 2025-2026
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Report 2024-2025
  • Mordor Intelligence - Car Rental Market Analysis 2025-2026
  • Zubie Survey via Grand View Research Consumer Analysis

Drive Through Springfield - Discover America's Heartland

Essential driving tips and car rental information for exploring Springfield, Illinois - from Lincoln heritage sites to scenic Route 66 adventures and midwestern hospitality

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

25-30 mph (40-48 km/h)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

65-70 mph (105-113 km/h)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Illinois State Law - 0.02% for drivers under 21)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.94/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.82/L - $1.08/L

Springfield Car Hire & Driving Guide

Essential FAQs for UK travellers hiring a car and driving in Springfield, USA

Can I drive in Springfield with my UK licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Your full UK driving licence is valid for hire in the USA, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. Rental companies often request the IDP as a backup document, and some insurers void cover without it. Obtain your IDP from the Post Office before departure (approximately £5.50). Carry both your UK licence and IDP at all times.
I'm 23 – will I face a young driver surcharge, and how much is it?
Yes, expect to pay a young driver surcharge if you're under 25. In Springfield and across Illinois, this typically adds $20–$30 USD (£15–£23) per day to your rental. Some agencies charge a flat fee, others a percentage of the daily rate. Budget an extra £150–£300 for a two-week rental if you're aged 21–24.
How do I pay for motorway tolls – do I need an electronic tag?
Illinois uses the I-PASS electronic toll system on most motorways, including portions of I-55 and I-74 near Springfield. Hire companies typically offer I-PASS transponders for $5–$10 USD per day, with tolls charged to your rental. Cash lanes are rare on major routes. If you skip the transponder, expect a bill for tolls plus a $30–$50 admin fee from the rental company.
What type of fuel will my hire car take, and what is the refuelling policy?
Virtually all vehicles in Illinois run on regular unleaded petrol (87–89 octane). Diesel is uncommon at standard stations. Most rental firms operate a full-to-full policy: you're handed a full tank and must return it full. Filling up in Springfield costs roughly $3.20–$3.80 per gallon – significantly cheaper than the UK, so don't worry about conservational driving.
Are there any seasonal driving hazards I should prepare for?
Illinois winters bring ice and snow from December through February. Temperatures in Springfield regularly drop to -5°C to -10°C, and interstates can become icy rapidly. If you're visiting in winter, confirm your hire car has winter tyres – many do, but request this explicitly at booking. Summer thunderstorms are frequent and sudden, reducing visibility dramatically. Always keep a safe following distance.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

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Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

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Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

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The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

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The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

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