Car rental and tolls to Iowa City

Question

Renting a car for drive from ORD to Iowa City. What should I know about tolls for that route? What is the best way to pay tolls? I will be renting with National Car Rental. Thanks for any info you can offer.

Answer

When driving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Iowa City, you'll encounter several toll roads, particularly if you're taking I-88 (East-West Tollway) and I-80. Here’s what you need to know about tolls on that route and the best ways to pay them:

Toll Roads on Your Route:
- I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): You may encounter this toll road if you're heading west from Chicago, depending on your exact route.
- I-88 (East-West Tollway): This is a major toll road heading west from the suburbs towards I-80, which you’ll likely use. Tolls on I-88 are pretty frequent.
- I-80: There are several tolls on I-80 as you head southwest into Iowa. Make sure to keep an eye out for toll plazas on this section as well.
How to Pay Tolls:
- Rental Car Toll Pass: Since you're renting a car with National Car Rental, they typically offer an electronic toll payment option, like an I-PASS or similar device. You can ask the rental car agent when you pick up the vehicle if the car is equipped with a toll pass. This option automatically charges you for any tolls you pass through, which is the most convenient option.
- Paying Tolls Without a Toll Pass: If the car does not come with a toll pass, you can pay tolls manually at toll plazas (using cash or credit card). However, this can be more time-consuming and may not be as convenient, especially on highways with multiple tolls.
- I-PASS (Illinois Tollway): If you have an I-PASS or a similar toll transponder, you can use it for seamless toll payments across Illinois toll roads and many other states. If you don’t have one, National Car Rental typically rents out I-PASS devices for an additional fee. Ask at the rental counter about adding this option when you pick up the car.
- Pay-By-Plate: If you do not have an I-PASS or another transponder, you can still pay using the "Pay-By-Plate" system, where a photo of your license plate is taken at the toll plaza, and you’ll be billed later. This is less common and may involve additional administrative fees, so it's better to have a transponder if possible.
Cost of Tolls: Tolls on I-88 and I-80 vary, but generally, they cost anywhere from $1 to $3 each, depending on the section of the highway. Keep in mind that tolls can add up, so it's good to have a toll payment method in place before hitting the road.

The most convenient option is to opt for the toll pass provided by National Car Rental, as it allows for hassle-free travel through the toll areas and saves time. If you prefer to pay tolls manually, just be prepared for stops at toll booths along the way. Either way, it’s best to check with the rental agency to ensure you understand their toll policies and charges.

Safe travels on your journey to Iowa City!

Car rental and tolls to Iowa City

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