Best Ways To Get From O’Hare to Downtown Chicago

Navigating the Windy City is a challenge for its residents, let alone its tourists. Figure out the best transportation from ORD to downtown Chicago with these tips and tricks. This guide to transportation in Chicago will help you make the right decision while making your airport trip stress-free. Check it out!

Chicago Public Transportation

Using public transportation is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from O’Hare to downtown Chicago. Here are a few of the most popular methods of public transportation.

The Blue Line

The cheapest way to get into the city from O’Hare is to use the train. Some lines on the “L” run 24/7, including the Blue Line. Follow signs through the airport to find the “CTA Trains.” It costs $5 and takes about 45 minutes to get all the way to downtown.

Shuttles

Like using a bus, shuttles are excellent when you have a specific destination you need to get to. Chicago O’Hare shuttles take you downtown and may drop you at your hotel. Some have baggage limits, and they charge by the person. At the airport, you’ll find the shuttle pickup outside of the baggage claim. Watch for signs.

Grab a Taxi

A line of taxis is always waiting outside of the baggage claim at O’Hare Airport. An attendant will help facilitate the line of people grabbing taxis and help you get a vehicle to suit your needs. If you want to get all the way to the city, taking a taxi may cost $50 (plus tip) and will take at least 35 minutes, not accounting for traffic.

Use Rideshare

Just like you can ask a friend or family member to pick you up at the airport, you can request a rideshare service to meet you at the airport. Request your Uber or Lyft once you’ve got all your bags and wait for them in the designated rideshare area. O’Hare set up a region for these vehicles to filter them away from people being picked up by their families.

Rent a Car

Another way to get into the city is to drive yourself. Especially if you will need a car to get around the area, you may feel more comfortable in your own vehicle. You can take your time once you get to a car that you rent. Remember, you’ll need to maneuver city streets on your own and pay for parking downtown. Street parking is about $7 an hour, and garages can cost $50-$60 to park for the day.

Schedule a Private Service

When you’re on a time crunch and need to get somewhere fast after you land, choose a private car service. Arrive on-time and in style when you schedule a black car service. Limousines offer safety and security that you can’t get with a taxi or rideshare company. Book a livery service to O’Hare Airport as well to ensure you don’t miss your flight.

The best method of transportation from ORD to downtown Chicago depend on your needs. Save money when you use public transportation. Still, if you have a great deal of luggage, you’ll need a car whether you rent your own or use a taxi. For an upgraded experience, book a limousine to pick you up. Coordinate flight details and more to ensure you get where you need to be on time. Book a ride with Second City Livery Service today.