Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) is located 37 km from downtown Chicago. After landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport, you have three different transfer options to reach your hotel or accommodation: taxi, private transfer, or the public train.
Taking a Chicago Airport taxi or a private Chicago Airport transfer are the quickest and most convenient options, as it takes as little as 30 minutes for a direct and door-to-door service. A more affordable option is the Blue Line train, which takes at least 45 minutes to reach downtown, and may require you to transfer to another train or bus (or walk on foot) to reach your hotel.
*It’s also possible to travel from Chicago Airport to Downtown by bus, however, there’s no direct service so it isn’t very convenient.
3 options to go from Chicago Airport to city center
We suggest booking your transfer at least 40 minutes after your flight is scheduled to land. That way you'll have time to collect your luggage and pass through Immigration.
Winters in Chicago are extremely cold, so taking a taxi will not only keep you warm, but it's a great way to avoid the weather delays that can come with traveling on public transport.
The Blue Line makes plenty of stops along the way to Downtown so if you're staying within walking distance to a train station, it makes a very convenient and affordable option.
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How to get from Chicago Airport to Downtown by taxi
Taking a taxi from Chicago Airport to downtown is the quickest and only direct transfer option, other than a private transfer. You can find air-conditioned Chicago Airport taxis outside of O’Hare Airport 24/7 with seats for up to four people. Depending on traffic congestion, the journey to your hotel should take between 30 and 45 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Chicago Airport to Downtown?
Chicago taxis calculate using a taximeter fee based on the distance you travel. The average cost will be around $50 (€47.50), but certain factors such as toll roads, time of day, traffic levels, and large luggage items can add to the final fare price.
*Fixed-fare prices are available to those who don’t mind sharing the ride with someone else. To Downtown, the cost is $24 (€22.80) per person.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
You can easily spot the taxi rank located just outside of the terminal arrival doors at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Simply walk to the front of the line and wait for your turn.
Convenience
Taking a Chicago Airport taxi is the best way to get from Chicago Airport to your downtown hotel directly. You won’t have to carry your luggage through busy train stations, wait in the cold for public transport, or worry about the safety of your personal belongings.
Useful Tips
Tipping is expected for Chicago Airport taxis. A tip of 10-20% is standard.
Be sure to only accept taxi rides from licensed taxis at the designated taxi rank outside of the terminals.
There are wheelchair accessible taxis available upon request.
How to get from Chicago Airport to Downtown by train
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago Airport to Downtown is by train. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line train runs directly between Chicago Airport and downtown 24 hours a day. The journey takes 45 minutes to reach Washington Station, with stops at Logan Square and Clark/Lake Station, and runs as often as every 4 minutes during peak hours.
How much is the train from Chicago Airport to Downtown?
The CTA Chicago Airport train to downtown costs $5 (€4.80) for a one-way ticket per person. You can purchase your tickets from the automatic vending machines located outside the train station using a credit/debit card or cash.
*If you plan on using the train during your time in Chicago, a great way to save money is to purchase a Ventra Card. It’s a $5 (€4.80) reloadable card that gains you access to discounted fares.
Cost
$5 (€4.80)
Trip Duration
45 Min.
The Blue Line Train leaves every 4 to 15 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The Blue Line train runs from ORD to downtown Chicago 24/7.
Where do I get the train from?
The O’Hare Station is located on the lower level of the airport. To reach the platform from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, walk down the pedestrian tunnel, following the signs toward “Trains to City”. At Terminal 4, you will need to take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1; the shuttle bus is located outside door 5E.
Convenience
Although the CTA Blue Line train runs from Chicago Airport into Downtown, it does make a few stops along the way, making it a slower transfer option. In summer the trains can also get extremely hot and crowded, while in winter, waiting on the train platform can be bitterly cold. Once you’re in downtown Chicago, you will also then need to find alternate transportation to reach your final destination or hotel.
Timetables
Blue Line Timetable
Chicago Airport – Washington Station
Useful Tips
The CTA train is located near elevator center 4 in the pedestrian tunnel.
Given the Blue Line Train runs 24/7, it's a great transfer option if you're on a budget, no matter what time you land. However, be sure to keep your personal belongings close when making any changes or when waiting for trains at night.
There are luggage rails in each section of the train; keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
The train runs most frequently in the morning and during rush hour traffic.
Your ticket can be used for up to three transfers within a 2-hour travel period.
Getting from Chicago Airport to Downtown by private transfer
Similar to a taxi, private transfer services offer a direct and door-to-door transport option allowing you to reach your hotel quickly and seamlessly in 30 to 45 minutes. Services like those offered by Welcome are designed to specifically cater to tourists, so they include lots of benefits such as 24/7 customer support, guaranteed fixed fare prices, flight monitoring in case your plane is delayed, and an English-speaking driver who is local to the area.
Moreover, you’ll receive a more personalized service that you can customize to suit your needs. For instance, when you book your Chicago Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, your driver will not only give you a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, but they’ll also share some tips and tricks about the “windy city” to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.
How much is a Chicago Airport transfer to Downtown?
One of the advantages of using a private transfer service is receiving a fixed fare quote prior to booking, inclusive of all charges. This means your fare won’t be affected by traffic levels or surcharges, plus you can budget and pay for your trip in advance.
From Chicago Airport to the city, the price for a stylish sedan that can seat 3 passengers and a standard suitcase each is $107 (€101), or you’ll pay $141.90 (€134) for a more spacious minivan that can seat 6 passengers.
Booking takes less than a minute. Simply head to the Welcome Pickups website or download the app, then enter your personal details and flight information, and select a pick-up time and date.
Cost
$107 (€101)
Trip Duration
30 Min.
*When booked in advance, a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Chicago Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
On the day of your Chicago Airport transfer, you’ll find your driver waiting for you just outside the Baggage Claim area in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. After a warm introduction, you’ll be shown to your pre-selected private vehicle and lent a hand with any luggage.
*To give you total peace of mind, you can also download the Welcome app where you can track your driver’s location in real-time.
Convenience
While a private transfer is more expensive than a regular taxi, they are still an affordable transport option, and even cheaper if you’re traveling by minivan and splitting the costs. Plus, there are loads of benefits to offset the cost like a personalized mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, spacious modern vehicles, an airport meet-and-greet, and an English-speaking driver.
Useful Tips
If you need to make any special requests such as a baby seat or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, this should be done at the time of booking.
Since your trip will be paid for in advance, on the day of travel you can simply turn up and be on your way.
At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from the airport to downtown Chicago?
There are three ways to get from Chicago Airport to downtown: taxi, private transfer, or train. The train is by far the cheapest option, and takes around 45 minutes not including wait or transfer times. The quickest and most convenient way to travel is by taxi or private transfer, which will take you directly to your hotel or accommodation in around 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
How much is the train from Chicago Airport to downtown?
A one-way ticket on the Blue Line to downtown Chicago costs $5 (€4.80) per person which can be purchased using a card or cash.
How much is a taxi from Chicago Airport to downtown?
For a private metered taxi from Chicago Airport to downtown the cost should be around $50 (€47.50) for up to 4 passengers, excluding tolls and surcharges.
Alternatively, you can share a taxi ride with other passengers and pay a fixed fare of $24 (€22.80) per person, or you can pre-book your private transfer with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups for a competitive fixed fare rate.
Taking a taxi from Chicago Airport to downtown is the quickest and only direct transfer option, other than a private transfer. You can find air-conditioned Chicago Airport taxis outside of O’Hare Airport 24/7 with seats for up to four people. Depending on traffic congestion, the journey to your hotel should take between 30 and 45 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Chicago Airport to Downtown?
Chicago taxis calculate using a taximeter fee based on the distance you travel. The average cost will be around $50 (€47.50), but certain factors such as toll roads, time of day, traffic levels, and large luggage items can add to the final fare price.
*Fixed-fare prices are available to those who don’t mind sharing the ride with someone else. To Downtown, the cost is $24 (€22.80) per person.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
You can easily spot the taxi rank located just outside of the terminal arrival doors at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Simply walk to the front of the line and wait for your turn.
Convenience
Taking a Chicago Airport taxi is the best way to get from Chicago Airport to your downtown hotel directly. You won’t have to carry your luggage through busy train stations, wait in the cold for public transport, or worry about the safety of your personal belongings.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe cheapest way to travel from Chicago Airport to Downtown is by train. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line train runs directly between Chicago Airport and downtown 24 hours a day. The journey takes 45 minutes to reach Washington Station, with stops at Logan Square and Clark/Lake Station, and runs as often as every 4 minutes during peak hours.
How much is the train from Chicago Airport to Downtown?
The CTA Chicago Airport train to downtown costs $5 (€4.80) for a one-way ticket per person. You can purchase your tickets from the automatic vending machines located outside the train station using a credit/debit card or cash.
*If you plan on using the train during your time in Chicago, a great way to save money is to purchase a Ventra Card. It’s a $5 (€4.80) reloadable card that gains you access to discounted fares.
The Blue Line train runs from ORD to downtown Chicago 24/7.
Where do I get the train from?
The O’Hare Station is located on the lower level of the airport. To reach the platform from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, walk down the pedestrian tunnel, following the signs toward “Trains to City”. At Terminal 4, you will need to take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1; the shuttle bus is located outside door 5E.
Convenience
Although the CTA Blue Line train runs from Chicago Airport into Downtown, it does make a few stops along the way, making it a slower transfer option. In summer the trains can also get extremely hot and crowded, while in winter, waiting on the train platform can be bitterly cold. Once you’re in downtown Chicago, you will also then need to find alternate transportation to reach your final destination or hotel.
Timetables
Blue Line Timetable
Chicago Airport – Washington Station
Useful Tips
Similar to a taxi, private transfer services offer a direct and door-to-door transport option allowing you to reach your hotel quickly and seamlessly in 30 to 45 minutes. Services like those offered by Welcome are designed to specifically cater to tourists, so they include lots of benefits such as 24/7 customer support, guaranteed fixed fare prices, flight monitoring in case your plane is delayed, and an English-speaking driver who is local to the area.
Moreover, you’ll receive a more personalized service that you can customize to suit your needs. For instance, when you book your Chicago Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, your driver will not only give you a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, but they’ll also share some tips and tricks about the “windy city” to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.
How much is a Chicago Airport transfer to Downtown?
One of the advantages of using a private transfer service is receiving a fixed fare quote prior to booking, inclusive of all charges. This means your fare won’t be affected by traffic levels or surcharges, plus you can budget and pay for your trip in advance.
From Chicago Airport to the city, the price for a stylish sedan that can seat 3 passengers and a standard suitcase each is $107 (€101), or you’ll pay $141.90 (€134) for a more spacious minivan that can seat 6 passengers.
Booking takes less than a minute. Simply head to the Welcome Pickups website or download the app, then enter your personal details and flight information, and select a pick-up time and date.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Chicago Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
On the day of your Chicago Airport transfer, you’ll find your driver waiting for you just outside the Baggage Claim area in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. After a warm introduction, you’ll be shown to your pre-selected private vehicle and lent a hand with any luggage.
*To give you total peace of mind, you can also download the Welcome app where you can track your driver’s location in real-time.
Convenience
While a private transfer is more expensive than a regular taxi, they are still an affordable transport option, and even cheaper if you’re traveling by minivan and splitting the costs. Plus, there are loads of benefits to offset the cost like a personalized mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, spacious modern vehicles, an airport meet-and-greet, and an English-speaking driver.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from the airport to downtown Chicago?
There are three ways to get from Chicago Airport to downtown: taxi, private transfer, or train. The train is by far the cheapest option, and takes around 45 minutes not including wait or transfer times. The quickest and most convenient way to travel is by taxi or private transfer, which will take you directly to your hotel or accommodation in around 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
How much is the train from Chicago Airport to downtown?
A one-way ticket on the Blue Line to downtown Chicago costs $5 (€4.80) per person which can be purchased using a card or cash.
How much is a taxi from Chicago Airport to downtown?
For a private metered taxi from Chicago Airport to downtown the cost should be around $50 (€47.50) for up to 4 passengers, excluding tolls and surcharges.
Alternatively, you can share a taxi ride with other passengers and pay a fixed fare of $24 (€22.80) per person, or you can pre-book your private transfer with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups for a competitive fixed fare rate.
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