Union Station is a stunning iconic beaux-arts train station located in the heart of Chicago. Not only is the Amtrak station a staple site to see when visiting the city, but it’s also one of the main connections for urban and commuter trains.
When it comes to travelling from Chicago airport to Union Station, you have two different options; taxi or train. Taking a Chicago airport taxi or private shuttle is the quickest option at just 30 minutes of travel time, but it is the most expensive transfer option. Taking the train is a more budget-friendly option at just $5 USD (€4), but it takes a considerable amount of time at 1 hour 15 minutes.
3 options to go from Chicago Airport to city center
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €99 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
Taxi | €35 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Although a taxi from Chicago airport to Union Station may seem expensive, if you split the fare with a group of 4 passengers, the price drops dramatically. | ||||||
Train | €8 | 50min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're not carrying a lot of luggage, the train could be a great option to get from Chicago airport to Amtrak station as you won't need to worry about carrying it between stations. | ||||||
Taking a taxi from Chicago airport to Union Station is the only direct option, making it the quickest and most convenient. In a Chicago airport taxi or shuttle, you will reach Union Station in just 30 minutes, but it does cost considerably more than the other transfer options.
Taxi fare from Chicago airport to Amtrak station
The local drivers at Chicago airport don’t offer a flat-rate fee for the journey to Union Station. Instead, you will be charged using a taximeter based on the distance travelled or the time it takes to reach the station. The average cost will be around $35 USD (€30), but there may be extra charges for things such as tolls, excess luggage and the number of people travelling.
Where do I get it from?
The Chicago airport taxis can be found outside of the arrivals hall at Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5. Simply look for the long line of taxis and walk to the queue.
Convenience
Not only is taking a taxi or private shuttle the most comfortable way to get from Chicago airport to Union Station, but it’s also the most convenient. You won’t have to wait in train stations or drag your luggage as you walk between points. Your driver will pick you up from the door of the airport and drop you off right outside Union Station.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreAlthough taking the train is a great budget option, there’s no direct train from Chicago airport to Union Station, you will first need to take the CTA Blue Line train to Clinton Station in downtown DC and then walk 5 miutes to Union Station. The total journey time will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How much is a train from Chicago airport to amtrak station?
A one-way ticket for the CTA train from Chicago airport to Union Station costs $5 USD (€4). You can purchase your ticket using cash or card from the automatic ticket machines in O’Hare Station.
The CTA Blue Line train is available 24/7 from O'Hare airport.
Where do I get it from?
The O’Hare station is located on the lower level of the airport. From Terminals 1, 2 and 3, all you need to do is walk along the pedestrian tunnel following the signs for “Trains to City” until you reach elevator center 4. If you land in Terminal 5, you will need to take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first. The free shuttle bus runs from outside Door 5E.
Convenience
Taking the train from Chicago airport to Union Station is a great option if you’re on a tight budget, however, it’s not the most convenient. You will need to walk to the O’Hare station, make a stop at Clinton station and then walk again to Union Station. This makes this transfer option time consuming and very difficult if you have small children or lots of luggage.
Timetables
Blue Line Train
Timetable and Route
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€77Starting from 25.7 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 7 passengers
€95Starting from 13.6 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 7 passengers
€95Starting from 13.6 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chicago airport from Union Station?
Union station is located 27 km from Chicago airport. It will take around 30 minutes to make the transfer by taxi and 1 hour 15 minutes if you take the Blue Line train from Chicago airport to Union Station.
How do I get from Chicago airport to train station?
There are two transfer options when it comes to getting from Chicago airport to Union Station; taxi or train. A taxi costs around $35 USD (€30) but is the quickest option with a journey time of just 30 minutes. The train is more budget friendly as tickets cost just $5 USD (€4), but it takes much longer at 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Fern Coll
Fern is originally from England, but her love of travel led her to lay roots in Mexico. She’s a business owner and published author with a passion for storytelling. Fern specialises in travel content, helping brands connect with audiences through engaging writing.
Transfer Options in Chicago
✈ Transfer Options from Chicago Airport to Downtown | Welcome
Chicago Airport Taxi: Compare All Taxi Options & Prices
Chicago Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Chicago
✈ Getting from Chicago Airport to Milwaukee - Welcome Pickups