• Nothing Found

How to get from Chicago Airport to Union Station

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.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Chicago at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €99 30min 24/7
Taxi €35 30min 24/7
Train €8 50min 24/7

How to get from Chicago airport to Union Station by taxi

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.

Cost

$35 USD (€30)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Taxis are available 24/7 at Chicago O'Hare airport

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.

Editor’s Note

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.

Useful Tips

Tipping your taxi driver in Chicago is expected. 10-15% is usually the standard amount to tip.
You can bring pets into a Chicago taxi, they just need to remain in a pet carrier for the duration of the journey.
Wheelchair accessible taxis are available but you must request them and wait for their arrival.

How do you get from Chicago airport to Union Station

Although 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.

Cost

$5 USD (€4)

Trip Duration

1 Hr 15 Min.

There's a waiting time of 5 to 10 minutes for the Blue Line train.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

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.

Editor’s Note

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.

Useful Tips

You will need to walk between Clinton Station and Union Station, so be sure to keep this in mind when calculating your journey time or connecting trains.
There's luggage racks available on each section of the train.
To save on ticket costs, you can purchase a Ventra Card and use it during your trip.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Chicago. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

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.

Was this helpful?

Pre-book online