How to get around in Chicago?

How To Get Around In Chicago?

What are the best ways to get around in Chicago?

How to get around in Chicago? One of the most common question when traveling to a new city. Figuring out how to get around efficiently and cost effectively is important when traveling to a new city. Visiting a new city can be a ton of fun, but pricey if you don't know your way around. We have created a list of some of the most popular transportation options available in Chicago during your sports trip. Plan the ultimate trip with the help of our travel experts and don't get caught unprepared when traveling to a new city!

How to get around in Chicago

Chicago’s streets are organized on a grid system. Madison Street divides the city north and south, while State Street divides it east and west. The State and Madison intersection in downtown Chicago marks the starting point of Chicago’s grid system. Addresses are relative to the distance from this point, with eight blocks to every mile. So, an address of 3600 N. Clark St. means that it is 36 blocks north of Madison Street.

How to get around in Chicago?

Here is a list of options on how to get around in Chicago: 

  • Subway - L Train
    • Short for ‘elevated’. Riders need a Ventra Card or Ventra Ticket to go through the turnstile. They can be purchased at a vending machine located at the front of each station.
    • 2 lines
      • Blue Line - Runs between downtown and O’Hare International Airport
      • Red Line - Runs north to south through downtown
    • Fare: $2.50 one way, $10 all day pass
    • Passengers just need to know what station they need to get off at. This guide will help determine which station/line you should take.
      Chicago Transit Map

  • Bus
    • Roughly 130 routes, some serving the most popular attractions in Chicago
    • Express routes are available during rush hour
    • Fare: $2.50 (same as subway)

  • Ride Sharing
    • Uber
    • Lyft

    • Water Taxis - These offer fast, affordable, and fun connections between Chicago’s top tourist attractions. It’s the perfect combo of sightseeing and transport.
      • Chicago Water Taxi
      • Shoreline Water Taxi

    • Bike Sharing
      • Divvy - 5,800 bikes across 580 stations in the city. Available for rent 24/7

    •  Taxis
      • Can be difficult to hail on the street, best to get one at a hotel


These are some of the best transportation options when trying to figure out how to get around in Chicago.

Airport (ORD & MDW) to Downtown Chicago

# of Major Chicago Airports: 2

 

  1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  2. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

 

How to get to and from ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is known as O’Hare. It has non stop flights to 228 destinations around the world. ORD began as an airfield for the United States Airforce during World War II. It one of the largest airports in the Chicago metropolitan area and commonly used by tourists visiting the city of Chicago. 

 

Located only 18 miles from Downtown Chicago, which is about a 25-minute drive, it is quite easy to get to and from ORD. If you are flying in for a Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and or Chicago Blackhawks game be sure to give yourself some added time before the game(s), traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to miss being late to the game! 

 

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown Chicago from ORD so you can start your sports getaway!

 

  • Train/Subway: This is the easiest and most affordable way to downtown from ORD. You will use the CTA Blue Line otherwise known as the “L”. The “L” train is available 24 hours a day so you can take this train any time. The “L” train connects you to other CTA lines so you have access to the entire city. You can catch the “L” from the Lower level of the parking garage. You can walk through the pedestrian tunnel from each terminal to reach the train station. Simply follow the “Trains to City” signs. If you are in Terminal 5 you will need to use the free shuttle bus from the lower level to get to “Terminal 1” Then follow the same steps above. “L” Train fare is only $2.50 USD. The train station also gives you access to the bus terminal. You can ride the bus to downtown however we suggest staying on the train as it is much quicker. It is the cheapest and most convenient option, especially during rush hour. Most downtown hotel properties have a subway stop within walking distance. 

 

  • Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown Chicago may be your best bet in terms of convenience. There is a taxi stand located at the lower level, outside of Baggage Claim at the Arrival terminals. Estimated fares may vary depending on your destination however it will usually cost $30-$40 CAD. There is an airport surcharge of $4 per trip levied by the State of Illinois. This is standard for most airports. The ride to downtown will take 25 minutes one way. Taxi providers we suggest are Checker, Naerville Dupage Taxi, and 303 Taxi Naperville. Shared ride service is available for passengers willing to share a ride, this will get you access to flat rate for certain destinations if multiple parties are available for the trip. 
      • Shared ride fares:
        • Downtown ($24 per person) 
        • McCormick Place ($24 per person)
        • O’Hare International Airport ($37 per person)
  •  Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): Another convenient way to get to downtown from ORD is ridesharing companies. Elite Sports Tours suggests Uber or Lyft. Fares estimates will be provided via the app. You can expect to pay $35-$41 CAD one way. Something to keep in mind Uber X rides are cheaper than the taxis rates, usually. However, if you are interested in taking a different classification of Uber, you can expect to pay a little more. Keep in mind there is an airport surcharge fee of $4 USD for all rides to and from ORD. This is standard for ridesharing options during airport pick ups and drop offs. ORD has a number of loading zones for Rideshare services:

 

      • Terminal 2 – Upper Level between Door 2A and Door 2D
        • Red Zone – Outside Vestibule 2A
        • Blue Zone – Outside Vestibule 2B
        • Orange Zone – Outside Vestibule 2C 
        • Green Zone – Outside Vestibule 2D
          • Passengers should wait in the specific colored zones until their Uber arrives to the same colored zone before proceeding to the pick up location.

 

      • Terminal 5 – waiting area lower level Door 5C

 

  • Limo/ Town Car Service: There are limo/town car services available to pick you up at ORD and take you downtown. However, this is something you will need to arrange before you arrive. There are multiple local limo/town car services in Chicago so be sure to read the reviews to make the best decision for you. You must call your service once you have claimed your luggage. They will provide you with a license plate number. You will have to wait between 5-20 minutes for the vehicle to get to the designated pickup location depending on traffic. Pick up will be on the lower level center lane (lane 2). If you have a service that Drivers will meet you in Baggage claim, they can park directly across from each terminal. The Driver can assist with luggage and take you directly to their vehicle. It is usually about a 5-minute walk to the vehicle. The estimated price will be between $140 - $200 CAD. This is used by business travelers or larger groups such as bachelor parties. 

 

  • Rental Car: ORD offers a couple different car rental counters offering options from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and more. You will need to board a free, 24-hour shuttle from the Lower Level (Baggage Claim). The Shuttle bus will read “Rental Cars / Parking Lot F”. This shuttle will take you to O’Hare’s Multi-Modal Facility where the car rental desks are to pick up your rental car. Each terminal has designated areas for pick up and drop off. Renting a car is a great way to explore a city at your own pace. Keep in mind rates will vary depending on demand, the type of car you want, and how many days you need it. If you want to rent a car for your trip, get an Elite Sports Tours representative to add it to you package before your trip!

 

For getting to Downtown Chicago from ORD we recommend either taking an Uber or the CTA Blue Line (“The L”). Uber, is an ever-reliable option. It is your most efficient choice and the cost is very reasonable. With that said the “The L” would be our first recommendation. It will be your cheapest and fastest way. It is also very easy to navigate as well. The choice is yours. 

 

How to get to and from MDW

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is known as Midway. Midway is a major airport located on the south side of Chicago. It is the 2nd largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan are next to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The airport got its name to honor the “Battle of Midway” from World War II.  

 

Located only 8 miles from Downtown Chicago, which is about a 20-minute drive, it is quite easy to get to and from MDW. If you are flying in for a Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and or Chicago Blackhawks game be sure to give yourself some added time before the game(s), traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to miss being late to the game! 

 

Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown Chicago from MDW so you can start your sports getaway!

 

  • Train/Subway: This is the easiest and most affordable way to downtown from MDW. You will use the CTA Orange Line otherwise known as the “L”. The “L” train is available 24 hour a day so you can take this train any time. The “L” train connects you to other CTA lines so you have access to the entire city. The train station also gives you access to the bus terminal. You can ride the bus to downtown however we suggest staying on the train as it is much quicker. The train station is located east of the airport terminal building at the Midway Transportation Center. Follow the signs marked “Trains to City”. “The L” Train fare is only $2.50 USD. It is the cheapest and most convenient option, especially during rush hour. Most downtown hotel properties have a subway stop within walking distance. 

 

  • Taxi: Taking a cab from the airport to downtown Chicago may be your best bet in terms of convenience. There is a taxi stand located at the lower level, outside of Baggage Claim at the Arrival terminals. Taxis are available on a first come, first serve basis. Estimated fares may vary depending on your destination however it will usually cost $30-$40 CAD. There is an airport surcharge of $4 per trip levied by the State of Illinois. This is standard for most airports. The ride to downtown will take 25 minutes one way. Taxi providers we suggest are Checker, Naerville Dupage Taxi, and 303 Taxi Naperville. Shared ride service is available for passengers willing to share a ride, this will get you access to flat rate for certain destinations if multiple parties are available for the trip. 
      • Shared ride fares:
        • Downtown ($18 per person) 
        • McCormick Place ($18 per person)
        • O’Hare International Airport ($35 per person)

 

  •  Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): Another convenient way to get to downtown from MDW is ridesharing companies. Elite Sports Tours suggests Uber or Lyft. Fares estimates will be provided via the app. You can expect # of Major Chicago Airports: 2

For getting to downtown Chicago from MDW we recommend either taking an Uber or the CTA Orange Line (“The L”). Uber, is an ever-reliable option. It is your most efficient choice and the cost is very reasonable. With that said the “The L” would be our first recommendation. It will be your cheapest and fastest way. It is also very easy to navigate as well. The choice is yours.

How To Get Around In Cities

Things To Do?

Things To Do?

Future NFL Opponents Schedule

NFL Future Schedules

Where To Eat?

Where To Eat?

Where do the sports teams play?

Where do the sports teams play?