lomond

I am hoping someone could advise me about the approx cost of a taxi from the airport to our hotel? I have read lots of good things about the public transport but as my husband is not as able as he used to be I think the convenience of using a taxi would be best however I have no idea of the time it would take to travel (in the afternoon) and the cost. We are travelling from the UK and will only be in Chicago 2 nights before collecting hire car and moving on, so want to make the most of our time there.
Would greatly appreciate some advice.
Thanks.

bniemand

The cost and time depend on what time in the afternoon you arrive. If you are traveling during rush hour -- let's say between 3pm and 7pm -- it could take around an hour to get from the airport to Michigan Ave. If traffic is moving quickly maybe 40 minutes. If it's really really bad it could be 1.5 hours. If you are traveling earlier in the afternoon, it's more likely to be 40 minutes or so.

The cost is going to be somewhere between $40 and $60, again depending on time (the longer the ride, the more expensive.) There are small extra charges for luggage.

Traffic in Chicago is hard to predict and understand, even if you live here. When there is no traffic, like at 4am in the morning, I can get to the airport from downtown in 20 minutes.

When you are in the baggage claim area you will see signs for taxi stands -- the taxis are only allowed to pick up passengers at these stands. Sometimes there is a queue at the stands, but usually moves pretty quickly.

I think a taxi is a good choice given your husband's ability. Like you say it is the fastest way to start enjoying your trip. The public transportation from the airport (the Blue Line "L") can be challenging when you have luggage.

I know there are also shuttle vans, one company is called GO Airport Express, that may be a good option and possibly less expensive. I haven't used them, maybe someone else can offer input on the vans.

socialworker

Usually once there is more than one passenger, most van services cease to be cost-effective, in my experience.

lomond

Thank you very much for that detailed and clear information about the approx cost and times of taxi from airport into town bniemand, it's much appreciated.
Thanks also socialworker, we will not research shuttle vans now.

tchoiniere

Taxi for me last year was $50 including tip to go from O'Hare to downtown Chicago.

lomond

Thanks tchoiniere, that's helpful.