Snugglepuss

Hi there,

We're visiting Chicago this August and was wondering if there's any train from the airport going to downtown chicago. Since we're travelling with an infant, we don't feel that taking the free shuttle would be a good idea (too many stops). We're also travelling on a budget so a taxi is out of the question. BTW, our hotel is Swissotel.

Thanks.

bethke14

You can take the Blue Line (el) to from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. The Blue Line makes multiple stops as well, and can take 45 minutes or more to get downtown. Taking the el can be a pain with a lot of luggage (I'm not sure how much you have.) It would also be difficult with a baby.

Also, the el stop nearest to the hotel is a bit of a walk (a little under a mile.) If you do end up taking the el, I would suggest taking a cab from the el to the hotel.

I would actually recommend taking a free shuttle. I think it would save a headache.

Enjoy your trip!

dfr4848

Yes. The CTA web site has details on schedules and fares.

Don

I agree with bethke14. The shuttle would likely be preferable.

If you do choose to take the Blue Line in, I'd get off at Clark and get a taxi from there to the hotel. There are a couple of stops that are closer to Swissotel, but they'd require transferring to another line at Clark, which would be more hassle than it's worth just to get one stop closer.

My wife and I have walked with our luggage from the closest El stop to the Swissotel (without an infant, and not in the heat of August), and we'd opt for the short taxi ride next time.

Have fun in Chicago. Great town!

Don

Oh, and if you plan to use the el to get places during your visit, be sure to get a Visitor's Pass. They're available in separate machines from the normal el ticket machines at the O'Hare Blue Line entrance, and they're really inexpensive. (For example, a three-day visitor's pass is $12, good for all the el rides you want.)

GoTravel

We had to transfer from the Blue line to either the red or orange to get to the Mag Mile. We stayed on Ontario.

patg

For the Swissotel, exit the Blue Line at Clark and Lake Streets. You can grab a cab here for about $5, or walk the 5 blocks. It's a beautiful walk along the river. Go one block north to Wacker and turn right. Walk 4 blocks east, past Michigan Avenue, to the hotel.

nicoleevon

As someone who lives in Chicago & takes the Blue Line everyday to work (& the airport when I fly), I'd have to say that it really is your best bet if you're not totally exhausted when you land. There are hassles of course, but if you opt for the taxi or shuttle, you will very likely end up sitting in traffic for 45 minutes to an hour. But, if you're too tired to move who cares, right?

Clark & Lake is definitely the stop you would want if you do take the train. If I were you, I'd just grab a cab from the train station (they line up right outside) to the hotel & save the walk for after you've dropped off the luggage...you'll enjoy it much more.

Hope you enjoy Chicago...