I'm going to be staying at ALLERTON CROWNE PLAZA-CHICAGO at 701 North Michigan Avenue. What is an easy, but inexpensive, way to get there w/o a car? Thanks!

The orange line el is terrific and fast and will take you downtown. You may have to transfer to go North.

Check out the metra schedule and maps. I'm sure the walk or transfer would not be that difficult.

I don't know why, but this had me so confused! I thought you were trying to get from midway to the northern part of Michigan (the state) without a car, and thought you were a bit crazy.

But now that I understand . . .

The cheapest way is by train. You can get the orange line el at midway and transfer at Roosevelt or Library to the red line (toward Howard). Get off at Chicago (there is an elevator if that makes it easier with your luggage) and either walk the 3 blocks east and 2 blocks south to your hotel, or get in a cab.

You could also take a cab or car service from the airport, but others will have to chime in on those details as I haven't done it.

Train fare is $1.75, but would not be practical with any significant amount of luggage.

And you wouldn't have to concern yourself about "finding" it on the Midway end. Signage is good and it's not any trouble accessing it from that end. Payment is easy as well.

The previous posts are correct, but I'll add a bit more detail. Follow the signs through the airport to the Orange Line, it's through the parking garage. The trip to the loop is about 25 minutes.

You don't say how long you'll be in the city, but if you'll be taking public transit often, you can buy a 2-day pass for $9 or 3-day pass for $12 at the Midway station. A 1-day and 5-day pass are also available.

If you need to find your way to other spots, go to transitchicago.com. It has bus and train maps and schedules as well as a trip planner.

You can also take the Orange Line to the Loop, and catch a cab to your hotel. If you don't have much luggage, the State/Lake exit is closest to North Michigan Avenue, but I think it has only stairs, no elevator, at the exit. From that point it's about a mile to your hotel - a short cab ride or a decent walk.

thank you everyone for the GREAT information and sorry about the mixup! I'm so excited, I haven't been to Chicago in 12 years and loved it the last time I was there!