Chicago O'Hare to Downtown
 

Would you recommend the train from O'Hare to downtown (Embassy Suites) for 2 ladies with suitcases? Is it safe? We will be arriving around 930 am on a Friday.

Just trying to decide the best way to get Downtown and whether or not we should just buck up and take a cab. We want simple.

I'd take the L - safe, fast, efficient, and cheap. :-) JMO.

Hi, Okie.

The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) blue line train from O'Hare to downtown is very safe at 9:30 on a Friday morning. You should feel safe as there should be several folks getting on the train with you. Once the train departs (you may have to wait 3-5-10 minutes once you board and before the train leaves O'Hare), the ride to Washington or Jackson may be closer to 35-45 minutes. Then you transfer to the red line for a short ride northbound (toward Howard as the end destination) to Grand. Your hotel is just a block north. (And it's a great location. Good choice.)

http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/

The train is simple. Taxi is simplest but at that time of day, for 2, the ride could be just as slow as the CTA, and the cost for the two of you should be in the range of $40-$45-$50 total, with the tip. The train from O'Hare is a $5 fare--most rides are $2.25, but this airport surcharge may be waived if you buy a 1-day/3-day pass. I'm not sure but the site above will have that info. (There's vending machines right where you board the train.)

If you're both carrying just 1 small to mid-size suitcase, I'd take the train. If you have a couple, extreme heavy bags, I'd just grab a taxi.

Have a good time in Chicago!

The only way a train wouldn't be safe at that hour is if it's the one from Batman Begins. You should be fine on the Blue Line.

I have always taken the train, inexpensive and avoids the traffic you'll see out the train window.

Permit me to add -- one of the best parts of riding the Blue Line from O'Hare is watching all the cars stuck in traffic as you whiz by. Taking this commuter train is the easiest, fastest, cheapest, and safest way to get from the airport to downtown.

<If you're both carrying just 1 small to mid-size suitcase, I'd take the train. If you have a couple, extreme heavy bags, I'd just grab a taxi.>

Exactly.

As you don't say which Embassy Suites, the second post assumes you mean the one at 600 N State Street, <b>two</b> blocks north of the Grand Avenue stop on the Red Line.

If you're at the Embassy Suites at 511 N Columbus Dr, it's about six blocks east of State Street on Grand Avenue.

The only place to transfer directly between the Blue and Red Lines is Jackson as the Washington station on the Red Line has been closed since 2006. The Jackson stop is several blocks out of your way. The CTA site has a trip planner, so you can plug-in your starting point and destination and see all your options. Most would involve transferring to a bus.

Another alternative would be to exit the Blue Line at Clark/Lake, the station has elevators and escalators, and catch a cab to either hotel for less than $10.

One last tip would be to include a bit of detail and not simply say <i>the</i> Hilton or <i>the</i> airport because within the downtown area, you'll find 2 Macy's stores, 4 Hiltons, 5 Hyatts, 2 TJ Maxx stores, and 4 train stations (in addition to multiple L stops). So, something like <i>Embassy Suites on State</i> or <i>the Hyatt on St. Clair</i> will you help avoid problems. Enjoy your visit.