What is the best route? Taxi or the L. Would we see more in a taxi? I understand it is about $40. We arrive on a Tuesday about 1 pm, so traffic shouldn't be so bad.

Thanks for the help.

Heavens

If you don't have alot of luggage take the El. You see just as much (which is mostly expressway). The EL runs along the expressway so it's the same route.

You may want to consider taking a shuttle service into Chicago from the airport. I think that it is a bit cheaper than a taxi and easier to negotiate than the train and it will deliver you to the door of your hotel.

The EL is your best option. You will be downtown in ~45min. Once there just flag a cab.
There are options of continuing on public transportation, but if you are not familiar with the area, just do the short cab ride. This option of train/cab will save you some money, and quite possibly some time.

The L is the way to go. Its very easy to find at O'Hare and gets you into town the fastest way!

Hotel said the shuttle is $21 a person and there is four of us. The El is 1.50 a person and the cab is about $40.

Thanks for your advice. Think we will try the L. Good chance to be adventurous.

Heavens

And did the hotel tell you where to get off the El (blue line)? I used to take that train frequently, and would recommend the Jackson/Dearborn stop. If you need a cab for the 7 block trip to the Hilton, walk one block east to State Street and catch a southbound cab. Or continue east two more blocks to Michigan Avenue, then stroll south for four short blocks.

There are some slightly closer stops, but the ones on the red line involve a transfer, and you'll still have to walk about 4 blocks. Taking the blue line further leaves you on a very busy street (Congress), where you'll have to hunt to find a cab stand. Also, the walk is not as pleasant as the one down Michigan Avenue.