SallyB

Hi

Arriving next week from UK. Can anyone suggest the safest and best way to get from Chicago O'Hare Airport to our hotel on Michigan Avenue?

If you are going to suggest a taxi, is there a particular company to go with or avoid?

All advice welcome!

Many thanks.
SB

shao_lin

Any of the taxi companies would be safe. The cheapest (and sometimes the fastest) would be to take the "L" subway train to downtown and then catch a taxi over to the hotel.

shao_lin

You can catch the "L" just downstairs from baggage claim at O'Hare. Take it to Washington Station in the downtown area. If riding a train makes you nervous you won't have any trouble with a taxi from the airport.

SallyB

Shao Lin - many thanks for your response to my posting.

Are you referring to the CTA train? Or is the "L" train something different?

Regards
SB

marilynl

The CTA and the el (or L) train are the same--CTA = Chicago Transit Authority. The train from O'Hare does not connect to the Michigan Avenue area, but it is a short cab ride from there if your luggage is manageable. Otherwise, join the line for a taxi at the airport. It is a straight all-expressway route to the Michigan Avenue area, probably exiting east at the Ohio Street off-ramp from the Kennedy Expressway.

tgordo

'El' or 'L' is short for 'elevated' from the fact that some of the tracks downtown are elevated above the street level. But the term 'el' has grown to encompass the entire CTA mass transit system. While it's not as impressive as London's Underground, it moves a whole lot of people efficiently every day. If I were to guess your arrival time...probably midafternoon...that's just when traffic is just ramping up. I'd suggest taking the 'el.' A cab ride is likely to be $30+ from O'hare and could take an hour+. One way on the train is $1.50 and around 45 min. I think the signs at the airport say something like "mass transit trains to city." Have some dollars convienent since you'll have to buy a transit card from one of the vending machines. Look for or ask for a 'system map' before you board the train. You'll be riding on the 'blue line.' As mentioned get off at Washington and either surface (this part of the blue line is subway) and grab a cab or you could transfer to the 'red line' to head north (to 'Howard' - end of line) to your hotel. My guess is you would get off at either Grand (500 North) or Chicago (800 North), a short ride. The higher the address # the farther north you get. Good luck and enjoy.

patg

The third alternative is Continental Airport Shuttle. Look at
http://www.airportexpress.com/Airport.htm
for their fares (note discounts for children and parties traveling together.) If there are only 1 or 2 of you, the shuttle is cheaper than a cab. Its also slower as it stops at more than one hotel.

Cabs are reached after waiting in the "cab line" outdoors amid O'Hare's choking traffic congestion. You have no choice of copmpany. For the price, they are no great deal - cabs and drivers are often worn out.

The CTA is convenient to downtown, less than convenient to North Michigan. If arriving between 7:30 and 9:30 am, or 4-6 p.m., though, it's the best choice. Excess luggage can be a real problem; you'll have to deal with stairs and crowded trains.

bri19sp

Your choice will all hinge on the amount of luggage you are bringing. If each person only has one bag take the Blue Line Train from O'hare to Washington, transfer to the Red line, and get off at Grand or Chicago, like the above poster said. The Subways are generally not extremely crowded so you should be able to have room for your bags.

If you have lots of luggage, take a Taxi.

What hotel are you staying at?

It may be a walk from the subway stop which could change the advice of using the subway.

mona

Definitely take a taxi over "Airport Express", which are actually vans that are quite slow. We took this a few weeks ago, and ended up stopping five times before getting to our hotel. Not what we needed after dealing w/ airport delays. A taxi is only a bit more expensive.
The "el" train is good if you are comfortable with it and have little luggage.

e_roz

Take a taxi. Walk outside baggage claim and find the taxi stand that's right outside one of the doorways. There may be a wait. One of the airport guys will direct you to a taxi. Tell them where you want to go. It's about $35-40 for one person ($1.00 more each additional). Welcome!

Bo

I assume it's still in effect, but if you're going to use the L frequently on your trip, you can get an unlimited pass good for <i think> a 24 hour period. Depending upon your plans and if you'll be taking the train again that day or the following morning, the pass may be a better option.

Joanel

taxi from O'Hare to hotel burnham - on a saturday mid day was around $30. back to airport on wed. about $35.