Early November flight arriving from Australia around 5pm to O'Hare airport

Have read that subway to Downtown is fast and easy- but at that time of day wondered whether rush hour would cause a problem for a couple of young guys with luggage new to Chicago?

Budget is a consideration- so won't take taxi to sit in traffic with meter running but a shuttle is an option.

Which shuttle is the best and how much would a driver expect as a tip- have no idea as tipping is not really part of Australian culture.

Thanks

Taking the train is the easiest and fastest and cheapest (around $2.25)

Tell folks here where you are staying and they will let you know which stop to get off and what to do after that.

I agree with the above. Follow the signs from the baggage levels of T1-3 that say "CTA Trains to City." Just don't block the aisle or seats with your bags. From T5, head upstairs and catch the tram to T3, then back down.

If you'll be relying on public transit while you're in the city, buy a multi-day pass. You can purchase a 3-day pass from the vending machine in the rail station for $14 or a 7-day pass for $23.

You can ask the attendant before you board where you should exit. You can also check the trip planner at www.transitchicago.com and it will give you several options as well as maps and schedules. For hotels that aren't walking distance of the Blue Line, you can take a cab from the Clark/Lake station for around $10.

We're not "on a budget" and we still opt to take the train from the airport (either one) in Chicago to downtown because traffic is so awful in Chicago. We like to look out the windows and laugh at all the cars sitting still

One more thing to note: at 5 pm the main crush of commuters will be those LEAVING downtown Chicago. In other words, most people will be riding in the direction opposite to your travel (assuming you'll be getting off somewhere near downtown). Keep your luggage near the ends of the cars, don't block the doors, and don't use a seat for luggage -- and you'll be fine.

If you can tell us where you'll be staying, Fodors posters will readily tell you exactly how best to get from O'Hare to your destination.