Traffic from Downers Grove to O'Hare.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 05:31 PM
#1
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Traffic from Downers Grove to O'Hare.
Can anyone tell be how bad the traffic is on a Friday afternoon, going from Downers Grove to O'Hare airport. How much time should I give to get there. Thank you.
Jun 23rd, 2005, 04:07 AM
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Really, really bad. Half an hour should be enough time, though. It's about ten miles to the airport, so assuming that traffic crawls along at a steady 30 miles an hour or so, you should be fine. Check WBBM 780 or
http://www.gcmtravel.com/gcm/maps_chicago.jsp
ahead of time though. If there's any report of traffic being unusually bad on 88 or 294, allow an hour.
http://www.gcmtravel.com/gcm/maps_chicago.jsp
ahead of time though. If there's any report of traffic being unusually bad on 88 or 294, allow an hour.
Jun 23rd, 2005, 06:51 AM
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Agree with weimer re: closer to an hour. Depending on where you are starting in Downers Grove, it may take you some time just to get to I88; Butterfield road can be a real traffic snarl at times. The good news is that afternoon rush hour on that section of I294 is usually a bit lighter going northbound than it is southbound (I used to do this commute), but you never know....all it takes is one accident. Also, if you have a car and are returning it at O'Hare, plan for some time to shuttle in to the terminals.
Jun 23rd, 2005, 07:06 AM
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I would be shocked if that took an hour but it is probably best to build in some cushion.
On the other hand, the airport itself will be crazy nuttso. Plan to arrive at the terminals (not the parking lots) 2 hours prior to flight if you are departing. If you are picking someone up, call ahead for timing.
On the other hand, the airport itself will be crazy nuttso. Plan to arrive at the terminals (not the parking lots) 2 hours prior to flight if you are departing. If you are picking someone up, call ahead for timing.
Jun 23rd, 2005, 07:11 AM
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The roads you will be travelling on are usually clear for the limited time you will be on them. I make this trip every day, and leave work around 5 pm. The trip on I-88 should take about 7 minutes tops (it usually takes me 5), 294 about 10 minutes (it usually takes me 8). There is an electronic sign on I-88 right after Highland Ave. which will give you the travel time to O'hare. In the past 3 years 294 has only been backed up on this stretch going north to O'hare twice. You'll spend most of your time fighting traffic once you exit 294 to O'hare. If I-88 is completely backed up you can exit at Highland Ave., turn right onto Highland then make a left onto 31st, take 31st street to Midwest road, take a left on Midwest and get onto I-88 in time for the toll plaza. 30 minutes should be more than enough time, 40 if you want to be extra cautious.
