Travel to Chicago

Here’s everything you need to know about arriving in the Windy City and getting to downtown efficiently!

Chicago has two airports O’hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Below are the details on each:

Chicago O’hare (ORD):

O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers extensive domestic and international flight options.

Airlines Servicing ORD:

  • American Airlines

  • United Airlines (Hub)

  • Delta Air Lines

  • Southwest Airlines

  • JetBlue

  • Alaska Airlines

  • and others!

Getting to Downtown Chicago from ORD:

  • CTA Blue Line Train: The most budget-friendly option, taking about 45 minutes to reach downtown. Trains run 24/7 directly from the airport.

  • Taxi/Rideshare: Typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Midway International Airport (MDW):

Midway International Airport is a smaller but efficient airport, primarily serving domestic travelers with several low-cost airline options.

Airlines Servicing MDW:

  • Southwest Airlines (Hub)

  • Delta Air Lines

  • Frontier Airlines

  • Porter Airlines

  • Volaris

Getting to Downtown Chicago from MDW:

  • CTA Orange Line Train: An affordable and efficient option that takes about 25-30 minutes to reach downtown.

  • Taxi/Rideshare: Travel time is approximately 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Shuttle Services: Various shuttles offer convenient transport to hotels and key locations.

Train Travel from Michigan

For those traveling from Michigan, Amtrak offers convenient train service directly to Chicago’s Union Station, located in the heart of downtown.

Amtrak Routes:

  • Wolverine Service: Runs between Pontiac, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Chicago with multiple daily departures.

  • Blue Water Service: Connects Port Huron to Chicago, stopping in East Lansing and Kalamazoo.

  • Pere Marquette Service: Links Grand Rapids to Chicago with morning and evening trips.

Trains provide a relaxing and scenic ride, and Union Station’s central location makes it easy to access hotels, restaurants, and key attractions.

Travel Tips

  • Public Transit: Chicago’s CTA system is an affordable and convenient way to explore the city. Both ORD and MDW connect directly to train lines for seamless travel.

  • Car Rentals: Available at both airports, but parking downtown can be expensive, so rideshares or public transit may be preferable.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Chicago!