Ground Transportation Options at Chicago Airports

Whether you're arriving at O'Hare Airport or Midway Airport, there are a number of options available to you when it comes to ground transportation. Both O'Hare Airport and Midway Airport are conveniently located near the heart of the city and there are plenty of ways you can get to downtown Chicago without a hassle.



Midway Airport Transportation



Midway Airport is located just 10 miles from downtown Chicago. Midway Airport transportation options include the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Orange Line, regional buses, downtown airport shuttles, and highways. You will find ground transportation access at the main entrance area of the Midway Airport terminal. If you want to avoid traffic, traveling on the CTA Orange Line is the fastest and most convenient option. On the CTA Orange Line, it takes about 20-30 minutes to get to downtown Chicago. Shuttles are another convenient option but they can be expensive and you will have to face traffic. However, shuttles are a good choice if you have a lot of luggage with you. Lugging around heavy suitcases on the CTA Orange Line is far from pleasant. Buses are a good alternative to shuttles because they are more affordable.



If you plan to do a lot of traveling in the Chicago area and know your way around pretty well, renting a car at the airport is not a bad idea. Nevertheless, renting a car is not recommended unless you are very familiar with the area because it is easy to get lost. Taxi cabs and limousines are also available at Midway Airport but prices can be quite high.



O'Hare Airport Ground Transportation



O'Hare Airport is located 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. There are several ways to get to downtown Chicago from O'Hare Airport and they include shuttles, shared-ride vans, trains, taxis, buses, highways, and mass transit lines. If you want to avoid traffic, take the CTA Blue Line from the O'Hare Airport. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to downtown Chicago and it operates 24-hours. The CTA Blue Line is located on the lowest level of the main parking garage. Trains run frequently for ultimate convenience.



For transfers to and from terminals at O'Hare International Airport, there is an airport transit system. There is also a long-term parking facility that can be reached with the airport transit system. At the lower-level curb in front of all airport terminals at O'Hare you will find shared-ride vans and taxis. On the ground floor of the elevated parking garage there are buses, shuttles, and car rental agencies.



Continental Airport Express Shuttles leave O'Hare International Airport every five to ten minutes. Tickets are sold outside of the international terminal as well as at counters at the lower level of terminals one, two, and three. If you need to get to Midway Airport from O'Hare International Airport, the Omega Airport Shuttle is a convenient and affordable option.



About the Author: Sheila Dodd is the Charter Sales Manager for Cardinal Buses, a Chicago charter bus company providing O'Hare airport ground transportation and Midway airport transportation. Founded in 1923, Cardinal Buses strives to provide the absolute best in charter bus transportation.