Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Downtown

Three ways from O'Hare to downtown

The airport in our Chicago guide is O'Hare International Airport (ORD). There are three ways to reach downtown: the CTA Blue Line, a taxi, or the Metra commuter train (North Central Service).

The Blue Line runs 24 hours a day and the O'Hare boarding fare is USD 5. A metered taxi to downtown averages about USD 50 plus tip. Metra runs on weekdays only; check the official timetable and fares. Each option is covered below.

When you book, check that O'Hare (ORD) is the airport on your ticket and note which terminal you arrive at. The way to the Blue Line station depends on your terminal.

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CTA Blue Line: 24 hours, about 40-45 min to downtown

Blue Line trains run 24 hours a day from O'Hare International Airport, and every train goes through downtown. The ride to downtown takes about 40-45 minutes.

The station is on the lower level of the parking garage. From Terminals 1, 2 and 3, follow the 'Trains to City' signs through the basement tunnels. From Terminal 5, where international flights arrive, take the airport train (ATS) to Terminal 2 or 3 first and walk from there.

The O'Hare boarding fare is USD 5. With a 1-, 3- or 7-day pass there is no extra charge at O'Hare. Elsewhere an 'L' ride costs USD 2.50, with up to two free transfers within two hours on the same card.

Taxi: about 25-90 min, about USD 50 on average

Use the taxi stands at the lower-level curb outside baggage claim at each terminal. Fares are metered.

The ride to downtown takes about 25-90 minutes depending on traffic, and averages about USD 50 plus tip. Taxi drivers generally get a 20% tip on the pre-tax fare.

Do not accept rides from drivers outside the stand or on the departure level. Always use the lower-level taxi stand.

Metra North Central Service: weekdays only, to Union Station

Metra runs commuter trains linking downtown Chicago with the suburbs. From the airport, take the airport train (ATS) to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF); the O'Hare Transfer station behind it has North Central Service trains to Union Station downtown.

Trains run on weekdays only, and you can buy tickets from the conductor on board. Fares depend on the zones you travel between. Check the official timetable and fares.

Choosing an area: the Loop, Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, West Loop

Every Blue Line train goes through downtown. Our guide covers four areas to stay in. Check how to get from downtown to your hotel before you arrive.

• The Loop: Chicago's official downtown, home to Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the theatre district and State Street shopping. Good for first-timers
• The Magnificent Mile: a famous street of shops and restaurants. The historic Water Tower, which survived the Great Chicago Fire, has a free gallery inside
• Lincoln Park: a free zoo, a historic indoor botanical garden (Lincoln Park Conservatory), lakefront paths and a beach
• West Loop: a former meatpacking district turned dining hub, with Restaurant Row on Randolph Street and Greektown

Arrival-day checklist: passes, payment, tips

You can ride the CTA with a Ventra card, its app, a contactless bank card or a phone wallet. Unlimited passes cost USD 5 (1 day), USD 15 (3 days) and USD 20 (7 days), timed from first use.

For an easy first afternoon, start with the free places: Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, Lincoln Park Zoo and the beaches. The Chicago Cultural Center, with its two stained-glass domes, is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with free admission.

• Buy a 1-, 3- or 7-day pass in advance in the app; it starts on your first tap. With a pass you board at O'Hare at no extra charge
• A bus ride costs USD 2.25; paying cash on the bus costs USD 2.50 and includes no transfers
• Arriving at Terminal 5? Take the airport train (ATS) to Terminal 2 or 3, then walk to the Blue Line station
• Take taxis only from the lower-level stand, and plan on a tip of about 20% of the pre-tax fare
• Check the U.S. government's official information on entry requirements (visa, travel authorization, etc.) before you travel

At a glance

Times and fares are as given in our guide. Check the official information for Metra timetables and fares.

• CTA Blue Line: 24 hours, about 40-45 min to downtown, USD 5 (O'Hare boarding fare; no extra charge with a 1-, 3- or 7-day pass), station on the lower level of the parking garage
• Taxi: about 25-90 min to downtown depending on traffic, about USD 50 on average (plus tip), metered, lower-level taxi stands
• Metra North Central Service: weekdays only, ATS to the MMF, board at O'Hare Transfer, to Union Station, zone-based fare (check official info), tickets from the conductor on board

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