Email this guide
Print the full guide
United States of America
- The Basics
- Currency
- Travel Health
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Visa & Passport
-
Cities
- Chicago
- Springfield
Airports in Illinois
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Overview
Among both the busiest airports in the world, and the most central air traffic hubs in the US, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the primary flight destination in the American Midwest. Located 17 miles (27km) northwest of the Chicago Loop, the facility serves an astounding 77 million passengers each year.
Flights to Chicago O'Hare are available on a variety of arilines from dozens of cities worldwide, including nearly every major airport in the US and Canada. The facility is wildly popular, having earned the title of Best Airport in North America from several prominent travel publications numerous times over the last decade or so.
The four passenger terminals at Chicago O'Hare can be a little confusing to first-time visitors, but the friendly staff is always on hand to help out. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of dining and shopping choices, or just stroll over to Terminal 1 to view the four-story brachiosaurus dinosaur skeleton in Concourse B.
Location
Chicago O'Hare is located 17 miles (27km) northwest of Chicago.
Getting to the city
Blue Line trains run every few minutes between the airport and downtown Chicago 24 hours a day; the journey takes around 50 minutes. For safety reasons travellers are advised against using the Blue Line at night. Travellers can also use the Pace bus service to get to downtown Chicago. Taxi ranks are situated outside the arrivals hall in each of the airport terminals; the fare is around $40 for the 30-45 minute journey from the airport to downtown Chicago.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).
Contacts
Tel: +1 773 686 2200 or 773 686 3700.
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)
Location
The airport is situated five miles (8km) west of the city of Peoria.
Getting to the city
Taxis, airport shuttles and rental cars are available at the airport. CityLink buses on Route 7 (the Garden Route) access Peoria International Airport between roughly 6.30am and 6pm on weekdays, and between 8.30am and 5pm on Saturdays. Late night access is offered via bus Route 13. Uber and other similar mobile app based taxi services are also available.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Quad City International Airport (MLI)
Location
The airport is located three miles (5km) from downtown Moline.
Getting to the city
The airport is accessible via the METRO bus, on Route 20 Blue. The METRO bus departs from the bus stop in front of the terminal twice an hour. Monday to Friday, operating hours are from 6.10am to 6.10pm; and on Saturdays from 8.40am to 6.10pm. There is no bus service on major holidays.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Overview
The smaller of Chicago's two airports, Chicago Midway International Airport is an important air traffic hub for the Midwest, offering service on several low-cost airlines to dozens of cities across the US. The majority of Midway's flights each year are provided by budget carrier Southwest Airlines to destinations like Denver, Minneapolis, Orlando, and Las Vegas.
Located eight miles (13km) from downtown Chicago, Midway is well-connected to both the city and sister airport Chicago O'Hare by efficient public transport, including buses and the famous elevated 'L' train.
The single terminal at Chicago Midway is pleasant, with a centralised shopping and dining area called Midway Boulevard. The airport even has a multimedia Battle of Midway Memorial with 3D holographic projections of World War II ships and airplanes.
Location
The airport is located eight miles (13km) from downtown Chicago.
Getting to the city
Passengers transfering to Chicago can rent a car, or hire a limo or taxi. The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line runs from the airport to downtown Chicago. There are also bus services from the airport to throughout the city. The Continental Airport Express has door-to-door service on shuttles leaving every 15 minutes.
Contacts
Tel: +1 (773) 838-0600. Email: aviation@flychicago.com
Central Illinois Regional Airport Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
Location
The airport is situated five miles (8km) east of Bloomington.
Getting to the city
The Tan line of the Connect-Transit bus service provides transport to the airport via the 'CIRA Terminal' stop. Taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Chicago O'Hare International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.
Become our Illinois Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Illinois travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Illinois or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
