Illinois travel Forum

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Location: Chicago O'Hare is located 17 miles (30km) northwest of Chicago.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 773 686 2200 or 773 686 3700.
Transfer between terminals: A free automated rail system connects all terminals.
Getting to the city: Blue Line trains run every few minutes between the airport and downtown Chicago; the journey takes around 40 minutes and the fare is $1.50. For safety reasons travellers are advised against using the Blue Line at night. 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. There are two airport express services, Continental and Omega (phone: 773-734- 6688) which have coaches leaving from all the terminals every 10 minutes to central Chicago; the Omega Airport Shuttle also links O'Hare to Midway Airport.
Car rental: The major car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National. Some companies are located off-site.
Airport Taxis: There are plenty of metered taxis outside Chicago O’Hare International Airport and a taxi to the centre of Chicago takes approximately 30-45 minutes and costs about $40. But be prepared to pay twice as much during rush hour.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include restaurants, bars, shops, duty free, bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs. The Hilton Athletic Club provides a health club, sauna, steam room and massage. Laptop Lane, in Terminal 1, offers fax, Internet and photocopying services. The nearby Hilton hotel provides more extensive services. There is a medical centre, AED units (defibrillators), baby-change facilities, a play area and a 24-hour interfaith chapel. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should inform their airline in advance.
Parking: Parking at Chicago O'Hare is divided into the main lots, international lots, economy lots, and valet lots, with an additional free Cell Phone Lot for pick-ups and drop-offs. Fees range from $2 per hour at the main lots, or $6 for two hours at the international lot, to $9 per day in the economy lots. Valet parking is also available.
Website: www.ohare.com
See full guide to Chicago O’Hare International

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Location: 10 miles from Chicago between interstates I-90 and I-55
Contacts: Tel: +1 (773) 838-0600. Email: aviation@flychicago.com
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, and Continental Airport Express has door-to-door service on shuttles leaving every 15 minutes.
Car rental: There are several car rental agencies based at Chicago Midway.
Airport Taxis: There are taxis available from the airport to downtown Chicago or any other destination.
Facilities: The airport offers restaurants, cafes, gift shops, a business centre, ATMs and a chapel. Wireless internet costs $6.95 for a 24-hour period.
Parking: There is a six-level parking garage attached to the airport by a covered walkway, offering short-term rates ranging from $4 for the first hour to $10 for four hours, and long-term parking charges $10 for up to eight hours and a daily rate of $29. There are complimentary shuttle buses to the terminals running every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day.
Website: flychicago.com
See full guide to Chicago Midway Airport

Illinois travel Forum