Airport to City
O'Hare to Downtown Chicago: The Blue Line and Its Rivals
O'Hare has something rare among major North American airports: a rapid transit line that runs all night, directly into downtown, for the price of a coffee.
Route at a glance
- From
- O'Hare International
- To
- Chicago Loop
- Distance
- About 18 miles
- Typical time
- 45 to 75 minutes
Comparing your options
Typical characteristics rather than live prices or timetables. Always check the operator on the day you travel.
| Option | Typical journey | Cost character | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line | 45 to 50 min | About 5 USD | Almost everyone |
| Metra North Central | 40 min, limited service | About 6 USD | Weekday commuters |
| Taxi | 35 to 75 min | 45 to 65 USD | Groups and bags |
| Private transfer | 35 to 75 min | Fixed quote | Business arrivals |
Why the Blue Line is usually right
The station sits beneath Terminal 2 and is reachable on foot from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 through the pedestrian tunnels. Terminal 5 passengers ride the free Airport Transit System first. Trains run 24 hours a day, every few minutes at peak times, and reach the Loop in around 45 minutes.
At roughly five dollars, it undercuts every road option by an order of magnitude and is immune to the Kennedy Expressway traffic that defines Chicago rush hours.
When to take a car instead
With three or more travelers, heavy luggage, or a destination away from a Blue Line stop, a taxi or private car makes sense. Off peak, a car can beat the train by 10 to 15 minutes. At peak, the Kennedy can double the journey while the train keeps its schedule.
Winter considerations
Chicago winters affect ground transport as much as flights. Snow slows road transfers dramatically, and the Blue Line becomes noticeably more attractive. Platforms are cold, so keep a warm layer accessible in your cabin bag rather than buried in the hold.
Quick notes
- Buy a Ventra ticket at the station machines or tap a contactless card directly at the gate.
- The airport departure fare from O'Hare is slightly higher than a standard CTA fare.
- Terminal 5 is the international terminal and requires the transit shuttle to reach the trains.
- Midway is the second Chicago airport and uses the Orange Line instead.
Keep reading
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