Airport Shuttle Availability: 24/7 Service Or Not?

Airport shuttle services are a convenient way to get to and from the airport, especially for those with early morning or late-night flights. While some shuttle services are available 24 hours a day, others operate within specific time frames, such as from 4 am to 1 am. The availability of 24-hour shuttle services depends on various factors, including the airport, the shuttle provider, and whether the shuttle is offered by a hotel or a car rental company. It's always a good idea to confirm the operating hours of a shuttle service before assuming it runs 24/7.

Chicago hotels with 24-hour shuttle service to O'Hare International Airport

A 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport is a convenient perk that can elevate your hotel stay, especially if you have odd flight times. While most hotels only operate their shuttle services during set hours, a few Chicago hotels offer a 24-hour shuttle service to and from O'Hare International Airport.

Sonesta Chicago O'Hare Airport Rosemont

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, pet-friendly, fitness centre

Highly rated for: Location, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars

Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, pet-friendly

Highly rated for: Location, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4 stars

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport-Rosemont

Popular amenities: Parking, WiFi, fitness centre

Highly rated for: Location, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4 stars

Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport

Popular amenities: Free parking, free WiFi, swimming pool, tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Highly rated for: Location, food, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars

Wyndham Chicago O'Hare

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, fitness centre, tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Highly rated for: Location

Tripadvisor rating: 4 stars

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago O'Hare Airport

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, swimming pools

Highly rated for: Location, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars

Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, pet-friendly

Highly rated for: Location, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars

Marriott Chicago O'Hare

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, fitness centre, tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Highly rated for: Location

Tripadvisor rating: 4 stars

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago O'Hare

Popular amenities: Parking, free WiFi, swimming pool

Highly rated for: Location, comfy beds

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars

Hyatt Regency Hotel O'Hare Airport Rosemont

Popular amenities: Restaurant, lounge, room service, parking

Pet policy: Allows up to 2 dogs with a combined weight of 75 pounds

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 4978 reviews

Residence Inn by Marriott O'Hare Airport Rosemont

Popular amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool, exercise room, kitchen in every suite, free hot breakfast buffet

Pet policy: $100 per stay per pet

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 445 reviews

Hampton Inn O'Hare Airport Schiller Park

Popular amenities: Heated indoor swimming pool, exercise room, microwave and refrigerator in every room, free hot breakfast buffet

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 1382 reviews

Wyndham Hotel O'Hare Airport Des Plaines

Popular amenities: Restaurant open for breakfast only, park and fly rates offered based on availability

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 400 reviews

Marriott O'Hare Airport Hotel Chicago

Popular amenities: Heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, downtown train service available one block from the hotel

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 769 reviews

SpringHill Suites by Marriott O'Hare Airport Chicago

Popular amenities: Heated indoor swimming pool, 24-hour exercise room, microwave and refrigerator in every suite, free hot breakfast buffet

Pet policy: Allows pets up to 50 pounds, 2 pets per room

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 1289 reviews

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson O'Hare Airport Bensenville

Popular amenities: Heated indoor swimming pool, exercise room, microwave and refrigerator in every room, free continental breakfast

Tripadvisor rating:

Based on 921 reviews

Please note that hotel policies may change, so it is always a good idea to double-check with the hotel directly to ensure that the 24-hour shuttle service is still available and confirm any other details regarding the service.

How often do 24-hour airport shuttles run?

The frequency of 24-hour airport shuttle services can vary depending on several factors, including the location, time of day, and demand. While some airports offer continuous shuttle services throughout the day and night, others may have reduced frequencies during off-peak hours or overnight periods. Here is an overview of how often 24-hour airport shuttles typically run:

Continuous Shuttle Service

Some airport shuttle services operate on a continuous basis, providing transportation to and from the airport 24 hours a day. This means that shuttles are always circulating, and passengers can expect a shuttle to be available at any time. For example, The Parking Spot, an airport parking company, offers 24-hour shuttle services at multiple locations, ensuring that shuttles are always available for passengers.

Regular Intervals

Many 24-hour airport shuttles run at regular intervals, providing a consistent schedule for passengers. The specific interval can vary, but it is often between 15 and 30 minutes. For instance, the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago O'Hare hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes between the hotel and the airport during specified hours.

On-Demand Service

Some 24-hour airport shuttles may operate on an on-demand basis during certain times, particularly during off-peak or overnight hours. In such cases, passengers may need to contact the shuttle service provider to request a pickup or drop-off. For example, The Parking Spot requests that passengers arriving at the airport between 10 pm and 6 am contact their parking location for a shuttle pickup.

Variability by Location

It is important to note that the frequency of 24-hour airport shuttle services can vary significantly by location. While some airports and hotels may offer frequent shuttle services, others may have more limited options, especially during off-peak hours. For instance, rental car shuttle services may not operate outside of their specified business hours, requiring travellers to arrange alternative transportation.

In summary, while some 24-hour airport shuttles run continuously or at regular intervals, others may operate on an on-demand basis during off-peak hours. The frequency of shuttle services can also vary by location, with larger or busier airports potentially offering more frequent shuttle options. It is always advisable to check with the specific airport, hotel, or shuttle service provider to understand their exact shuttle schedule and any variations during different times of the day.

Do airport car rentals have 24-hour shuttles?

The availability of 24-hour shuttle services at airports varies depending on location and the specific company providing the service. Some airports offer 24/7 shuttle services that cater to car rental areas, while others operate within designated time frames.

When it comes to car rental companies, most traditional rental car providers do not provide 24-hour rental services. However, some companies, such as Alamo and Hertz, offer 24-hour airport locations and allow customers to check-in online and proceed directly to their vehicles. This eliminates the need to visit the rental office during office hours. Additionally, car-sharing services like Turo and Zipcar often facilitate 24-hour rentals since they do not require the pickup of a car from a rental office.

In cases where the rental location is off-site, it is likely that the company operates its own shuttles with limited service hours. On the other hand, if the rental location is within the airport premises, there is a higher chance of accessing 24-hour shuttle services provided by the airport itself, which may include light rail or automated trams.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to contact the airport or the specific car rental company directly to confirm the availability of 24-hour shuttle services. This proactive approach can help travelers avoid last-minute inconveniences and make alternative arrangements, such as taxis or ride-sharing services, if needed.

In summary, while not universally available, 24-hour shuttle services at airports and car rental locations do exist, and travelers can benefit from gathering specific information about their departure and destination airports, as well as their chosen car rental companies, to make informed travel plans.

How to get to the airport after hours?

It can be stressful trying to get to the airport for an early morning or late-night flight. Here are some options for getting to the airport after hours.

Firstly, check if your hotel provides a shuttle service to the airport. Many hotels offer a shuttle service to the airport, but they usually operate during set hours, so you may not be able to use the service if you have a late-night or early morning flight. However, some hotels do offer a 24-hour shuttle service, so it is worth checking with your hotel. If they do offer a shuttle service, be sure to ask if you need to reserve a shuttle in advance. Some hotels require 24 hours' notice.

If your hotel does not offer a shuttle service, or if the shuttle is not running when you need it, you can consider taking a taxi or ride-share service, such as Uber, to the airport. This is a good option if you need to get to the airport outside of regular shuttle hours, but it can be more expensive.

Another option is to check if the airport you are travelling to or from offers a shuttle service. Some airports have their own shuttle or light rail services that run 24 hours a day, although there may be fewer shuttles during the early morning hours. You can usually find this information on the airport's website or by contacting the airport directly.

If you are renting a car, you can check with the rental company to see if they offer a shuttle service to the airport. Some rental companies have their own shuttles, but they may not run outside of their business hours. It is always best to contact the rental company directly to confirm.

Finally, if you are driving your own car to the airport, you can look into parking options that include a shuttle service to the airport. Some off-airport parking lots offer free shuttle services to the airport for their customers.

By researching your options in advance, you can ensure that you have a reliable way to get to the airport, even during after-hours.

How early before a flight do you get to the airport?

The time you should arrive at the airport before your flight depends on several factors. Firstly, let's look at the recommendations of some major airlines. Delta, United, and American Airlines suggest arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This is echoed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is guidance for airports in the USA. Most U.S. airlines will cut off check-in for domestic flights 30 to 45 minutes before departure and for international flights between 60 and 75 minutes before.

However, there are other factors to consider, such as the size and busyness of the airport, the time of year, and whether you are travelling with children or in a group. For example, larger airports such as JFK and LAX will likely have longer lines, and holidays and summer travel will also result in busier airports. If you are travelling during peak times, it is advisable to add some extra time to your arrival. Similarly, if you are flying with children or in a group, you may want to allow more time.

Another factor to consider is the time it takes to get to the airport. It is important to factor in travel time to ensure you don't miss your flight. Additionally, if you have checked baggage, you need to be aware of the baggage cutoff times, which are usually between 30 and 60 minutes before departure.

If you have expedited security clearance, such as TSA PreCheck or Clear, you may be able to arrive slightly later. However, if you plan to do any shopping or want to use the restroom before your flight, you should add some extra time to your arrival.

To summarise, the recommended arrival time at the airport is generally 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. However, it is important to consider the various factors that may impact your travel time and adjust your arrival time accordingly.

Frequently asked questions