Ruth Haines
If you're planning a trip to Chicago and want to use public transportation, you might be wondering if you can buy a Ventra card at O'Hare Airport. The Ventra card is a convenient way to pay for rides on the L trains and buses in Chicago, and it seems like many travellers want to get their hands on one as soon as they land. So, is it possible to buy a Ventra card at O'Hare, and is it a good idea? Let's explore the options and considerations for travellers seeking a smooth arrival and transit experience in the Windy City.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of Ventra Card | $5 |
| Cost of 7-day pass | $20 |
| Cost of 1-day pass | $5 |
| Cost of 3-day pass | Not mentioned |
| Cost of single-ride ticket | $3, $5 at O'Hare |
| Where to buy | Ventra vending machine at the train station |
| Online purchase | Available on the Ventra app |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy a Ventra card at O'Hare Airport
If you're looking to buy a Ventra card at Chicago O'Hare Airport, there are several options available.
Firstly, you can purchase a Ventra card from a vending machine at the airport train station. Follow the signs for "trains to the city" to locate the vending machine. However, it's worth noting that these vending machines may charge a higher price for the card compared to other purchase options.
Alternatively, you can buy a Ventra card from the CTA station at O'Hare. If you arrive at Terminal 1 (the main UA terminal) or Terminal 2 (additional UA gates), you can reach the CTA station by proceeding through the underground tunnels after collecting your baggage. The CTA station is located underneath the O'Hare Hilton.
Additionally, you can avoid the $5 card fee by purchasing a pass directly onto a contactless bank card. However, this option requires you to have previously used the bank card to pay for a fare.
If you plan to stay in Chicago for an extended period, you may consider purchasing a 7-day pass. This option provides unlimited rides within the specified timeframe and can be bought at the Ventra vending machines.
For a seamless travel experience, it is recommended to download the Ventra app before your trip, create an account, and load funds onto it. This will allow you to use the app itself at the turnstiles when accessing public transportation.
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How to load a Ventra card with a pass
You can load a Ventra Card with a pass in several ways. Firstly, you can purchase a Ventra Card from a vending machine at O'Hare Airport, which costs $5. You can then add a 1-day pass to the card from the vending machine, or you can add a 7-day pass to the card, which costs $20.
Alternatively, you can load a pass onto a Ventra Card by logging into your account on the Ventra app or website, ventrachicago.com. Here, you can add passes or transit value to your card. You can also load a pass onto your Ventra Card at vending machines, which are available at Pace transit centres and every CTA rail station, as well as at Ventra retailers.
If you are only visiting Chicago for a short period, it may be more convenient to avoid the $5 card fee by loading a pass onto a contactless bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You must, however, have used the bank card at least once to pay a fare before loading a pass onto it.
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Cost of a Ventra card
A Ventra Card costs $5 and can be purchased from vending machines at O'Hare Airport. The vending machines are located at the train station—follow the “trains to the city” signs. You can also buy a Ventra Card online ahead of your trip.
The $5 cost of the card will be refunded as additional transit value if you register your card with an account on ventrachicago.com. This means that the card itself is essentially free, and the $5 is put towards future travel. However, one user has pointed out that this requires a bit of hassle and is not worth it if you don't plan on returning to Chicago within 18 months, as the balance on your Ventra Card will expire after this time.
If you are only planning on staying in Chicago for seven days, you can buy a 7-day pass for $20. This includes unlimited rides, so you won't need to pay the $5 O'Hare fare for the blue line.
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Cost of travel from O'Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary international airport for the Chicago region. It is quite easy to get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago, but you have several options depending on your budget and needs.
Ventra Card
You can purchase a Ventra Card for $5 and add $15 "transit value". Then, you can log into the Ventrachicago.com website, create an account, and register the card. This will credit the $5 you paid for the card as additional transit value to your account, giving you $20 in total to purchase a 7-day pass. However, this requires internet access and can be a hassle to do while standing around at the airport. You can also avoid the $5 card fee by loading a pass onto a contactless bank card, but you must have used the card at least once to pay a fare before loading a pass. The balance on your Ventra card does not expire for 18 months, so if you return within this period, you can add $15 and use that to buy another weekly pass.
Contactless Card
If you don't want to purchase a Ventra Card, you can use your regular contactless bank card or Apple/Google/Samsung Pay to pay for your travel.
Single-Ride Ticket
You can purchase a single-ride ticket from a Ventra Vending Machine at the airport using cash or credit. A single ride ticket costs $3, except at O'Hare Airport, where it costs $5.
Taxi
An average taxi fare from O'Hare to downtown Chicago is around $65, but you may be stuck in traffic, which Chicago is known for.
Ride-Share
If you're travelling with multiple people or bags, a ride-share is a good option with reasonable fares. However, you will also need to factor in potential traffic delays.
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The Ventra app
With the Ventra app, users can purchase single-ride tickets, 1-day passes, 3-day passes, or 7-day passes. These passes can be used on the ""L" trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation in Chicago. The app also provides real-time information on arrival times for trains and buses, making it easier for users to plan their journeys.
To use the Ventra app, users must first create an account and add payment information. They can then select the desired pass or ticket and purchase it directly through the app. The app may require users to have an internet connection to complete the purchase. It is recommended to download the app and set up an account before travelling, as doing so while at the airport may be inconvenient.
Overall, the Ventra app offers a modern and user-friendly solution for anyone looking to navigate Chicago's extensive public transportation network. With its range of pass options and real-time transit information, the app empowers users to travel with ease and confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a Ventra Card at O'Hare Airport.
You can buy a Ventra Card at the Ventra vending machines at the train station.
A Ventra Card costs $5.
Yes, you can buy a 7-day pass at the Ventra vending machines at O'Hare Airport.
