Chicago Airport To Amtrak: Efficient Travel Tips

If you're looking to get from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Union Station, you have a few options. The best way to travel between the two is by the CTA rail, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Trains are fast and frequent, and you can take the Blue Line to Clinton Station and then walk to Union Station. This option costs $5. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private shuttle, which is the quickest option at around 30 minutes, but it is also the most expensive. A taxi will cost around $35. There is also a direct bus from O'Hare International Terminal 2 to Downtown Chicago, which takes 55 minutes and costs $41.

Getting from O'Hare to Union Station by train

The Basics

There are several ways to get from O'Hare to Union Station by train, with the most popular option being the CTA Blue Line. The Blue Line is the fastest and most frequent service, running every 5-10 minutes and taking approximately 46 minutes from Clinton Station to O'Hare. The total journey time, including walking and waiting, is around 1 hour 15 minutes.

From O'Hare to Clinton Station

If you arrive at a domestic terminal (Terminals 1, 2 or 3), follow the signs to "Trains to City", which will lead you to the CTA station. The walk should take about 10 minutes. If you arrive at the International Terminal (Terminal 5), follow the signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS) and take an automated train to Terminal 3. From there, take the escalator up, turn left, and walk to the elevators in the parking building. Take the elevator down to the "CTA" level and follow the underpass to the CTA station. This whole process should take about 15 minutes.

Once at the CTA station, buy a single-ride ticket from the farecard machines (cash, debit or credit cards are accepted). The fare is $5. Pass through the turnstiles to the boarding platform and wait for the Blue Line train to Clinton Station.

From Clinton Station to Union Station

The walk from Clinton Station to Union Station takes about 5 minutes. Take the escalator up and walk north along Clinton towards Jackson, where you will see an entrance to Union Station. There is also an accessible ramp on the Clinton side of Union Station, just after the taxi drive-in entrance.

Alternative Options

If you would prefer not to take the Blue Line, there are a few other train options. One alternative is the Metra North Central Service, which goes directly from the O'Hare Transfer Station to Union Station. However, this train only runs a few times per day, and the scheduling can be difficult to navigate.

Another option is to take the Blue Line to the Cumberland station, and then transfer to the Red Line towards the Clark/Lake station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to Union Station.

Tips

• The Blue Line operates at all times, so there is no last train to miss.
• If you are travelling with a lot of heavy luggage, you may prefer to take a taxi or rideshare, as navigating the CTA stations and platforms with large bags can be challenging.
• If you are arriving at O'Hare during peak hours, the journey by train may take longer than usual due to traffic.

Getting from O'Hare to Union Station by taxi

Taxis in Chicago do not offer a flat-rate fee for this journey. Instead, you will be charged based on the distance travelled or the time it takes, so expect to pay around $35, plus any extra charges for tolls, luggage, and the number of passengers. It is customary to tip your taxi driver 10-15% of the total fare.

Taking a taxi is the only direct travel option from O'Hare to Union Station, so it is ideal if you are travelling with children or have a lot of luggage. You will be dropped off right outside the station, so there is no need to walk long distances with your suitcases.

If you are travelling with a pet, they are allowed in taxis but must remain in a carrier. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are also available, but you must request one in advance and wait for it to arrive.

Getting from O'Hare to Union Station by shuttle

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Union Station is a key part of your journey if you're arriving by plane and Amtrak is your next step. Here's a detailed guide to getting from O'Hare to Union Station by shuttle.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle services are a convenient and cost-effective option to get from O'Hare to Union Station. They offer a good balance between affordability and convenience. You can book a shuttle service online or at the airport. It's recommended to check schedules and prices in advance to ensure a smooth transfer. Shuttle services are a particularly good choice if you're travelling in a group, as you can split the cost.

Travel Time:

The estimated travel time from O'Hare to Union Station by shuttle is around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the number of passengers. The shuttle provides door-to-door service, so you won't need to worry about dragging your luggage between different transport hubs.

Cost:

The cost of a shuttle service from O'Hare to Union Station is typically around $35 USD. Keep in mind that some shuttle services may not accept cards, so it's a good idea to have cash handy.

Other Transport Options:

In addition to shuttle services, you can also take a taxi or public transportation (train/subway) to get from O'Hare to Union Station. Taxis offer a direct and private transportation option and are ideal if you have multiple pieces of luggage. The train and subway are more economical options, but they do take longer and involve walking between stations.

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Allocate at least 60 minutes from your train departure time to reach the terminals comfortably.
• Check for shuttle bus availability at the transfer stop, as they often wait for incoming flights.
• Consider traffic conditions, especially during rush hours.
• Utilize transit apps for real-time updates on train and bus schedules.

Getting from O'Hare to Union Station by car

The driving distance between O'Hare Airport and Chicago Union Station is around 15 miles, and the journey should take approximately 21 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Leaving O'Hare Airport:

When leaving O'Hare, follow the signs towards "Trains to City" if you are departing from Terminals 1, 2, or 3. The walk from any gate to the CTA station takes about 10 minutes. If you arrive at Terminal 5 (the International terminal), you will first need to take the Airport Transit System (ATS). Follow the signs for "Trains to City" or "Airport Transit System" and take the automated train to Terminal 3. From there, take the escalator up and turn left. Walk to the elevators in the parking building and take another elevator down to the "CTA" level. Follow the underpass to the CTA station; this should take about 15 minutes in total.

Reaching Union Station:

From the CTA station, you can drive to Union Station, located about 15 miles away. The drive should take approximately 18-21 minutes, depending on traffic. Union Station is two blocks (300m) north of the Clinton Station on Clinton Street. There is a sign pointing towards Union Station at the exit from the Clinton Station. You will see an entrance near the intersection with Jackson Street.

Parking at Union Station:

There are several parking options near Union Station, including the following:

• Union Station Parking Garage: This garage is located directly across the street from the station and offers daily and monthly parking rates.
• Millennium Park Garages: These garages offer convenient parking near Union Station and are within walking distance.
• Private Parking Lots: There are also private parking lots in the area that offer competitive rates and may provide discounts for advance booking.

Tips for Driving in Chicago:

• Be prepared for potential traffic delays, especially during rush hour.
• Consider using a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze to help navigate traffic and find the best route.
• Familiarize yourself with Chicago's parking regulations to avoid tickets or towing.
• Keep cash or a credit card on hand for toll roads and parking fees.
• In the winter, be cautious of icy roads and allow extra time for safe driving.

Alternative Transport Options:

While driving is a convenient option, there are also other ways to get from O'Hare to Union Station:

• By Train: The CTA Blue Line train runs directly from O'Hare to Clinton Station, located a short walk from Union Station. The train ride takes about 46 minutes, and trains depart every 5-10 minutes.
• By Bus: There is a direct bus from O'Hare International Terminal 2 to Downtown Chicago, which takes approximately 55 minutes.
• By Taxi: Taking a taxi is the quickest option, with an average travel time of 30 minutes, but it is also the most expensive.
• By Shuttle: Private shuttles are available but run less frequently than trains and are more expensive.

Estimated Time and Cost Comparison:

• Driving: 18-21 minutes, with potential variations due to traffic. The cost depends on factors such as tolls, parking fees, and fuel prices.
• Train: 46 minutes, with trains departing every 5-10 minutes. The fare is $5 for a single ride.
• Bus: 55 minutes, with buses departing twice daily. The fare is $41.
• Taxi: 30 minutes on average, with potential variations depending on traffic. The cost is approximately $35, with possible additional charges for tolls, luggage, and the number of passengers.
• Shuttle: The duration depends on traffic, and the cost is significantly higher than the train fare.

Getting from O'Hare to Union Station by bus

There is no direct bus from O'Hare to Chicago Union Station. However, you can take the bus from East River Rd & Berwyn to Chicago Union Station via the Jefferson Park Transit Center and Washington & Canal. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Step-by-step instructions:

• Take the bus from East River Rd & Berwyn to Jefferson Park Transit Center.
• At the Jefferson Park Transit Center, transfer to the 56 bus.
• Take the 56 bus to Washington & Canal.

Tickets and fares:

The bus from East River Rd & Berwyn to Jefferson Park Transit Center is operated by Chicago Transit (CTA). Tickets cost $2–5 and the journey takes 39 minutes. The transfer to the 56 bus at Jefferson Park Transit Center is included in the fare.

Other options:

If you don't want to take the bus, there are other ways to get from O'Hare to Union Station. You can take the subway, which is the best way to travel between the two points. The entire journey, including all waiting and walking, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can also take a taxi, which is the fastest way to get to Union Station, taking only 18 minutes, but it will cost you $45–60.

Frequently asked questions